Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 31306, for John Porter, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Porter, John
S. 31306
b. 1742, d. 1834.
CONTENTS

5704
Massachusetts John Porter, deceased, late
of Concord in the State of Mass who was a Lieut. Col. in the Capt & Major commanded by Captain of the commanded by Col. Prescott in the Massachus- etts line for 8 mo. 20 dy Lieut 4 " 23 " Lieut & Adj. 6 " 7 dy Capt 4 " 10 " Major
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass at the rate of 444 Dollars 30 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. and terminate 22 April, 1834, when he died
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 day of April, 1847, and Elizabeth Clark Brighton,
Arrears to the 4th of Mass Pensional allowance ending Increased from $408.11 Deduct all former payments under said Act { Revolutionary Claim, { Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Thos. Lupton Clerk, Book E Vol. 2 Page 67.
Payable to John Porter and Lydia his wife only surviving Children.

Declaration of Col. John Porter
Please to send Cert a to Sam s Dana's Grafton Ms
19524
✓
3 Months as Mayor
7. Do 29 days Capt
5 Do 1. Lieut
24 —
Adm
$408-11
James Dana Esq Present

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
County of Middlesex
ss.
On this seventeenth Concord
day of August  AD 1839 Providence
personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Common Pleas , now sitting at within and for the County of Middlesex in the Commonwealth
aforesaid
John Porter Esq.  of Littleton in the County aged ninety years
Who being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. That is to say
 1. About the last of October or 1 st of November A.D. 1775. he went to Cambridge as Lieutenant, was stationed in Harvard College in Capt. Minot's company, was annexed to the eight months men. Col. Prescott commanded the regiment, and John Robinson of Westford, was Lieut. Col. He remained as Capt. Minot's Lieutenant about four months. Abel Jewett, representative of Littleton, informed me that if I could enlist 50 men. I could have a Captain's commission. I enlisted 53 men, and accordingly had a commission dated, 10. December. 1775. which was stated to be for two months; I served this period in Col. Prescott's regiment and returned to my home in Littleton.  2. He received a commission of Adjutant in Col. Read's regiment on the 3 rd of June A.D. 1775, and did adjutant's duty in that regiment, till the 11 th July A.D. 1776. When he received another commission as Adjutant in Col. Read's regiment.  3. On the 11. July. A.D. 1776. he received a commission as 2 d Lieut. in the company whereof Jonathan Read Esq.  Joshua Parker was Capt. belonging to the regiment of which Jonathan Read, Esq. was Colonel, raised for the service of the Continent in the County of Middlesex for the term of (Continued over) 
He relinquishes every claim, whatever, to a pension or annuity, whatever except; the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll, of the agency of any State, the day and year aforesaid
Sworn to and subscribed
J. P. Phay  W. B. O. B.
John Porter
We William H. White
5
Benjamin Deane , a Clergyman residing in the town of Littleton and in the county of Middlesex hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Col. John Porter who has subscribed and sworn to the above, and that we believe him to be ninety years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood, where he resides, to have been a soldier in the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid,
Before me J. H. Sam. Dana jus Pcare
William H. White Benj. Deane

And the said Court do hereby declare their Opinion, that after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states.
And the Court further certifies that it appears to them, that the Rev. William H. White who has signed the preceding Certificate is a Clergyman resident in the Town of Littleton in said County and  Benjamin D. Lins is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Isaac Fisher Register on  J. P. Fay Clerk of the Court of Probate in and for the county of Middlesex
They certify, that the foregoing contains, the original proceedings, of the said Court, in the matter of the application of John Porter for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this seventh day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty two
Isaac Fisher Reg. of Prob.
Handwritten notes and scribbles at the bottom left of the page, including the word 'Pension' and some illegible text.

(Continuation cons.)
of five months, though we were actually employed and I believe paid, for six months. —
4. In the Fall of A.D. 1777, he went as Adjutant under his old commission to the taking of Burgoyne, in the regiment of Col. Bullard of Sherburne. Lieut. Col. Brown of Reading, and Major Bryant of Stoneham. He cannot tell the very day he marched, but was gone as he believes four months before he returned to Littleton. —
5. He engaged for months, in a regiment commanded by Col. as a to guard Burgoyne's troops at Winter Hill
6. In the year A.D. 1777, he went for three months to Rhode Island as Lieutenant. His commission on that expedition is lost by time and accident. His Capt. was Mott of Chelmsford, in the regiment of Col. Josiah Whitney of Harvard. He cannot remember the Lieut. Col. or Major. He served out his three months from the time he arrived on Rhode Island, and returned again to Littleton. —
7. About September 1778 he went, as a volunteer in Sullivan's expedition, to Rhode Island, in a regiment commanded by a Col. whose name he does not recollect; Buttrick of Concord was Lieut. Col. He does not recollect the Major, as the officers had not been much acquainted before that time. He was there about three months, when they returned over Howlands ferry, and he returned to Littleton again. —
8. On the 20 th October 1779 he engaged to go as a Captain to the Mohawk river in the State of N.Y. About the last of August or 1 st September, he had a commission as Captain. His Lieut. was Dodge of Shirley. His Col., belonged to Leicester in Worcester County. John Buttrick of Concord was Lieut. Col. The Major he does not recollect. He was gone three months after his arrival in camp. He thinks his General was Leonard. The enemy was expected from Canada, but did not come. He served his three months, and returned again to Littleton. —
9. On the 7 th of August A.D. 1780. He was appointed a Captain in the regiment of Col. Cyprian Hall, to reinforce the Continental army for ten months. He marched to Rhode Island with his company, was there four months, and having been nearly starved, returned home to Littleton again. —
(over)

10. On the 23 d August 1781, he was appointed a Major of a segment of Militia to join the army under the command of Gen. Washington for three months. His Col. was Webb of Boston. They proceeded to N.Y. and were stationed at Gallows Hill. And in that vicinity Gen. William Heath was Commander. He served out his three months and returned home to Littleton.
Col. John Porter proves Claims as Lt. & adj. Cap. & Major That that L t Com o in 1776 proves 6 m o . By Levy Bangs Cert a 1776 2 m o 9 days as Capt. in 1775 by Com o 2.00 8 m o 9 days " in 1779 by Com o & Cert a 1.22 37 solely same 4.07 Adj t by Com o in 1776 3.00 7.29 Same in 1777 3 as Maj r by Com o in 1781 6 m o 3
As Maj r 3 m o . Cap t 7 m o 29 Lt t 8 m o 9 Adjutant 6 m o 9 24 m o 14 days

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Middlesex, to wit,
At the Court of Probate begun and holden at Concord within and for the County of Middlesex , on the seventh day of August - an Eighteen A. D. 1882 On the application of John Porter claiming to be of of the Revolution, the following Interrogatories were propounded to him to wit:
1 Where, and in what year, were you born? Answer,
In Wenham Ms. as I have always been told, on the 18th of April 1742
2. Have you any record of your age, and where is it? Answer,
I have no record.
3. Where were you living, when called into service, where have you lived since  lived since the Revolutionary War, and where do you now live? Answer,
I lived in Littleton, where I always have lived since I was seven years old.
4. How were you called into service, were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute, and if a substitute for whom? Answer,
All my services were voluntary and on my own motion.
5. State the names of some of the regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served, such Continental, and Militia Regiments, as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service? Answer,
I knew a host of officers in several campaigns.
6. Did you ever receive a written discharge from Service? and I never had any such discharge.
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a Soldier of the Revolution? Answer,
Benjamin Dix Esq. Rev Mr. White John Porter
sworn to the S. M. May Jr.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, August 10. th 1846
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the attestation hereto attached, Ebenezer Mosely was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Essex.
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Sleeper, Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Essex. ss.
On this third day of August eighteen hundred and forty six. personally appeared before me, Ebenezer Nourse a justice of the Peace in and for the County of Essex, aforesaid. John Porter, a resident of Salisbury in said County, being seventy seven years of age, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration as well for himself, as for Lydia Wilder his sister, which declaration is made according to the provisions of the act of Congress passed June seventh 1832. That he is a son of the late Colonel John Porter of Littleton in the County of Middlesex & State aforesaid, deceased, who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States. That the said John Porter rendered service in the Revolution from the town of Littleton aforesaid, in the Militia & Continental service of the United States, as a lieutenant, a captain, an Adjutant & Major. That he rendered the service of an Adjutant at the same time he rendered the service of lieutenant. That it is his impression he was in the service under Col. Jonathan Reed at Concord after his service at Concord in 1775; & that he was in the service at the capture of Genl. Burgoyne & his army at Saratoga, & was in the Continental service one term which was not less than nine months. He therefore claims for himself as well as his sister an increase to the amount of

Pension which has been paid to his father the said John Porter, and that the services of the said John Porter, amounted to four or five years in all. He hereby relinquishes every claim except the claim to the increase to the Pension aforesaid, John Porter
Sworn to & subscribed by the said John Porter on the day and year first above written. Before me Ebenezer Moseley Just. Peace-

Payment to be made at Boston by Franklin Waver Agent for paying Pension- ers in the Agency of Mass
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book E. Vol. 2
Page 67 by W. D. D. unph R. i. Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 7th June, 1832, John Porter, dec. d late of Massachusetts who was a Lt. Col. & Adj. Capt. & Major
is entitled to receive four hundred and forty four dollars and thirty cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and ending 23 Apr, 1834  payable semi-annually , on the 4th of March and 4th of September, in every year when he died increased from $408.11. Deduct all for pay 3 and the amt of differ. Given at the War Office of the United States, this 28th day of April one thousand eight hundred and forty seven. Only living children.
Secretary of War.
Examined and } Countersigned. }
Commissioner of Pensions.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
1.31.306
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of John Porter a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1775 4 mos. Lieut Jonathan Minot   Commissioned Dec. 10/75 2 " Capt Prescott Mass   " Apr. 3 76 6 mos. Adj. Joshua Parker Jonathan Reed   " July 11, 76 4 mos. Adj. Samuel Bullard   Fall 1777 " Quartermaster Burgoyne's troops at Ticonderoga William Hill   " 77 3 mos. " John Minot Isiah Whitney   Mar. 1778 3 mos. " Col. Buttrick   Oct. 20, 1779 3 mos. Capt Samuel Brainerd   " Aug. 7 1780 4 mos. " Cyprian Hovey   " Aug. 23 1781 3 mos. Major Webb  
Battles engaged in, Taking of Burgoyne and Sullivan's ex. to R.I.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Littleton, Mass.
Date of application for pension, Aug. 17, 1832 - Cl. al.
Residence at date of application, Littleton, Middlesex Co., Mass.
Age at date of application, b. Wenham, Mass. Apr. 18, 1742 - d. Apr. 23, 1834
Remarks: Supt 3 ch. - John Porter, a res. of Salisbury, Mass. in 1846 ae. 77 yrs., Sarah, who died prior to 1846, and Lydia Hildreth. He left no widow.
This Bu. has no records of service performed prior to the Rev.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

John Portu Map. 7 June 1832 $408. 44 pr ann
To What time was he last paid?
Pension Office April 24 1847
g b A Died 23 d April 1834 paid to his death.
B.S.P.

   1776  Seal & Adp. Cpt  4 mo 23.  $89.53    1775-76  Captain  2 mo     1780  do  4-7 Cpt 1 mo 7-  124.66    1781  Major  Capt - 4 mo 10  108.33     Settlement  8.20  116.98      242.00  $439.30   
1785

John Palm Account 1775 4 mo Lieut Capt Murr Dec 1775 2 " Lieut - 1776 6 " Adjt Lieut Reids 1777 4 " Adjt Lieut Baldwin " 3 " Lieut Lieut Murr killed 1778 3 " Lieut Sullivan expelled 1779 3 " Lieut Lieut Young 1780 4 " Lieut Lieut Stone 1781 3 " Major Col Webb
He + unalloyed Mr 29 Aug - Lieut 3 " - Major 13 " 1 " - Lieut -
of 1779 etc.

To Elijah Kellogg
Octo. 7. 1840.
ditto to Hon. B. Thompson
Dec. 17. '46.
to Maine Jan'y 19 '47
to ditto Feb 18th 1847

Increase John Peter and Map act 7 June 1832
Adm d
  Major  4 mo 10 d  $108.33    Capt.  6 " 7 d  124.64    Lieut & Adjt.  14 " 23 "  94.53    Lieut.  8 " 20 "  116.78  
$444.28 444.30
from 4 March 1831 to 23 rd April 1834, the day of his death, payable to John Peter and Lydia Holdreath my living children of John Peter and deceased what has been paid for the same time at the rate of $108.44 per annum.
Elijah Clark Bingham Mass.

5.764
3764
Massachusetts
John Porter
of Concord in the State of Massachusetts who was a Capt  Major in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by Col. Prescott in the Massachusetts line for Two years Vg - 3 mo Major 7 " 29 ds Capt 13 " 1 " Lieut
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 408 Dollars 11 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 day of Febry 1833 and Sent to James Dana Esq. present
Arrears to 14th of Sept 1832 — 612.16 Semi-ann. allowance ending 4 March '33 204.05 $816.21
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Daniel Boyd Clerk Book D Vol. 2 Page 75
20 Middletown
d. Apr. 23, 1834

Rev Genl
Mankato Minnesota November 17 th 1914
Pension Bureau Washington D. C.
Please send the Revolutionary Military history of Major John Porter of Littleton Mass. He was present with Washington at the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown and died at the age of ninety-two years old.
Mrs Estella Little 534 Byron St. Mankato, Minnesota.

31 306 Rev INVALID.
1912, Feb. 15. Hist. 15 H. N. Brown 1914, Nov. 27. History to Mrs. Estella Little. For
File No. 31,306
John Porter Major Rev War
Act: June 1 st 39
Index: — Vol. 3 , Page 226
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston:
Nov 11 1846.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of John Porter is borne upon a Pay Roll of the Field and Staff Officers in Col Jonathan Reed's Regt, being for travel and Rations, as an Adjutant of Littleton no Service named. — number of Miles travel 173. — Said Roll is dated, Boston March 10 1777 — Upon an Abstract of Rations due to the Officers in Col Jonathan Reed's regt, as an Adjutant and Lieutenant, from July 11 to November 30 1776. 143 days. — Upon a Roll of the travel of Capt Jonathan Minot's Company in Col Baldwin's Regt, as a Lieutenant no Service named — number of Miles travel 54 said roll is dated, Cambridge January 12 1776 — Upon a Pay Roll of Capt John Minot's Company in Col Isaac Whitney's regt, for Service at Rhode Island, as a Lieutenant of Littleton, from May
4.23

10 to July 9 1777, including allowance of 8 days travel 2 Months and 9 days. — Upon a Pay Roll of the Field and Staff Officers, in Col Samuel Bullard's Regt as adjutant from August 14 to November 30 1777, including allowance of 11 days travel, 3 Months and 17 days — I said Col Bullard commanded the 5th Regt in the County of Middlesex as appears from Military Records in this office — Upon a Pay roll of the Company, in Col Gysman Howis Regt, for Service at Rhode Island, as Captain from June 22 to Octo- ber 30 1780, 4 Months & 7 days — I said Col Howe Commanded a Regiment in Middlesex County — Upon a Pay Roll of the Field & Staff Officers in Lt Col Webb's Regt. at Fort- Hill — as Ma- jor from Au- gust 3 to December 2 1781, including a Allowance of 11 days travel 4 Months and 10 days  And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the Commissioner's letter of Oct. 7. 1846 was filed in this Office; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said letter, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowl- edge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John D. Sleeper
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Brighton. Mass. December. 7 th 1896,
Dear Sir,
I have the honor to enclose to you herewith, the additional evidence in the case of Lieut. Major & Captain John Porter of Littleton deceased, which I have forwarded some months since in order to establish an increase to the amount of Pension which he received.
Very Resp't. Yours Elihu St. John Elijah Clark
Hon. Benjamin Thompson M. C. Washington, City. D. C.

Brighton, Mass. September 17/1896
Dear Sir,
I have the honor to enclose to you herewith, the claims & documents of the children of the late Colonel John Porter of Littleton, for an increase to the amount of Pension which he received agreeable to the act of June 7, # 1832.
Very Respectfully Yours Oth. Stuart, & Elijah Clarke
Hon. Jas. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington, City, D.C.

Washington 10 Dec. 1846
Sir,
Enclosed you will find additional evidence in the cases of Mrs. Bridget Stone, & Lieut.-Major & Capt. John Porter which you will please examine & advise me in relation thereto.
Very Respectfully
Yr. Ob. Serv.
Benj. Thompson
Col. James L. Edwards, Comm. Lensins, Washington

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex County ss
I Isaac Hooke, Register of the Court of Probate, in and for said County of Middlesex aforesaid, hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court, that Col. John Porter was a Revolutionary Pensioner under the Law of Congress of June 7, 1834, at the rate of $408.11 per annum, was a resident of Littleton in said County of Middlesex, and died at said Littleton on the twenty third day of April in the year Eighteen hundred & thirty four ; & that he left no widow; & that he had three children only at his decease, to wit: John Porter, Israel Porter & Lydia Hildreth; that the said Israel Porter has died since the death of the said Col. John Porter; & that the said John Porter & Lydia Hildreth are the only children of the said Col. John Porter who are now living.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto at my hand affixed the seal of the said Court of Probate the tenth day of August in the year one thousand eight hundred & forty six
Isaac Hooke, My

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston:
March 26 1847.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of John Porter is borne upon a Muster Roll of Lt. Aguila Jewett's Company, in Col. James Prescott's regt, as a Sergeant of Littleton, from April 19 1775, 14 days. — Upon a Roll of the travel of Capt. Jonathan Minott's Company, in Col. Baldwin's regt, as Lieutenant — No service named — Number of Miles travel 54 — dated Cambridge January 12 1776. — Upon an Abstract of Rations due to Officers in Col. Jonathan Reed's regt, as an Adjutant, and Lieutenant, from July 11 to November 30 1776, 143 days. — Upon a Pay Roll of Capt. John Minott's Company, in Col. Josiah Whitney's regt for service at Rhode Island, as a Lieutenant of Littleton, from May 10 to July 9 1777, including allowance of 8 days travel. 2 Months 19 days. Upon a Pay Roll of the Field and Staff Officers in Col. Samuel Bullard's regt, as Adjutant from
4.23
2-9

August 14 to November 30 1777 including allowance of 11 days to return home, 3 Months and 27 days.
Upon a Pay Roll of the Field and Staff Officers in Lt Col Webb's regt as Major from August 3 to December 2 1781, including allowance of 11 days for travel, 4 Months and 20 days.
Upon a Pay Roll of his Company in Col Cyprian Howe's regt, for service at Rhode Island, as Captain from June 22 to October 30 1780. 4 Months and 7 days. — No roll of Capt Joshua Parker for service in 1776 but from an Abstract of his Company, in Col
And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said appli- cation, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
Jonathan Reed's regt (containing no names) for travel from Saratoga Home, it ap- pears that it was com- posed of 90 Men, inclu- ding Officers and one of the Lieutenants was from Littleton.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Phipps
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
No roll of his Company in Col Samuel Denny's regt of 1779 Not upon roll of the Field and Staff Officers in Col Saml

To the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
The enclosed letter from the Commissioner of Pensions of date Feb. 15 th refering to the claims of the children of the late Major John Porter of Littleton. for an increase to the amount of Pension which he received, agreeable to a construction of law, where the officer rendered more than one office at the same time, and from the best of my judgment, it is required now, to show the length of each of his services, and rank of office which he rendered. Send Sir, from the more recent expressions of the claimants, & living witnesses of his services, with your certificate of date Nov. 11 th 1846. His services appear to me, to have been rendered nearly as follows. That he was in the alarm services of 1774, and in the first part of December of 1775 engaged as first lieutenant in Capt. Jonathan Minot's company at Cambridge for 6 or 8 months in Col. Wm. Prescott's or Col. B. Balcomb's Regt. The first part of this service as lieutenant, & the last part, he commanded the company. That in the autumn of 1776, he was in the service at Ticonderoga as lieutenant of Capt. Joshua Packer's company for near five months. in Col. Jonathan Reed's Regt. in the same service he rendered the service of Adjutant to the Regiment for the same length of time. That in the summer of 1777, he was a lieutenant in Capt. John Minot's Co in Col. Whitney's Regt. for two months at Rhode Island. That in the autumn of 1777, was in the service at Saratoga as Adjutant in Col. Samuel Bullard's Regt. for near four months. That in the autumn of 1779, was Captain of a company in Col. Samuel Denny's Regt. at Clove Creek, N.Y. for two or three months. That in the summer of 1780, was Captain of a company at Rhode Island in Col. Cyprian Howe's Regt. for three months. That in the autumn of 1781, he was Major in Col. Welles' Regiment at Red Bank N.Y. for three months.

Which Sir, is the best statement I am able to give. To direct your further examination of the services of the said John Porter of Littleton. Brighton Febr. 26 th 1837.      Elijah Clarke
27/10
27/10

Denny's left at Claverick for 3 Months from October 1779. _____

Brighton. February. 4 th 1867,
Dear Sir,
I enclose to you herewith the additional evidence in the case of John Porter of Littleton.
Very Respectfully Obedt. Servt. Elijah Clark
Hon. Benjamin Thompson M. C. Washington, City. D. C.

Brighton. April. 5 th 1847.
Dear Sir,
I enclose to you herewith the certificate from the Secretary relating to the case of John Porter of Littleton.
Very Respect Yours Ob. Servt. &c Elijah Clark
Hon. J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington, City, D. C.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston;
Sept. 9 1846.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of John Porter, is borne upon an Account in Army Books as Major in Col Smiths Regt, and there credited by his Services from May 30 1777 to December 31 1779, 32 Months, at £ 15 per Month. — Upon another account in said books, as Inspector and Major, in said Regt, and there credited by his Services from January 1 to December 31 1780. 12 Months, at £ 30 per Month.

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Barry,
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
I further certify that the name of John Partin is borne upon an Abstract of rations due to the Officers in Col Penathan Reed's regt, a Lieutenant &

Adjutant from July 11 to September 17, 1876, 69 days although not identified with the individual named in the annexed application.
John E. Sawyer.

2329 I, John Porter of Salisbury in the County of Essex, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, seventy seven years of age, Depose & say that my father, father Colonel John Porter of Littleton was a Pensioner of the United States at time of his decease. That I have good reason to believe he was entitled to a higher rate of pension than what he received for the different ranks & terms of services which he rendered in the Militia & Continental service of the United States. That he was a Lieutenant, a Captain, in Adgintant & Major, and that he rendered the service of Adgintant at the same time he rendered the service of a Lieutenant, & that he rendered other responsible office in the service of his country which was rendered from the town of Littleton in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth aforesaid. And I hereby appoint Elisha Clark of Brighton my attorney for me for my petition to make the requisite application for proof of all the service rendered by my said father. & that the Secretary is requested to examine the rolls and documents in his office for proof, and that the aforesaid Clark be authorized to apply for proof from the Washington papers in the City of Washington.
Deedless "Jd" August 3d 1836. John Porter Subscribed to by the said John Porter on the day & year above written Before me, Ebenezer Moody Just. Peace

Capt. John Porter.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Nov. 28 1832.
* hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that
John Porter is borne as a Captain on a "Pay roll of Capt. John Porter company in Col. Cyprian Hews regiment in Col Connct. John Jacobs Brigade in service of the United States at Rhode Island, for the space of 4. months and 7. days. time to return home included, from the 30 th of October 1780—
Again, John Porter is borne as a Captain on "a pay roll of Capt. John Porter company of Militia commanded by Col. Samuel Denny Esqr" for the space of 1. month and 22. days. from the 12. th of October 1779—
Again, John Porter is borne as 1 st Lieutenant on "a pay roll of Capt. John Minott company in Col. Josiah Whit- ney's regiment of Militia, in service at (over)

Rhode Island for the space of 2. months and 9. days from the 10 th of May. 1777.
Edward D. Bangs. Secy

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS,
BY HIS EXCELLENCY
JOHN HANCOCK, Esq;
Governor and Commander in Chief in and over the COMMONWEALTH of MASSACHUSETTS.
TO John Pater Esquire Greeting.
YOU being appointed Major of a Regiment of Militia raised to join the Army of the United States under the com- mand of his Excellency General Washington for the Term of three Months, agreeable to a Resolve of the General Court of 30 June last
By Virtue of the Power vested in me, I do by these Presents, (reposing Special Trust and Confidence in your Loyalty, Courage and good Conduct) Commission you accordingly.---You are, therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of a Major in leading, ordering and exercising said Regiment in Arms, both Inferior Officers and Soldiers; and to keep them in good Order and Discipline: And they are hereby commanded to obey you as their Major and you are yourself to observe and follow such Orders and Instructions as you shall from Time to Time receive from me or your Superior Officers.
GIVEN under my Hand, and the Seal of the said Commonwealth, the Twenty third Day of August in the Year of our LORD, 17 81 — in the Fifth Sixth Year of the Independence of the United States of AMERICA.
John Hancock
By His Excellency's Command,
John Adams Secy

Colony of the Massachusetts-Bay.
The Major Part of the COUNCIL of the Massachusetts-Bay, in New-England,
To John Porter Gentlemane Greeting.
YOU being appointed captain of a company raised by this colony as a temporary reinforcement to the American Army
By Virtue of the Power vested in us, WE do by these Presents, (reposing special Trust and Confidence in your Loyalty, Courage, and good Conduct,) Commission you accordingly.—You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of a Captaine in leading, ordering, and exercising said company in Arms, both Inferior Officers and Soldiers ; and to keep them in good Order and Discipline :—And they are hereby commanded to obey you as their Captaine and you are yourself, to observe and follow such Orders and Instructions as you shall from Time to Time receive from your superior Officers
GIVEN under our Hands and the Seal of the said Colony, at Watertown the Tenth Day of December in the Sixteenth Year of the Reign of his Majesty King George the Third, Anno Domini, 1775.
By the Command of the Major Part of the Council.
W. Brattle Greenleaf Moore Cushing Winthrop John Wetmore D. Taylor J. D. Foster James McHob Michael Farley D. Emerson Shatten Moseley N. White John Taylor

Colony of the Massachusetts-Bay. }
The Major Part of the COUNCIL of the Massachusetts-Bay, in New-England,
To John Porter Gentlemen Greeting.
YOU being appointed Adjutant of the Sixth Regiment of Militia in the County of Middlesex whereof Jonathan Beech is Colonel
By Virtue of the Power vested in us, WE do by these Presents, (reposing special Trust and Confidence in your Loyalty, Courage, and good Conduct,) Commission you accordingly.—You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of an Adjutant in leading, ordering, and exercising said Regiment in Arms, both Inferior Officers and Soldiers; and to keep them in good Order and Discipline:—And they are hereby commanded to obey you as their Adjutant and you are yourself, to observe and follow such Orders and Instructions as you shall from Time to Time receive from the major part of the Council or your Superior Officers
James Otis William D. Procter Caleb Cushing William Whitrop Richard Doun Isaac Cushing John Whitecomb Samuel D. Hapgood Dea. Taylor Michael Farland Samuel D. Hapgood William D. Hapgood Moses Gill Jabez Fisher M. White
GIVEN under our Hands and the Seal of the said Colony, at Watertown the Twenty Third Day of April - In the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Twenty Six
By the Command of the Major Part of the Council.
Samuel Morton Clerk

STATE of the MASSACHUSETTS-BAY.
The Major Part of the COUNCIL of the Massachusetts-Bay, in New-England.
To John Porter Esq.!
Greeting.
YOU being appointed Captain of a Company in the Regiment of Militia, whereof Cyprian How Esq. is Colonel, (detached from the County of Middlesex) agreeable to a resolve of the 22 d June last to reinforce the Continental Army for three months.
Bowdoin Jer: Powell Hushing B White Bury Austin
By Virtue of the Power vested in us, WE do by these Presents, (reposing Special Trust and Confidence in your Loyalty, Courage and good Conduct,) Commission you accord- ingly.—You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of a Captain in leading, ordering, and exercising said Company in Arms, both Inferior Officers and Soldiers; and to keep them in good Order and Discipline: And they are hereby commanded to observe their Captain and you are yourself, to observe and follow such Orders and Instructions as you shall from Time to Time receive from the Major Part of the Council or your Superior Officers.
G I V E N under our Hands, and the Seal of the said State, at Boston the Seventh Day of August, in the Year of our LORD, 1780.
By the Command of the Major Part of the Council.
John Avery Esq.
Sam: Baker Ino Pitts
Wm Whiting

The Major Part of the COUNCIL of the Massachusetts-Bay, in New-England
John Porter Esq.
Greeting.
YOU being appointed Captain of a Company detached from the Sixth Regiment of Militia in the County of Middlesex agreeable to a Resolve of the General Court of the Ninth inst. as a reinforcement to the Continental Army in the Brigade whereof John Fellows Esquire is Brigadier
By Virtue of the Power vested in us, WE do by these Presents, (reposing Special Trust and Confidence in your Loyalty, Courage and good Conduct,) Commission you accordingly. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of a Captain in leading, ordering, and exercising said Company in Arms, both Inferior Officers and Soldiers; and to keep them in good Order and Discipline: And they are hereby commanded to obey you as their Captain and you are yourself, to observe and follow such Orders and Instructions as you shall from Time to Time receive from the Major Part of the Council or your Superior Officers.
Jer: Lee Thomas Ward W. Poore Sam: Adams Galen Fisher Moses Gill H. Chapman J. M. D. M. D. D. D. N. Cushing O. Prescott J. Miller
G I V E N under our Hands and the Seal of the said State, at Boston the Twentieth Day of October in the Year of our L O R D, 1779.
By the Command of the Major Part of the Council.
John Avery Esq.
Sam Niles G. Pitts
Aaron Wood

Colony of the Massachusetts-Bay.
The Major Part of the COUNCIL of the Massachusetts-Bay, in New-England,
To John Porter Gentlemen, Greeting.
YOU being appointed Second Lieut. in the Company whereof Joshua Parker is Captain in the regiment to be raised for the Service of the Continent in the County of Middlesex Agreeable to a Order of the General Court whereof Jon s Reed Esq r is Coll o .
By Virtue of the Power vested in us, WE do by these Presents, (reposing special Trust and Confidence in your Loyalty, Courage and good Conduct,) Commission you accordingly — You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of a Second Lieut. in leading, or- dering, and exercising said Company in Arms, both Inferior Officers and Soldiers; and to keep them in good Order and Discipline. And they are hereby commanded to obey you as their Second Lieut. and you are, your self, to observe and follow such Orders and Instructions as you shall from Time to Time receive from your Superior Officers.
GIVEN under our Hand and the Seal of the said Colony, at Watertown site Eleventh Day of July in the Year of our Lord, 1776.
By the Command of the Major Part of the Council.
John Lowell Esq r
Genl. Powell B Greenleaf John Taylor Col. Cutting W. Winthrop Trumbull Stoughton Jabez Fisher Blanchard Wm Phillips Benj. Weston Dan Davis Jos. Cushing A. Hopkins D. Sewall

Colony of the Massachusetts-Bay.
The Major Part of the COUNCIL of the Massachusetts-Bay, in New-England.
To John Porter Gentleman
Greeting.
YOU being appointed Adjutant of the regiment to be raised for the Service of the Continent in the County of Middlesex. Agreeable to a Resolve of the General Court, whereof Genl. Wm. Need Esg. is Coll.
By Virtue of the Power vested in us, WE do by these Presents, (reposing special Trust and Confidence in your Loyalty, Courage, and good Conduct,) Commission you accordingly. — You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of a Adjutant in leading, ordering, and exercising said Regiment in Arms both Inferior Officers and Soldiers; and to keep them in good Order and Discipline: And they are hereby commanded to obey you as their Adjutant : and you are yourself to observe and follow such Orders and Instructions as you shall from Time to Time receive from your Superior Officers
GIVEN under our Hands and the Seal of the said Colony, at Watertown the Eleventh Day of July in the Year of our Lord, 1776.
By the Command of the Major Part of the Council.
John Avery Dp. Secy
Oliver Peaple Ebenezer Dyer Winthrop Richd. Dyer Esq. I. Cummings John Whetcomb Deas Taylor B. White Benj. Austin Henry C. Viner Eben. Dyer Jr. Danl. Davis J. Hopkins N. Pillsbury John Taylor

GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
PRINCIPAL OFFICE SCHENECTADY, N. Y.
In Reply Refer to H W Brown
BOSTON OFFICE, 84 STATE STREET
February 7 1912
Commissioner of Pensions Bureau of Pensions Washington D C
Dear Sir-
Will you please advise what your records disclose if anything concerning the military service of John Porter of Littleton in the French and Indian War? So far as we are able to learn from the Secretary of the Commonwealth, he served at Crown Point in 1760 in Capt. Aaron Brown's Company. We are under the impression that he might have drawn a pension at a later date for service in the French and Indian War. We have his record in the Revolutionary War and are specially interested at this time as to what your records show concerning any land warrants or pension having been granted him.
The gentleman in question was born in 1742 and died in 1836. He reached the rank of Major in the Revolutionary Army and was subsequently Colonel in the Massachusetts Militia.
Thanking you in advance for your advices on this subject I remain,
Yours very truly
HWB/D
Mr. Brown was obliged to leave before signing the above letter dictated by him.

NY FEB 12 1912 NY

In Council March 20 th 1777.
" Colonel Jonathan Reed's Abstract of Mileage &c from Tycenderoga for twenty seven pounds eight shillings and six pence."
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretary's Office Sept 15 th 1846.
I certify the foregoing to be a true copy from the Council Records.
John G. Palfrey,
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Friday March 31 st 1780
" Captain John Porters Roll, in Col. l Denny's Regiment for Service at Claverac, State pay amounting to twelve hundred and forty five pounds six shillings and eight pence. "
Monday August 7. 1780.
" Ordered that John Porter be Commissioned as a Captain of a Company detached from the Sixth Regiment, in the County of Middlesex, where of Cyprian Howe is Colonel. "
Secretary's Office. November 12. 1846
The foregoing are true copies from the Council Records.
John G. Packard; Secretary of the Committee

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston February 3 1847
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Elijah Clark was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex,
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Sleeper,
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I, Peter Wright, of Littleton in the County of Middlesex Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, eighty seven years of age. Do testify, and say, that I have resided in this town, the principle part of my life. That I rendered service in the War of the Revolution from this town. That in December 1775 I engaged & rendered a tour of service at Cambridge in the company of Capt. Jonathan Minot of Westford. I think in Col. William Prescott Regiment, which service was between two and the months. John Porter of this town, was lieutenant of the company the first part of this service, and after Capt. Minot left, the said John Porter commanded the company until I came home from this service, and in the summer of 1776. I engaged in a tour of service for Ticonderoga. Captain John Porter of Westford was Captain of the company, & the said John Porter of this town was Lieutenant. The Regiment was com- manded by Col. Jonathan Reed of this town, and the said Lieutenant John Porter of this town, also at the same time, rendered the service of Adjutant in our Regiment of Col. Reed, which was a five months service. I have no recollection of there being any other Adjutant to our regiment. And in the first part of 1777. I rendered near two months service at Warwick & Greenwich, where I served in Capt. John Minot company, & the said John Porter of this town, was lieutenant in this service. I think Col. Whitney commanded the Regiment, in the summer of 1780. was under the said John Porter as Cap- tain of a company in Col. Howe's Regiment, at Rhode Island and for three months service. It is my impres- sion that the said John Porter was out on the alarm of the 19 th April 1775. also was at the capture of General Brimley and his army. He lived in this town after the Revolution up to the time of his decease. Peter Wright

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex. ss. Littleton. February. 2. 1847.
Then personally appeared Peter Wright, and made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed. and I certify that he is a person of sound mind, & a credible witness. I also certify that the words Middlesex in the second line from the top erased. The words, "was hinted of the company " in the twelfth line from the top, entailed, and the words " the commanded " erased. was done before signing & making oath by the deponent.
Before Me.
Elijah Clark. Justice of the Peace.