Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 21942, for George Peck, Rhode Island

SERVICE
R. d.
Peck, George Phebe
NUMBER
Nr. 21942.
CONTENTS

426 Maine
George Peck of Lubec in the State of Maine who was a Capt of a Co in the _____ commands Captain _____ of the Regt commands _____ in the R Island for 18 months Captain 4 mo. Lieut Col Dead / Oct 1833 / or Spring of 1834
scribed on the Roll of Maine the rate of 4.60 Dollars _____ Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of Aug 1833 _____ and det d J R Chadbourne Present
Arrears to the 4th of Mar '33 $920. Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sep '33 230. $1150.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by J. G. Cromwell Clerk Book E Vol. 1 Page 43.

1889 June 13 B 2 Chadourne - history Prior
No. 5463
Rhode Island. - P. of Phebe Peck, Rec d widow of George Peck, who died on the of Providence in the State of Rhode Island who was a _____ in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ in the line for Captain and Lieut. Colonel in the Revolution.
Inscribed on the Roll of Providence at the rate of 460 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1834, and end on the 21 st May 1838.-
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 th day of March 1862 and sent to H. H. Addison Present
Arrears to the 4 th of Semiannual allowances ending
Payable to Nancy Arnold - & Sally Joslin - only surviving Children.
Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 2 nd
Recorded by W. Olapen Clerk Book H Vol. 1 Page 39

Power - being y Phebe Peck, Providence R.I.
No papers on file -
J. V. G. Quinn

Know all men by these Presents, That we Amy Arnold and Sally Joslin , residing in Providence County, Rhode Island only surviving children and heirs at law of Phebe Peck  deceased late of Providence County and State of Rhode Island, and widow of Colonel George Peck deceased who was a Colonel in the Revolution and a pensioner of the United States under act of Congress of 7th June 1832, at the rate of $460. per annum do hereby nominate constitute and appoint D. J. N. Berangs our true and lawful attorney for us and in our names to prosecute against the government of the United States under acts of Congress passed 7th June 1832,
or under any other act or acts of the said Congress the claim due us as the lawful heirs of the aforesaid Phebe Peck, on account of the Military Services of her husband George Peck aforesaid, And when an amount or amounts are found due then our said Attorney is hereby fully authorised to demand and receive the Certificate of Pension in satisfaction for the same, payable at the Agency in Washington City or wherever else he may think proper, from the Government of the United States or any department thereof or proper accounting Officer of the same, and to sign seal and deliver any instrument or instruments in writing in order thereto which he may think right and proper, hereby ratifying and confirming all which our said Attorney may

do by virtue of these Presents,
Witness our hands and seals at Providence County this 21st, day of February 1852.
Sally J. Joslin Amy H. Arnold mark
In presence of,
1. S. Alexander & W. Ramsay 2 William Fairbanks & W. Ramsay,
On this 21 st Feby 1852. personally appeared before me Sally Joslin known to me to be the identical person, who executed and is described in the foregoing Power of Attorney and acknowledged the signing sealing and delivering thereof to be her own voluntary Act and deed.
Peace Fenner Brown Justice of the
On this 23 February 1852. Before me personally appeared Amy Arnold known to me to be the identical person described in and who executed the foregoing Power of Attorney and acknowledged the signing sealing and delivering the same to be her own Voluntary Act and deed.
William Fairbanks Justice of the Peace

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations, Providence fr.
I Levi Salisbury, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, within & for said County of Providence being a Court of Record, do hereby certify that Messrs Brown Esq & William Fairbank Esq. are Justices of the Peace, that said Brown in & for the said Town of Cum- berland, and the said Fairbank in & for the
Town of Cranston, both in said County, before whom the foregoing Power of Attorney were acknowledged; that by law they are authorized to administer oaths and take depositions, and that their signatures thereto are genuine
Heirs, Phebe Rock, Providence Co. R.I.
In Testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court, at the City of Providence this 24 th day of February A.D. 1852.
Levi Salisbury

I hereby certify that George Suck of Cumberland, son of Daniel Suck deceased, and Abie Whipple of Smithfield daughter of Stephen Whipple are lawfully joined together in Marriage in Smithfield the Twelfth day of April One Thousand seven hundred and twenty — By me Nathaniel back Pastor.
Recorded June the fifth one thousand seven hundred and twenty — Witness John Dister Town Clerk
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations —
I Pardon Sayles Town Clerk of the Town of Cumberland county and State aforesaid, hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the record, with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows — "Twelfth day of April 1770" "Recorded June 5 th 1770"
Attest. Pardon Sayles Town Clerk
I Pardon Sayles above named, do hereby certify that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the Town, county & State aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Town, with the exception above named as witnessed by me Pardon Sayles Town Clerk

Providence p. 3, in Cumberland November Sixteenth Eighteen hundred and thirty four - Then personally appeared Gordon Sayles known to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing certIFICATE according to Law.
Before me George Harich 3rd Justice of Peace.
for 250

Mr Peak

State of Rhode Island
County of Providence
On this 13 th day of November A D 1837 personally appeared before me Benjamin Lowell Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas within & for said County. Phoebe Peck now resident in Smithfield in said County aged 84 years who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of July 4 th 1836, viz: That she intermarried with George Peck formerly of Cumberland in said County on the 1 st day of April 1770 who was an officer in the army of the revolution that her said husband served from the beginning to the end of said War. was Captain of an Independent Company called the Smithfield & Cumberland Rangers for a number of years & was then promoted to be a Colonel of a regiment in which grade he served until the end of the war - that soon after the act of June 7 1832 was passed, he, then residing in the State of Maine made an application for a

pension under said act, on account of his said services which was granted & his name placed on the Roll of Pen- sions for the State of Maine, and she refers to his said application for the amount of his services & pension to be continued to her. And the said Phebe fur- ther declares that after her marriage as aforesaid she continued to live with the said George as his wife until the Septem- ber Term of the Supreme Court of the State of Rhode Island, A.D. 1785, when on prosecution setting forth that the said George had violated the marriage covenant by gross acts of adultery said Court passed a decree dissolving the bonds of matrimony & subsisting between her & said George a copy of which is hereto annexed and the said Phebe further declares that since that pe- riod, she has remained single & unwid- owed & since the death of said George as such his widow as she never had been divorced from him for manner of aforesaid that her husband the said George never afterwards was married but remained

single until his death. And she further declares that said George did in the State of Maine in the month  year of October 1833, as records in the pension office will  she thinks, but the & since then she has remained unwid- owed, wherefore she requests that the same pension which was granted to him may be extended to her, agreeably to the provi- sion of the act of July 4, 1836 aforesaid.
Phoebe Park
Providence
In Smithfield November 13 1837 Sworn to & subscribed before me by the said Phoebe Park, and I further certify said Phoebe is from old age weak & infirm city too feeble to appear in Court
Benjamin Russell C J G Wheeler
13 Since the above was sworn to I have seen in the "American Standard" said George Park died at East Port, Maine in March 1834
B.C.

George Peck - application for Pension Sept. 27. 1832 13. 620 1. 40

State of Maine County of Washington
On this twenty seventh day of September 1832 personally appeared in open court before the Judge of the Court of Probate now sitting George Park a resident of Litchfield in said coun- ty & State aged ninety four 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 th 1832.
That he entered the service of the of the United States under the following named officers & served as herein stated. — A few days after the battle of Lexington he enlisted at Cumberland in the State of Rhode Island where he was born & then resided for twelve months as a private soldier in Capt. Elisha Waterman's Company & Col. Brown's Regiment — He was stationed on the Island of R. Island & remained there till Bris- tol, Warren & Cranston were burnt by order Commodore Dollen where ship of war laid between Fort George & the town of Newport dur- ing that time. — The object was to keep Com- Wallace's men from landing. — Genl. Babbock Lee & Mowry commanded — During this same enlistment he was employed in removing the Inhabitants of Block Island with their stock of cattle & furniture. About the time his enlistment expired this Declarant was elected by the Governor or & Council of Rhode Island to enlist a Compa- ny of volunteers, to be called the Smithfield & Cumberland Rangers — Of this Company  Company he was chosen captain, ranking by the charts in all counts, next to a colonel — His Commission is dated Sept. 30 1777 & signed Nicholas Cooke Gov

ever & Henry Ward Secretary & herewith enclosed The first service he performed as Captain was to an company General Spencer on a secret expedition to R. Island. — The expedition was not successful. He afterwards went with his company to Sarra gavett & did duty there about two months, this detachment acting as Commandant — was then relieved by other troops. —
He was under the command of Gen Sullivan all the time he was in the State of R. Island & afterwards under Arnold & Gates — This Detachment was in one of the last Boats that left the Island when Gen. Sullivan was defeated. —
On the 28th of July 1780 he was commissioned as Lieutenant Colonel and acted as such during the rest of the war. His commission is signed William Gover Governor — Henry Ward Secretary — This commission is enclosed — His services were constant & unremitted till the Peace in the performance of such duties as the safety of the state & of the country required.
He knows of no one that can testify to his Revolutionary services — I ably Mowry & Horatio G. Bales of Salem can testify to his versatility & their belief in his services as an officer of the Revolution —
Since the Peace he has lived in several places in Maine & occasionally visited his children in the Province of & at Quebec — when he was married — was born in the year 1738 has no record of his age
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 —
George Peck
Subscribed & sworn to the day & year aforesaid
John Dickinson Judge

We Iahaz Mowry & Horatio G. Babb of Litchfield hereby certify that we are well acquainted with George Peck who has sworn to & subscribed the foregoing declaration - that we believe him to be ninety four years of age - that he is respected & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution & that we concur in that opinion.
W. G. Babb
Iahaz Mowry
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
John Dickinson Judge
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion of the investigation of the matter - and after putting the interrogatories presented by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier & served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Iahaz Mowry & Horatio G. Babb, residents of Litchfield are credible persons & that their statement is entitled to credit.
John Dickinson Judge
State of Maine
County of Washington Co.
I Aaron S. Raymond Register of the Court of Probate within & for the County of Washington do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of George Peck for a pension. — — — — —
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this twenty ninth day of September A.D. 1832 —
Aaron S. Raymond. Register.

POWER OF ATTORNEY—Revolutionary Pension Claims.
Know all Men by these Presents, That We, Amey Arnold and Sally Joslin only surviving children of Mrs. Phebe Pick decd. widow of the late George Pick, decd. do D.R. Addison of Washington D.C. hereby constitute and appoint Phebe Pick decd. our true and lawful Agent and Attorney, to prosecute the Claim of the for any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or Increase of Pension, that may be due; and hereby authorize our said Agent to examine all the papers and documents in relation to said claim, on file in the Departments at Washington City, or elsewhere; to file additional evidence or arguments; and to receive the Certificate which may be issued for said Claim, which Certificate the wish made payable to ourselves at Providence R. Island to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed; and to do all things that we might or could do were we personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that the said Attorney and Agent shall lawfully do in the premises.
WITNESS my hand and Seal this 22 nd day February A. D., 1862
Amey X Arnold mark
Signed and Sealed in the presence of
Ezek H Randall Samuel B Parker (for Amey Arnold) William Weedon Jr. Eugene Clark (for Sally Joslin)
Sally X Joslin mark
STATE OF Rhode Island } ss: in Cranston COUNTY OF Providence }
On this twenty second day of February A. D. 1862 before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Amey Arnold and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be her act and deed, for the purposes therein mentioned.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand, } the day and year aforesaid.
Samuel B Parker J. Peace.
STATE OF Rhode Island } ss: in Cumberland COUNTY OF Providence }
On this twenty second day of February A.D. 1862, before me, the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Sally Joslin and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be her act and deed, for the purposes therein mentioned. Samuel B Parker J. Peace.

Claim of Act of
STATE OF COUNTY
} ss.
Be it known, That on this
day of _____ A. D., eighteen hundred and fifty _____, before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared _____ a resident of _____ in said County, and made oath according to law that he is the
BBaldwin Pioneer
who was a Revolutionary Pensioner
at the rate of _____ Dollars per annum; that _____ has been informed that the said Pension ought to be increased; that he is directly interested as a claimant in said Pension, and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as my Agent may use in prosecuting said claim.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid, before me.
J. Peace.
I, _____ Justice of the Peace, in and for said County do hereby certify that _____ who executed the foregoing paper is a respectable resident of this County, and is, I believe, directly interested in said claim as therein set forth.
J. Peace.
I, _____ Clerk of the _____ Court in the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that _____ before whom the foregoing papers were executed, was, at the date of the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly authorized by law to administer oaths; and the name thereunto subscribed, is _____ signature.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official Seal, this _____ day of _____ A. D. 185_____
Clerk.

Mrs Phoebe Peck V2951

The State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantation Providence ss
At the Superior Court of Judicature Court of Assize and General Jail de- livery begun and holden at Providence with- in and for the County of Providence on the first Monday in September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty five
Present The Hon. Peter Phillips Esqr Hon. Thomas Tillinghast Esqr Hon. Pardon Gray Esqr D. Cooke Clk.
Whereas Phebe Peck formerly Phebe Whipple daugh- ter of Stephen Whipple of Smithfield Esqr now of Cumberland in the County of Providence preferred her petition to the Court setting forth that on the 12th day of April AD 1770 she was married according to the rites & ceremonies of the Gospel to George Peck late of said Cumberland , expecting to enjoy with him the usual felicity resulting from matrimonial connections. They lived happily together a number of years until he became too intimately acquainted with one Phebe Ballou of said Cumberland who for a long time has had the character of a prostitute. After his acquaintance with her, he began to neglect his business and family and at length did not hesitate to have it publicly known that he lived with her in continued adultery. This being attended with the usual fatal consequences of a crime so destructive to society as well as of domestic happi- ness was followed with the loss of his character and the esteem of the virtuous and good. And although your petitioner from the ardent affection of a faithful wife and her tender and unexpressible solicitude as the mother of seven children she had by him did all in her power by the most kind affectionate and faithful conduct to reclaim her husband for a long time. Yet having had one child by the said

Phebe Ballou the whole expence whereof, and that not in the most moderate way be defrayed, and finding that he was likely to have another by her and that from his bad conduct his affairs had become deranged he at length came to the deter- -mination of making a full plunge at once break- -ing through his natural ties and legal engage- -ments as a friend husband and father and more than two years since privately mortgaged all his real estate to Col. Simon Potter for one thousand dollars and received the money and immediately went away with the said Phebe Ballou with whom he now lives in adultery at a place called Papama- -quoddy in the eastern part of the Massachusetts State having with them the said two children and the said Phebe having assumed the name and character of his wife &c &c and praying that the bonds of marriage between her and the said George Peck may be totally dissolved, and that such a part of his estate as such court in equity during her life may be assigned to her as this court on consideration of his circumstances and conduct shall think just and right, And due and legal citation being given for any person to appear and show cause if any they had why the prayer of the said petition should not be granted and no person appearing, It is therefore considered and the sentence of this court is that the Bonds of marriage entered into between the said parties be absolutely dissolved and that a Bill of Divorce be given accordingly, and that the allow- -ance prayed for be hereafter ascertained—
Providence R.I. Clerk's office Sup. Jud. Court Nov. 15 A.D. 1837.
I certify that the above is a true copy of the Decree of divorce as now appears of Record
Witness John S. Harris Clerk
Nov 20 37

State of Rhode Island &c Providence sc Dester Wandaell Clerk of court of Common Pleas within & for the county of Providence being a court of record do hereby certify that Benjamin Luce Esq before whom the foregoing affidavits were sworn is Chief Justice of said court; and that George Patrick Esq before whom Pardon Dayles Town Clerk was sworn is Justice of the peace of the Town of North Scituate in said county; that they are by Law duly authorized to administer oaths and take dispo- sitions and that their several qualifications
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at Providence this twenty second day of November AD 1836
Dester Wandaell
115

Phoebe Peck , widow of George act of 1836. R. V.
Washington D.C. January 31 st 1864.
Sir,
I respectfully take an appeal from the decision of the Pension Office in the above mentioned case. It appears Mrs Peck procured a divorce from her husband on account of adultery on his part , and that consequently she has been denied a pension as not being his widow.
Very Respectfully Yours,
J. M. Shayen,
Hon. A. N. H. Street Sec. of Interior

War Department  Revolutionary Claims
I certify that in conformity with the Law of "The United States of the 7 June, 1832 George "Beck of the State of Maine who was an "Captain and Lieutenant Colonel in the "Revolutionary Army is entitled to receive "Four hundred and sixty dollars per an "num, during his natural life commencing on the fourth of March, 1831 and paya- ble semi-annually on the 4 th of March and "4 th September in case he has
Given at the War Office of the United States this 30 th day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty three (Signed) L. L. Ladd Secretary of War
Examiners and Commissioners "G. W. Smith
No 18426
Acting Commissioner of Pensions
I Whalen McChesney of Eastport in the County of Washington State of Maine, Coun- cilor at Law do hereby certify that the foregoing is a copy of a pension certificate now in my possession which was issued in favor of George Beck. I procured it in Washington and it has been in my possession from the day of its date. I knew George Beck well. I was a power of attorney for him which he subscribed on the fourth of March 1834. In a few days after which time he died in Eastport. I was at his

General -
Michael Brown
From this second day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven
Before me
J. S. Rawson Justice of the Peace

I, Sabar Morry of Lubec in the County of Washington and State of Maine on Oath do testify and say that I became acquainted with Col. George Peck in the Year 1796, he then resided on the Island of Campobello in the Province of New Brunswick from that time till he died which was in the Spring of 1834 I frequently see him as he resided within a few miles of me and five or six Years of that time he lived in my Family at Lubec aforesaid, I was well acquainted with his Wife Family, in Smithfield as well as with his Children in Smithfield and Cumberland in the State of Rhode Island; and have frequent- ly heard him speak of them, at one time he made arrangements with me to have his Wife remove from Cumberland to Campobello (as above) and live with him - but she continued to live in Rhode Island Col. Peck informed me (I think in 1833) that he was about applying to the Government of the United States for a Pension for his Services during the American Revolution. and soon afterwards I was at his House in Eastport, where he then resided say in 1833 or 1834 he informed me he had obtained a Pension. In the Spring of 1834 I recd a Letter informing me of his death inviting me to attend his Funeral at Eastport - I have seen his Pension certificate in the hands of J. R. Chadbourne Esq - of Eastport - Col. Peck was never married to any Woman except Miss Whipp Lubec December 2. 1837 Sabar Morry

Sworn to this fourth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven. before me
Joseph B. Sumner. Justice Pease

Statement by Judge Lowell

Providence Nov 22 1837
Sir
I herewith enclose the application of Mrs. Phoebe Peck widow of George Peck, to which I beg leave to call your attention & to request an early decision, at least so far as any legal questions may arise growing out of the divorce, should any such there be. I believe myself the law is that a divorce for adultery in the husband does not take or abridge the legal rights of the wife. Such a divorce does not operate upon her any further than to release her from her marriage covenants to him . but the husband is not released from his covenants to her . - She is still entitled to a maintenance out of his property. She is moreover entitled to her dower in all lands which were his during during coverture to which she had not relinquished her right - This has been decided by the Supreme Court of the State of Maine

The State when Col. Peck divorced his wife (see the law reported in the 9 Vol of Greenleaf's reports page 140 Harding's wife vs Alden) the same question has also been decided in Mass. see 14 Vol of Massachusetts Reports page 219 where you will find it decided that "a wife divorced for the adultery of the husband is entitled to Dower in all the lands of which he had been seized at any time during coverture."
In the above case of Harding's wife the Court said, "divorce for the cause of adultery does not violate or impair the contract of marriage." The decree of the Court operates in such cases only upon the interest which the husband has in the wife - It is the adultery of the husband which violates & impairs the contract and the divorce is the remedy which the law gives the wife - and so intimately Chief Justice Marshall in the Dartmouth College case (reported in 4 Wheaton page 518) he says "those acts (divorce) enable some tribunal not to impair a mar-

marriage contract but to liberate one of the parties knowing it has been broken by the other" Mrs. Park therefore has never forfeited any of her rights by the divorce in question which accrued to her by the marriage contract. It follows she is now a widow to all intents & purposes under the act of July 4 th 1836. & entitled to a pension.
I am respectfully your obedt servt
Benja Lowell
J. L. Edwards Esq

I Abiel Brown of the City of Providence being now 82 years of age on oath do testify & say that I was formerly well acquainted with George Perk of Cumberland & also with Phoebe Perk his wife now his widow - said George resided in said town during the war of the Revolution & was in office. He raised a company of min- ute men & he was Captain of it I re- member that in Spencers Expedition in 1777. in October I served under him said George was afterwards promoted to be a Colonel of a regiment. After the war was over I remember he deserted his wife & went away down east into the State of Maine where he lived until he died a few years ago as I have always understood & believe. After he went away, it was said his wife got divorced - from him

Since then she has always lived a single woman & since his death she has remained unmarried. Said George when he went away went off with a woman of bad character as I have understood & lived with her until her death, but never married her. I remember said Phoebe Petti was a good friend to the soldiers during the war. I remember of often seeing soldiers at his house, in Cumberland where his wife the said Phoebe, got them victuals & drink. His house was always open for such persons during said War. Said George was a good officer & always retained a very good character until he went off in company of said Abel Brown Petersburg
In City of Petersburg Nov 16 1883

I sworn to 2 subscribed before me by the said Abiel Brown I also certify said Affiant is a credible witness.
Benjamin Russell 67 State Street

7 7 7

War Department. Pension Office. October, 31, 1832,
Sir.
The papers in support of the claim of Col. George Beck have been examined, and they are herewith returned, the evidence not being sufficient to authorize this Department to grant a Pension under the act of June 7 1832. — The claimant is mistaken in saying that he served for one year in Browns regiment. — He alleges that he entered that regiment soon after the battle of Spencington. — None of the troops enlisted in New England at that period, engaged or served for a longer term than eight months. — He should, therefore, amend his declaration on this

point. He is too indefinite in his declaration in regard to the duration of his service under his commission of Lieut. Colonel.
He states that on the 28. th July 1780, he was commissioned as Lieut. Colonel, and acted as such during the rest of the Revolutionary War. He, it is presumed, does not mean to affirm that he was during the whole of that period in actual service. The part of the time in which he was engaged in the performance of military duty, on the march, or in camp, or garrison, is the period for which alone he can legally claim a Pension. As the Pension under this Law, is a prorata allowance, it is indispensably necessary in order to a due investigation of his claim, that he should show how long he was

actually in the service in each grade.
I am, very respectfully your obedt. servt.
J. L. Edwards
Col. Chadbourne. of Maine. Present,

Capt 18mo Lt 60 - 4 -
Adm 2 4 mo Lt 60 18 mo Capt
J. R. Chitbourn

I Ariel Ballou of Cumberland in the County of Providence being now 75 years of age on oath do testify and say, that I was formerly a soldier & private in Captain George Parker's the company of minute men during the Revolutionary war, said company was an inde- pendent company & chartered by the Legislature of Rhode Island & was subject to the orders of the Governor. I joined said company in January AD 1777 & continued in it until the end of the War and I further testify that while I belonged to said company we were constantly on the alert & always ready at a moment's warning. and although I cannot distinctly remember all the times & places that we were in actual service, yet according to my best recollection, we served as follows To wit from January 1777 to December of that year we served six months at least at Providence Warren Bristol & at Tiverton in actual service. In 1778 we served six months at least at the above mentioned places & in 1779 six months more we after the British evacuated Rhode Island our duty was not so arduous but were constantly called out on all alarms & I have not the least doubt that between January 1780

and December of that year, we served four months - and I further testify that George Park was the commander of said Company during nearly all the time I belonged it. I think one Elisha Waterman commanded it a few months after January 1777. & in September of that year said Park took the command & so continued in it. - When we were not in actual service said Park was always drilling his men, so that indeed his services were as arduous as if he had been in the continental army. In 1780 said Park was appointed a Lieutenant Colonel & as such still commanded the Company and I have no hesitation in saying that from my knowledge said Park served over two years in actual service as Captain & Lieutenant Colonel of said Corps.
Ariel Ballou
Providence In Cumberland August 26 1833 -
Personally appeared before me the above named Ariel Ballou & made solemn affirmation to the truth of the above deposition by him signed and I further certify that deponent is personally well known to me & he is a very respectable citizen & credible witness & entitled to the fullest confidence.
Before me Ariel Ballou Justice of the Peace

I Jesse Brown of Cumberland in the State of Rhode Island being now in my 73 rd year of age on solemn oath do testify and say that I was formerly a soldier & private in Captain George Peck's Company of Minute men. - I joined it in the year 1777 & continued to belong to it until the end of the Revolutionary War - Said Company was first Commanded by Elisha Waterman & then by said Peck, who was Captain but had the rank of Colonel. - And I do further testify that said Company was in actual service a great part of the time during the above & three succeeding years - I cannot say what particular months in the above year but I have no hesitation that according to my best recollection that between January & December 1777. said Company was in actual service on duty six months of the time at Providence Bristol Little Compton Warren & Tiverton & other places on the shores of Narragansett Bay - & I further say that in the following year said Company was on duty in actual service as many as six months and at the same places. - and I further testify that between January 1779 & December of that year I served six months more & in 1780 I served four months

all these services were performed in said company when in actual service - and I further testify that said George Peak who now I understand lives in the State of Maine, commanded said company all the time during the above years except a few months in the fore part of the year 1777, & was in actual service with them and I further testify that when said company was not in actual service - said Peak was always drilling his men & preparing them for camp duty so that our service might be considered as it was as arduous as if we had been in the continental Army I further testify that from my knowledge I have not the least doubt, said Peak was in actual service over two years as commander of said company. He was a very active & industrious man & devoted his whole time to the Revolutionary War & service. Jesse Brown

Providence R.I. August the twenty and 26 1833
Personally appeared before me the above Jose Brown & made solemn oath to the above depo- -sition by him signed and I further certify that said Jose is well known to me and he is a credible witness in the premises.
Step. Ballou Justice of the Peace
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Providence ss.
I John S Harris Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court in & for the County of Providence in said State, do hereby certify that Alexander Ballou who has certified as a Justice of the Peace the annexed depositions of Ariel Ballou & Jose Brown was at the time of making said certificates a Justice of the Peace for said County of Providence duly & legally elected & qualified to act as such & that the signature by him affixed to said certificates, I believe to be his true & genuine signature and as such is entitled to full faith & credit.
In testimony whereof I have this 27 th day of August A.D. 1833 under my hand affixed the Seal of this Court -
John S. Harris Clerk

D. D. Addison
March 8 th 1862
Asks attention to the case of Phoebe Peck (widow of George Peck dec'd) of Rhode Island for a Revolutionary pension. and asks that it be reviewed
Respectfully referred to the Committee of Pensions for report
Distr. Int. 2 March 8. 1862
Mr. Williams

D. D. Addison
March 8 th 1862
Asks attention to the case of Phoebe Peck (widow of George Peck decd) of Rhode Island for a Revolutionary pension, and asks that it be reviewed
Respectfully referred to the Comm. of Pensions for report
(Dokr. Int. 2) March 8. 1862
W. H. Smith Clerk
Mr. Williams

Sir, Washington March 5 th 1862
In the case of Hester Beck, widow of George Beck, dec d of Rhode Island, came the Attorney, and as the case has been rejected by the Pension Office, I appeal to you.
The facts being all admitted the only question is one of the construction of Law. After living with her husband, left him she had a son Sheldon (two of whom now survive) he committed a dattery and lived with another woman, when the wife applied for a divorce which was granted her.
*As I understand the case the marital rights were only so far dissolved as to release her from living with him. Under these circumstances, is she not, by a just construction of the law, his widow and entitled to the pensions of the Pension laws.
May the hand to be, Yr. obedt. Servt.
Wm C. B. Smith Secretary of the Interior
R. D. G. Allen
*see Judge Conwell's statement filed with W. P. papers

Treasury Department Third Auditor's Office March 14. 1862.
Sir,
In reply to your enquiry of this date I have to inform you that the pension of George Peck, Maine roll, act June 7. 1832, appears to have been paid to March 4 1834.
Very Respectfully Yours Ob d Serv t A. J. Adams Auditor
Joseph N. Barrett Esq. Comm r of Pensions

Pension Office March 5 th 1852
Sir,
I have the honor herewith to transmit the papers, numbering six, relating to the case of Phoebe Peck dec'd, on which Mr. & Mrs. Thayer appeals.
It has been deemed unnecessary to inquire into the proof of her husband's service, as she sets forth and proves the fact that in 1785 she obtained an absolute divorce from him and consequently was not his widow.
Very Respectfully, Your Obedt Servt.
Comr of Pensions
Hon: Ales: H. Stuart. Secretary of the Interior.

State of Rhode Island yr. -
County of Providence -
I Sylvester G Shearman Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of said State the same being a Court of Record do hereby certify that it has been established to my satisfaction that Mrs. Phebe Beck deceased late Widow of George Beck a Protestant Minister died on the 21 st twenty first Day of May 1838 - leaving two Children viz Mary Arnold and Sally Gordin who are still living and residing in the County and State aforesaid - and that they are the only Children of said Phebe Beck now living -
In testimony of which I have hereunto set my hand this tenth Day of March 1862 -
Sylvester G Shearman Associate Justice of the Supreme Court -

The State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations, —
Providence for Clerk's Office Supreme Court Providence March 10 th 1862
I John H Gardner Clerk of said Court for said County in said State
Do hereby certify that Wm G Stryker & Sherriff is a Justice of the Supreme Court of said State duly commissioned & qualified & has acted as such & that his signature as so written purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand affixed the seal of said Court the day & year before written
John H Gardner Clerk

Sir,
House of Representatives, Washington March 8 th .
Mr D. D. Addison, has charge of a claim for pension, due the mother of the applicants, Sally Goshin & Amy Arnold, which he assures me is a very meritorious as well as hard case, hard on account of the amounts by them expended to perfect their claim under the law & which may be lost by the new law. Their former attorney deceased & thus their claim was delayed. May I ask of you an early examination of the matter as from my knowledge of the parties,

I cannot but believe they are deserving as well as entitled.
Truly yours
G. H. Browne
Hon. Caleb B. Smith Sec of Interior
* Mr. Phebe Peck R.S.

Acting Army Pensions March 14. 1862.
Reports on the appeal of D. D. Addison in the case of Peter Beck. for Revolutionary Pension.
In view of the Secretary's Com- missioned departure from the City and the decision of the parties for immediate action Mr Addison has verbally re- quested permission to with- draw his appeal and allow the case to be decided by the Pension Office - I think regard the Secretary's Mt. acceded to. Therefore the case is remanded to the Army Pension Office for further action. March 14. 1862.
Chas. B. Whitney

Pension Office, March 14. 1862.
Sir,
In obedience to your order of the 8 th inst., I have the honor to transmit herewith the papers in the case of Phelps Peck, deceased, of R. I., together with a letter from this office of March 6 th 1862, assigning the reasons for the rejection of the claim. The records and files in this office do not indicate whether any action was had by the Secretary of the Interior upon the former appeal from the decision in the case.
I have the honor to be, Very respectfully, Your Obot. Servant, Wm. Schuch Acting Commr.
Hon. Caleb B. Smith, Secretary of the Interior.

Brief in the case of Theba Peck, widow of George Peck, a Captain
Residence County and State of Rhode Island } of Lieutenant Colonel act 4 th July 1836 } in the Revolution. 2 nd Section
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
George Peck was a pensioner under the act of 7 th June 1832, at the rate of $460. per annum.
Received evidence of the marriage of the parties, in the year 1770, and of a divorce granted by the Superior Court of Providence County, R. I. in the year 1785, on the application of the wife, based on the ground of
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
adultery on the part of the husband. Neither of the parties ever married again. George Peck died in the year 1834, and his pension was paid to 4 th March 1834, as is proven by the vouchers in the 3 rd Auditor's Office. She died 21 st of May, 1838.
The Secretary of the Interior, and the Acting Commissioner of Pensions, unite in the opinion, that a divorce, obtained by the wife on the ground of adultery on the part of the husband, does not
Name and residence of Agent
Examining Clerk.
divest her of a right to a pension, as her widow for services rendered by him during service and

That, consequently, Mrs Peck ought not to be excluded from the benefits of the act of 4 th July 1836. which was designed to reward the widows of those Officers & soldiers, for their sufferings & privations, while their husbands were engaged in the revolutionary war.
Satisfactory proof of the date of the widow's death, of her continued widowhood, and of the names & number of the surviving children, is produced. Allowed, at the rate $460. per annum. to commence on the 4 th of March 1834. and to terminate on the 21 st day of May 1838. when she died. Payable to Avery Arnold, and Sally Joslin, only surviving children.
J. M. Drury.
Certificate to be sent to D. D. Addison, Esq
Ex rs Chkr
Present.

Sacopee Maine
June 4/89
Dear Charlie
Mine died in this town in 1804 or 5 So Col George Pack of the Revolutionary Army, and my Father delivered an oration over his body in the Unitarian Church - The Col was something of a hero and the Maine Historical Society are anxious to learn all they can of him. In overhauling my father's old papers I found the Col Pension Cert if which gives a starting point
The Cert if was signed by Lewis Pass Sec y of War Aug 30/1835 No Cert if / 1842
I would like to have all the information the War Department has in relation to him. Will you be kind enough to make the application for me, as you will know just how to go to work, and let me know from it as soon as you can -
Whenever your mother please can completed on to her visit here

I will be most happy to conclude, arrangements for her board. Please give my regards to your wife -
Yours truly B. L. Goodwin
Nothing from my pension -
I had the intention to tell you later - and then received it as you saw -

I had the misfortune to lose this letter, and have mended it as you see -
I wish to defer reply to envelope, arrangement for the visit. I am sure they will wish to know where - Yours truly J. L. Anderson Notting Hill, W. London -

Mar. 25-1902 E.E. Shedd Eastport Me
Rev
WIDOW, &c.
Am
File No. 21942
Phoebe Peck
Wid of George Peck Capt Rev wa
Act: July 4 th /36
Index:—Vol. M , Page 124
[Arrangement of 1870.]

21, 942
Geo. Peak
Sept. 27 1832 - 94 / Nov 1738
Lubec Maine
75 Cumberland R.I.
Capt. Elisha Waterman
Col Brown
Port - 12 m.
Sept 30, 77
Capt of Cumbd. Rangers
was in Gen. Spencer's expedition - term not stated
July 28-80,
St. Col till close of war
Ariel Ballou R.I. "
Jesse Brown " "
Ariel Brown " "
Wis apt. Nov. 13 1837
Smithfield R.I. - 54
mar Phoebe Whipple
Apt. 12, 1770, Prov. G. Rd.
Died Oct. 1833.
Shedien May 21, 1838.

Army Arnold, William Sally Jordan O. W. and N. Div.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Sts  Capt & St. Cols Conn on file , 189...
Respectfully returned. The data furnished does not identify claim.
Please return..... with this slip.
————— ♦ ♦ ♦ ————— MEMORANDUM.
Claim No. .....
Certificate No. .....
Name of claimant, .....
Name of soldier, .....
Service, ..... (Company, regiment, and State.)
Additional service, ..... ..... .....
If unable to furnish service, give names of officers of company. ..... .....
J. P. Lockhorn Commissioner.

Phebe Peck St. Island
Rejected
see let Non J. L.
Tillinghast Recd.
27. 1831 - do. 6
Hon. W. K. Bond Prob.
28. 1838
6
act July 4. 1836

Phoebe Peck.
Widow of George.
Providence County. Rhode Island
Act 4 th July 1836. 2 nd Section.
Allowed, at the rate of $260. per ann. as the widow of a Captain and Colonel in the revolution to commence on the 4 th March 1834 and to terminate on the 21 st of May 1838, when she died. Payable to Nancy Arnold & Sally Joslin, only surviving children.
Certificate to
D.D. Addison Esq.
Present.

By his Excellency William Greene Esquire, Governor, Captain-General, and Commander in Chief, of and over the State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations.
TO George Peck Esq; GREETING.
Y OU the said George Peck being elected and chosen to the Place and Office of Colonel Lieutenant Col. Commandant of the 2 d Regim t in the County of Providence in the State aforesaid, are hereby, in the Name of the Governor and Company of the said State, authorized, empowered, and constituted, to exercise the Office of Colonel and Captain of and over the Regiment aforesaid: And to lead, guide and conduct the same, or any Part thereof, in any Expedition, or any Part thereof, as aforesaid. Plantation, you are to alarm and gather together the Regiment under your you shall deem sufficient, and therewith, to the utmost of your Skill and Ability, you are to resist, expel, kill, and destroy the same, in order to preserve the Interest of the good People in these Parts. You are also to follow such Instructions, Directions and Orders, as shall from Time to Time be further given forth either by the General Assembly, the Governor and General Council, or other your superior Officers. And for your so doing, this Commission shall be your sufficient Warrant and Discharge.
GIVEN under my Hand and Seal of the said State, the Twenty eighth Day of July in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty in the Fifth Year of Independence.
By his Excellency's Command, Henry Ward
W. Greene

By the Honorable NICHOLAS COOKE , Esquire, Governor, Captain-General, and Com- mander in Chief, of and over the State of Rhode- Island and Providence Plantations.
To George Peck Gentleman. GREETING.
Whereas the said George Peck ————— being chosen and appointed Captain of the Third Company in the Regiment formed out of Independent Compa- nies in the State aforesaid ————— and duly approved of, are hereby, in the Name of the GOVERNOR and COMPANY of the said State, authorized, empowered, and commissioned, to have, take and exercise, the Office of Captain of the Company aforesaid, and to command, guide and conduct the same, or any Part thereof: And in Case of an Invasion, or Assault of a common Enemy, to molest or disturb this Plantation, you are to alarm and gather together the Company under your Command, or any Part thereof you shall deem sufficient, and with them, to the utmost of your Skill and Ability, you are to resist, expel, kill, and destroy the same, in order to pre- serve the Interest of the good People in these Parts. You are also to follow such further Instruc- tions, Directions and Orders, as shall from Time to Time be given forth, either by the General Assembly or the Governor and Council of this State, and other your superior Officers: And for your so doing, this Commission shall be your sufficient Warrant and Discharge.
GIVEN under my Hand, and the Seal of the said State, the Thirtieth ————— Day of September in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy-seven.
By his HONOR's Command,
Henry Ward
Nicholas Cooke