Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 24731, for Benjamin Reed, Massachusetts

SERVICE
Neass
Reed Benjamin Kouldah
NUMBER
W 24731
CONTENTS
[Blank lined area for entries]
[Blank lined area for entries]

Vermont - N o 28,128
Benjamin Reed - of Windham in the State of Vermont who was a pr. & Cpl. in the County command by Captain Thayer of the Regt. commanded by _____ in the Milia. was here for 9 mos as private, and 8 mos & 7 dys. as Corporal.
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 60 Dollars 18 - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 th day of Mar. 1834, to said Benjamin H. Hall. H o of Reps.
Arrears to the 4th of Mar. 1834 - 180.54 Semiant. allowance ending 4 th Sep. " - 30.09 $ 210.63
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by R. Burdine Clerk. Book E. Vol. 3. - Page 88.

27 983 19 Beagle Record Declaration
Return to me Asa Keeps 2 o Putney Vermont

Be it Proclamation known at Rutland in said District of Windham and County of Windham being a Court of Sessions duly convened by Presiding Hon. Peter B. Safford Judge On this twenty fourth day of July A.D. 1832—Personally appeared in open Court,
Before the said Probate Court, within and for said District now sitting— Benjamin Reed a resident of Putney in the county of Windham and State of Vermont, aged Eighty years, was, being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832—That he entered into the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
 1 That in the year 1775 he was at Farmington in the County of Hampshire and State of Massachusetts that a few days after the Lexington fight he (having before been one of the minute men) became armed and marched to Roxbury in said state of Massachusetts and there enlisted for eight months under Capt. Shayer of Williamsburg Mass and Lieut Joseph Warner of said Farmington - that he served his full term of eight months in this period - that he was employed in guarding and intrenching. That he was on guard at said Roxbury during the battle of Bunker Hill - That he has no written discharge and has no documentary evidence to prove said service that he knows of no living witness to prove said service.  2 That last of August or first of September 1776 at Cheshire in the state of Massachusetts he volunteered enlisted for three months and marched to Scituate and upon station on Mount Hope and served until the fall of three months - The British were then in possession of Crown Point - The Indians were in the habit of scalping our men but having by mistake scalped some of the British instead with but a stop to the scalping business and the Indians took some of our men alive & carried them to Crown Point. That he has no discharge in writing - That he has no documentary evidence to prove said service & knows of no living witness to prove the same.  3 That about the middle of August 1777 and within two or three days after the Bennington Battle he volunteered at said Farmington and marched to Bennington & thence to Scituate and there enlisted for three months under Captain Warner of said Bennington who had been sent at the opening of Roxbury - That he was stationed at Picket a part of the time - that he was one of the party of about five hundred that took a party of British of four or five hundred at the taking of Lake George and took all their stores. That he was stationed at Still water a part of the time of service that he was at Saratoga & present at the surrender of Gen. Burgoyne before the surrender, he was wounded slightly in the shoulder while standing in the ranks by a ball from the British - that he cannot remember the name of any other officer - that he has no written discharge that he has no documentary evidence of said service and cannot prove the same by any living witness excepting Spoke Reed of Rutland may testify to it - 
 4 That in the beginning of the year of 1776 or 1777 - he cannot say which he volunteered as a private in the Northampton Massachusetts Company and marched to Pictou in the state of New York and was stationed there about half of the winter to guard the British - that he guarded a party at the guard house while there which they were afterwards having. That he marched from Pictou into the state of New Jersey and he thinks to Newark Town but cannot positively say - That he served during the period that he was in the service of the United States under the names of any of the officers 

Read
1 That in the year 1775 he were at Farmington in the County of Hampshire and State of Massachusetts that a few days after the Lexington fight he (he was before been one of the minute men) were called and marched to Roxbury in said state of Massachusetts and there enlisted for eight months under Capt. Shayer of Williamsburg Mass and Lieut Joseph Warner of said Farmington - that he served his full term of eight months in this period - that he was employed in guarding and entrenching there in near or guard at said Roxbury during the battle of Bunker Hill - that he had no written discharge and has no documentary evidence to prove said service that he knows of no living witness to prove said service.
2 That last of August or first of September 1776 at Cheshire in the state of Massachusetts he was again enlisted for three months and marched to Sneddenacre and was stationed on Mount Hope and served until the full term of three months - The British were then in possession of Crown Point - The Indians were in the habit of scalping our men but having by mistake scalped some of the British in their place a stop to the scalping began and the Indians took some of our men alive & carried them to Crown Point. That he had no discharge in writing - That he has no documentary evidence to prove said service & knows of no living witness to prove the same.
3 That about the middle of August 1777 and within two or three days after the Bennington Battle he was stationed at said Bennington and marched to Bennington & then to Sneddenacre and there enlisted for three months under Captain Warner of said Bennington who had been Lieut at the former Roxbury - That he was stationed at Pickett a part of the time - that he was one of the party of about fifteen men that took a party of British of four or five hundred at the landing of Lake George and took all their stores that he was stationed at Still water a part of the time of service that he was at Saratoga & present at the surrender of Genl. Burgoyne before the surrender, he was wounded slightly in the shoulder while standing in the ranks by a ball from the British - that he cannot remember the name of any other officer - that he had no written discharge that he has no documentary evidence of said service and cannot prove the same by any living witness excepting Spoke Reed of Rutland may testify to it -
4 That in the beginning of the year of 1776 or 1777 - he cannot say which  after leaving home about the first of December he was enlisted as a private in the Northampton Massachusetts Company and marched to Pictou in the state of New York and was stationed there about half of the winter to guard the British - that he guarded a party at the guard house while there which they were afterwards leaving. That he marched from Pictou into the state of New Jersey and he thinks to Morristown but cannot positively say - that he served during the period of three months - that he cannot remember the name of any of the officers excepting one Sargent by the name of Badger - that he had no discharge - that no documentary evidence to prove said service and knows of no living witness to prove the same.

At a Probate Court held at Putney in said District of Westminster and County of Windham being a Court of Record now by me Peter M. Saft Judge On this twenty fourth day of July A. D. 1832—Personally appeared in open Court,
Before the said Probate Court, within and for said District now sitting— Benjamin Reed a resident of Putney in the county of Windham and State of Vermont, aged Eighty years, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832—That he entered into the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
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.
To the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, he answers, upon his said oath, as follows:
 1. That he was born in Bridge water in the state of Massachusetts in the year 1752  2. That he believes the record of his age is in the town of Bridge water & that he has no other  3. At the time he was called into service he lived in the town of Lyndon in the county of Caledonia - That he has since been in the town of Woodford, Mendon & Putney & now lives in said Putney  4. He has already answered this question  5. That he has not answered this question  6. That he has already answered this question  7. and he names as witnesses of his neighborhood Elijah Houghton & Luke Wilson both of said Putney 
Benjamin Reed
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Before Peter M. Saft — Judge
We Luke Wilson aforesaid, residing in the town of Putney in said County and Elijah Houghton of Putney in said County hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Reed who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be Eighty years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Elijah Houghton Luke Wilson
Sworn, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Before Peter M. Saft — Judge
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them, that Luke Wilson who has signed the preceding certificate, is a man, resident in the said town of Putney and that Elijah Houghton who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Putney in said county, and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit. I the undersigned Clerk of the Probate Court, within and for the District of Westminster aforesaid, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Benjamin Reed for a pension.
I the undersigned Clerk of the Probate Court, within and for the District of Westminster aforesaid, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Benjamin Reed for a pension.

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.
To the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, he answers, upon his said oath, as follows:
1. That he was born in Bridge water in the state of Massachusetts in the year 1752 2. That he believes the record of his age is in the opened Bridge water & that he has no other 3. At the time he was called into service he lived in the opened town of Lynnpton - That he has since seen the Rev. Mr. Dyer in the house of Woodford Wardleaves & Putney & he has already received their guesthouse
That happy part of the story that she has in the lady of his declaration
6. That he has already received their gazetteer 7. and he never was a member of his neighborhood Blythe's Stage born at Lake Wilson Lake of road Deering
Brinsmade
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. Before me Peter M. Taft — Judge
We Duke Warren  clergymen , residing in the town of Pittsfield in said county and Elijah Hemenway of Pittsfield in said county hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Henry Black who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be Eighty years years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. Elyah Houghton      Luke Wilson
Sworn, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Before Peter M. Taft - Judge
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them, that John Wilson who has signed the preceding certificate, is a lawyer man, resident in the said town of Pittsfield and that Elijah Houghton who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Adams in said county, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. with the true hereunto annexed certificate of the said Court  W. H. Safford Judge I do certify a "Black & Register" of the Probate Court, within and for the District of Wethersfield aforesaid, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Benjamin Reed for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this twentieth day of July
A. D. 1832.
Ana Poggi 2nd

Per m. St. 2,5-19
Sarah Reed, widow of Benjamin Reed, who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 th June 32 and who died on the 10 th January 1835 of loss of limb in the State of Vermont, who was a P. & C. in the County commanded by Captain Thayer of the R. V. commanded by [blank] in the Maple line for 17 mos 7 dys
Inscribed on the Roll of Pensioners fully at the rate of 60 Dollars 18 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 th day of April 29, and sent to P. White, Putney, Vt.
Arrears to the 4 th of March - $180.54 Semi-annual allowance ending 30.09 $210.63
{ Act July 1836
Recorded by R. Cummins Book A Vol. 2 - Pay

Mildah Rad. Sern -
2555
106
July 1936
July 8 & 35
abnd
9 mo pri
8 in 70s cope.
$60.18
No deduction
Please to make return to P. White Putney Vt

State of Vermont } On this seventh day of October 1838 personally Windham County ss) appeared, before the Court of Probate, being a court of record within the District of Westminster in the County of Windham and State of Vermont, the Widow Hulda Read, a resident of Putney in the District, County, and State aforesaid, aged 78 years, who being first duly sworn, according to Law, took on her oath made the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed July 7 th 1838 entitled, "An Act granting half pay and Pensions to certain Widows" - that she is widow of Benjamin Read, late of Putney, aforesaid, deceased, who was a Corporal and private Soldier in the Army of the Revolution, and that her said Husband, according to her best knowledge and belief, served in the Army of the Revolution, in the Massachusetts line, as follows - He first entered the service in the Spring of the year 1775 and served eight months, or nine months as a Corporal, and was dismissed about the 1 st of January 1776 under what officers he served she is unable to state - And that the said Benjamin went again into the service in the summer of 1777 and served five months and was at the taking of Burgoyne - and as she believes he served this campaign in the Company commanded by Capt. Warner - under what Colonel she cannot state - And she further declares that he served one other campaign of about three months as she verily believes, in the 1776 or 1778, which she cannot state - that he was in the army, this campaign at Fishkill and in the State of New Jersey - but under what officers he served she is unable to state. In the last campaign, she believes that he served as a private and that all his Revolutionary services, amounted to seventeen months, or more - And she further declares that her said husband was on the Pension roll of the Vermont Agency for several years, under the act passed June 1832 - And for the proof of the said services of her late husband, she would refer the Department, to his Declaration and accompanying proofs to prove his said services and she further de- clares that she was married to the said Benjamin Read on the 8 th day of December 1778 at the town of Abbingdon in Massachusetts - that her husband, the said Benjamin Read, died on the 18 th day of January 1825 - that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January 1794, viz, at the time above stated, and that she still remains the widow of the said Benjamin Read -
Hulda her Read
Sworn that according to her best mark information knowledge and belief the above declaration is true and being first subscribed the day and year first aforesaid
Before David L Putnam Judge of Probate

State of Vermont District of Westminster } I James Crawford Clerk and Registrar of the Probate Court within and for said District do hereby certify that David L Putnam is Judge of the Probate Court within and for said District That the within signature purporting to be his is his genuine signature, & that the said Court is a Court of record
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office at Putney in said District this Seventh day of October A.D 1838
James Crawford Clerk & Registrar

We Luther Read and Melita Willson both of Putney in the County of Windham and State of Vermont do severally depose and say that we were well acquainted with Benjamin Read late of Putney aforesaid deceased, and were present at his late residence, in Putney on the 10th day of January 1838 and were knowing to the said Read's departing this life on that day. And we further say that we know that his widow, Hannah Read, still remains the widow of the said Benjamin —
Luther Read Melita Willson
State of Vermont } September 6 th 1838 sworn to and subscribed in Windham County ss } due form —
Before me Phineas White, Justice of the Peace
I certify that the above named deponents are persons of undoubted truth and veracity Phineas White Justice of the Peace
State of Vermont } James Crawford Clerk & Register of District of Westminster ss }
The Probate Court within and for the District of Westminster aforesaid, hereby certify that Phineas White is a Justice of the Peace, and that the above signature purporting to be his, is his genuine signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office at Putney in said District this 7th day of October A D 1838
James Crawford Clerk & Register

M. H. Read

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Plymouth ss I John Nash Sworn Clerk of the Town of Abington in the County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby certify that by the Records of the Town of Abington now in my custody and care it appears that "Benjamin Reed of N. 5 and Huldah Pratt of Bridgewater was married December the third one thousand seven hundred and seventy eight by David Jones Esq." —
I certify that the above is a true copy of the record of said Town with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows viz
"December the 3 d 1778" —
John Nash Sworn Clerk
I John Nash above named depose and say that I hold the Office of Clerk of the Town of Abington, in the County & State aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the Records of said Town, with the exception above named.
as certified by me John Nash Clerk of sd Town Abington September 15 th 1838 —
Plymouth ss. September 17 th 1838 Sworn before me
Daniel Shayler Justice of the Peace
41

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Plymouth
Clerks Office Sep 22 1828
I Nathan Thomas Clerk of the Judicial Courts for said County of Plymouth do hereby certify that Richard Thaxter signed before whom the foregoing deposition was sworn in a matter of the Peace for said County of Plymouth duly commissioned & qualified & that his signature to the jurat of said deposition is genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the aforesaid Judicial Courts in the day & year aforesaid
Nathan Thomas

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C., Aug 16, 190...
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of _____ a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Spring 1775 8 mos. Corpl Abel Thayer John Tilton Mass.   Feb of Capt. 1776 3 mos. Col. [unclear] Col. [unclear]   Dec. 1 1776 - 1777 3 mos. Pvt Col. [unclear] Col. [unclear]   Aug. 20 1777 3 mos. Pvt Col. [unclear] Col. [unclear]  
Battles engaged in, _____ Residence of soldier at enlistment, _____ Date of application for pension, _____ Residence at date of application, _____ Age at date of application, _____
Remarks: _____ _____ _____ _____
Very respectfully,
Mr. Russell _____ _____ Omaha, Neb.
Commissioner.

  1775- 7 corral Capt. Alex Thayer 82 Springfield Bangs Corral   1775 8 00 do Col. John Fellows Reg do do Bangs Corral & Samuel Reed   1776 3 00 prison Chatham   1777 3 21 prison Col. P. Woodbridge Springfield Bangs Corral Dept. State Prison   1776-77 3 prison do   18   8 w 7 dup   3 21 

R

Boston Mass July 29, 1892 Pension Dept.
Washington D.C. Benjamin Reed a resident of Putney Vt. applied for and * received a pension in 1834, for service in the Mass. State Troops in the Battle of Bennington. I am in search of his resident town in Mass. Can you furnish me with a copy of his application for a pension or any facts regarding the case which may be on file? A reply will very much oblige - Yours Truly Geo. D. Reed 202 Chamber of Commerce Boston

U.S. POSTAL SERVICE VISION MAY 8 1897
RECEIVED MAY 10 1897
W.M. & N.Y. JUN 14 1897 HILL, H.S.

Boston Form School, May 3, 1897.
Commissioner of Pensions, Dear Sir.
Can you give me records of Benjamin Read who was in the battle of Benton and drew a Pension and I think wounded in that battle.
Yours Resp. - C. C. Littlefield.
In charge of Invalid Department. P.O. address Box 148 & Boston, Mass.

Respectfully inform to Capt A. W. Fisher Chief Clerk with the request that copies of the papers asked for in the attached letter may be sent to Miss Mary Klecha Southern Division Pension Bureau

ad war
R
OLD WAR AND NAVY OCT 17 1892 FILED
OCT 17 1892

Geo. F. Reed 202 Chamber of Commerce Boston
Boston, Aug 24, 1892
Mr Geo Washington Ball Dear Sir —
Mr Geo. W. Brown of "Archives Office" Mass State House advised me to write you for the following;
Benjamin Reed, Born May 3, 1752 Died May 9, 1835 died in Putney Vt. He served in the Battle of Bennington in the Mass State Troops. He did not  was not granted  apply for a pension until 1834 when he was in receipt of one until the following year, 1835, when he died

I wish to obtain a certified copy of the original application for pension made by him, and such information of the case as may accompany it.
I would also like a traced copy of his signature, and would like to know who if anyone received the pension after his death.
This information is to complete a private family record and not to establish any claim against the government.
Please advise me what your charge would be and I will advise you whether to proceed or not. Yours truly Levi S. Reed

O. W. & N. Div.
Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Washington, D. C. May 27, 1897.
Respectfully returned to the writer, who is requested to furnish, for purposes of identification, as much as possible of the information called for below.
H. Lochren Commissioner
Full name of soldier:
Benjamin Read
Place of residence before service:
(Town, county, and State, if possible.)
* Probably Woburn Mass.
Place of residence after service:
(Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Date of death (as near as possible): Born May 3, 1752 D 1801 (Genealogy) Our own record gives it as 1831.
Christian name of widow:
Huldah Pratt and Betsey Read
Did either he or his widow receive a pension?
He received a pension.
Remarks:
War in battle of Bennington * A part of Woburn Middlesex Co. that is now Burlington Mass.
Your name and address:
Chas. E. Littlefield Thompson Island Boston Harbor Mass. (Box 1484 Boston Mass.)
2338b2m
L. W. B.

Omaha Aug. 8 - 1907 4820 California St.
To the Commissioner of Pensions Dear Sir:
Will you kindly send me a copy of the Pension papers of Benjamin Reed.
Application was made on July 24 - 1882
Huldah Pratt Reed, his wife, applied for & received a pension. And oblige
Mrs Pressly J. Barr

9. Recd. acc F.J. Sold as her pensid v SWB story to field - Mass Mrs. Presley
24-731  WIDOW, &c.
File No. 24731  Hulda Reed  Widow of  Benjamin Reed  Carl Mass. Liv.  Act July 7th 1888  Index: Vol 2 , Page 150
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1893 - Jan. 1 Hist. George F. Boston, M.
1896 March 2 pensid miss So doo.
Mar 25 '96 Sold to Lyman E. Wood Omaha, Nebr.
June 24. 1897 - He Mr. Chas. E. Little Bot-1486. Boston
1907 Aug. 16 History to Bur. P.L. etc.
1913 Aug. 7 First to Geo. J. Stone Letter at N.F. 11112 Isaac Reed

Dead letter.
Dead letter
J. G. Edwards Commrs of pension
Mr Jeremiah Pister Pittsfield Albany county N York

War Department Pension Office September 8 th 1835
Sir
Upon a re-examination of your papers it appears that a part of your present allowance is founded upon service in Captain Woodberry's Militia company of Artillery which is set forth in a general allegation of having enlisted in April 1819 and served to the conclusion of the war. The organiza- tion of Hingham (3 d Militia) Battalion of which Woodberry's company was a component part was not directed by law until June 1819 and Isaac Woodberry appointed Captain Lieutenant of the Artillery company in June 1820. It was moreover a part of the Militia and could not have been engaged continuously in the field or garrison for that length of time, and the regu- lations require that each term of actual service should be fully set forth. It is required that you make a deposition in which an account of each term in that company

shall be paid Dishes and also state the time in allied regiments
Yours Respectfully Vern O'Leary J. L. Edwards
M. Jeremiah Potter Pittsfield Otsego County N.Y.

Oct 31. File into Hulda Read's paper.
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commr. of Pensions Pension Office.

February 21 A.D. 26 th 1850
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commr. of Pensions
Sir.
Early in this month I had the honour of transmitting, to your Department the application of Mrs. Hannah Hunt, the widow of Benjamin Hunt a Revolutionary Soldier, and Pensioner, for a Pension, agreeably to the Provision of the Act of March 3, 1849 - I did not then know that it was necessary, in conformity with the Rules of the Depart- ment; for me acting as her agent; to address a letter to the Department as such - I would therefore, now respectfully solicit your attention to her case so far as practicable in conformity with the Rules of the Department - and that the Report in her case be made to me -
Yours Respectfully & Sincerely
J. White Agent for the Widow

P. 6 g 4/11
Asa Neyes Esq.
Brattleboro
Vt
Seventy Esq.
Brattleboro

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Feb y 15 1834.
* hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Benjamin "Read," as Corporal, is borne on a Minute Roll of Capt. Abel Thayer's Company, where he is allowed "from the 21 st to the 27 th of April 1775, both days inclusive" seven days. — m d - 7 Benjamin "Read's" name, as a Corporal, is borne on a Muster Roll of Capt. Abel Thayer's Company, in Col. John Fellows' Regt. where he is allowed from April 28 th to the 1 st of August, 1775, for services and travel. Three Months and eleven days. — 3=11 Benjamin Reed's name, as a private, is borne on a Pay Roll of Capt. Joseph Warner's Company, in Col. Ruggles Woodbridge's 3=18

Amount brought Over m d Regt. where he is allowed from August 17 th 3-18 to November 29 th 1777. for services and travel three months and twenty one days. ————— 3-21
Benjamin Reed claims for further services 7-09 under Capt. Thayer, in 1775; — But the roll, after the 1 st of August in '75, is not found in this Office.
Edward D. Bangs Esq

File with Q10 Mid 2473!
AUG 11 1892
Handwritten signature or mark
DUNK REPD & SON

D. K. REED & SON,
COMMISSION AND BROKERS,
GRAIN, FLOUR AND PRODUCE,
202 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
Boston,
Aug. 9/92
LONG-DISTANCE TELEPHONE, 2240.
Pension Commissioner, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:-- I have written you twice within the last two months for information which I will repeat below; but have received no response from you whatever. If the information cannot be furnished, I would like to know it. If it can be furnished, I would like to receive it. I will state that the facts I desire are not to be used to institute any claim against the Government, but are simply to complete a family record for private use, and are somewhat important to that end. What I ask to know, is as follows:
Can you furnish me a copy of the application for pension which was made and granted to Benjamin Reed of Putney, Vt. in 1834 for service in the battle of Bennington in the Revolutionary War? This man served in the Massachusetts State Troops, and was granted a pension of some $60 per year, which he drew for one year only, he dying in 1835. This information will help to fix his birthplace, which is an important link in the facts we are now gathering.
Will you kindly give this your attention. A reply, will greatly oblige Yours very truly,
Geo. H. Reed.

R
RECEIVED JUN 9 1892

Boston June 18, 1892
Pension Commissioner Washington D.C.
Kindly inform me if there is a record in your office of the Bennington Vt. pensioners and is there among them the name of Benjamin Reed of Dummerston or Putney Vt. who served in the Battle of Bennington in the Revolution. I desire this information in order to complete a family record. Any information will oblige, Yours truly, Geo. F. Reed

Benja Reed
22 7 33 65 30 18
9 m th privates 8 m th 7 day corporal
$60.18
Hon A Hall RR Atkins P. Palmer Vt
your obedient servant,
JAMES L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjunct notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Benja Read
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.              
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

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

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposes and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Massachusetts

Testimony in case of Benj Read
James Wm. Volek Esq.
3

The appearance of Samuel Reed of Wendell in the County of Franklin and State of Mass character aged seventy one years to the best of his knowledge says that in the month of August 1777 he was at Lexington in the State of Massachusetts, and a few days after the Battle of Lexington, Benjamin Reed then of New Lexington and now of Paton, Vermont, volun- teered and enlisted under Captain Warren of New Lexington, in the service of the United States and his destination as the day and under stood was Concord, Mass, there about the middle of said August the said Benjamin Reed soon had that the said Benjamin Reed was in the service hereabouts a few months and returned that the Deponent was at New Lexing- ton when said Reed Benjamin returned remained slightly in the shoulders he said -
That he was well knowing that the said Benjamin Reed, in the year 1775 and immediately after the Lexington fight went out in the eight months service that this Deponent lived at New Lexington when said Benjamin went into service when he returned and recalls that he returned late in the fall or beginning of Winter and always understood & clearly believes that said Benjamin served this period light infantry some time
State of Vermont Methuen County ss 3 sworn & subscribed this Eleventh day of August A.D. 1832 -
I certify that, from credible information, I believe that Samuel Reed who has subscribed and sworn to the above affidavit is a man of truth and veracity in whom testimony my faith and credit may be placed O Dear Col. J. P. Foster
James Elliot, Clerk.

as a representative of William and Mary understood & clearly believe that when Prigioner served this period light counts
Samuel Reed
State of Vermont,
Windham County ss 3. Sworn & subscribed this Eleventh day of August AD 1832 -
I certify that, from credible information, I believe that Samuel Reed who has subscribed and sworn to the above affidavit is a man of truth and veracity, in whom true my full faith and credit may be placed
Asa Phelps & Justin Root
The appearance of Isacher Reed of Rutland in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont aged Seventy three years, who testified and says that about the twentieth day of August 1777 he, with Benjamin Reed Dutiny in the County of Windham and State of Vermont entered the service of the United States in the Revolutionary War at Cunningham in the County of Hampshire then a part of Massachusetts and left Werners & Col Woodbridge and marched to Bennington & Brattleboro near with him at Bennington at the taking of the Redoubt and Lake George, that he and said Benjamin Reed were present in actual service at the surrender of Burgoyne that the said Benjamin Reed served in this campaign three full months and was honorably dismissed. and further I say not
Dutiny June 19, 1833 - Isacher Reed
State of Vermont,
Windham County ss 3. Dutiny June 19, 1833
Then personally appeared the above named Isacher Reed, known to me to be a credible witness and made solemn oath that the above report by him subscribed contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth
Asa Phelps Justin Root
I George Putnam a clergyman residing in the Town of Putney in the County of Wind- ham and State of Vermont hereby certify

as the taking of the boundary and Lake George, that he and said Benjamin Reed was present in actual service at the surrender of Burgoyne that the said Benjamin Reed served in this campaign three full months and was honorably dismissed and further I say not.  Dated June 19 th 1833 - Isaac Reed
State of Vermont } Windham County } Dated June 19 th 1833  Then Personally appeared the above named Isaac Reed known to me as a credible witness and made solemn oath that the above deposition by him subscribed contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth.  Before me Asa Hayes Justice of the peace
I George Putnam a clergyman residing in the town of Putney in the County of Windham and State of Vermont, hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Benjamin Reed of said Putney who on the 24 th day of July 1832 made his declaration before the Probate Court for the district of Westminster in order to obtain a pension that I believe him to be a man of truth that he is respected and beloved in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that I concur in that opinion.  George Putnam
State of Vermont } Windham County } Subscribed and sworn this tenth day of July A.D. 1833  Before me Asa Hayes Justice of the peace and I do certify that the above George Putnam is a respectable clergyman of said Putney in good standing entitled to full Grace.  Asa Hayes Justice of the peace
State of Vermont Windham County Court Clerk's Office New Haven, July 11. A.D. 1833.  I certify that Asa Hayes Justice of the peace is one of the Justices of the Peace within and for the County of Windham aforesaid, and that the foregoing and his signature. Witness my hand

I George Putnam Clergyman residing in the Town of Putney in the County of Windham and State of Vermont, hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Benjamin Read of said Putney who on the 24th day of July 1832 made his declaration before the Probate Court for the district of Westminster in order to obtain a pension that I believe him to be say that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that I concur in that opinion.
George Putnam
State of Vermont } Windham County } Subscribed and sworn this tenth day of July A.D. 1833 Before me (Isaiah D. Justin of the peace) & I do certify that the above George Putnam is a respectable Clergyman of said Putney in good standing & entitled to full Grace (Isaiah D. Justin of the peace)
State of Vermont Windham County Court Clerk's Office New Haven, July 11. A.D. 1833. I certify that Asa Keyes Esquire, is one of the Justices of the Peace within and for the County of Windham aforesaid, and that the preceding are his signatures. Witness my hand and the Seal of said Court.
James Elliot, Clerk.