Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 4,714, for Benjamin Jones Porter, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Porter, Benjamin Jones Elizabeth L.
N. 4714
CONTENTS

papers copied for Feb. 7. 1829.
Hon. W. Marks, Senate
Notifications on file 19th June 1829, to John M'Intyre Esq. Portland
Maine
10.368
Maine
Benjamin J. Porter
of dist. Litchfield in the state of Maine who was a Surg. mate in the regiment commanded by Colonel Tupper of the Massachusetts line, for the term of 3 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of twenty Dollars per month, to commence on the 19 th of June 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 th of May 1819 and sent to Wm. Widgeon, Esq. Portland, Maine.
Arrears to 4th of March 1819 - \frac{12 \cdot 4}{30 \cdot 31} 171. 15 Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4 th Sept. 1819. 160. 00
Widow Act 1843 & 1848 $ 231. 15
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
not entered

Benja J. Porter Surgon's Mate Col. Zuippers Regt Mass Line
1781 - 3 years Dec 19 June 1818
Admitted

To the Hon. Wm. Wadsworth one of the Associate Judges of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the First Eastern Circuit of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Humbly Shews
Benjamin Jones Porter of John-
ham in the Maine District that he served as a surgeon mate in the war of the revolution for the term of three years and seven months on the continental establishment and that he is yet a resident cit- izen of the United States at Johnam aforesaid, and that by reason of your applicant's reduced circumstances in life he is in need of assistance of his country for support being now fifty four years of age.
And your applicant further represents, that in the service aforesaid he belonged in his said late capacity of a sur- geon mate to the eleventh Massachusetts regiment Col Tappan, that he entered said service on or about the tenth day of April  May 1780, that in the winter of 1781 on the consolid- ation of the Massachusetts line he was attached to the tenth Massachusetts regiment Col. Tappan, and in the autumn of 1782 on the further reduction of the Massachusetts line he was attached to the fourth Massachusetts regiment Col. Henry Jackson and that in the winter of 1783-4  spring of 1783 he was ho- norably discharged from the service. Your applicant further represents that he has lost his commission by misfortune having suffered a shipwreck where his commission was lost in the vessel. And he offers the testimony herewith commu- nicated as the best evidence in his power to obtain.
Wherefore as your applicant verily believes that he comes under the provisions of the act entitled "An act to pro- vide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service

of the United States during the revolutionary war" he further was known to institute an inquiry into the circum- stances of his son and that such further proceedings may be had thereon as are prescribed by law in order that your applicant may be placed in the pension list of the United States.
Dated at Portland 19 th June 1812.
Benj. J. Porter
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
MAINE DISTRICT, ss.
BE IT KNOWN, that on the 19 th day of April June one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, personally came before me, WILLIAM WIDGERY, one of the Associate Judges of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the first Eastern Circuit of the Common- wealth of Massachusetts, resident at Portland, within the County of Cum- berland, in said Maine District—the said Court being a Court of record of said State, Benjamin J. Porter the above named appli- cant, and made oath that the several statements by him made in the foregoing application by him signed are true. And the said Benjamin J. Porter farther offered in evidence the deposition of John H. Smith, which which is hereto annexed
WHEREUPON it does appear to the satisfaction of me the said Judge, that the said Benjamin J. Porter served in the revolutionary war as alledged in his application, against the common enemy. and that he is entitled to a pension under the act of 1812
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I the said Judge, have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the said Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the County of Cumberland, to be hereunto affixed, this 19 th day of June June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, and of the Independence of the United States the forty-second, all which is hereby certified in said cause matter.
Wm Widgery
{ Associate Judge of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the first Eastern Circuit of the Commonwealth of Mas- sachusetts.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
CUMBERLAND, ss. I the subscriber, Clerk of the Courts in said county, certify that Hon. William Widgery, is an Associate Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, as stated in the annexed Certificate, and that his signature to the same is his own proper signature.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I do hereto subscribe my name, and affix the Seal of said Court, this _____ day of A. D. 1812.
Same

Contra
I John R. Smith of Portland Maine District being now sixty five years of age testify and say that I am personally acquainted with Benjamin J. Porter who was a captain in the 13 th Massachusetts in the year 1780 at which time I have said Benjamin J. Porter  Porter was then a surgeon not in the same brigade to which I belonged and I think after in Col. Tucomb's or Col. Jackson's Regiment; that I was knowing to his being attached to the army as a surgeon not from the year 1780 till the end of the war; that I have always been acquainted with him since the end of the revolution. That it is now probably publicly notorious that he is in reduced circumstances having been unfortunate in his ways lately, and lost his whole property.
John R. Smith
Signed & sworn to before me This 27 th of June 1819. ————— { Henry D. Dyer Judge etc }

255. Benjamin J. Porter Copy Ipswich
(420 Dollars)
(10.360)
Not entitled
(Sept 1811)
420 -
[Faint handwritten text, possibly a signature or date]
[Faint vertical text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
DISTRICT OF MAINE, ss.
At a District Court of the United States begun and holden at Portland within and for the District of Maine, on the first Tuesday, being the sixth day of June and by adjournment from day to day , on the seventh day of June — in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty, before the Honorable ALBION K. PARRIS , Judge of said Court.
ON this seventh — day of June — in the year above written, personally appeared in open Court, the same having "the power of fine and imprisonment," and being a Court of Record for said Maine District, Benjamin J. Porter — aged fifty six — years, resident in Sopsham — in said District, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows, viz. as a Surgeon's Mate  in the company commanded by Capt. in the Regiment commanded by Colonel's Supper & Jackson in the line of the State of Massachusetts on the Continental Establishment, as is more particularly mentioned and described in his original declaration, made on the 19 th day of June — A. D. 1818, and on which said declaration his Certificate of Pension, numbered 10.368 — was granted. And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818; and that I have not since that time by gift, sale, or in any manner disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818: and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts, or debts due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed; that my occupation and ability to pursue the same, together with the number and other particulars of my family, are in fact and in truth as is particularly described on the back hereof, also subscribed by me.
Benjamin J. Porter
Sworn to and declared, on the seventh day of June A. D. 1820.
BEFORE
Albion K. Parris
U. S. District Judge for the District of Maine.

SCHEDULE of the real and personal estate, (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) belonging to me the subscriber, viz:
Real estate — none —
Personal — Two cows — one horse — an old chaise — articles of household furniture to the value of three hundred dollars —
I have no income, having been concerned in commerce and navigation, I was unfortunate during the last war and lost all my property — and there are existing debts & judgments now against me to the amount of fifty thousand dollars which can never be paid — and were it not for the liberality and beneficence of friends I could not subsist and support myself and family
Benjamin J. Porter
Sworn to
Before
Albion H. Barris
U.S. Dist. Judge
SCHEDULE of the family residing with me Benjamin J. Porter who, by occupation am a Merchant which I am not able to pursue by reason of having no capital and being in debt
NAMES. AGES. Capacity of each to contribute to their support. Wife Elizabeth L — 41 very infirm Mary — 27 also infirm — never well Benjamin J — 16 able to attend to business
Benjamin J. Porter
Sworn to
Before
Albion H. Barris
U.S. Dist. Judge

MAINE DISTRICT, ss.
I, JOHN MUSSEY, Junr. Clerk of the District Court of the United States for Maine District, do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedules thereto annexed, are truly copied from the Record of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is four hundred twenty — dollars and no more  cents .
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this seventh day of June A. D. one thousand eight hundred and twenty.
John Mussey Junr. { Clerk of the U. States District Court for Maine District.
$420 —

Reported
282,
Maine
Elizabeth L. Porter, widow of Benjamin Porter.
Mah who served in the Revolutionary war, as a sergeant mate.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 52 1/2 Dollars 7.
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 day of June 1848 and sent to
Hon. C. H. Smart Hof R
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 30 Vol. 1.

No 13575
Elizabeth L. Porter Wid of Benjamin
Me
act 7 July 1838
Maria
Rejected husband and 28 Aug 1846
Ordeal of Elizabeth L. Porter widow of Benjamin L. Porter the poet

State of Maine } County of Waldo } fs.
On this eleventh day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty seven personally appeared before the Honorable Joseph Miller, Judge of Probate within & for the County of Waldo aforesaid at a special Probate Court held at the residence of the late Doctor Benjamin Jones Porter in Camden in said County of Waldo, Elizabeth L. Porter a resident in said Camden, aged Twenty Seven years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 2, 1836 & subsequent acts; that she is the widow of Doctor Benjamin Jones Porter, who was a surgical mate in the Revolutionary War as will fully appear by reference to papers on file in the Pension Office, as he was a pensioner under the act of June 7, 1832, his certificate of pension bearing date June ninth in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty five, recorded in Book 6. Vol. 1 - page 43; she further declares that she was married to the said Benjamin Jones Porter on the eighth day of November in the year seventeen hundred and ninety one; that her husband, the aforesaid Benjamin Jones Porter died on the eighteenth day of August in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty seven,

and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed. Elizabeth L. Porter
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before me Joseph Miller Judge.
I do hereby certify that the above affiant is credible, and that from age and bodily infirmity, she is unable to attend the regular terms of the Probate Court at Beaufort. Joseph Miller Judge.

Oath I Nathaniel Chapman, Pastor of the First Congregational Society in Lander, Waldo County, and State of Maine, do, on my oath, depose & say that I have been a resident in said Lander for the period of twelve years now last past - that during that whole time I have known Doctor Benjamin Jones Porter, who was when I came to this place a resident here - have always understood she was a revolutionary pensioner - I further state that I was present at the time of his decease & saw him expire - that this decease took place on the eighteenth day of August in the year eighteen hundred & forty seven.
I further state that I have known during the whole time aforesaid Elizabeth L. Porter, now & always since my residence in this place, a resident in said Lander and the acknowledged wife of said Benjamin Jones Porter, & living with him as such.
That ever since the decease of said Benjamin she has remained a widow.
Nathl. Chapman
State of Maine } County of Waldo } ss.
On the eleventh day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & forty seven personally appeared the said Nathaniel Chapman & subscribed & made oath to the above, Before me in open probate court & I certify that the said Affiant is credible Joseph Miller Judge.

Oath I Charles R. Porter of Camden in the County of Waldo v State of Maine aged forty nine years, do on oath depose and say that I was present at the decease of the late Doctor Benjamin Jones Porter that this took place at his residence in said Camden on the eighteenth day of August in the year one thousand eight hundred & forty seven - that said Benjamin Jones Porter was a revolutionary pensioner at the time of his decease - that he left a widow Eliza beth L. Porter now resident in said Camden v who this day makes application for a pension as his the said Benjamin Jones Porter's widow that from my earliest recollections I have known the said Benjamin, & said Eliza beth as husband & wife & as my father & mother - that their former residence was in Topsham, Lincoln County v State of Maine - that said Eliza beth is still a widow.
Charles R. Porter
State of Maine } County of Waldo } ss.
October 14 th 1847
Then personally appeared the above named Charles R. Porter, who is a credible witness, and subscribes & made oath to the above in Open Probate Court
Before me
Joseph Miller, Judge.

Waldo County Jr.
State of Maine
I Charles Pillsbury Register of Probate for said County, hereby certify that Joseph Miller is Judge of Probate for said County of Waldo and that the signatures purporting to be his to the foregoing declaration & the two affidavits hereto annexed are genuine, and that the Probate Court of which said Miller is Judge is a court of records. In testimony whereof I have hereunto
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed the seal of the Probate Court this eighteenth day of October A. D. 1847 - Charles Palmer } Register of Probate for said County

STATE OF MAINE.
CUMBERLAND, ss.
CLERK'S OFFICE, JUDICIAL COURTS, }
Portland, March 29 th A. D. 1848. }
I, Chas C. Harmon CLERK of all the JUDICIAL COURTS in and for said COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND, certify that
Henry G. Storer of Scarborough is acting Justice of the Peace, within and for the County of Cumberland as appears by the paper hereto annexed; that he is
Duly qualified to act as such; that the Commission of the said Storer is dated Aug. 12 th  is dated A. D. 1846, and will expire Aug. 12 th A. D. 1853
and that the following  this is Genuine.
SIGNATURE purporting to be
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said State, the day and year first above written.
Chas C. Harmon CLERK.

This certifies that in the list of marriages entered in the records of the Second Congregational Church and Parish in Scarborough by the Rev d Benjamin Chadwick (Pastor of said Chh.) and solemnized by him, I find the marriage of Benjamin Jones Porter and Elizabeth King recorded, on the sixteenth page of said book of records, as follows, viz = "(1790) Novem r 16. Doct r Benj s Jones Porter & Elizabeth King" and I have good reason to believe & do believe that the above entry was made by the Rev. Benjamin Chadwick, and that the persons therein named were married by him at the time specified in said entry =
Scarborough, Oct 2 d 1847. Attest, Henry G. Storer. Daniel Moulton Jr. } Clerk of the Second Congregational Chh & Parish in Scarboro' —
Cumberland ss. October 2 d 1847 — Then personally appeared the above named Daniel Moulton Jr. and made oath that he is the lawful Clerk of the Second Congregational Church & Parish in Scarborough, and that to the truth of the above certificate subscribed by him. —
Henry G. Storer. Justice of the Peace.

No 37.035
Buy "Jones Porter Me
Lib. to same March 12. 1845
Let to same April 3 rd 1845
Ad June 7. 1839

M 13575 Elizabeth L Porter Mrs Id. to Hon E. H. Smart March 21 '48
act July, 1838

10 13 575
10 13 575
Elizabeth L. Porter wid of Benjamin Mr
act 7 July 1838
Referred husband died 18 August 1847
Adm act 17 June 1844
$ 521.07 due 18 August 1847
Hen E. K. Smart House of Reps

480 Maine
Elizabeth S. Porter widow of Benjamin Porter who was a Surgeon's Mate in the Revolution
Wensbane circa 18th August, 1847.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 521 Dollars 75 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March , 1847. 18 August
Certificate of Pension issued the 15th day of April, 1848, and sent to
Hon. E. H. Smart House of Reps
[Act of JUNE 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book 6
Vol. 2. Page 7

Rev War
3414
INVALID.
File No. 8714
Benj. G. Porter Surgt. N. Mass. Line
Act: Mar. 18, 1818
Index:—Vol. 88 , Page 299
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1930 Apr. 28. Photos mailed to Edw. H. Gould. See David Kellock, W. 7976. 9.00 y.
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 4714
Elizabeth L. Porter Wid. of Benjamin J. Porter Sup. Mate Rest. War
Act: Feb. 27/48
Index:—Vol. Me , Page 135-
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Revolutionary Claims.
1° 888
Under the Act entitled, "An Act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution" approved 15 May, 1828.
Benjamin J. Porter Pay Certificate of
I Certify that Benjamin Jones Porter of Litchfield in the County of Lincoln in the State of Maine — — is entitled to receive pay under the above mentioned Act as a surviving surgeon's mate — — in the Massachusetts Line of the Army of the Revolution, at the rate of forty — dollars and — — cents a month, payable during his life on the third day of March, and third day of September, in each year.
It is provided by law that the said pay shall not in any way be transferable, or liable to attachment, levy, or seizure, by any legal process whatever.
Given under my hand and the Seal of the Treasury of the United States this seventeenth day of August in the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty nine and of Independence, the fifty fourth —
D. D. Ingham
Secretary of the Treasury Eng. by Thos. Mack.
New Certificate under 1832

See list to Agt June 9. 1845
32 343
Maine
Benjamin Jones Porter, of Dopham in the State of Maine who was a First Mate in the Com d commanded by Captain _____ of the reg t commanded by _____ in the Mass d line for 16 mo 19 ds at $45. 7 " 11 " " $40.
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine, at the rate of 521 Dollars 67 1/2 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 th day of June '45 and sent to Pensioned, _____
Camden, Arrears to the 4th of _____ Waldo Co. Semi-annual allowance ending _____
Maine, $480 pr. Ann: to be deducted under act 1828 since Mar. 4. '34.
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by _____ Clerk, Book E Vol. 1 Page 43

37035 Benjamin Jones Porter
Me
Act 7 June 32
adm?
540
2 years Surgeons mate
16 mo 1904 at 45 - 373.74
7. 11. - 40. 147.33
$521.07
deduct what has been paid since 4 March 31 under act 15 May 1828
Dr Benja Jones Porter Camden Walpole Me

Camden (State of Maine) Nov 26 1845
Hon J. P. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Sir
In December 1842 I addressed a letter to the Hon. George Evans, a Senator in Congress, requesting to be informed, if by any Act of Congress, I was entitled, for my services in the Army of the Revolution to increase of pay as a Pensioner. In reply to my enquiries he transmitted me your communication to him, under date December 29 1842 in which you say, "It has been decided that an Officer shall be paid in proportion to the amount of monthly pay in specie, which he received while in the service, whether in a staff capacity or not." The facts in my case, of which I presume you have the evidence in your Department, are that on the 10 th of April 1780 I was commissioned a Surgeon's Mate in the 11 th Massachusetts Regiment of the Army of the Revolution and that I continued doing duty in that capacity, in the 11 th 10 th and 4 th Massachusetts Regiments until the close of November 1783 and that my monthly pay was sixty five dollars per Month. That on the 1 st of December 1783 I was appointed Assistant Pay Master to Mr. Paine the Pay Master Gen l to the Army, at

fifty dollars per month in which office I remained to March 1 st 1824 until the accounts of the Army were examined, balances struck and certificates issued, being four months in that department of the Army.
I have received a Pension from March 3 rd 1826 at the rate of forty dollars per month. I now solicit information, whether I am by the liberal decision of the Department, entitled to an increase of Pension, to what amount, and to amount of arrearage. I respectfully beg you to reply to my enquiries at an early period as possible, and also to give me instructions in what manner to obtain this addition of Pension, if allowable, and you will confer a great favor on an old public servant who is with high consideration
Most Respectfully your Ob t Serv t .
Benjamin Jones Porter

See request in David Kellock, W.79976.
SUBMIT IN DUPLICATE.
GS
1-681
PHONE Branch 476
42463
All inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No. _____
Requisition for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON
CHIEF, Division of Publications, Room G 139.
April 22, 192 /30.
Please furnish work specified below.
Bureau ordering Pension Deliver to Room No. 5033
(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE, EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)
Title and description of job photostatic copies of 6 pages from Revolutionary War pension claim of Benjamin Jones Porter, W.4714, Mass. Troops.
No. of copies 1 of each Shall form be kept standing? _____ days
For further information see Mrs. Finch Room No. 5033 Phone No. 541
Approved: _____
Margaret M. Finch
Chief Clerk of Bureau.
Chief of Division.
NOTE: No order made "SPECIAL" unless statement showing necessity is written below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering _____
CHECK WORK DESIRED
Duplicate
Multigraph _____ single or double space? _____ Facsimile signature? _____
Mimeograph _____ one side or both sides? _____ Facsimile signature? _____
Folding _____ once or twice?
Assembling _____ Once? _____ Twice? _____ Side? _____ End? _____
Stapling
Electric typewriter _____ Fill in addresses? _____ Dated? _____
Addressograph from lists _____
  Envelopes, size _____ _____ Cards, size _____ _____   Proof list _____ _____ Pay rolls _____ _____   Labels (submit sample) _____ _____ Corrections _____ _____   Fill in letters _____ _____ Tabulation sheets _____ _____ 
Photostat X Size actual Official use? _____ Repay? _____ yes .90 $ _____  Blue Print Size _____ Official use? _____ Repay? _____ $ _____
Remarks _____
(OVER)

NOTE: Routine changes of addresses may be made on this blank without formal reference through or initialing of chiefs of branches or chief clerks of bureaus.
.....192 . (Date)
INDICATE BY AN X IN PROPER SQUARE ACTION TO BE TAKEN.
 Make new addressograph plate  Change present addressograph plate } On list.....  Destroy present addressograph plate } 
as follows:
Now reads            1 ..... 2 ..... 3 ..... 4 ..... 5 .....
Should read        1 ..... 2 ..... 3 ..... 4 ..... 5 .....
FOR USE OF DUPLICATING AND ADDRESSING SECTION
ADDRESSOGRAPH
The above change was made ..... 192 .
Operator .....
MULTIGRAPH
Operator ..... Date ..... Type set by ..... Date .....
Remarks: .....
MIMEOGRAPH
Operator ..... Date ..... Cut by .....
Remarks: .....

Benjamin Jones Portu. Mt. act 7 June 1832 $521.27
To what time was he last paid K. L. A.
Pension Office April 10 48 S
Paid to 4 th Mar. 1847.
(P. B)

No: P. 1848 Washington City, May 18. 1848.
Sir:
Thereunto forward the declaration of Mrs Elizabeth L. Porter widow of Ben B. P. Porter late of Camden Maine, de- clared. Mrs P. has a certificate that she is entitled to Pension under the former act of Congress but wishes a certificate that she is entitled under the act of this Session.
If you issue the decla- ration according to your regula- tions, I will thank you to forward the certificate at your earliest convenience. The husband of Mrs P. was a Surgeon in the Requisition
I have the honor to be Sir, with great respect Your Obed. Servt. C. K. Sprague

Washington City April 3 d 1821
Sir:
I herewith find additional papers in the case of Mrs. Parton.
Refer you particularly to the letter of C.K. Parton.
I trust Mrs. P. who resides in my town and about whose right to a pension there is not the slightest doubt, will receive a favorable decision at your earliest convenience.
I hope that the papers filed will now be regarded as in compliance with the law and the regulations of the Pension office.
Very Respectfully Yours W. H. L. Wm. L. Edmund Clerk of Pensions C.K. Parton

Hon. Ephraim B. Smart No. 1. Washington Dist. Columbia.

Camden March 27 th 1848
Hon. Ephraim B. Smart
Dear Sir,
I thank you in the name of my mother & myself for your kind attention to her pension case. I must confess that the letter of Mr. Coans to you, which you enclosed to me, gave me no little surprise. I had forwarded to the Pension office the affidavit of Gov. King, the Brother of the claimant - That affidavit sets forth that in 1791 he was present at the marriage of Doct Benj. J. Porter & his sister Elizabeth L. King in Scarsboro' the officiating clergyman being Rev. Mr. Chadwick the settled minister of Scarsboro' - he then states they & he moved to Topsham (the place where sd Benj resided when pension was first granted him) & then after many years of partnership Doct. Porter & wife moved to Camden where he, the affiant saw them 1 or two years since - he then states Doct. Porter was a companion of a pension or irregular mate in Revolution & very lately had heard of his death - then there is the depos. of Rev. Mr. Chapman & mine to identity & discon. of Pension. I have practiced law 28 years & I do not hesitate to say such proof of marriage would be deemed of the very strongest kind in any Court of Law. There is in the conclusion of that letter of Mr. Coans a suggestion that the oath was administered by a Notary Public, who is not for general purposes an

administrator of an oath. Our Revised Statutes, pg 579 makes him so in all cases of deposition & I believe it is a rule of the Department at Washington to conform to state laws in such cases, but suppose this otherwise - William Torrey annexes the certificate not only of a Notary but also a Justice of the Peace & Justice & the Clerk of the Court, attests to the genuineness of the signature & that he was a Justice of the Peace & L. or required - Now if it is competent for a Notary to administer the oath his official seal is the evidence of his authority - if not then this would & should be regarded as surplusage, & he should be regarded as administering the oath as a Just. of the Peace & L. & then there is full proof that he was such.
These are my views, & I should not hesitate to state them before any Indiciary. So fully convinced was I of the fact that that testimony was ample, & in proper form, that I did not think it necessary to incur additional expense to the widow to procure a certificate to the authority of a Mr. Storer to administer an oath to the Clerk of the Parish of Scarborough to the truth of his certificate, which I had obtained.
I have now, however, taken the proper steps to obtain this & have requested it should be sent you from Portland.
Perhaps, however, if this should be submitted to the Department, their decision might, on further reflection, be changed, & thus further delay avoided.
Very respectfully
Your obedt Servt E. T. Porter

P.S.
I thank you for the Public Documents you sent me. I look upon it as a valuable present & shall one of these days have it bound C.N.P.

Camden Waldo County State of Maine
April 24 1845
Hon. James L. Pethards
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
In examining carefully the Pension document you sent me I perceive that inasmuch as I have a Pension certificate under the Act of Congress passed 15 May 1828 dated the 17 th of August 1829 signed by S d Ingham, Secretary of the Treasury I am by your Department, required only to address a letter to you stating the facts of my service in the Army of the Revolution and to enclose the certificate referred to.
In obedience to that requirement, I beg leave to state that on the 10 th of April 1780 I was appointed Surgeons Mate to the 11 th Regiment of the Massachusetts Line of the Army of the United States commanded by Col o Benjamin Tupper in the Brigade commanded by Brig d Gen l John Patterson and was subsequently commissioned to that office by Congress and signed by Elias Boudinot President. That when the Massachusetts Line was the following year reduced to Ten Regiments I was annexed, in the same capacity, to the 10 th Massachusetts Regiment under the same commander. That at the close of the year 1782 the Massachusetts Line was reduced to eight Regiments, when I was transferred in the same capacity to the 4 th Massachusetts Regiment commanded by Col o Henry Jackson in which Regiment I remained, performing my official duties

as Surgeons Mate until the close of November 1783 when the Army was disbanded. That when I entered the Army my pay was forty dollars per month, but subsequently was increased to forty five dollars per month. I would further state, that on removing my effects from Scarborough to Topsham, the vessel on which they were placed, was sunk in Scarborough River and my commission was then lost.
That on a former application for a Pension, I was furnished with the certificates of my services as a Surgeons Mate in the Army of the Revolu- tion, by His Excellency John Brooks Gover- nor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and His Honor David Cobb Lt. Govr. of same State and Brig. Genl. John K. Smith of Portland in this State, who each were officers in the Massachusetts Line of the Army of the Revolution, but have since deceased. Their certificates, as evidence, are doubtless on file in your Depart- ment. I now enclose the Certificate under date of the seventeenth of August in the year one Thousand eight hundred and twenty nine, signed by J. D. Ingham Secretary of the Treasury, entitling me to receive forty dollars a month during life from the

Third day of March 1826. Respectfully claiming under the Act of Congress of June 7 th 1832, pay at the rate of forty five dollars per month from the fourth day of March in the year one thousand eight hun- dred and thirty one, deducting therefrom forty dollars per month from the same time which has been my part pay under the Pension certificate now returned to the Department. I also respectfully claim a new certificate entitling me to forty five dollars a month during my life.
I am Sir with high consideration very respectfully your obedt Servt
Benjamin J. Porter
When I received the certificate from the Secretary of the Treasury, now forwarded to you I resided in Topsham - I removed to this town in Nov r 1829 and have since resided here
Benjamin J. Porter

Camden March 26 1845
Hon James L Edwards
Sir
I sincerely thank you for your letter of the 12 th instant, by which I understand that I am entitled to an increase of pay. The object of this address, is respectfully to enquire, what further evidence of my service as a Surgeons mate in the Massachusetts Line of the Army of the Revolution than already exists in your Department, where you will find the record of my services as Surgeons mate in the 11 th , 10 th and 4 th Massachusetts Regiments from April 1780 to November 1783, with the certificates of this Excellency John Brooks Governor of the State of Mass  Massachusetts and His Honor David Cobb Lt. Governor of said State and Gen l John K Smith of Portland in this State, who knew me while performing the duties of Surgeons mate in these Regiments during the period specified. I have also the Certificate under date August 17 1829, of the Hon S. D. Ingham Secretary of the Treasury of the United States that I am entitled to pay at the rate of forty Dollars per month from March 3 rd 1826 for the very services for which I now claim an increase of pay. I now, at this late period, recollect that one individual Officer of the Massachusetts line of the Army of the

Revolution now living in the state of Maine, and that Officer is Gen t Henry Sewall of Augusta, with whom I had during my service in the army and since, until distance of residence, and advanced age separated us, a personal acquaintance - whose certificate I will endeavor to obtain if absolutely necessary, which I hope will not be deemed necessary, as we both are very aged and infirm.
I presume, it will required, that I return to your Department the certificate I now hold from the Secretary of the Treasury on a before receiving a new certificate, which I beg you to direct me. I beg you to inform me, from what period I am entitled to additional pay, which I have presumed will be from the 3rd of March 1826 - You will add greatly to my obligations for your kindness, if you will forward me Blanks necessary for me to use and instructions for placing my claim in legal form.
I am Sir with the highest consideration and Respect
your O bt Serv t
Benjamin Jones Foster

Declaration of Elizabeth L. Porter in order to obtain a pension as the widow of Benj. J. Porter
Adm
Hon. C. H. Smart H of R

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of 2 d February, 1848 entitled, "An act making further provision for surviving widows and orphans of the Revolution."
State of Maine } County of Waldo } ss.
On this twelfth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty eight, personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Waldo aforesaid, Elizabeth P. Porter, a resident of Camden in the County of Waldo aforesaid in the State of Maine aforesaid, aged seventy eight years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 2 d February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Benjamin Jones Porter, who was a surgeon's mate in the army of the war of the Revolution, a part of whose service was in the Massachusetts Line, but in what regiment, your declarant does not distinctly recollect.

the statements of her said deceased husband made to her in former years; but she would state that her said husband up to the eighteenth day of August now last past for many years was the recipient of a pension from the United States Government that his pension, which was a Revolutionary pension, was five hundred and twenty one dollars & seven cents per annum - that his residence for many years prior to his decease and up to the time of his decease was in said Lewiston, and previous thereto in Topsham in the County of Lincoln - that her said husband deceas- ed on said eighteenth day of August, and that your deponent has received from the United States a pension certificate, and has drawn her pension as the widow of said Benjamin Jones Porter, or as it was stated in the certificate Benjamin Porter from the said eighteenth day of August to the fourth day of March last at the same rate per annum as her said deceased husband drew in his life time. She further declares she is still a widow. Elizabeth L. Porter
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before me, Charles R. Porter, Justice of the Peace
State of Maine } Waldo County } ss. I hereby certify, that the de- ponent, whose name is above subscribed, is personally known to me, Charles R. Porter, Justice of the Peace

State of Maine
Waldo I William H. Dorrance Clerk of the Judicial Courts in said County certify that Charles R. Porter is an acting Justice of the Peace within & for said County; that he is duly qualified to act as such; that his commission is dated November 10 th 1842 & will expire Nov. 10 th 1849 & that the within signature purporting to be his is genuine -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of our Supreme Judicial Courts this 13 th day of May A.D. 1848
Wm H Dorrance Clerk

Proof of marriage of Elizabeth L. Porter to Benjamin J. Porter

Omit. STATE OF MAINE.
LINCOLN, ss.
I, Edmund B. Bowman Clerk of all the Judicial Courts in said County, certify that William Torrey of Bath and of the County is an acting JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, in and for said County, as appears by the papers herunto annexed; that he is duly qualified to act as such; that his Commission is dated February 6 th 1845, and will expire February 5 th 1852; and that the above signature, purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said State, this seventeenth day of September
Anno Domini 1847.
Edmund B. Bowman Clerk.

Omit
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
State of Maine.
LINCOLN, ss. I, WILLIAM TORREY, NOTARY PUBLIC, by legal authority duly appointed, commissioned and sworn, and a Justice of the Peace and of the Quorum, for the County of Lincoln, residing at Bath, in said County, do hereby certify, attest and make known to all persons whom the same may concern, That On
this sixteenth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty seven. Before me personally came and appeared William King Esquire of said Bath, and made solemn oath to the truth of the annexed affidavit by him subscribed in his own proper hand writing in my presence.
TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Notarial Seal, at Bath, the
day & year above written William Torrey
Notary Public and Justice of Peace.

I, William King of Bath, State of Maine do depose and say that in the year of seventeen hundred and ninety one, the month has now escaped me - I was present in Scarborough in the then District of Maine at the marriage of Doctor Benjamin Jones Porter to my sister Elizabeth L. King - the officiating clergy- man was the Rev d Mr Chadwick the then settled minister of the Town of Scarborough - Soon after that said Benjamin J. Porter & his said Wife re- moved to Topsham in the County of Lincoln and I did so also - and we, the said Doctor Porter and myself were there in business many years - about eighteen years ago said Porter & his said Wife moved to Camden, Waldo County & State of Maine where they have lived ever since until a few days ago the decease of said Benjamin J. Porter took place - said Porter was, as I have understood, a Surgeon's Mate in the War of the Revolution and for many years has been the recipient of a pension under the United States Government - My sister the Widow of said Doctor Porter, is still alive & resides in Camden as I verily believe, as I have never been apprised of her death, and at that place saw her a year or two since
William King

Camden, Waldo County, State of Maine June 3 rd 1845
Hon James L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
Sir, I addressed a letter to you on the 24 th of May last in which I respectfully claimed additional pay for my services as Surgeon Mater in the Massachusetts line of the Army of the Revolution under the Act of Congress passed June 7 1832 entitled "An Act supplementary to An Act for the relief of the surviving officers & soldiers of the Revolution" and enclosed my former certificate signed by S D Ingham Secretary of the Treasury of the United States dated 17 th of August 1829 entitling me to pay at the rate of Forty dollars a month from the 3 rd March 1826 during my life. I endeavoured in this letter to follow the printed instructions which you did me honor to transmit to me, which says, "Whenever an officer or non commissioned officer is now in the receipt of a pension, he should make application, if entitled to the benefits of this Act, by letter merely, setting forth his rank and the regiment, corps or vessel in which he served, and his present place of residence. His pension certificate must accompany his letter".
If any other evidence of my service was necessary to substantiate my claim to the benefits of the Act of the 7 th of June 1832 I presumed they were already existing in your Department. From the great length of time since I forwarded my letter and enclosing my former certificate I have cause to apprehend a miscarriage of my letter and its enclosure. I shall feel greatly obliged if you will give me early advice on the subject of my fears as to the fate of my letter of the 24 th of May last. And also if any thing additional is required of me to substantiate my claim to additional pay, and the manner in which I can become its recipient
I am Sir, with high respect your O bt. Serv t.
Benjamin Jones Porter

May 21. 48
Elizabeth Paton widow of Benjamin J mk
1838
War Department
Pension Office
Washington
District Columbia
Revolutionary Claims

Lakewood Maine Feby 15 th 1848 To the Commissioners of Pensions Sir,
In behalf of my Mother Elizabeth L. Porter of Lakewood, Waldo County Me. widow of the late Doctor Benjamin J. Porter a revolutionary Pensioner, I enclose the declaration of the said widow, & other proof in order to the obtain- ing a certificate of Pension.
Very respectfully Your Affec C. R. Porter

1549. No. of Original payment 946 REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
7 March 1829.
Benjamin Jones Porter of Topsham in the County of Lincoln in the State of Maine has applied to the Secretary of the Treasury for the benefits of the act, entitled "An Act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the army of the Revolution," approved on the 15th of May, 1828. He states that he was as an officer on the Continental line, and served as such to the end of the war,
at which period he was a Surgeon's Mate in the — regiment of the Massachusetts line; and that he received commutation certificates for the five years full pay granted by the resolve of 22 March, 1783; and, further, that he has received as a pensioner since the 3d of March, 1826, nothing,  dollars, paid to him by the agent in the State of
The Third Auditor is requested to report how far these several statements are corroborated by the records in his office.
By order of the Secretary, T. Adkins.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
THIRD AUDITOR'S OFFICE,
9 th March 1829
does not It appears by the records in this office, that final settlement certificates have been issued for the commutation of five years full pay to Benjamin Jones Porter. I. M. in the Massachusetts line, amounting to  dollars.
It further appears that Benjamin Jones Porter is now on the pension list of the any — — — agency, and has been since the 3 rd March 1826 at the rate of  per month
The Revolutionary records in this Office, do not show that the claimant served to the end of the war -
John Hagner And

War Depart: Bounty Land Office 6 May 1829.
The records of this office do not show that Benjamin Jones Porter of the Mass a line ever received or is entitled to bounty land of the United States
Robert Taylor

Revolutionary Claims.
[ A. ]
Form of a Declaration to be made by the Officers.
For the purpose of obtaining the benefits of an act, entitled "An act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution," approved on the 15th of May, 1828, I, Benjamin Jones Porter of Topsham , in the county of Lincoln , in the State of Maine , do hereby declare that I was an officer in the Continental Line of the Army of the Revolution, and served as such* from April one thousand seven hundred & eighty to the end of the war
at which period I was a Sergeant major in the 11th 10th and 4th regiment of the Massachusetts line.
And I also declare, that I afterwards received certificates (commonly called commutation certificates) for a sum equal to the amount of five years' full pay; which sum was offered by the resolve of Congress, of the 22d of March, 1783, instead of the half pay for life, to which I was entitled under the resolve of the 21st of October, 1780.
And I do further declare, that I have received of the United States as a pensioner since the 3d day of March, 1826,† nothing
Witness my hand, this twenty fourth day of February , in the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty nine  Benj. J. Porter
Before me,‡ Nathl Green a justice of the peace in the county of Lincoln , in the State of Maine
personally appeared, this day, Thomas G Sanford and Jonathan Baker two Respectable Merchants , of the said county, who did severally make oath that Benj J Porter , by whom the foregoing declaration was subscribed, is generally reputed and believed to have been an officer in the Army of the Revolution, in manner as therein stated.
Witness my hand, this twenty fourth day of February in the year Eighteen hundred and twenty nine  Nathl Green
I, Nathaniel Coffin , Clerk of the Courts of the county of Lincoln , in the State of Maine , do hereby certify, that Nathaniel Green , before whom the foregoing affidavits were sworn, was, at the time, a which the above Justice of the Peace, and duly empowered to administer oaths.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the Court of said Court, this common Pleas for said day of County, this twenty fifth day of February A.D. 1829 - Nathl Coffin, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts for said County
* Here insert, To the end of the war, or, (as the case may be,) to the time when the arrangement of the Army provided by the resolves of Congress of the 3d and 21st of October, 1780, was carried into effect; and that I was reduced under that arrangement.
† Here insert, The sum of _____ dollars, paid to me by the agent for paying pensions in the State of _____ . If the claimant has not been a pensioner, this part of the declaration may be omitted.
‡ A Justice of the Peace, or other magistrate duly empowered to administer oaths, as the case may be.

I John Kelby Smith of Portland State of Maine, being now seventy  eighty five years of age testify and say, that I was a Captain in the 13 th Reg t of Massachusetts in the year 1780, at which time I knew said M c nicollin J. Porter, who was then a Surgeon mate in the same Brigade to which I belonged and I think either in Col l Dufresne or Col l Jacksons Reg t . That I was knowing to his being attached to the army as a Surgeon mate, from the year 1780 till the end of the war. That I have always been acquainted with him since the war of the Revolution. That it is now publicly notorious, that he is in reduced circumstances having been unfortunate in business.
Portland Feb y 25 th 1829 John Kelby Smith
Cumberland County ss.
Signed and sworn to before me, this 25 th of Feb y 1829 }
Charles B. Smith, Justice of the Peace

Washington 6 March 1829
A. Dickinson Esq.
Sir
Enclosed is a paper on which you will see the opinion of Mr Keith on the case of Doctor Potter, the evidence of his Service will be found in the Department (probably of war) Dr Potter will forward his papers in a few days, and I hope he will make his case such as will bring him within the act of last year. your Humble Servt John Chandler

Revolutionary Claims.
Under the act, entitled "An act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution," approved 15th May, 1828.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, 12 Feb 1829.
Sir :
Your letter of  on behalf of Mr B. J. Porter has been received; and I now enclose a copy of the regulations and forms, according to which claims under the abovementioned act are to be made. It seems probable, from the papers which you transmitted, that Mr Porter comes within the act.
I am, sir, very respectfully, Your obedient servant,
Richard Rush.
The Hon. John Chandler.

No. of Original payment 946
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
7 March 1829.
Benjamin Jones Porter of Topsham in the County of Lincoln in the State of Maine has applied to the Secretary of the Treasury for the benefits of the act, entitled "An Act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the army of the Revolution," approved on the 15th of May, 1828. He states that he was as an officer on the Continental line, and served as such to the end of the war,
at which period he was a Surgeon's Mate in the — regiment of the Massachusetts line; and that he received commutation certificates for the five years full pay granted by the resolve of 22 March, 1783; and, further, that he has received as a pensioner since the 3d of March, 1826, nothing  dollars, paid to him by the agent in the State of
The Third Auditor is requested to report how far these several statements are corroborated by the records in his office.
By order of the Secretary, F. H. Dickinson.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
THIRD AUDITOR'S OFFICE,
9 th March 1829
does not. It appears by the records in this office, that final settlement certificates have been issued for the commutation of five years full pay to Benjamin Jones Porter. L. Mate in the Massachusetts line, amounting to  dollars.
It further appears that Benjamin Jones Porter  not is now on the pension list of the  any — ( — — — ) agency, and has been since the 3 d March 1826 at the rate of  per month
The Revolutionary records in this Office, do not show that the claimant served to the end of the war -
John Hagner And

War Depart: Bounty Land Office 6 May 1829.
The records of this Office do not show that Benjamin Jones Porter of the Mass a line ever received or is entitled to bounty land of the United States
Robert Taylor

Revolutionary Claims.
[ A. ]
Form of a Declaration to be made by the Officers.
For the purpose of obtaining the benefits of an act, entitled "An act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution," approved on the 15th of May, 1828, I, Benjamin Jones Porter of Topsham , in the county of Lincoln , in the State of Maine , do hereby declare that I was an officer in the Continental Line of the Army of the Revolution, and served as such* from April one thousand seven hundred & eighty to the end of the war
at which period I was a Surgeon mate in the 11th 10th and 4th regiment of the Massachusetts line.
And I also declare, that I afterwards received certificates (commonly called commutation certificates) for a sum equal to the amount of five years' full pay; which sum was offered by the resolve of Congress, of the 22d of March, 1783, instead of the half pay for life, to which I was entitled under the resolve of the 21st of October, 1780.
And I do further declare, that I have received of the United States as a pensioner since the 3d day of March, 1826,† nothing
Witness my hand, this twenty fourth day of February , in the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty nine  Benj. J. Porter
Before me,‡ Nathl Green a justice of the peace in the county of Lincoln , in the State of
Maine , personally appeared, this day, Thomas G. Sanford and Jonathan Baker two Respltable Men , of the said county, who did severally make oath that Benj J Porter
by whom the foregoing declaration was subscribed, is generally reputed and believed to have been an officer in the Army of the Revolution, in manner as therein stated.
Witness my hand, this twenty fourth day of February in the year Eighteen hundred and twenty nine  Nathl Green
I, Nathaniel Coffin , Clerk of the Courts of the county of Lincoln , in the State of Maine , do hereby certify, that
Nathaniel Green , before whom the foregoing affidavits were sworn, was, at the time, a Justice of the Peace Justice of the Peace, and duly empowered to administer oaths.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the Court of said Court, this common Pleas for said day of
county, this twenty fifth day of February A.D. 1829 Nathl Coffin, Clerk of all the Inferior Courts for said County
* Here insert, To the end of the war, or, (as the case may be,) to the time when the arrangement of the Army provided by the resolves of Congress of the 3d and 21st of October, 1780, was carried into effect; and that I was reduced under that arrangement.
† Here insert, The sum of dollars, paid to me by the agent for paying pensions in the State If the claimant has not been a pensioner, this part of the declaration may be omitted.
‡ A Justice of the Peace, or other magistrate duly empowered to administer oaths, as the case may be.

Oct 1-1828
Settled at
Treasury
Cons d with
Adm rs Rec d
File # 4714
If Gen l Chandler should not have left Washington prior to the receipt of this, Mr Porter will esteem it a great favor to have it delivered to him, otherwise it may remain on file with the accompanying papers
pg. 8
City of Washington
John Chandler
The Hon ble

Topsham February 28 th 1899
Dear Sir
The late blackading snows have delayed the obtaining the certificate of the Clerk of the Judicial Courts 'till this moment. I now hasten to forward the papers to Washington and hope the Hon ble Secretary of the Treasury will find them conformable to his construction of the Act of May 15 1828. Further certificates of my service will be found in the War Department dated in 1818, signed by his late Excellency John Brooks and the Hon ble David Cobb, two Officers who were well acquainted with me and my services in the War of the revolution. These certificates accompanied my application for Army lands.
I hope you will have the kindness to urge the necessity of having me participate as early as possible of the benefit of the Act of May 15 1828, as my depressed circumstances require some aid to prevent severe suffering.
I am Dear Sir, with great respect your est. serv t Benj. J. Porter
Hon ble John Chandler