Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 19,027, for John Pepper, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Pepper John
S. 19,027
carded
CONTENTS

Vermont, 18.699
John Pepper.
of Rutland co in the State of Vermont who was a Pifer & Priv. in the Compy, commanded by Captain Hodges, of the Reg t commanded by Col. Whitney in the Mass. Ma line for 8 months Pifer 18 " Priv.
such a man is living but his claim is very doubtful say in Smith P.M. at Rutland Vt
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 82 Dollars 66 Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of Sept r . 1833. and sent to R. Temple Rutland. Vt.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept r 33 $ 206.65 Pemi-ant. allowance ending 4 Mar '34 41.33
$ 247.98
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Ele Brown Clerk Book 8. Vol. 3 Page 64
let petitioner 25 March 1835
See Sits Hon. Wm. H. Adams Jan 27. 1836.
See Letter to W.B. Pierce Mar 16 45

When Popped 32 Nountho Fifer
21590
Get the Slade cost.
By Temple Oct 19
By Temple Oct 19

STATE OF VERMONT, } RUTLAND COUNTY, ss. }
On this 19 th day of Sept. A. D. 1832 personally appear- ed in open Court before the Judge of the Proteate Court of Rutland Dec now sitting, John Pepper a resident of the County of Rutland and State of Vermont, aged 72 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.
When the revolutionary war commenced in 1775 he lived at New Brattleboro, Mass. & immediately after the battle of Lexington, he being a minute man, he marched to Roxbury in Capt. John Granger's company, Lt. Snow, Ensign Sprague, Col. Brewer; Reg't Mass. Damsford - & enlisted for eight months & served out his time as a Piper. He was at Roxbury during the battle of Bunker Hill - the Reg't was paraded, but not called into action - he was discharged at Roxbury about the 1. Jan'y. 1776, but rec'd no written discharge. In 1776, the fore part of August he enlisted for five months, in Capt. David Warner's company, Lt. Wood, Ensign Foster, Col. Colman, Maj. White, and was transferred to New Haven, Conn. from thence to New York by water, & remained there until driven out by the enemy, when he retreated with the Army to Harlem heights, Kingsbridge & White Plains - he was in the battle of White Plains, after which he retreated back to New York where he was discharged about the about the 1. Jan'y. 1777. In March 1777 he enlisted to go to Rhode Island, & marched to Providence in Capt. Hodges company, Lt. Upham, Ensign Cunningham, & served part of the time at Providence & part of the time at Old & Newstown - there were but 2 companies served together, & had no field officers with them, but believe they belonged to Col. Whitney; Reg't & was discharged at Old & Newstown in July 1777, having served about four months. Genl. Spencer had the command. In 1778, the fore part of May, he enlisted for six months, in Capt. Francis Stone's company, Lt. Hunter, Ensign Hoyt - Col. Keyes & Maj. Damsford - marched to Providence, thence to the Island - was in the battle there under Genl. Sullivan, & retreated with the Army across the ferry, & was discharged at Providence in Nov. having served out his time. In 1779, the fore part of April, he enlisted for

nine months, in Capt. Bang's Nye's company, St. John's River, Surgen Garrison, Col. Stone's Reg't. N.Y. Infantry - marched to Boston, thence to Dorchester - thence to New Castle - thence back to Dorchester, Fort No 2, where he was dismissed in Jan'y. 1780, having served nine months. He never rec'd any written discharge, & has no doc- umentary evidence, & knows of no person whose testimony he can procure, except what accompanies this. He knew Gen'l Washington, Patnam, Lincoln, Spencer, Sullivan & many other Continental officers, whose names he forgets. Col. Dole's, & Speat's Reg't were at Rhode Island when he served there. He was born at New Branton the 17. Oct. 1759; his age is recorded there as he believes, & also in his Bible. Since the revolution lived in New Branton & Dana, Mass. about 20 years, when he moved to Oruell, Vermont, where he has ever since lived. There is no settled clergyman in Oruell, but he is known to Judge Pliny Smith, & most of the inhabitants.
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. }
N. Royce Reg't John Pappan
We a Clergyman residing in and residing in the same place, 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 neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we con- cur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the } day and year aforesaid. }
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 annexed Pliny Smith Esq. who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman, resident in Oruell and that Israel Smith who has also signed the same, is a resident in Oruell and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. and that it would be attended with too much expense & inconvenience to require their attendance in Court.
I Rodney C. Royce Reg't.
Clerk of the Court of Rebates
do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original procee- dings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Pappan for a Pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 20 th day of Sept. A. D. 1832
N. Royce

John Pepper Rutland 6° Nursing
Notified
admit- 8 mos Fifer 16 .. Private
Prof in land R. Temple
R Temple Rutland

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, shewing the Service of John Pepper
   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.     April 1775 8 Peper Capt Granger Capt Winn Col Brewer Col Colonel Stamford at Pembury 72 years New Branton Tradition of   Augt 1776 5 White Plains Farm Pembury Old age   March 1777 alt x 4 Capt Wood Col Putnam Genl Spencer Stamford to New York   July 1778 6 Capt Stone Col Heys Rhode Island Stamford to New Bedford   June 1779 9 Capt Mye Col Stone Stamford to Boston to Dorchester  
to the witness says true math
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 he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule 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. }

To what time was John Pepper fifer & firi 82.66/100. N. am paid at the Vt agency under the act of 7-June '32? G.M.C.
We was paid to the 4 Sep 1834 J.H.
25. June 1836

John Desifer
Apr 75 8mo-Tifer - Capt Granger Co d Braver not on Rolls -
Aug 76. 5" " Warner - " Coleman
March 77. 4" " Hodges " Whitney - records say 2.7
July 78 6" " Stone " Keyes
Apr 79. 9" " Nye " Stone - records 2.28

June 22. 1836.
Sir
I send herewith an additional declaration of John Pippin, together with the affidavit of Isaac Morse, and a certificate from the Secretary of the State of Massachusetts.
I also send the statements of the Hon Pliny Smith, a near neighbor of Mr. Pippin, and of Israel Smith & David Cutting Esqrs residents of the same Town with him, relative to his character for truth, and the tradition with regard to his services. They are all men of the highest respectability in that Town, and their statements are entitled to the fullest confidence.
I have not Mr. Pippin's certificate in my possession, but will obtain & send it to you if necessary. Please cause this case to be examined so that I may obtain your decision upon it before the adjournment of Congress.
I am &c
William Slade
J. L. Edwards

Rose New York,
December 16 th 1846.
Sir,
I beg leave to request the favor of being informed, of the objections to the admission of the claim of John Pepper, who was pensioned under act of 9 th June 1822 - from the State of Vermont, - his name was struck from the list on account of the frauds of Mr. Grunle, - some efforts were made to establish the claim but the objections to its admission, he is unable to give,
I am Respectfully Your obed Servt.
W. G. Wade
I certify that Satisfactory documentary evidence has been exhibited to me to show that the above named W. G. Wade of Rose N.Y. is the Attorney duly appointed to further the investigation of the claim of John Pepper of Orwitt Shillington County Vermont (Retd Rose Dec 16 1846)
C. B. Collins Battier of the Procr
Hon G. L. Edmwards Comm er of Pensions, Washington D.C.

Sunday of Mass.
June 13. '26.
Loan of Mr. Pappin
Washington D.C.
N.E.
Miss William H. Slater

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, June 13 th 1836.
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 Pepper is borne on "A Pay Roll of Capt. Edmund Hodges' Company, Col. Josiah Whitney's Regiment, in the State of Rhode Island," where he served from May 5 th to July 5 th , 1777, allowed two months and seven days. mo. 2. 7
The name of John Pepper is borne on "A Pay Roll of Capt. Benj e Nye's Company in Col. Nathan Sparkhawk's Regt. of Militia raised for the defence of the United States of America, for service at Dorchester, discharged Dec r 12 th 1778, - for their State Pay. Paid by a Resolve passed Sept. 30, 1778, - where he enlisted Sept. 20 th . allowed two months twenty eight days." mo. 2. 28
John Pepper claims eight months service under Capt. Granger, in Col. Brown's Regt. as a substitute
Amount carried over. mo. 5. 05

Amount brought over.
mo. D. 5.05
for Elijah Mason in 1775. Also, under Capt. Daniel Warner, Col. Coleman's Regt. for 5 months in 1776, as a substitute for Whitfield Swift.
The Rolls he describes are not found in this Office.
The Roll of Capt. John Granger's Company, in Col. Leamnerd's Regt. from April 26th to August, 1775, is found—the name of John Pepper nor Elijah Mason is not found thereon.
The name of Whitfield Swift is borne on "A Pay Roll of Capt. Edmund Hodges' Company in Col. Cushing's Regt. to the Northern Army," where he enlisted July 27th, and was discharged August 29th, 1777, and was allowed one month and seven days.
mo. D. 1.07 6.12
John P. Bigelow Secretary.

Hon ble William Slade,
June 13 th , 1836.
Sir I received yours of the 1 st inst. directed to E. Homer & Henry White, since which I have found the Rolls and service as per annexed certificate. Mr. White having left the Office the business devolves on me, I have made diligent search but cannot find any more service for John Pepper in this Office than is embraced in this Certificate.
Respectfully Yours &c Ebenezer Homer

I Isaiah D Peppin of Orwell in the County of Addison and State of Vermont of lawful age depose and say, that I am the son of John Peppin deceased who was once allowed a Pension under the Act of June 7, 1832, and was Subsequently struck from the Roll. That I believe him to be entitled to a Pension and ask for a reexamination of his case under the agency of Stephen Thomas of West Fairlee Vermont. Isaiah D. Peppin
Subscribed and sworn the 24 th June 1850 by the above affidavit. Before me, W m B. Martin Justice of the Peace
STATE OF VERMONT.
SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE,
Montpelier, July 3. 1850. }
I certify that William B. Martin (Jy) whose name is sub- scribed in his own proper hand writing to the foregoing certificate, is and was at the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County of Addison duly elected and qualified, and that to his official acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are, and ought to be given.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of this Office, at Montpelier, this the third day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty fifty.
Fernand F. Merrill Secretary of State.

Owoll W o } 15 th Nov. }
10 under 6 18
Robert Temple Esq. Rutland pt n

To whom it may concern
This may certify that we believe Moses Dow of Leicester in the county of Addison & State of Vermont is a credible witness Apollo Austin Orwell Nov. 15. 1832 D. H. Hammond
Dr Sir At the request of Mr Pepper we have made the above certificate He says Eusebius does not know Dow therefore cannot certify
Respectfully yours
Orwell Nov. 15. 1832
for A. Austin Hammond
D. H. Hammond
R. Temple Esq

I am well acquainted with Apollo Austin and T. D. Hammond, who have signed the within certificate. They are men of unquestionable veracity & high respectability. Mr. Hammond is a Justice of the peace for the County in which he resides
William Slade M.C.
Washington Dec. 14. 1832

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, June 17 th , 1833.
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 Pepper, as a Private, is found on a Pay-Roll of Capt. Edmund Hodges' Company, in Col. Josiah Whitney's Regiment, in Rhode-Island, having engaged May 5, 1777, and being discharged July 5, 1777, - where he is allowed two months and seven days, for service and travel.
John Pepper claims also for service under the following Officers, viz. - in Capt. Granger's Company, under Col. Brewer, as in 1775 Piper; - in Capt. Warner's Company, under Col. Colman, in 1776; - in Capt. Stone's Company, under Col. Keyes, in 1778; - and in Capt. Nye's Company, under Col. Stone, in 1779, - (The rolls for which are not found in this Office)
Edward D. Dany. Secy

House of Rep. July 1. 45
Sir
Will you favor me with such information as to enable me to reply to the accompanying letter.
Yours respectfully Geo. P. Marsh
To Col J. L. Edwards Comm Pension

John B. Mann of Pa.
Hon. J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Hon. B. T. Hallam, Private Secy

Albany N.Y.
December 17. 1844
In the matter of the applica- tion of John Pepper to be restored to the pension roll under the Act of June 7. 1832.
Sir,
In addition to the 5 months & 5 days service heretofore es- tablished in the above case, the Secy of States certificate shows that 8 months service in 1775 was credited to Elijah Mason fifer . The applicant having claimed from the outset that he served 8 months in 1775 as substitute for Elijah Mason fifer, it is respectfully submitted, whether the discrepancies that occur in the statement of officers & should not be overlooked, particularly as Mr Pepper was a musician
I have the honor to be Very respectfully Your Obedient
M c V. Pierce
How J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

Albany Feby. 8 th 1843
Sir)
It appears from the accompanying letter that John Pepper was formerly a pensioner, but for some cause was stricken from the roll. It is surmised that this was done through the misrepresentations of one Apollas Austin.
It seems that the Hon W. Slade made some efforts to restore him but without success.
As this is one of "Temples" cases, I am not particularly anxious to have anything to do with it, unless it is clearly evident that Mr Pepper has been the subject of misrepresentation & thereby unjustly deprived of his rights.
I would very respectfully request information upon what grounds Pepper was stricken from the rolls and what proof is required to restore him.
The writer of the enclosed letter seems to think that Pepper failed in his application to be restored because he failed to produce a certificate from his neighbors that his character "was fair & unimpeached as to truth & veracity". He says that "he did obtain certifi-
Hon J. L. Edwards. Commissioner of Pensions

cates from his neighbors & townsmen stating they believed he performed the service & was therefore en- titled to the pension."
I suppose the writer must be under some misapprehension, for a persons "char- acter for truth & veracity" cannot certainly effect his title to pension under existing laws.
If there is no fatal objection in this case, but only a want of evidence I am willing to render the applicant what service I can.
I am Very Respectfully Your Obedient
W. B. Pierce

Israel Smith & David Cutting
lease of Mr. Pepper.
Hon William Slade Member of Congress Washington City Dist. Columbia

Israel May 30. 1836 Hon William Slade Sir
John Peppin who is making an effort to be restored to his pension has applied to me for something in favor of his character as a man of truth & veracity. If I can do him no service in this respect I may say notwithstanding that I believe his character has mainly suffered on acct. of his known habits of intemperance tho' few if any would say he has not made a good use of his pension as far as he rec d . it having been more cautious as to his expenses for the last two or three years —
I have long that his pension claim to be valid has  as he obtained two witnesses in his favor of this claim who are men of undoubted truth & veracity, viz. E. J. Moseley & Capt. Freeman — The old mans power pleads strongly in favor of his restoration, if it be shown that this would be an act of justice
Yours respectfully,
Israel Smith
I cheerfully subscribe the above statement. David Cutting

Rutland / Vt / 3. July 1853
Sir
I have not seen Mr. Pepper since the reception of the enclosed certificate from Mr. Bangs, Sec'y of State of Mass. - I understand he is sick & unable to come here, & of course has had no opportunity to explain the discrepancy between his services in 1777 as stated in his declaration & in the certificate. I presume however, as was frequently the case, he engaged in March, but did not march until May. The witness, Freeman, it will be observed, supports the declaration, so far as to say he served from March to July. It appears that the rolls of the other Reg'ts in which Pepper served, are not in the Sec'y's office. Presuming you will find at least 2 years administrative services, I return his papers without waiting for him to answer so as to come & see me. He lives about 30 miles from this. I am Sir, Respectfully Your Obedient
J. L. Edwards Esq
R. Temple

State of Vermont Rutland ss — 3
On this 21 st day of July 1832 personally came Nathan Freeman, a credible witness, who being duly sworn to the deponent say, that he is acquainted with John Pupper & was acquainted with him during the revolutionary war — That he knows said John Pupper served three months in Capt Wedges company in the Rhode Island troops; he does not remember the Regt. from March to July 1777 — The deponent served with him in the same company, in the State of R. Island. More before me the day & year aforesaid?
R. Temple Jus. Peace
State of Vermont Rutland ss — 3
I Robert Pierpont Clerk of Rutland County do hereby certify that Robt. Temple before whom the above affidavit was taken, is a Justice of Peace for said County, duly commissioned — and that the above signature is in his hand writing.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said County this 21 st July 1832
R. Pierpont

John Pepper
Application to be re- stored to the Pension Roll under the act of June 7. 1833

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston;
Dec 5 1814.
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 Elijah Mason of Lincoln is borne upon the eighth month, rolls, of Capt Wm Smith Col Nyeon, as a fifer, and is the only one upon said eighth month, rolls, of that name, from April 24. to Oct 1. 1778 after which time there are no rolls of said Company.
The name of John Pepper is borne upon a pay roll of Capt Edmund Hodge from May 5 1779 2 mos 7 days; upon a pay roll of Capt Bang Nye from Sept 20. 1778 2 mos 28 days. (28)

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. Peabody, Secretary of the Commonwealth.

John Pepper
183.

State of Vermont County of Rutland Town of Orwell.
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is requested to furnish evidence from the rolls in his office of my services in the war of the revolution. I first enlisted on or about the 1 st of May 1775, from the town of New Braintree in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, in the company of Captain John Granger, in Colonel Brewers Regiment & served eight months at Roxbury, as a substitute for Elias Mason, as a fifer.
I next enlisted March meeting day in the year 1777 in Worcester Mass. under Captain Edmund Hodges, in Colonel Whitneys Regiment & served about four months . (Capt Hodges was from Hardwick Mass).
I enlisted into Captain Benjamin Nye's company Col. Jonathan Shepherds Regt in July 1778 & served 3 months when I was discharged at Dorchester.
I also served nine months under Captain Nye, and as a substitute for Whitfield Swift in Warners Company in 1779.
I am now Eightyfour years of age My memory does not enable me to state any thing further material to the search required.
I have empowered W m B. Pierce of Albany, NY. to act in the premises as my Attorney.
Witness my hand the 21 st 32 nd day of May — A.D. 1844. Signed in my presence by Deed John Pepper Absalom Fuller Justice, Peace

John Pepper

State of Vermont
Rutland County ss. } Be it known that on the 27 th day of Nov r A.D. 1844. before me Roswell Bottum Jr a Justice of the Peace in and for said County. personally appeared John Pepper of Orwell in said County aged eighty five years and made oath in due form of Law. that about the 1 st of May A.D. 1775. being then about sixteen years of age. and residing in the town of Braintree Massachusetts. at the solicitation of capt. John Granger enlisted as Minute Man and went with capt. Granger to Roxbury Mass. and that on arriving at Roxbury. he took the place of one Elijah Mason as Fifer. as substitute for said Mason. and served as such for eight months. That he had been some acquainted with said Mason. who joined the Army from the town of Braintree. where he had lived a short time. and thinks his native place was Lincoln Mass. but does not know certain. he does not know of any other person of the name of Elijah Mason besides the one for whom he served as substitute. He says. that during his service he answered to the name of J d Elijah Mason. and therefore thinks the Rolls were not altered. He has always supposed that he belonged to capt. Grangers company. but as the Music generally of the Reg t . were together on duty. it is possible he was mistaken in the company to which he actually belonged. As capt. Granger had particular agency in enlisting him. and as he had previously been a neighbour. and went to Roxbury with capt. Granger. and being young. looking to him for advice and aid. he might have imbibed a wrong impression as to the company to which he belonged. supposing that capt. Granger was his captain.
John Pepper
STATE OF VERMONT, RUTLAND COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE.
I, Frederick W. Hopkins, Clerk of the County Court for the County of Rutland, do certify that Roswell Bottum, Senior Esquire was, at the date of the Certificate to which this is attached, a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified and that I verify
believe his signature to the same is genuine, and that the same is
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court, this third day of December Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and forty four. F. W. Hopkins

State of Vermont
Rutland County ss. } Be it known that on the 27 th day of Nov r . A.D. 1844. before me Roswell Bathurst Jr a Justice of the Peace in and for said County. personally appeared John Pepper of Orwell in said County aged eighty five years and made oath in due form of Law. that about the 1 st of May A.D. 1775. being then about sixteen years of age. and residing in the town of Braintree Massachusetts. at the solicitation of Capt. John Granger enlisted as Minute Man and went with Capt. Granger to Roxbury Mass. and that on arriving at Roxbury. he took the place of one Elijah Mason as Fifer. as substitute for said Mason. and served as such for eight months. That he had been some acquainted with said Mason. who joined the Army from the town of Braintree. where he had lived a short time. and thinks his native place was Lincoln Mass. but does not know certain. he does not know of any other person of the name of Elijah Mason besides the one for whom he served as substitute. He says. that during his service he answered to the name of J r Elijah Mason. and therefore thinks the Rolls were not altered. He has always supposed that he belonged to Capt. Grangers Company. but as the Music generally of the Reg t . were together on duty. it is possible he was mistaken in the company to which he actually belonged. As Capt. Granger had particular agency in enlisting him. and as he had previ- ously been a Neighbour. and went to Roxbury with Capt Granger. and being young. looking to him for advice and aid. he might have imbibed a wrong impression as to the company to which he belonged. supposing that Capt. Granger was his Captain.
John Pepper
Sworn and subscribed the day and year first above written before me. and I further say that the said John Pepper the affiant above named is personally known to me. and I believe that he is a credible witness
Roswell Bathurst Jr Justice of the Peace

Pliny Smith May 25. 1836.
2 B Washington Member of Congress Hon. William Steele Chas. 97. C.W.M. 41

Dear Sir
Orwell May 25 th 1836
not move them half an hour since I received a line from you requesting information as to the standing in Society of Mr John Duffer of Orwell as to truth and veracity he does not stand so high as many men of his age yet I should be induced to believe him under oath I suppose your enquiry has relation to his pension which has been suspended by the war department I believe if the war department could be as well satisfied about his services as I am they would restore his pension he is now old I believe not far from seventy seven years of age I have lived near him more than thirty years and have often heard heard him. — Metale over his revolutionary services and many times before he had any prospect of a sum being paid that would entitle him to a pension and when he forwarded his declaration I understood he had obtained the evidence of Esq r M c As of Ticonderoga York State and Capt Freeman of Rutland Vermont men that I have long known and men who stand high as to moral character and for truth and veracity besides — some other testimony that I am not particularly acquainted with their standing although I have understood by enquiry that some credible persons and from all I have learned I fully believe Mr Duffer is entitled to his pension he is now very poor and destitute
I would take this opportunity to return you the thanks for the communications I have received from you the present suspension of congress as well as the part I would write more and make a number of enquiries but there is a person waiting to take this line to the Post office — with sentiments of high esteem I remain your friend and servant
Hon William Steele
Henry Smith

John Peppers Affidavit.

State of Vermont Be it known that before me Adney H. Evert, one of the Justices of the Peace within and for the County of Addison Personally appeared John Peffer of Bristol in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont and made oath on their knees that the eight months service by him performed during the Revolutionary War in Capt. John Green's Company in the year 1775 as stated in his said John Peffer's declaration now on the files of the War Department by the said John Peffer served as a Substitute for one Olyb Mason that he served the said term of eight months as a Fifer that Captain John Green's Company belonged to Col. Buel's Regiment that he entered said Company in the month of May according to the best of his recollection and served the full term of eight months that his Discharge was issued at New Britain that the eight months service was performed at Roxbury near Boston.
That the five months service in 1776 as mentioned in his said declaration in Capt. Daniel Warner's Company in Col. Colman's Regiment he served as a Substitute for one Whitfield Swift that he marched from New Britain in Massachusetts to New Haven in Connecticut and from thence to the City of New York - that he was attached to General Wesson's Brigade that he marched in the month of August 1776 and served until the five months expired that they were drawn out of New York to the White Plains that during the battle of the White Plains he assisted in taking care of the sick and wounded and helped carry from the field of battle one Sergeant Weed who was severely wounded in the leg that he the said John Peffer now resides in Orwell Vermont and has resided there for the space of thirty three years past and that once at New Haven he worked on a farm on Massachusetts Street and liberated upon me John Peffer the 30 th day of May 1836.
Adney H. Evert Justice Peace
Adney H. Evert, above named is a Justice of the peace, and the above is his signature
William Slade. M.C.
June 3. 1836.

Esq. Pierpoint made out the necessary certificates as Clerk of the Court and Mr. Temple then undertook to forward the Papers to Washington and attend to my case until the War Department should decide on the same as it respects my services I was a minute man in 1774 and if hostilities commenced I was under obligations to enter the service if called upon when hostilities did commence the 19th Day of April 1775 I with many others that then lived in new Braintree when I then belonged in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts immediately retired to Newbury near Boston and remained there about two weeks and then returned home to new Braintree and immediately after I got home I enlisted for the term of eight months under Capt John Grenger of said new Braintree and Col David Brewer's Regiment and Genl Hixon's Brigade and immediately returned again to Newbury and there I was stationed until my term of service expired I was then dismissed and returned home to new Braintree and again in July 1776 I enlisted for the term of five months under Capt Daniel Warner of Herdwick in said Worcester County and Col Colburn's Regiment and I believe in Genl. Rufus Putnam's Brigade we was order on to New Haven Connecticut & there went aboard a vessel and landed at New York and was stationed in New York until General Washington retreated to the White Plains I was in the battle which took place at White Plains and from there we was ordered to Kings bridge and from there to Horse neck and then remained until my term of service expired and I was dismissed and returned home to new Braintree and again in the month of March 1777 I enlisted in New Braintree for the term of three months under Capt Edmund Hodges of Herdwick and before the month went out we was ordered to Worcester in said Worcester County and there remained a few days for the Company to fill up and was then marched to Providence State of Rhode Island and from there we was ordered to East Greenwich and there we was ordered to Old like Newtown and there was stationed until my time expired and about ten days after as there was no troops arrived until some time after our time was out to a take our place we was then dismissed and I then returned home to New Braintree and again in the month of May 1778 I enlisted for the term of six months under Capt Francis Stone and Col. Hays Regiment under the command of General Sullivan we was immediately ordered to Worcester and from Worcester we was ordered to Providence we was stationed in Brown's College and from there we was ordered to Fivertown and there crossed on to Rhode Island and I was there in the battle which took place on Rhode Island we then retreated and our Regiment was then divided and those that I marched with went Providence and

I was then stationed until my time expired and I returned home to New Britain and in a few days after I now believe about the first of December 1778 I enlisted for the term of nine months under Capt. Benjamin Hye and Col. Storer's Regiment and General Heath's Brigade and was immediately ordered to Boston and from Boston we were ordered to Dorchester Hill and from there we were ordered on to Governor's Island and then we were ordered back on to Dorchester Hill and there we remained until our time expired I was dismissed and returned home. in my first tour of service I served as a rifleman eligible to my pension certificate I am entitled to the sum of eighty two dollars and sixty six cents payable and I hereby certify that every term of service that I have here stated I served as here related and I never left the service at no time until my time expired and I was honorably and regularly dismissed by my superior officer and one time as I have stated served about ten days over my term of enlistment my Last half years pension I obtained at Small's bank the town in which I live and gave a power of attorney to Henry M. Corbin cashier of said Small's bank to draw my pension at Burlington bank where I was authorized to draw the same on the 4 th day of September 1934 and further I state I was seventy five years old in November 1934 I further state that I was sworn to the truth of my declaration before the Hon. Robert Pierpoint Judge of Probate before one of Judges of the county court for the county of Rutland and which I now do not recall as the county court was then in session and was present when I was sworn and that Mr. Strong was to me
John Peeples
very doubtful case says A Austin Secy

Small V March 3
fr
pt. Mar
Hon J L Edwards Commissioner of Pensions at Washington

Sir
Orwell February 12 th 1835
Through the politeness of the Hon ble William Slade member of Congress from the District in which I live in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont I have received information that the Pension is suspended of those old & revolutionary Soldiers who employed Robert Temple Esq r as an agent in obtaining their Pension certificate from the War Department. I would now inform the Commissioner of Pensions that I am one of those who in part employed Mr. Temple as an agent in relation to obtaining my Pension he then stood very high in the estimation of the People of this County and as I fully believe in this State generally when I first undertook to apply for a Pension I went to H. H. Everett Esq r of Shoreham an adjoining town situate in the County of Addison & State before said Esq r Everett drew my Declaration from my Statement I then obtained Mr. Mops Dow of Lester in said Addison County and Isaac Mops Esq r of Pycanderoge and State of New York who were both knowing something of my services in the revolution and when I got said Mops & Dow to go before said Esq r Everett they made a statement of what they knew about my services Esq r Everett wrote down their testimony and they were both sworn to the truth of their testimony before said Esq r Everett I then sent to Samuel Swift Esq r of Middlebury in Addison County who was then and now Clerk of the Supreme and Courts and obtained said Clerk's certificate that said Everett was a Magistrate for said County of Addison and legally authorized to administer oaths in such cases. So far I proceeded with out Mr. Temple having any knowledge that there was such a man as John Pepper in existence it then became necessary for me to go to Rutland the town in which Mr. Temple lived as two of my witnesses whose testimony it was necessary for me to procure lived in said Rutland to wit Capt. Nathan Freeman & Mr. Nathan Carpenter who had both served with me in the Revolution. I got said Freeman and Carpenter to go to the office of Robert Pierpoint Esq r who was then & now is Clerk of the Supreme and County Courts. I found Mr. Temple at Esq r Pierpoint's office which was the first time I ever see said Temple I then understood Mr. Temple had the care of a number of Pensioners Papers and that he was going to Washington and would if I wished attend to my case he or Mr. Pierpoint but I now believe it was Mr. Temple wrote down the testimony of Capt. Freeman and Mr. Carpenter and they were both sworn and I believe Esq r Pierpoint administered the oath.

affidavit of Isaac Morse
Case of Mr. Pepper
Hm W. Slade J.R.

State of Vermont } Be it known that before me Sidney H. Adulson County } Greeno one of the Justices of the peace within and for the County of Addison } at Sherburne in said County on the 15 th day of November A.D. 1835 personally appeared Isaac Morse of Goshen in the County of Goshen and State of New York who being duly sworn affirms and says that he was acquainted with John Puffer now of Orwell in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont during the Revolutionary war, that the said John Puffer then resided as the said Isaac Morse understood in New Braintree in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, that his first acquaintance with the said John Puffer was at Oldike Newtown in the State of Rhode Island on the last of April or first of May A.D. 1777, that the said John Puffer was a soldier in the same Company with him the said Isaac Morse. Said Company was a Militia Company Commanded by Capt. Edward Hodges in Colo. Whitney's Regiment of the Massachu- setts Militia raised for the purpose of guarding the Sea Coast in the State of Rhode Island, said Company was enlisted in the County of Worcester in the Commonwealth of Massachu- setts and marched from the Town of Worcester in the County of Worcester aforesaid to Providence in Rhode Island and from thence to Oldike Newtown aforesaid and from thence after serving two months marched back to Providence aforesaid where said Company was dismissed on the 3 rd day of July A.D. 1777, that said Company from the time of marching from Worcester aforesaid to the 3 rd day of July A.D. 1777, the day on which said Company was dismissed was some days over two months and that according to the best of his recollec- tion at least ten days over the two months. The Company was retained on service longer than the term of its enlist- ment as a consequence of the Company raised to relieve us not arriving at the expiration of our enlistment. And that the said John Puffer continued to serve as a soldier in said Company from the time of his augmentation with him as aforesaid until said Company was dismissed as aforesaid, that the said John Puffer now residing at Orwell aforesaid is the same John Puffer that served in the Company with him the said Isaac Morse during the Revolutionary war as aforesaid and further says that Isaac Morse and year above written
3 Given under my hand this 15 th day of November A.D. 1835 Sidney H. Greeno Justice of the Peace

I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Sam Moon who has made and subscribed the foregoing affidavit and that he is a credible witness. Shelburn November 16 th 1895 Gory H. Everest Esq. P.M.
State of Vermont Addison County ss
I, Samuel Swift, Clerk of the County Court for the County of Addison aforesaid, do hereby certify that Adney H. Everest, before whom the within affidavit was made was at the time a Justice of the peace for said County and his name subscribed thereto is his own signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court this Seventeenth day of Novem- ber 1835
Sam d Swift Clerk

Ebenezer H. H. Sylvester Nov 29 1850
Let to Mr. Pierce Decem. 28'
* W. G. Wade Dec. 31, 1846 do. to Hon. G. P. Marsh H. R. July 7, 1848.
* See letter in claim of Eldad Andrews R. 223

I 1902 nd INVALID.
File No. 19,027
John Pepper
Pri Rev War
Act: June 7 th 82
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 294
[Arrangement of 1870.]

I certify that the within named Moses Dow is a credible witness R. Knapp, Jr.

State of Vermont Addison County ss. Be it known that before me Henry H. Everett one of the Justices of the Peace within and for the County of Addison and State of Vermont on the 17 th day of July A.D. 1832. Personally appeared Moses Dorr of Brattleboro in the County of Addison aforesaid aged Twenty two years and upward and maketh oath that from my earliest recollection I have been acquainted with John Puffer now of Orwell in the County of Adams and State of Vermont. That during the Revolutionary War the said John Puffer lived in New Braintree in Dorset County Massachusetts. and that in the year 1775. in the said Moses Dorr understood that the said John Puffer was out in the service of the United States as a Soldier in the Militia of Massachusetts Stationed at Roxbury - and well recollects of the said John Puffer returning from said Service but how long he was out the said Moses Dorr does not recollect - and that he the said Moses Dorr recollects that the said John Puffer was out in the service of the United States as a Soldier in the year 1777. and 1778. and then understood that he served in Red Bank and elsewhere and recollects of the said John Puffer returning home from the Army after his times of Service had expired as in the said Moses Dorr then understood - and being advised. That the said John Puffer now residing in Orwell aforesaid is the same individual John Puffer that I knew during the Revolutionary War. as aforesaid That I believe him to be Twenty two years of age and further saith not Subscribed and sworn to the same day and year aforesaid Moses Dorr Henry H. Everett Justice Peace

State of Vermont } S. Samuel Swift clerk of the county court Addison County p 3 for the said county of Addison, do hereby certify that Aldney H. Everest, before whom the within affidavit was made was at the time a Justice of the peace for said County, and his name subscribed thereto in his own signature. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court this Eleventh day of September A.D. 1832.
Sam l Swift, Clerk

We Niny Smith & Israel Smith of Orwell in the county of Rutland and State of Vermont hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Mr John Dupper who has subscribed and subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration that we believe him to be seventy two years of age that he is respected and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we fully concur in that Opinion
Niny Smith Israel Smith
Sworn to and subscribed at Orwell county of Rutland and State of Vermont this 14 th Day of Sept r A 1832 in due form of law before me
David Cutting Jr Justice of Peace
I the subscribing authority hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Niny Smith and Israel Smith Esq rs and that they are both men of good character and men who may safely be relied on for truth and veracity
David Cutting Jr Justice of Peace
State of Vermont
I Robert Peapoint, Clerk of Rutland County Court do certify, that David Cutting Jr. before whom the above affidavit was taken, is a Justice of Peace for said County, duly commissioned - and that the above is his signature.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand & Affix the Seal of said Court this 20. Sep. 1832 R Peapoint