Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 15,557, for Isaac Peck, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Peck, Isaac
S. 15.557
R.I.
Vt.
carded.
CONTENTS
[Lined area for CONTENTS]
[Lined area for CONTENTS]

28395 Vermont N o 28,395
Isaac Peck
of Rutland in the State of Vermont who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Botten of the Rifles commanded by Col Woodbridge in the Vermont line for + Mass & H. D. 2 Years
Died 20 th April 1834
2 years
Widow Betsey
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 80 Dollars — Cents per annum. to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 23 rd day of May 1834 and R. Temple, Rutland,
Arrears to the 20 th of Ap l 1834 250. 20 Semi-ann. allowance ending
$ 250. 20
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by R. Burdine Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 3 Page 85

Isaac Peck
27 months 19059
To the for testimony
completed

STATE OF VERMONT, } RUTLAND COUNTY, ss. }
On this 26 th day of July A. D. 1832, personally appeared in open Court before the Judge of the Pleasant Court of Rutland  Isd. now sitting, Isaac Peck a resident of the County of Rutland and State of Vermont, aged 73 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. In 1776 he lived in Leicester, Mass. & in May of that year he volunteered & served six months in Col. Woodbridge's Regt. Capt. Colton's company. St. Paul marched thro' Springfield & Brimfield to Scituate & was discharged at Scituate in November following. In May 1777 he enlisted for six months in Capt. Whiting's company. St. Mark, Col. Hovey's Regt. & marched to Rhode Island & served out his 6 months in & about Providence, guarding lines & was discharged near Providence about the middle of Nov. In 1778 he volunteered in August & served three months in Capt. Whiting's company again under Genl. Sullivan - he was in the battle of Rhode Island & retreated across Howland's ferry with the army & discharged at Providence in Novemr. In 1779 about the time the enemy left Newport R. Island, he volunteered & served three months in Capt. Olney's company Col. Matthews' Regt. at Bristol & near a Quaker meeting house & was discharged at Bristol at the end of his 3 months. In 1780 (in the summer he thinks) he engaged as a substitute for one Joseph Green whilst he went home to visit his friend, & served six months in the R. Mass. Regt. Col. Bailey in Capt. Hovey's company. St. Mark's etc., at Westpoint. Marched to Orange town N. Jersey where he was when Arnold turned traitor, & was present at Haver & saw Maj. Andre' hung. Then marched back to West Point when said Green returned & he was discharged. In 1781 he came to Westminster, Vermont, & in June he volunteered & served three months in Capt. Fiske's company Col. Fletcher's Regt. & marched to Castleton where he served out his time & was discharged in Sept. He does not recollect the names of other Regts. with whom he served except Greene's black Regt. at R. Island. He knew Genl. Washington, Gates, Spencer, Sullivan, Lafayette, Glover, & the traitor Arnold. He does

not remember having received any written discharge & has no documentary evidence, & knows of no person who can testify he can procure, except he believes he can procure part of his services by Mr. Angel. He was born at Ludlow Mass. January 4. 1759 - he believes his age is recorded there. Since the revolutionary war he has lived in Westminster, Rockingham, Danby & Danby where he now lives - There is no clergymen residing near him, but he is generally known in the neighbourhood.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed the } day and year aforesaid.
R. Royce Regt
Isaac Pock March
We Samuel Sprague a Clergyman residing in Danby and John Howe residing in the same place, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Isaac Pock who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 73 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the } day and year aforesaid.
R. Royce Regt
Samuel Sprague John Howe
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Samuel Sprague who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman, resident in Danby and that John Howe who has also signed the same, is a resident in Danby and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
1 Rodney C. Royce Regt Clerk of the Court of Pleas do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Isaac Pock for a Pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 26 th day of July A. D. 1832
R. Royce

Isaac Puck
No 1
Brattleboro 6 o
Vermont
proof of service-
There is proof in this case
Notified
returned
lod at Linnunla 1775
Ans? R. Temple, abt 24 th 1834.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office.
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, showing the Service of Isaac Peck
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     May 1776 6 Private Capt Carlton Col o Woodbridge From Linton to Tienderough 73 years Linton Mass tt Tractings   May 1777 6 " Capt Whiting Col o Freys Rhode Island   Aug 1778 3 " Capt Whiting Gen l Sullivan Battle of Rhode Island   1779 3 " Capt Olney Col o Matthews Bristol   Summer 1780 6 " Capt Hemenway Col o Baily March to New York   1781 3 " Capt Fish Col o Fletcher Cornwall  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons - one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , in the militia, &c. without specifying the days, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
As neither the applicant's name, nor that of the man for whom he was a substitute can be found on the rolls of Bailey's reg t . He must produce the testimony of another witness who may comply with the note (j)

State of Vermont Rutland /s— 3
On the 5 th day of Nov. 1832, personally came before the undersigned authority, William Ayer, of said County, who being duly sworn, doth depose & say, that he is acquainted with Isaac Peak of Danby, & was acquainted with him during the revolutionary war, & lived near him in Ludlow, Mass. The deponent was but about 13 years old in 1776, but he remembers that said Peak went away as a soldier, & he understood at that time that he had gone to Piccadilly - and again in 1777, that he went to Rhode Island as a soldier - The deponent cannot say what company or Reg t said Peak served in, or how long he served, but he understood he served six months each year - & he has always understood that said Peak was in service almost every year during the war, but he has no particular knowledge of his services except as above related.
Known before me the day & year aforesaid - And I certify that said William Ayer is a credible witness. R. Ferriss Jr. Jus. Peace

State of Vermont
I Robert Rippond Clerk of Rutland County Court do certify, that Robert Rippond before whom the foregoing affidavit was taken, is a justice of the Peace for said County duly commissioned - and that his name therein is in his own hand writing.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court this 12 th day of Nov. 1832
R Rippond

State of Vermont
Shelburne p - 3
On the 14 th day of May 1883, personally came before the undersigned authority, Levi Mann, who being duly sworn both before me, that in the year 1780, he knew Isaac Peck, & had previously known him several years; and that during the summer & fall of that year said Isaac Peck was a soldier in Col. Bailey's Reg t he thinks of the Massachusetts line and although the deponent cannot recollect the exact time, he believes from his best recollection, it was six months that said Isaac served - The deponent was in service at the same time & they were discharged both of them about the 1 st of Decem r . 1780. The deponent has not seen said Peck for several years, until a few days ago, but he knows him to be the same man who served in 1780 as aforesaid.
Sworn before me this day of year aforesaid - and I certify said Levi Mann is a credible witness. R. Temple Jr. Rev.
On the 18 th day of May 1883, personally came before the undersigned authority, Wait Fletcher of R d County, a credible witness, who being duly sworn both before me, that in the year 1781, he was a soldier in Capt. Peck's Company, in Col. Fletcher's Reg t and during the time he served as such, the above named Isaac Peck served three months in the same company - and was stationed in the fort at Castleton - The deponent thinks said Isaac entered in June & was discharged in September. Sworn before me this day of year aforesaid. R. Temple Jr. Rev.

State of Vermont
I Robert Rippon Clerk of Rutland County Court do certify, that Robert Rippon before whom the foregoing affidavits were taken, is a justice of the same for said County, duly commissioned and that his name thereto is in his own hand writing.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court this 18. May 1833
R Rippon

State of Vermont Rutland ss — 3
I, Hudson L. Brown, Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Rutland, do certify, that it has been duly proved to the satisfaction of said Court, that Isaac Peck, who made his declaration before this Court for a pension on the 26 th of July 1832, for the purpose of obtaining a pension under the act of 7 th June 1832, died at Danby in said District on the 20 th day of April A.D. 1834 — and that said Isaac Peck left a widow named Betsey Peck, now residing in said Danby.
In testimony whereof I have set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Rutland this 13 th day of May 1834
H. L. Brown Judge

Adm'd a purcah - Dys $80.
Cash paid to Betsy Peck for the amt due to - 20 th day of Apr 1884 $257 20.
R Temple Jr Ballard Kans

Rutland (Vt.) 13. May 1834
Sir
I find that Isaac Peck, whose papers are enclosed, died during my recent visit at Washington. Mr. Ely examined the case; and although the evidence appears to be full, he seemed to think more might be obtained. I have been unable to procure any at Boston - and he being dead, no further explanation can be had from the applicant. The widow is represented as being very poor & infirm.
Under these circumstances I submit the case for your decision; hoping you may deem it just to allow her a full pension to the time of his death. A certificate from the court showing his death & her widowhood, is enclosed.
I am Sir, respectfully Your Obedient Servant R. Brinsfield
H. L. Edwards Esq Comm. etc

P
15557
INVALID.
File No. 15557
Isaac Pech
Pr. Rev. War
Act: June 7 th 82
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 294
[Arrangement of 1870.]

State of Vermont } Rutland ss. }
On the 15 th day of March 1834, personally came before the undersigned authority, Jesse Eddy of said county, aged 74 years & a credible witness, who being duly sworn doth depose & say that he was in service at West Point & New Jersey in the summer & fall of 1780, and was acquainted with Isaac Beck now of Danby - and the deponent farther says he knows said Beck was a soldier in Col. Briley's Regt. of the Mass. Line, Capt. Howard's co. & served as such for six months, & was discharged at West Point he thinks in December 1780.
Jesse Eddy
Sworn before me on the day & year aforesaid.
Henry J. Norton Jr. Man
State of Vermont
I Robert Peaple Clerk of Rutland County Court do certify that Henry J. Norton before whom the above affidavit was taken, is a justice of the Peace for said County, duly commissioned - and that his signature thereto is genuine In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court this 17 th March 1834 R. Peaple

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Peck, Jacob GRADE — LINE Connecticut (This name in pencil, only)
WARRANT NUMBER 6298 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED Sept. 28, 1790 to Bartholomew and Fisher —
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.