Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R 7719, for Isaac Norton, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
binnu
Norton, Isaac
R 7719
CONTENTS

State of New York
Herkimer County ss
Charity Overton being duly sworn upon oath and saith that she is well acquainted with Isaac Norton of the Town of Herkton in the County of Oneida and that the said Isaac Norton did reside a part of the time during the Revolutionary War, in the Town of Old Guilford in the State of Connecticut, and that this deponent near the close of the said war was about sixteen years of age and did reside about one year and ten months in Old Guilford in the family to which the said Isaac Norton belonged & that during the time this deponent resided in said family the said Isaac was absent the most part of the time, and this deponent further saith that at the time she resided in said family it was talked by them and other persons that the said Isaac was at Lutz Island some little distance from Old Guilford and also heard talked at different times that the British or enemy came to Lutz Island and burnt some of the valuable buildings and that the Americans fought the enemy and that two of our men were killed, and this deponent saith that she understood at that time that there was a guard kept of soldiers kept at Lutz Island the most part of the time during the Revolutionary War and that the guards came to the State of New York and that it was commonly talked and said by the said Isaac that the said Isaac Norton served as a soldier in said guard two seasons and further saith not  Subscribed and sworn to the 21 st day of January 1834 before me Edmund Farney Justice
Charity Overton Marked
This may certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Charity Overton & consider her to be a woman of truth and her testimony to be dependable upon and that she has a crippled hand & cannot write her name dated at Russia Herkimer County January the 21 st - 1834 Edmund Farney Justice

Herkimer County Clerk's Office 355
I Julius C. Nelson Clerk of the said County do Certify, that Edmund Varney Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavit purports to have been Sworn, was on the day it bears date a justice of the peace in and for said County duly authorized by law to act as such justice —
And that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said justice and sincerely believe his name Subscribed to the said Affidavit & Certificate to be his proper hand writing and Signature
In Testimony whereof I have here unto Set my hand and Seal of Office this 5th day of February 1834
Julius C. Nelson Clerk

29783 In the matter of the application of Hannah Carlton for a pension under the Act of Congress passed March 7, 1832 —
Declaration & proofs
Submitted by J. Mason M c Hugh 18. Feb.
msf 2

State of New York Suffolk County
John Norton of the said County being Daily known says that for some forty years he has been acquainted with Isaac Norton of the Town of Greenport in the County of Suffolk in the State of New York and was the eldest son of Nathaniel Norton and was a native of Brookhaven in the said County of Suffolk on Long Island and by the family record the said Isaac Norton was born in July 1764 and lived in said Town of Brookhaven until the Spring of 1780 when he left the said Island for Old Guilford in the State of Connecticut and at the close of the revolution and near the said Isaac Norton returned home to his native place and this deponent further says that after the return of the said Isaac Norton at the close of the revolution he was and at different times since his return does recall of hearing the said Isaac Norton tell how he lived in the revolution war as a soldier and says here the said Isaac says he served as a soldier two years at a place called Liberty Island near Long Island Sound about three miles easterly from Old Guilford in Connecticut and that the British or enemy on Long Island began to be there and landed a little distance from the block house at which he was and found three valuable barrels and the second together with the men in the neighborhood had to be found skulking with the enemy and two of our men were killed and several of the green wounded and this deponent further says that he does also recollect of hearing the said Isaac Norton say that the surrounding country of the British were very troublesome around the Connecticut Shore on Long Island Sound and that the green deponent Sergeant Nevill commanded the post and

To which he belonged had frequently to return and assist the neighboring inhabitants in driving the plundering parties and to drive back the rest of the army of the enemy and this division has also been the Lord's own and being the understood and believed the Lord's own soldiers were raised and kept up through the revolutionary war at the expense and by the authority of the State of Connecticut and further this division hath not disbanded and remain John Boston this 28th January 1834 David Becker (Rust in Reel)
State of New York Suffolk County (Office of the Clerk of the Court of Sessions) We hereby certify that David Becker appeared before us the undersigned official and that the same was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County duly qualified and duly authorized to take the same and further that same well acquainted with his handwriting and well knew his name subscribed to the same to be his free act and signature Witness my hand and seal of said County this twenty fourth day of January in the Year 1834 T. Burchard Clerk

State of New York County of Oneida ss. On this 10 th day of February in the Year one thousand eight hundred and thirty four personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Oneida the same being a Court of Record having by me Sam a sealed Clerk now sitting Isaac Carlton a resident of the Town of Frankton in the said County of Oneida & State aged sixty nine years and upwards, who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832 - That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated:
The said Isaac Carlton saith that in the first part of the Revolutionary war he resided at Brookhaven in the County of Suffolk on Long Island and that in the Year 1780 he removed to Old Guilford in the State of Connecticut and this deponent further saith that in the Spring of 1781 there was a call for men to make up the Complement of men that was raised to fill up the Guards stationed at a place called Sets Island about three miles westerly from Old Guilford aforesaid on Long Island whereat this deponent enlisted as a volunteer at Old Guilford aforesaid sometime in the Spring but he does not remember the month of 1781 under Capt. Isaac Fowler in the State Service to serve in said Guards at Sets Island for six months and this deponent was stationed at the Block- house at Sets Island with the Guards under the command of a non Commissioned Officer and according to the best recollection and belief of this deponent Sergeant Rowell commanded the post and

This deponent saith that said Guards were kept up for the protection & defence of the inhabitants & their property in the vicinity of Sable Island as this deponent understood and believes under the authority of the State of Connecticut & this deponent further saith that the enemy were greatly in the habit of cruising with whale boats, frigates & other small vessels in Sable Island Sound during the war and frequently made descents upon the land to ravage and plunder property and this deponent saith that during the time he served in said Guards in the Year 1781 the enemy landed near Sable Island and a severe skirmish took place in which two of our men were killed and several wounded and the enemy also plundered and burnt several dwelling houses & barns & then retreated back to their vessels. And this deponent saith that the said Guards were continually employed in watching the approach of the enemy and giving warning there of to the inhabitants so they might be upon their defence and this deponent saith that the coast on Sable Island Sound adjacent to Sable Island lay very much exposed to the enemy & they made frequent inroads in small parties upon the inhabitants to plunder & carry off cattle and other property and the Guards at Sable Island were kept up till cold weather & the storms of winter came on when the plundering parties disappeared and said Guards were constantly engaged through the marine season to defend the neighboring country and this deponent saith that he served in said Guards at Sable Island station in 1781 six months and he was then discharged late in the fall or early part of the winter but he received no discharge in writing. And this deponent saith that Capt Fowler had the command of post at Sable Island and in raising the men & keeping up said

Guard and he was under the Command of Genl. Ward living in Old Guilford, who Commanded the Militia.
And this deponent further saith that in the Spring of 1782 there was a Call at Old Guilford aforesaid for men to fill up the Guard at Salt Island Station aforesaid and men were enlisted by Capt. Fowler above named to supply the Complement of men required for said Guard and for the purpose of raising the men the Militia were formed into Claps and each Clap were required to furnish one man for said Guard and sometimes each Clap would take them & sometimes hire a man to serve in said Guard; And this deponent further saith that he was hired by one of said Claps to serve in said Guard through the season & this deponent accordingly enlisted at Old Guilford aforesaid in early in the Spring of 1782 but he does not remember the month under Capt. Fowler in the State of service to serve in said Guard at Salt Island aforesaid for eight months and this deponent was stationed at the Block house at Salt Island aforesaid and served in said Guard under the Command of a non Commissioned Officer and according to the best recollection & belief of this deponent said Guards were Commanded a part of the time by Sergeant Scovill and some of the time by one of the non Commissioned officers whose name this deponent does not recollect and this deponent saith that said Guards were frequently called to Sachem's head a small Harbor about a mile and a half southeasterly from Salt Island on a alarm and on one & a half occasion two vessels were chased into Sachem's head Harbor and said Guards were called there & employed in unloading the guns from one of said vessels and in hoisting out the guns

from the other vessel for security & the enemy came in very near & fired across at our men & after some time hauled off - And this deponent saith that the enemy were frequently cruising off the coast near Sag Harbor and the inhabitants were kept in continual alarm and said Guard were constantly engaged in guarding against the attacks of plundering parties and defending in the best manner possible against the ravaging and plundering the neighboring inhabitants - And this deponent saith that he continued to serve through the whole season till the first part of the winter when plundering parties ceased their inroads and this deponent saith that he served in said Guard at Sagi Island Station in 1782 eight months & was then discharged by Capt. Fowler but received no discharge in writing -
8 - And this deponent further saith that in the Year 1781 the said Guard at Sagi Island consisted of eight men & a part of the time of twelve men & also in the Year 1782 said Guard consisted of eight men & sometimes of twelve men and this deponent understood at the time & believes that Capt. Fowler received his order for raising & keeping up said Guard from Gen. Ward of Old Guilford, who was a General of the Militia in that section of the State & this deponent was informed at the time & believes that the Sagi Island Guards as a unit were established several years before this deponent served in them and regularly maintained & kept up during & until the close of the Revolutionary war by the authority of the State of Connecticut for the purpose of defense against the ravages of plundering parties of the enemy who cruised

Long Island Sound & frequently landed to plunder & destroy the property of the inhabitants.
This deponent further saith that his deponent for the Capt. of a Battery at Boston after City of New York a Revolutionary pensioner after United States as this deponent is informed & believes was employed in the service of his Country at first as a Lieutenant and subsequently as a Captain in the Continental service and that he was continually from home in the service & that he does therefore know of his own knowledge of this deponent's service above stated and this deponent further saith that the men who served in said Guards were but few in number & this deponent has not as yet from the enquiry which he has made been able to ascertain that any of them are living but he has been informed & believes that Capt. Fowler & several of the men who served in said Guards are dead and this deponent does not know of any living witness who can testify of his own knowledge of this deponent's Revolutionary service and this deponent has no knowledge or infor- mation from his enquiries where any of the men if they are living who served in said Guards now reside and this deponent further saith that the best proof of his Revolutionary service is contained in the affidavits hereto annexed of John & Antonio brothers of this deponent and of Charity Overton reference being thereunto had such proof will more fully appear—
The following are the interrogatories put by the Court aforesaid & the answers given thereto respectively by this deponent viz:
1 st Where & in what Year were you born? Answer This deponent was born at Brookhaven in the County of Suffolk on Long Island on the 19 th day of July in the Year 1764.

2 d Have you any record of your age & if so what is it?
Answer This deponent has a record of his age in his large Bible which is now in the Township of Chester in the County of Knox in the State of Ohio where this deponent has lived—
3 d Where were you living when called into the service where have you lived since the revolutionary war & where do you now live?
Answer This deponent lived at Old Guilford in the County of New Haven in the State of Connecticut when he was called into the service in the revolutionary war in the years 1781 & 1782 and since the revolutionary war this deponent returned to Brookhaven in the County of Suffolk on Long Island and lived there about eleven years and this deponent then removed to Canajoharie in the County of Herkimer in the State of New York and lived there about seventeen years & this deponent then removed to Trenton in the County of Oneida aforesaid & resided there about three years and this deponent next removed to Chester in the County of Knox in the State of Ohio and resided there until September 1839 & this deponent then returned back to Trenton in the County of Oneida aforesaid and has resided there ever since and this deponent now resides in the said Town of Trenton in said County of Oneida & State of New York—
4 th How were you called into the service, were you drafted, did you volunteer or were you or substitute - and if a substitute for whom?
Answer This deponent enlisted into the service in the year 1781 as a volunteer & this deponent was hired in the year 1782 by a class & then enlisted in pursuance of such hiring into the service—

5 th State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops where you served such Continental & Militia regiments as you can recollect & the general circumstances of your service? Answer This deponent saith that there were no regular officers stationed at the post where this deponent served nor any Continental or Militia regiments or troops at Sackets Island Station - There were no troops stationed at said Sackets Island belonging to the service besides the guards which were stationed there for the purpose of defense of the inhabitants & their property in the vicinity -
6 th Did you ever receive any discharge from the service and if so by whom was it given and what has become of it?
Answer This deponent saith that he did not receive any written discharge from the service - When he returned for which he enlisted was expired he was discharged verbally -
7 th 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 service as a soldier of the Revolution?
Answer This deponent is acquainted with and is known to in his present neighborhood and they can testify as to this deponent's character for veracity & their belief of this deponent's service as a soldier of the Revolution - And this deponent saith that there is no clergyman residing in the neighborhood of this deponent where he now resides in Fulton aforesaid except the Rev. Mr. Fleming who has been in the place but a short time and he has not had an opportunity to become acquainted with the reputation of this deponent as a soldier of the Revolution -

But the above named person, are and have been for a long time well known to this deponent and can testify to the character of this deponent for truth & his reputation as a soldier of the Revolution —
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or allowance except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the Agency of any State —
Sworn & subscribed
Isaac Norton
This 10th day of February 1834 in Open Court —
See Motion Clerk
We Isaac Curry Esq. residing in the Town of Trenton in the County of Onondaga & State of New York and Calvin Preston residing in the neighborhood of of Deerfield in said County & State  Town hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Isaac Norton who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be sixty nine 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 & subscribed
Isaac Curry
This 10th day of Feby.
1834 in Open Court —
Calvin Preston
See Motion Clerk

And the Court does hereby declare their opinions after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the Court department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states - And the Court further certify that it appears to them that Isaac Curry who has signed the preceding Certificate resident in the Town of Tilton in the County of Essex & State of New York and that Calvin Preston who has also signed the same resident in the Town of Danfield in said County & State  of Essex are each credible persons and that their statement is entitled to full credit -
I the undersigned Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Essex do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Isaac Preston for a pension -
In testimony whereof have hereunto set my hand & seal of my office this 10 th day of February in the Year of our Lord one eight hundred and thirty four - J. M. Mason Clerk

1783
New York
Grace Weston Suspended
Lett to Hon. F. Mann Dec 2 1834
Lett to Hon. J. Bearasly Dec 11 1834
Lett to Hon. F. Mann 4 July 1835
Lett to Hon. F. Mann j. 22. 1836
7719

Names of some that served on Guam John Lott — Bloomfield N.Y. Major Norton — Dead Theophilus Ward " Asher Norton Pendleton Wm Barker Stone Simeon Saxon Dead  Bible Stone's " Schwell " Davis Hays — " Felix Norton " Dibble " Simeon Lott " Davis at Nut Plains Ambrose Britten den Dead Hart — " Caleb Gwett — "  XXXXX Dan Norton — " Fowler
in the war while at New York
Metta Shelly at Bloomfield N.Y. A no of other men served a part of the time, that I served in the Guam at Lotta Island; but as it is fifty years since I left Old Guilford & not seeing the men for so great a length of time I therefore do not recollect their names.

Department of War Pension Office March 4. 1834
Sir,
In regard to the claim of Isaac Norton I have the honor to state, that the papers have been examined. The proof produced is not deemed satisfactory. The regulations require, that applicants in every instance produce the best evidence, the case is susceptible of. For further proof he is referred to George Griswold Esq., of Guilford, Ct. Mr. Griswold is understood to be acquainted with many of the surviving soldiers who served on Peeks Island. His papers are enclosed.
A pension certificate for Jeremiah Griswold will be transmitted as soon as it can be made out.
I have the honor to be, Very respectfully, Your obedt. Servant J. L. Edwards
Hon. A. Allen Jr. House of Representatives

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
REJECTED
44/19
P. O. Isaac Norton
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

Issue Norton A.P. 20
NY
Hon. S. L. Edwards
Pension office
Washington
Hon. A. Mann, Jr.
HR

1 o Branton Free H. Groves 8 th
Hon. Samuel Beardsley
Hon. Representative
Washington D.C.
101

Trenton Nov 27. 1834
Hon Samuel Beardsley
Dear Sir I would inform you that I have a little time just sent on to Washington (the 2nd time) my Declaration & proofs as far far as I have been able to obtain, for the purpose of obtaining a pension for my services as a private in the state service at Leeds Island in Connecticut in the time of the revolutionary war in the years 1781 & 82. And I wish you to call as soon as convenient at the Pension Office and see the Hon J. L. Edwards & inform him of my character & stand- ing in society, & the authority for the same, as wrote by Mr John Billings & signed by him & D o Quitman & Esqr Douglas. It may be a satisfaction to Mr Edwards, as the most of my proof is Corrobor- ating proof, & also Circumstantial proof; But the Circumstantial proof is such that I believe upon the face of it will appear very strong evidence of my services in the years 1781 & 82 & such as may be satisfactory evidence — If you think proper you can show Mr Edwards what is wrote, and you will inform him of the respectable characters of the under signers — Yours with much respect Isaac Norton
Trenton Nov 27. 1834
J. Beardsley Esqr.
Dear Sir,
It is now more than twenty years since we have been well acquainted with the writer of this letter, Isaac Norton Esqr, and it gives us pleasure to state to you, that he is a man of good character & stands as fair in this community as any other citizen, he asks your aid in obtaining a pension, for which he has made application & to which, we have no doubt, he is entitled, if you can in any way assist him, that justice justice may be done to a deserving man and you will confer on him a very great favor
Yrs with much respect
John Billings Luther Quitman James Douglas

Sir Guilford July 12 th 1834
By The Special personal solicitation of Mr Isaac Scaten of Trenton, Oneida County State of N. York who is now in this place seeking for proof of his services as one of the Shore Guards - I would state to you for his satisfaction that When he called on me he handed me a list of names of persons Most of whom I have known personally, & others by reputation, to have been residents of this town, but who are mostly now either removed to other parts or dead - Among the number named is David Mose Esq. of the Guard at Seely Island - Simon Seet & Ebn Hart who were killed at L. I. Nathl. Fowle John E Stone who have obtained pensions & James Davis who was wounded in the skirmish at L. I. Also Capt. Dan. Vinton -

Miss Sally Waindy who lived at Leeds Island during the war & who has testified in favor of Samuel Woodhull who has obtained a pension the Mr Isaac Norton says clearly recollects that a man by the name of Isaac Norton was there on Guad - but is not willing to testify that he is the same person as many years have elapsed since & she has not seen him during the whole time - Mr Norton says that in his application for a pension he claimed to have served under Capt Noah Fowler - It now appears that this was incorrect. But that Noah Fowler was a Superintendent of the Guard & recd. Orders from the Gov. to provide men for this service from time to time as their terms expired - Genl Eli Fowler who has testified to his knowledge & recollection of Mr Norton has corroborated this statement.

in conversation with me & Mr Norton at this time & further says that he officiated in that capacity several years —
Mr Norton produced no communication from you, but says that you referred him to me for direction who to call on for proof —
I have done what I could for him in a private capacity, but being a victim to the rage of Deponito & mine can assist him no further —
Very Respectfully
I am Sir
Your Obedt Servt
George Grenfell
S. L. Edwards Esqr Comty of Dorset. —

Trenton N.J. Apr. 11 - 3
free
Hon. Abijah Mann Jr. Member Congress Washington

Hon. Abijah Merrill Jr
Sir
You will see the enclosed is intended for the Pension Office, and is committed to your care.
Very respectfully by your most Obedient Servant
Prenton
April 9 th 1836
Isaac Norton
De Sir
May I solicit your attention to the enclosed before receipt.
Yours
A. Mann Jr
19 th Oct 1836

Eli Fowler of Branford in the County of New Haven & State of Connecticut aged Sixty nine years — Do Depose & Say That during the revolu- tionary War and in the year 1781 or 82 being then a Soldier in the Militia Co. commanded by of my Father Neh. Fowler I was drafted for six Months to go New London. On the day that we were to march to N. London the Enemy's vessels which had been lying off N. London made their appearance. In con- sequence of which Capt Daniel Water's company to which I was attached, was ordered to remain at Guilford & was stationed as a Guard on the Sea Shore & was in that service two months & that Isaac Norton who was from Longisland was a Member of the same company with me. But do not recollect the precise length of his service Samuel See of Guilford was Lieut. of the Company — M c Scranton of Durham was Ensign & Geo. Kimberly & Abraham Kimberly & Job Wright were S er jeants — And further the Deponent saith Not —
Eli Fowler
State of Connecticut New Haven County ss. Branford July 12 th 1834 —
Personally appeared Genl. Eli Fowler who has subscribed the foregoing Deposition & made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me —
Elijah Sinsley Just Peace
I hereby certify that the above named Deponent is to me personally known & a credible Witness —
Elijah Sinsley Just Peace

State of Connecticut } County of New Haven }
I J. H. Beach Clerk of the County Court in & for said New Haven County, hereby certify that Elijah Linsley is sworn on the 12 th inst. a Justice of the peace in & for said New Haven County duly qualified to administer Oaths & that that the foregoing signature by him made is genuine official signature —
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said County Court this 14 th day of July 1834 J. H. Beach Clerk

At the time that my Declaration for a pension was returned to me from Washington I received a line refering me to George Griswold Esqr of Guilford for further proof. — I accordingly went to Guilford for to get further proof of my serving in the Guard at Leets Island.
And on July 12 th 1834 I handed George Griswold Esqr a list of names of men who served in the Guard at the time I served in the Standing Guard for (so called) at Leets Island. — The men were mostly removed to other parts or dead — Esqr Griswold informed me that the following persons were survivors of the war & living at Guilford or within a few miles of the Town — Viz Nathaniel Fowler & John E. Stone who have obtained pensions, & James Davis who was wounded in the skirmish at Leets Island, and also Samuel Hotchkiss who has obtained a pension & Silas Hlandy who lived with Anas Leet about fifteen rods from the Blockhouse during the time I served in the Guard, & also Genl. Eli Fowler of Branford. — After Esqr Griswold had informed me where the above named persons were living I went to see them as follows Viz
1 st Nathl Fowler who said he did not serve in the Guard at Leets Island, but said that he served in another place, he also said that his brother Ruben Fowler did serve in the Guard at Leets Island, but said he was dead — I had the name of Fowler in my list of names, but I had forgot the given name, Ruben, at the time I wrote the list of names as far as I could recollect of all the men that served any part of the time in the Guard at Leets Island during the time that I served in said Guard. — 2 nd I spent some
time with John E. Stone who appeared to have lost all recollection of our ever serving on Guard together, and I could recollect but a very little about his serving in the Guard during the time that I served in the Guard at Leets Island. — 3 rd I went to a
place called Nut Plains & spent about three hours at the house of James Davis who was wounded in our skirmish in June 1781 with the Enemy at Leets Island at the time that Simeon Leet & Ebenezer Hart were killed & a number of the Guard wounded, & several valuable Buildings burnt by the Enemy. — And after I had conversed with Mr Davis a considerable time, he said that it was a long time or upwards of fifty years since he served in the Guard, & that he could not remember of our ever being on Guard together or that we ever had any acquaintance with each other. — And although it was a long time since we served in the Guard, yet it seems to me a little strange that he

he had lost all recollection of me, for this reason viz, his father in the time of the war had with his family left Long Island, & moved to Guilford - And I being from Long Island though not from the same town yet being in the Guard together & to us in a strange place, & in talking together about our old homes & native friends on Long Island while we were risking our lives in defence of our Country, it made a kind of attachment betwixt us, unto each other in 1781 during the time we were together in the Guard at Peconic Island - And yet our acquaintance & serving in the Guard together was all gone from him - And I then left Mr Davis & returned to Guilford & called again at the house of George Griswold Esqr and I told him it seemed strange to me that as James Davis & myself were from Long Island & were so intimately acquainted by serving on Guard together in 1781 - that it should all be gone from him - And Esqr Griswold said, It is not strange
that he cannot remember about your being on Guard together, for he cannot remember about his own business - & he then said, I do expect that he is entitled to a pension, but he cannot make any regular statement of his services, & I do not expect that he ever can so as to obtain a pension!"
4th I then went to see Samuel Hotchkiss who has obtained a pension pension He appeared glad to see me, as we had been acquainted at Guilford in the time of the revolutionary war, and after I began to talk with him, he said, I am very deep, I am all gone, I am nothing as to my mind, I can remember nothing. - And it appeared to me that he expressed himself just as it was with him, - For he said he could not tell whether we ever had been on Guard together, or whether we served a considerable length of time together, he could not tell
I then left Mr Hotchkiss & went on my way to see Sally Handy 5th I found Sally Handy who in the time of the revolutionary war lived with Amos Peck about fifteen rods from the Peck house at Peconic Island, and I asked her if she did recollect Isaac Norton of Long Island that in the time of the war used to be on Guard, & very often in at Amos Peck's house, - And after thinking a minute, she said I believe I remember something about Isaac Norton of Long Island who served in the Guard, - But she said I am now eighty four years of age, & I should not dare to swear that you are the same Isaac Norton who served in the Guard

Guard, — and she then said I never have made out for only one person of all that served in the Guard, and that was Samuel Hatch, Miss & I was acquainted with him from a child. — I then left Sally Standy & went on my way to Brandford to see Genl. Eli Fowler — 6 th I found Mr Fowler at home, and as we had
been very intimately acquainted for about three years in the time of the revolutionary war, made it very agreeable for us to renew our former acquaintance, and I spent two nights & a part of three days in my visit with him & family, — and I mentioned
to Genl. Fowler that I served two seasons in the Standing Guard at Pecks Island, But did not serve on Guard through the Winter, and that I believe the Guard was not kept up through the hard part of Winter, And he said yes it was kept up summer and winter the year round at Pecks Island — Genl. Fowler & myself
went to see George Griswold Esqr. & I also mentioned to him, that the season I served in the Guard, I did not continue on Guard through the Winter, and that I had forgot that the Guard was kept up through the hard part of Winter, And he said Yes it was kept up at Pecks Island the year round, both Winter & Summer with little variation to the close of the war, & David Mofs was a Standing Sergeant for the Standing Guard at Pecks Island for several years near the close of the war.
I would just note that David Mofs lived about eighty rods from the Block house, at the time I served in the Guard, and I believe that he was appointed as a Standing Sergeant to take command of the Guard at any time when there were no other officer in the said Guard, for in 1781 & 82 he was on Guard but a part of the time, and in the course of the two seasons that I served there were several who commanded the Guard a part of the time — I would also note that
by reading the Deposition of Genl. Eli Fowler it will appear that in 1781 or 82 he was drafted for six months to go to New London but that Capt. Daniel Horton's Company to which he was attached did not go to N. London but remained at Guilford & were stationed on the sea shore, And that he served two months, And that Isaac Horton of Long Island was a member of the same Company, But did not recollect the precise length of his service — Now it may be right to name in what way I was as a member in the Company with the said Eli Fowler the said two months that he served in the Guard at Pecks Island Viz. a part of the Drafted Company Commanded by Capt.

Capt Daniel Norton were stationed at Letts Island the said two months to strengthen the Standing Guard kept up at that place. At which time those of the Standing Guard & those of the Draughted Company were all as one Guard commanded by one of the Commissioned Officers of the Draughted Company, and so were all as members of one Company the said two months, — But I would Note that I was not Draughted neither any of the Standing Guard, for we had been on Guard some length of time before the Draft was made intended for N. London, —
I would Note that at the time Ephc Griswold wrote the Deposition of Genl Eli Fowler he could not tell whether the Draft intended for N. London was made in 1781 or in 82 and I at the same time could not tell, for I being on Guard in 1781 & 82 I could not recollect which of the seasons the said Draft was made. — I would also Note that in my Deposition for a pension I stated that I understood & believed that Capt. Noah Fowler received his orders for raising & keeping up said Guards from Genl Ward of Old Guilford. — But when I was at Guilford in July 1834 Genl Eli Fowler informed me that his Father Capt. Noah Fowler was appointed a Superintendent of all the Guards for Guilford, & received his orders from the Gov. to provide Men for this service from time to time as their terms expired, —
I would also further notice that I stated that I enlisted some time in the spring but did not remember the month of 1781. — But since my Declaration was made, in thinking over some things that took place by my being on Guard in 1781 I now can tell very near the time that I volunteered & was enlisted by Capt. Noah Fowler, — And I believe it was on the last of May or the first of June for the reason following viz. As I served in the Guard that season six months, If I enlisted the last of May or the first of June my term of time would expire on the fore part of December, — And I well remember that near the expiration of my six months service in the Guard, There was an alarm made at Stephens head, And I together with the Guard in running on our way were in a state of perspiration when we came to where the water had set back for some distance, the tide being very high. And as there had fallen some snow to mix with the water, it was very cold, and we had to wade through about thirty or forty rods & a part of the way more than knee deep, And in a short time I was taken with the pleurasy and had a very severe turn of, so that my life was nearly despaired of for some days, — And
I would just note that in July 1834 when I was at Genl Eli Fowler house I mentioned to him that I came very near loosing my life by

by being on Guard & wading through cold water at a time when I was very warm, And he said Yes I well remember the time that you were sick, And he said I also remember that on the first or 2 nd of January my Father sent me & some others to go on Guard, And there was a very severe Snowstorm the evening that we were on our way, & the first night we entered on Guard. ————— I would also
Note that in my Declaration I stated that in 1782 I was hired by one of said Cluses to serve through the season, but do not recollect the precise length of time I was hired for, after which I was enlisted by Capt. Noah Fowler at Guilford to continue & serve in the Guard at Leets Island that season during the term of eight months. ————— I believe it was in March
when I enlisted, And it may be right to mention that Capt. Noah Fowler at the time of enlisting or raising men for the Guards was very faithfull in stating to them their duty to be performed during the term of their serving on Guard. Viz in the night to keep a faithfull watch for the safety of their own lives, & the neighbouring Inhabitants — And in the day time to watch the Beast, by going to certain places or points of Land where there might be the best prospect to discover the Beasts or vessels of the enemy, ————— And also to keep a faithfull watch to prevent cattle or provisions falling into the hands of the Enemy
And to explore all by places near the sea shore to see if any provisions or cattle were in such a place as might be the most convenient for the Enemy to receive them in a private way.
And to give some little Idea of the duty of the Guard in watching & exploring the Coast, I would just name one of the plans practised by those that were more friendly to the Enemy than to their own country — So wit in 1782 David Morse Officer of the Guard in Sept. or October took with him a part of the Guard at Leets Island & went on a few miles a westerly course keeping the most of the way a little distance from the sea shore in search of Cattle, or provision in any by place not far from the shore that might appear to be intended for the Enemy. — And in a certain kind of by place not far from the sea shore, & opposite a number of small Islands we found some large fat Oxen & if I recollect right, their number was five or six, & we did believe they were intended for the Enemy the night following or in a very short time. — And David Morse took possession of the said Oxen, & we immediately drove them unto one, the Leets near the Block house at Leets at Leets Island, and

and I believe that in about two hours from the time we returned to the Guard house with the said Oren, A man said to be the deputy Sheriff came with a Writ of replevin & took the said Oren from the possession of Sgt. Mose, At which time & also the Winter following it was the prevailing belief that the Deputy was necessary in the business, & determined that the said Oren should go to the Enemy, — For he arrested David Mose & the Winter following I was subpoenaed & attended the Court as a witness two days at Newhaven, and the case was called for trial and the Deputy who appeared in Court said he was not ready for trial that term. — I expect that it is hardly needful
for me to name that the Enemy were a considerable part of the time very troublesome along the sea coast of Guilford, as well as other places with their Whale Boats & armed Vessels of War, seeking for opportunities to commit depredations on the Inhabitants wherever they could make a sudden descent, — yet it may be right
in order to give a little more light on my serving in the Guard at Ledges Island, for me to name some little things that took place during the time of my service, For as the Guard had frequently to run on Alarms, I will just name some little things that took place at the time of my serving in the Guard, — And 1 st on one
morning Alarm the Guard ran on to Sachems head, & when we came near the shore at Sachems head, we saw some Whale Boats a coming from the West, & a making their way to the East, and by their shaping their course it was evident they had discovered us, for they made their way further from the shore as they passed on to the East, and we hailed them, & by their noise they appeared to hold us in contempt, upon which some one of the Guard said it is best to try the Long Island gun & see if that wont carry a ball to them, upon which I handed the big long gun unto David Mose who rested the gun on the fence near the shore & then fired, & it was the only gun that was fired by any of the Guard while out on that alarm, — and
I would note that the big long gun, was the gun that I made use of during the time that I served in the Guard in 1781 & 82 — and also name that a few days before I first went on Guard as I was informed David Mose was on sentry one night, having the aforesaid long gun in his hand, & seeing the Enemy at some distance he hailed them, & then fired, and the Ball from the said gun passed

through the head of the Lieut. of the Enemy at the distance of about ten rods, and there was no other gun fired at that time by the Guard, for not knowing the number of the Enemy they run to alarm the neighbourhood. And the Enemy rushed on to the door of Ambrose Leet, just as he was a coming out with his gun in his hand, & one of the Enemy took sudden hold of his gun, & at the same instant another of the Enemy struck with a cutlass, & gave Mr Leet a severe wound in the head, & at the same time another of the Enemy fired in at the door, & the contents missed the Body of Mr Leet, but wounded one arm in a very bad manner, and immediately after the attack & wounding of Mr Leet, the enemy fled to their Boat & made their escape, ————— I will also name
that on a certain morning some one of the Guard gave notice that there were vessels in sight standing to the East, and the Guard immediately ran for Sachems Head, & at the time we came to the Warehouse, & dock, a little Privateer of 10 Guns & 20 men came up to the dock, which had just come into the harbor with another vessel loaded with flour, and the men informed us that very early that morning, the vessel loaded with flour had been taken while off against Brandford, by two of the Enemy's small boats, which were from two of the Enemy's Brigs, that were at some distance, at the time that the vessel loaded with flour was taken, and also at the time she was retaken by the little Privateer, ————— But we had immediately to make the best preparation for defense, for we saw two large Brigs under full sail coming direct for our little harbor, ————— And the Guard immediately assisted in hoisting out the Guns & Carriages & in placing them on the best ground for defence, and then one of the privateer men took & carried the Boulars & placed on the top of a White Oak tree that stood for a shade near the warehouse, ————— And we of the Guard then immediately went to the mouth of the harbor on the north side in order to prevent the Enemy's Boats from entering the harbor; ————— I would just note that the two Brigs came very near into the land, & began their firing, I believe within one minute after Boulars were up the White Oak Tree, and the first time they fired I heard the Balls scream through the air, ————— And immediately the privateers men fired at the Enemy, and so the firing was kept up in a brisk manner on both sides for about one or one & a half hour, at which time a large number of men had

come on from the Town, and the Enemy then stood off by the wind about two miles & came to Anchor,
I would just name another little event that took place one night. Viz I being on sentry & my time being run, I went & opened the door & gave a call for the next men to stand on sentry, & then took my place on sentry until the two men came out to stand on sentry, & while they were a getting their accoutrements Bille Stone one of the Guard went out of door unnoticed by the two men that I had called to stand on sentry, and at the time they came out on sentry I went into the Blockhouse, & immediately lay down, & in an instant I heard one of those on sentry hail in a very sharp manner, & then said stand, & very quick a gun was fired, & in one minute the Guard were all out of the house expecting to meet the Enemy, but to our great surprise we immediately found that Bille Stone one of the Guard was shot through the thigh, and we in an instant took him into the Guard house, & tied a garter so as to cord his thigh very hard, otherwise he would bleed to death in a few minutes, on stoping the blood he fainted, but in a little time he recovered of his fainting and four of the Guard, one at each corner of a Blanket, carried him, and I carried a light, & we took him to Amherst Leeks, immediately upon his being wounded a Doctor was sent for who came & dressed the wound, and the man after some length of time recovered of his wound, Ezra Griswold the
Father of George Griswold Esqr of Guilford was the man on sentry that fired & wounded the said Bille Stone,
Bille Stone after the wound was dressed, said that upon being hailed in a sharp sudden manner he was so surprised that he did not think what to answer, and he considered that Mr Griswold was not to blame in firing, it being so dangerous a place on account of the Enemy. I would name another thing
that very frequently when the Guard saw Boats or Vessels making their way along near the Shore of any place, it was our duty to attend at the place where it appeared by their course that they intended to land, and if at any time or place they had landed before the Guard could reach the place, it was then for the

Guard in a very cautious manner to obtain proof whether those that had landed, were friends or enemies, before we ventured so near as to give an Enemy the advantage; — And to give an Idea of our practice, I would Name that at a certain time David Mops with the Guard ran on allarm to Sachems head, And when we had got through a piece of Woodland near to Sachemhead, we discovered a considerable number of men that had landed,
Then sergt Mops gave orders for every man of the Guard to place himself to the best advantage behind a Tree in the edge of the Woods, each man having the benefit of a Tree for himself, with orders for every man to keep himself exactly behind his own Tree while loading, in case we had to fight an Enemy, Then sergt
Mops advanced forward a few paces, & haild those men that were landed, and the answer was that they were friends, (But their answer was not proof that they were friends, For it was the practice of the Enemy whenever they were haild by our men, either by night or day, To answer we are friend, unless their answer was by immediately firing). sergt Mops then called for the Commanding
Officer & he came forward alone & handed his Commission to sergt Mops, and after reading the said Commission, sergt Mops gave a call to the Guard to come forward, and then the Guard went & made enquiry of those that were landed, To obtain information about the movements of the Enemy,
I would also note that about fifteen months before I went to Guilford proof for, of my service I made out a little list of names of those men that served with me on Guard at Peeks Island, which I handed to George Griswold Esq at Guilford, & he advised me to send the said list of names unto Washington with my other papers for a pension, — And by noticing the list of names, it will be seen in Mr Griswold's hand writing — Bloomfield N.Y. opposite the name of John Peet, — And the 2 nd day after I returned home I went to David Peethill's (about four miles) to carry a letter that I had brought from Guilford for Miss Peethill who was a Guilford woman, — And after I handed the letter to Miss Peethill, I mentioned that I thought of going immediately about 140 miles to Bloomfield to see John Peet who served in the Guard at Peeks Island at the time that I was in said Guard, — And Miss Peethill said you need not go, for John Peet is dead, he moved to the West some years past, & has died since he moved to the West,, —

I would also state that after my return home from Guilford, in looking over the lines wrote by George Griswold Esq rs I noticed on the 2 nd page the following words viz. "It now appears that this was incorrect, by which words it appears that Mr Griswold mistook my meaning, But
my meaning is clearly stated in what is wrote after those words, on the 2 nd & 3 rd pages of Mr Griswold's letter as may be seen by reading the same, — and also by noticing in my Declaration it will appear that I stated that Capt n Mark Fowler, had the charge of raising the men & the command over the Guards
I might name many things that took place while I served in the Guard, But I have made a statement of the General Outlines of our duty & services during the time of my service in said Guard, In order to give some idea of the Duty & service of the Guard, in defence of the Inhabitants & their property against the Common Enemy during the time of my service in said Guard. —
Isaac Norton
State of New York
Clicks office Oneida County ss.
I Geo Brown Clerk of said County do certify that before me came Isaac Norton who being by me duly sworn did depose and say that the facts set forth in the foregoing affidavit subscribed by him are true according to the best of his knowledge and belief
Witness my hand & seal of office at Utica in said County this 21 st day of November 1834. —
Geo Brown Clerk

Hon A. Mann Jr & Hon Samuel Beardsley
Brenton Dec 22 nd 1834
I have received the line wrote by the Hon J. L. Edwards of the 1 st Dec r 1834 in which Mr Edwards remarks that as I stated that in 1781 & 1782 at the time I served, the Guard consisted sometimes of 8 men & sometimes of 12 men Would go to shew that it was not composed of militia called out by left draft or commanded by Militia Officers; I would note that I beleive the complement intended to be kept up in sd Guard to be 12 men, but it so happened at 2 different times while I served in said Guard that for a few days we had but eight men in sd Guard; And I beleive it so happened that the term of time of some of the Guard expired a few days before Capt Noah Fowler either by enlistment or draft sent on other men to fill up the place of those whose term of time had expired
I would also note that in my Declaration that at the time I was enlisted by Capt Noah Fowler & served in said Guard that I understood & beleived that he received his orders for raising the men from Gen Ward of Guilford: And I yet beleive that he received his orders a part of the time from Gen Ward, for the sd Guard was kept up for upwards of six years. But at the time I was at Guilford in July last, Gen Eli Fowler a son of Capt Noah Fowler informed me & George Griswold Esq r that for several years near the close of the war; his Father enlisted or drafted the men for the Guards by orders & authority which he received from the Gov, as may be seen in the letter of George Griswold Esq r which was sent with my papers to the pension office — And with due respect to the integrity of the Hon Mr Edwards in his opinion of the Guard being kept up by a civil arrangement & not by a draft made by legal authority; I would note that at the time that I served in the Guard, that as far as I was acquainted with the Inhabitants of Guilford & Branford they esteemed Capt Noah Fowler a far more capable man to act in Military business than Gen Ward who resided at Guilford,
And therefore the Gov might with propriety authorise & order the said Capt Noah Fowler to provide men either by enlistment or a draft, or by dividing Companies into Clases & a draft of one from each class, in case there should be a want to make up the number of men by voluntary enlistment; — And as Capt Noah Fowler received his authority & orders to act & perform this Military service from the Gov of the State; did he not act under the authority &

And in the service of the State of Connecticut. — And the men thus drafted or enlisted, were they not in the service of the state, or whose service were they in during the time of serving under under legal authority & in defence of the Inhabitants of the State of Connecticut — But Mr Edwards remarks that what I stated in my Declaration that there were sometimes eight & sometimes 12 men in the Guard, would go to shew that it was not composed of Militia called out by a legal draft or commanded by Militia officers."
But was not the authority & orders of the Gov to Capt Noah Fowler for raising such a number of men for the Guard at Seets Island, as he the Gov thought proper, equally a legal authority, as it would have been, if the orders given were for raising fifty men — and Capt Fowler was a Military Officer
& had the command of all the Guards for the shore of Guilford Township, & he appointed the serjants that served in the Guard during the time of my service, & gave such orders to the Guards in regard to their duty & service as he thought proper as a commanding Officer. — And Capt Noah Fowler surely was a Military Officer & the serjants appointed under him & by his authority were surely Military Officers according to their rank in Military service during the time of their service.
And I would also note that Samuel Hotchkiss & some others who served in the Guard at Seets Island have been allowed their pension by the War department — And I ask if I am not equally entitled to a pension the same as Samuel Hotchkiss & others (who served in the Guard at Seets Island & are allowed their pensions,) in proportion to my time of service in said Guard.
I wish you to let the Hon Secy. of War see this line & also consult with him as may appear to be right & just in my application for a pension — I also wish you would make it convenient to attend the examination of my papers at the pension Office with the Hon Secy. of War —
With much esteem I am your very humble servant
Hon. Samuel Beardsley &
Hon A. Mann Jr —
Isaac Norton

Isaac Law Norton Recd 30 th Dec. 1834
Hinton N.Y. Dec. 24
Apel
Hon A. Mann Jr &
Hon S. Beardsley
Representative
Washington
D.C.
Hon. A. Mann Jr

I ask your patience while I notice two or three things viz I would note that Noah Fowler at the time I was enlisted by him had a Capt s Commission signed by the Executive of the State; by which authority he did the duty of a Capt s in the Militia service for a number of years: And he gave such satisfaction in his Military service during the war. That near the close of the war he received a Colonel's Commission. — And in the 2 nd division of my papers sent to the pension office, it may be noticed that I stated that Capt s Noah Fowler was very particular & faithfull in his charge given to the Guard in relation to the faithfull discharge of their duty & service. — I would also note that 2 or 3 miles to the west of Leets Island settlement. There were a number of small Islands where the enemy with their Whale-Boats could, & very frequently did, secret themselves & be ready in the night for the work of Destruction & plundering: — And the Inha- bitants at Leets Island could not have been safe to sleep one one night in their dwellings without a Guard, & faithfull sentries to watch for the enemy, & to make the alarm & also make the best defence possible. — For had there been no Guard 20 or 24 men from two of the enemys Whale-Boats might have landed in the night & surrounded one house & destroyed one family, & then to another & so on as far through the neighborhood as thought best for their own safety in taking the best plunder, & setting the buildings on fire, & making their escape And this they could have done with very little danger to themselves, if there had not been a Guard for the defence of the Inhabitants.
Dec 23 d
With much esteem
I am yours &c
Isaac Norton

San Francisco, Calif.
Hon. A. Mann, Jr., 7th

Honorable J. L. Edwards Esq.
Trenton April 15 1836
I last fall wrote to old acquaintance of mine at Guilford & Branford New Jersey County Court etc requesting proof showing by what authority the Shore Guards were kept up for the town of Guilford during of the revolutionary war. — I had a received in answer (in Feb) stating the discovery of the old pay roll of Capt. Peter Dibble Co. of Guards at Guilford dated Jan'y 1 st 1782. And also a certificate from the Controller of public accounts at Hartford — showing from the Public records that an order was issued Dec 22 nd 1782 for the payment of £. 1307-11-10 for said Guards at Guilford.
From April 1778 to May 1783 there are several other charges on the books of the pay table to the United States for Guards at Guilford. —
And I would note that by the bills of mortality for Guilford it appears that Capt. Peter Dibble died Jan'y 30 th 1782. — And as the
Controller of public accounts at Hartford also certifies that from April 1778 to May 1783 there are several other charges on the books of the pay table to the United States for Guards at Guilford,
Then for that time there must have been other officers under state authority appointed to raise the men, & who had the command of the Coast Guards for Guilford. And as far as I know, as yet I believe are unknown by any roll ever found, or on the records of the State.
And I would note that I have no doubt, and I do firmly believe that Capt. Noah Fowler was appointed such Officer & had the command of all the Guards for Guilford from the 1 st of Jan'y 1782 up to May 1783. And for some corroborating proof I desire to refer you to the reading of the letter wrote in July 1834 by George Griswold Esq. which I sent with some other papers to the Pension Office —
And by reading of the same it will be seen that Mr. Griswold stated that Gen. Eli Fowler a son of Capt. Noah Fowler states sent to Mr. Griswold & myself at Mr. Griswold house, that
his father Capt. Noah Fowler was a Superintendent of the Guards, and received his orders from the Gov. to provide men for this service from time to time as their terms expired. —
And further says that he officiated in that capacity several years. — I would also note that if the truth could be known by some
roll that may yet be found, it would appear that Capt. Noah Fowler in his authority recd. of the Gov. for raising men for the Guards
from

from time to time as their terms expired - and his authority as Superintendent extended over all the Guards in Guilford for several years previous to May 1783 - For I recollect that in 1781 or 82, until December in 81, the shore guards for Guilford received orders on one Sunday morning to march to all Guilford Green. and the Guards from the different stations, immediately after meeting together were ordered to form in company order on the east side of the Presbyterian meeting house. The bell was ringing, & people crossing the green to meeting at the time the guards were forming in company to receive special orders. - and I did not count the men but it was said at the time that there were 120 men. - and there were several that had on the uniform of officers. - and after the men were formed in company order
There was no officer that gave orders or made an address to the whole company of guards except Capt. Noah Fowler who made a military address, and gave the orders for the Guards to be regulated by, in the diligent & faithfull discharge of their duty. - I would also state that I was
enlisted by Capt. Noah Fowler in 1781. - and it now appears that my service at Pease Island in 1781 was under Capt. Peter Dail of which I have no recollection of his having the command, - But on seeing the names of the Sergeants & Corporals in his company for 1781 - I well recollect of serving with William Gordinier, Joseph Dail (None left by William Dail) - and therefore my service in 1781 must have been under Capt. Dail, he having the command of all the Shore Guards for Guilford - But I believe under
Capt. Noah Fowler as Superior Officer & a Lieutenant over all the Guards for Guilford, and who did enlist & furnish men for the Guards. - and it now also appears evident that there has been a neglect or mistake in Capt. Fowler's Capt. Dail, for my name is not on the old pay roll of the guards for 1781. - and in 1782 I was again
enlisted by Capt. Noah Fowler & served as stated in my dis- charge, - and as there is no roll yet found, or record showing who had the command of the Coast Guards for Guilford in 1782 - it is not evident that Capt. Noah Fowler was appointed by the authority of the State for this service, - as the

Guards were kept up until May 1783 — and the Controller certifies that there are several other charges on the books of the paytable to the United States for guards at Guilford from April 1778 up to May 1783 — And I will now claim by a remonance that I have taken all reasonable pains, and been at considerable expense & cost to make the best proof of my service — and the authority by which the Guard was raised & kept up at the time of my service that could be obtained after a lapse of so many years. — and I humbly request the Department to make a re-examination of all our papers sent to the Pension Office, — and I have the strongest confidence that after taking all the circumstances attending the business into consideration, The Department will do what appears to be right and just.
Hon. J. L. Edwards Esq. Commr of Pensions —
Very respectfully your most Obedient Servant Isaac Norton —