Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 14,107, for Joseph Parker, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Conn.
Parker, Joseph
S. 14107
Continental
N. H.
Carded
CONTENTS

Reported,
31.979 Vermont
Joseph Parker Resided in the State of Vermont who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Painter of the Regt commanded by Col. Mosey in the Connecticut line for 18 months
(Special Act approved 26 July '42) Nat l Continental and Comm. Records completed Sept 16.
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont, Mount. at the rate of 60 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of Aug, 1842 and sent to Hon. Horace Everett, H. W.
Arrears to the 4th of March '42 660. Pemi-ant. allowance ending 12 Sep: 30 $ 690.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Theo. L. Woodby Clerk, Book 6. Vol. 3, Page 85

Whitcomb's Dysition
8843
Document of...

Declaration of Joseph Parker
State of Vermont County of Windsor ss } - - District of Windsor ss.
On this sixth day of September in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two, personally appeared in open court, before the Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Windsor in the State of Vermont, now sitting, Joseph Parker a resident of Windsor in the County (and District) of Windsor aforesaid, aged seventy-two years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7 th 1832; That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated;
At Keene in the State of New Hampshire, where he then resided, in the spring of 1777, he was placed on guard over a party of Tories there taken, but, how long he is unable to state. In June next after, an alarm was made and a call for men, on account of the British coming up Lake Champlain. He thereupon volunteered, took his gun and pack, and, with others, went hastily, on to the Lake, without any particular order, to reach the scene of action as soon as they could. A little beyond Castleton, Vermont he met our troops retreating from "the Ti," and turned and went home. He cannot say precisely how long he was engaged in the foregoing services, but thinks it was not far from one month.
The said Joseph Parker further declares, that at Keene aforesaid, either the last of October or the first of November 1777 he enlisted

as an artificer, Shoemaker, "for three years" or "during the war," and he cannot say which, in Capt Gamaliel Painter's Company of Artificers. - Upon his enlistment he was marched to Bethel, a Parish set off from Danbury in Connecticut, where he remained until (to the best of his recollection) the last part of April 1778 when, by the absence of his officers given, he enlisted into Col. Meigs's Regiment of the Connecticut troops, in the Company of Capt. - - Mansfield - Lieut Potter was of the company. He enlisted at "Robinson's Farms" going to that place from Bethel, for the purpose of so enlisting - He supposes that it was only transferring, as he cannot recollect that any new writing was done about it." - Soon after this change, the Regiment marched to White Plains making stops by the way, and he remained at the Plains the principal part of the summer, doing scout duty occasionally around Horse-neck and its vicinity - Late in the fall, he was selected, with others, to go on a party consisting of two hundred or more, who went out to repair the road from the Plains up towards Bull's Iron works near Litchfield Connecticut, preparatory, as he understood, to the moving the Artillery to that place - On his return from this duty, he was seized with the putrid fever, and remembered nothing of what passed for two months or more after this, except his being carried into the hospital, a Quaker meeting-house at "Quaker Hill", so called - After he "got some better", he was transported to a hospital in Danbury, Connecticut, remained there some time; and by the kindness and attention of the inhabitants there, among whom he wandered, he gained some strength, and in March after (1779) so nearly as he can recollect, he joined the company again at Reading, (Conn.) but did not do much duty, as he thinks he was on guard but once.

He thinks it was in April after this (, 79) there was a detachment of men to go down upon the line and he (though still out of health) was of that detachment - They went to Horse-Neck, and thence to White Plains, where they continued scouting and watching for some time - After this they marched back to Horse-Neck - here another (a young man) and myself went out to get us some fresh provisions, and a party of "cow boys" took us up, and carried us to Kingsbridge. While on the way to Kingsbridge, the "cow boys" told us that they had a guinea a head for all they "took up" and brought in; and that we would have to go on board of a guard ship. He thought it would be dangerous in his poor health, to go to the guard ship, and he offered to, and did, enlist with the British, intending to escape from them as soon as he could. After he enlisted with the British, he remained with them at Kingsbridge a short time during which he was 3 or 4 days so sick that he could not get up - After he had thus been with them nearly or quite 3 weeks "he drew a suit of clothes and a gun" - A few days after this, he moved to Valentine's Hill - during this time thirteen of the men, one an "old countryman" and twelve, Americans agreed to come off and if they could not get off any other way were to "fight their way through" They lay at Valentine's Hill but a little time before four of them (of whom he was one) had a chance to come off "The way they got away was this;" the Ensign had been out into the country, and when he came back he said he wanted some of the American boys to go and get some pigs which he had seen, and told us where he had seen them - The declarant then told the Ensign, what was not true, that he knew the place where the ensign said the pigs were - After dark, "the old countryman", two others and himself (the four above spoken of) set out; the night was rainy and dark. Before they went, some one said
made oaths to the truth of the above deposition

that the Ensign told him that he (the Ensign) was going on the out post that night, and they could go by. They started and on coming to the sentry he hailed them - They answered, and said they were "going after the pigs" and he replied to them in nearly these words, "Go and prosper" - They passed and finding that they could not "tell the way", the night was so dark, they called up a man and enquired the way to Valentine's Hill, and then they went the opposite way and "just at day break got onto the Plains" - Here they found a man (ploughing) who told them where the nearest guard of the American troops was, and they marched nearly two miles to said guard. The guard gave them breakfast and sent them to the commanding officer at Horse Neck. He asked them a few questions, and the declarant asked him for a pass, and he gave him one, and he came to Swanzy New Hampshire where his mother lived. When he got home, his friends told him that his brother Amasa, who was in service, had written home, that he had been over to see the declarant but he was lost, and they supposed him dead. On this the declarant procured a man to write his brother Amasa, giving an account of his adventure and requesting him to see his officers and let them know about it. To this, Amasa replied saying that he had been to see the officers and they said they should be glad to have him come back and join the company. He did not go back; the reason was that if he went back and the British took him, it would be death for his deserting them; and he has always supposed this was the reason his officers never sent for him again nor said any more about it. He reached home in June 1779 - He knows that at Halfield and other towns on Connieticutt river they had just begun haying. His health remained very poor for a long time after he reached home. He has no docu-

-mentary evidence of any of his services; he never received any written discharge.
He was born at Proton in the state of Massachusetts on the twentieth day of November one thousand seven hundred and sixty - There is in Swanzey, a Bible of his son's wife in which he has lately found that his birth is set down as in 1761, but this must be erroneous: He is certain that it was 1760 - as to a public record he does not know of any; if there be any, it must be in Pepperell Massachusetts, where, his mother told him, he was baptized.
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.
He states the names of Rufus Root, Esq. and William White, as persons to whom he is known in his present neighbourhood, and who can testify as to his character for veracity, and their belief of his services, as a Soldier of the Revolution. —
Sworn to, and subscribed the day, } Joseph Packer and year aforesaid.
I abez Proctor Judge We Rufus Root and William White, residing in the town of Windsor in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Joseph Packer, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy two 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. — Rufus Root
Sworn to, and subscribed the day, and } William White year aforesaid.
I abez Proctor Judge

that the Ensign take the ...
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 Rufus Root and William White, who have signed the preceding certificate, are residents in the Town of Windsor aforesaid, and that they are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Isaac Proctor Judge
I Reuben Washburn, Register of the Probate Court within and for the District of Windsor in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Joseph Parker for a Pension.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said Court, this Sixth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
Reuben Washburn.

I, Reuben M c Collister, of Windsor in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont, of the age of Seventy-Four years, depose and say - That I served in the Revolutionary War, nearly Seven years, and am now receiving a pension annuity. I have been well acquainted with Joseph Parker, of said Windsor, for full Fifty years, and we have both lived in said Windsor for Forty years last past, and he is now before me and is engaged in preparing his declaration in order to procure a pension under the act of June 7. 1832 -
In the year 1778, in the summer, but at what time I cannot certainly say, at White Plains, in New York, I saw a private soldier, who was then represented to me to be a brother to Amasa Parker. brother Amasa Parker I knew to be in the army, for he was in the same Brigade, tho' not in the same Reg t he being in Col. Scamuel's (3 d N. H. Reg t ) and I was in Col. Read's Reg t . This is all the recollection, by which I am led to believe that said Joseph Parker was in service; there having been but five sons of the family, of whom Amasa, the eldest, was the one above spoken of; Benjamin, killed at the battle of Bemis' heights (1777) and John and Joshua were small boys, too young to be in service - I further depose and say - that ever since the Revolutionary War, said Joseph Parker has been, and now is, reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resided, and now resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution - Reuben M c Collister
July 20 1832

State of Vermont County of Windsor ss. } Windsor July 20 th 1832 Then personally appeared the within named Reuben H. Collier, who is well known by me, to be a credible person, and made oath that the foregoing affidavit, by him subscribed, contains the truth and nothing but the truth.
Before me - Carlos Coolidge Justice of the Peace
State of Vermont } Woodstock County Clerk's Office Sept. 13. 1832 I Benjamin Winslow County Clerk } Swan Clerk of Windsor County Court, Do Hereby Certify that Carlos Coolidge is one of the Justices of the Peace within said Windsor County, and that the above is his Signature - In Testimony whereof I hereunto affix the Seal of said Court and subscribe my name, the day & year last above -
Benj Swan
I John Whitcomb R.D. of Swan's County of Cheshire & State of New Hampshire

I John Whitcomb of the County of Cheshire & State of New Hampshire of the age of 71 years depose and say that I was well acquainted with Joseph Parker the bearer of this deposition, during & prior to the Revolutionary war, he went from Swanzey to Keene before said war, and in the year 1778 the said Parker came to my father's to see his brother, & as I then understood, on a furlough. I saw him several times during his stay at Swanzey and have no doubt of his belonging to the army of the Revolution, or that he returned from Swanzey to the army. I recollect that the said Parker, after going from Swanzey in 78 returned to Swanzey; & as I supposed at the time, and have no doubts at this time, came from the army, in the year 1779. His parents then lived in said Swanzey at the times above specified. The said Joseph Parker is about my own age & now lives in Windsor, Vt. John Whitcomb Jr.
Cheshire Co. Swanzey Aug. 31. 1832 Then the above named John Whitcomb Jr made oaths to the truth of the above deposition.
Before me Elijah Lameyer Justice of Peace
I hereby certify that the aforesaid John Whitcomb Jr is in my opinion a credible witness. E. Lameyer Just Peace

Whitcomb's Deposition
883
I Salma Hale clerk of the Judicial Court in said county certify that Elisha Sawyer is a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, and that the foregoing are his signatures. In testimony whereof I hereunto affix the Seal of our Superior Court of Judicature. S. A. Hale, Clerk

8803 Joseph Parker
Roll. May 5-178 Deserted April 15 '79
Deserted Deserted, as appears from the rolls, April 15, '79, never rejoined his regiment, as a consequence every claim to the gratuity of his country was forfeited. Papers placed on file.
Carlos Coolidge Windsor Vermont

BRIEF in the case of Joseph Parker  County of Windsor  in the State of Vermont  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? In Open Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 70 years  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days. As a Gen.     Spring In 1777. . . . . Not far short of 1 Month Private   1 st Nov r 1777 to 1 st April 1779 as he thinks. . . . . Artificer Capt. Painter. Col. Meigs and Capt. Mansfield -  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? None. But by his own statement he enlisted with the Enemy during the Revolution  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Hume, state of New Hampshire.  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditionally and partially by living witnesses but who did not serve with him.  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? They are correct as to authentication 
I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Dam Rolls  Examining Clerk.

This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services.
Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as are now in the possession of the Government are on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States.
L. W. D. I. 14107.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY.
January 28, 1898.
Madam:-
Replying to your request for information concerning Joseph Parker, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, you are advised that he made an application for pension on September 6, 1832, at which time he was 72 years of age and residing at Windsor, Vermont, and his pension was allowed for eighteen months' actual service as a private in the Conn. troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time he served under Capt. Potter and Col. Meigs. He enlisted at Robinson's Farms, Conn.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Mrs. William A. Patrick,
40 Cottage St.,
Rutland, Vermont.

Rev. Amos
✓ 14.107 INVALID.
File No. 14.107
Joseph Parker Rev War
Act: June 7 th 1832
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 295
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Jan. 28/98 - Mts. H. H. A - Patrick - Rutland - Bkt.

Great North Carolina and Virginia Railroad Company Washington D.C. 22 June 1903
Mr. [unclear]
[Faded text, mostly illegible]

of 81949 Record and Pension Office,
WAR DEPARTMENT,
CHIEF OF STAFF James H. [unclear], 1897. MEMORANDUM.
14.107-2-100000 Papa in claim of Joseph Parker New Hampshire Wash. or Connecticut Revolutionary War.
Moved from Swansport, N.H. to Windsor Vermont, in 1780, and died there in 1848.
He was a pensioner.

FR. 364.
Joseph Parker.

Hon. H. Curtis Letter to J. S. Edwards Esq.
J. Edwards Esq. Room 5. of Prison Washington D.C.
FREE

Windsor 22 o . July 1853
Sir
I ask for a reconsideration of the application of Joseph Parker - I know him to be a person of unquestionable veracity - & place entire confidence in this statements in his declaration - From those statements it appears that he did not desert - But was taken prisoner - This fact was not being known to his Officers - they of course at the time put him down as a deserter - His enlisting in the British Service was not with intent to serve ag t his Country - but to prevent his being sent on board a prison ship and to afford him an opportunity to escape which he effected shortly after bringing off his arms - Having for that purpose enlisted under the enemy he could not had he returned to his corps, with property, have been compelled to serve in our army as, if taken again by the British, he would have been treated by them as a deserter - * Note. put

On principle then I think his claim rests on the same ground, as it would have done had he remained a prisoner & been sent to a prison ship. It will be recalled that he was then young (18. or 19) and from his relation to the country - friends & connections all presumption of bad in- tent is negatived
I am very respectfully yours Ob Turet -
Horace Everett
Col. L. Edinonds Esq. Comm d of Pensions
+ Note - This was the reason in fact why he did not return - and as he did not conceal himself on his return and was not sent for by his Officers I presume the reason was satisfactory to them

A. N. Woodruff John W. Savage Cyprian Woodruff
Evidence in the case of Joseph Parker Jos. Parker -
Revolutionary Pensions
Feb. 17 1834
To be filed with acts heretofore ref d to the Com n on Revolutionary Pensions -
certificates of chronicles
18 H. Everett to add d doc

The undersigned, inhabitants of Windsor Vt. hereby certify, that we have, respectively, been resident in said Windsor for periods of from twenty, to thirty five, years, during which we have been well acquainted with Mr. Joseph Parker, also of said Windsor, who is now endeavoring to establish his claim to a pension.
We further certify and declare - That, from the time of our first knowledge of Mr. Parker to the present, he has always sustained, and does now bear, the reputation of a man of veracity & integrity - has pursued, peaceably and industriously, the calling of a husbandman - and is entitled to receive full credence in his statements or declarations.
Of his claim, justly to be believed, with, or without, oath, we do not doubt; nor have we ever heard it impugned, or doubted, by others.
Windsor Vt. Feby. 3. 1834 —
Levi Taylor Thomas F. Hammond, of Reading. America Amadon Joseph Forwell Nathan Swallow Samuel Steele Darius Leavens Samuel Savage
Aufus Root Cyrus Foughton Richard Wait Luther Wardner Charles Leavens John Walbridge Samuel Buck Nathan Russell Joseph Cady

Geol Davis Elisha Bannister Abishai Gly Cyprian Savage Allen Morit
I am personally acquainted with all the above signers - and they are all men of respectability. H. Emery

Joseph Purkar
Elisha Lacey

Department of War,
Jany. 20, 1834.
Sir:
Agreeably to your request I have examined the claims of Joseph Parker and Elisha Lucas for Pensions.
Joseph Parker's case has been rejected because he is returned upon the rolls as a deserter. I found on enquiry that it has been the rule of this department, since the establishment of Revolutionary Pensions, to consider such an entry as a disability not to be removed without legislative interference. This has been a practical construction of the law; and I do not now feel at liberty to depart from it.
Elisha Lucas does not appear by the rolls to have served six months, and I am not aware of any case in which a less service has been considered sufficient to entitle the party to a Pension. Whether the travel is inclusive or exclusive of the service must appear from the payments, and in this case it would seem that the applicant was actually paid for a shorter term than prescribed by the law.
Very respectfully Yr. obedient Servt.
Hon. H. Everett H. of Reps.
John C. Calhoun

Richard M c Callister Affidavit
on a Sunday found there the man
Benson killed
Remains of Joseph P. being discovered
2 young brothers
Family Residence

I, Reuben M c Collister, of Windsor in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont, aged nearly Seventy Six years, depose and say —
That at  from the time I was of the age of Four years I was removed from Marlborough, Mass. to Marlborough, New Hampshire, where I lived until I entered the service — that I first became acquainted with Joseph Parker, of said Windsor, who is seeking a pension, when he was about thirteen years old and had a general acquaintance with him until he was married, which was just before he became twenty one years old, and since his marriage, I have constantly and intimately known him, having all the time lived within two miles of him — When I first knew said Parker, he lived in Keene N. H. which adjoins s d Marlborough — ; said Joseph had two brethren named Amasa and Benjamin — — In the year 1777, I was serving, as a private soldier, in the company of Capt. Elijah Clary of the 2 d N. Hampshire Reg t . Col. Hale, Comm d and at Ticonderoga, previous to its surrender, saw and became acquainted with said Amasa Parker who was then serving in Capt. Ellis's Comp y . Col. Scamuel's Reg t — from which time I constantly knew, and was, for three years or more near, said Amasa, and always understood that he served during the whole war — while I was in his Brigade, he was an Orderly Sergeant — About eighteen years ago, information came that s d Amasa was in New York and was

Then on the Pension Roll, and I have since heard that he removed from the State of New York to some one of the western states: if, living, said Amasa is more than Eighty years old - while Amasa and myself were in the army, I think it was in 1778, said Joseph, who was then in the service, came to see his brother Amasa and I then saw them together, which circumstance I have before deposed to, as I think -
I further depose and say that, although I may have previously seen said Joseph's brother Benjamin, when a boy, yet the first time I became fully acquainted with said Benjamin was the day (in 1777) before the battle at Bunker's Heights - he had just then left the hospital at Albany, and was so weak that his officers advised him not to go into the action; but he was anxious to engage and did enter the action, and was killed almost the first shot fired by the enemy - how long Benjamin had been in the army I did not know -
Said Joseph had two other brethren, Joshua and John, who were too young to enter service -
I further depose and say - that during the war of the Revolution, the said Amasa, Benjamin, and Joseph, as also the whole family, were known as patriotic and faithful to their country, and have ever borne that reputation -
Reuben McColister
State of Vermont } Windsor County ss. } Windsor Sept. 6. 1834 Then personally appeared Reuben McColister, who in my presence subscribed the foregoing affidavit, and made oath that the same

I, Reuben M c Collister, of Windsor in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont, aged seventy five years and more, depose and say - that I have resided in said Windsor about forty four years - that during the same period I have been acquainted with Joseph Parker of said Windsor and have lived within the distance of three miles from said Parker all that time -
I further say, that I was acquainted with said Parker before either of us came to Windsor, and that often, both previous to and since our coming to reside in said Windsor, said Parker has related to me the following facts, in substance - that during the Revolutionary War, he was a soldier - that he was captured by the enemy - to save harsh treatment with which he was threatened, he enlisted with the British meaning to escape - that he did escape from the enemy and came to his home in Swaney in the State of New Hampshire, wearing a red coat, and that he did not return to the American Army - with many circumstances and events concerning his capture & escape.
That so long as I can remember, said Parker and others have publicly stated, and conversed upon, said facts, and they have never, to my knowledge, been spoken of, or regarded, as a matter of secrecy -
I further say, that said Joseph Parker has always borne the reputation of an honest man, and has lived the life of a useful citizen -
Reuben M c Collister

State of Vermont { At Windsor, on the 1 st day of February A. D. 1834, Reuben Windsor ss. } M c . Colliston, the within named affiant, personally appeared and made oath that the within affidavit by him subscribed, contains the truth and nothing but the truth —
Before me, Carlos Coolidge, Justice of the Peace And I certify that said Reuben M c . Colliston is a respectable citizen of s d . Windsor aforesaid and is a credible witness — Carlos Coolidge, Justice of the Peace
State of Vermont { Woodstock, County Clerk's Office, Feb. 5. 1834. I, Benjamin Windsor County ss. } Swan, Clerk of the County Court for Windsor County, do hereby certify that Carlos Coolidge is a Justice of the Peace within and for said county, and that the signature above purporting to be his are genuine —
In testimony whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name, and affix the seal of s d . Court, the day and year above written —
Benj m Swan

contains the truth and nothing but the truth —,
Before me — Carlos Coolidge, Justice of the Peace
And I certify that the said Reuben M c Collister has been long known by me — that he is a worthy citizen and credible person — and he is entitled to full credit as a witness — Carlos Coolidge, Justice of the Peace

Jonathan Wallis, Affidavit
Parten - had two Brothers - in screen amason
Buy man - who was killed at the Bulldozer of still works
heard him tell the same story - in his release in Jan 1729
Family Patrick

I Jonathan Woolley of Brookline in the County of Windham and State of Vermont, of the age of seventy six, being duly sworn, do depose testify and say, that I was personally acquainted with Joseph Parker now of Windsor in Windsor County and State of Vermont, in the time of the revolutionary war, that I then lived in Swansey in the State of New Hampshire, Cheshire County, that the said Joseph Parker resided in the same town, that he was a soldier in the revolutionary war, and that I was knowing to his doing service as a soldier in said war - I am also acquainted with his two brothers Amasa Parker and Benjamin Parker, that they each of them served as soldiers in said war, and that the said Benjamin Parker was shot down by my side and killed in the battle of Stillwater - I furthermore say that I have been intimately acquainted with the said Joseph Parker from the time of said war to the present time, that I have always found him to be a man of truth and veracity, and make no doubt the statements he has sent on to the War Department are correct that when he returned home I recollect that he had a British dress on, and I understood at that time, which was about June 1779, that he had been taken prisoner by the enemy and to escape had enlisted with and deserted from them, which accounted for his said dress - that the said Joseph and also his said brothers Amasa and Benjamin and all the family were true friends to their country - that I recollect it was understood among the people at Swansey at that time that there was no attempt on the part of said Joseph to keep any thing secret about the circumstances of his captivity and escape, and that the said Joseph said at the time that he enlisted with the British to save himself from being put on board a prison ship.
Jonathan Woolley
State of Vermont - Windham County ss. } New France, December 15. A. D. 1834.
Personally appeared Jonathan Woolley above named and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth - Before me. James Collier, Justice of the Peace.
I certify that the said Jonathan Woolley is well known to me as a man of good reputation for truth and veracity, and is a credible witness. James Collier, Justice of the Peace.

State of Vermont- Windham County Court Clerks Office; New Haven, December 15. A.D. 1834.
I certify that James Elliot is one of the Justices of the Peace within and for the County of Windham aforesaid, and that the within are his signatures. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said County Court on the day and year above written.
James Elliot, Clerk.

Elijah Graves -
seeing Parker in Battle uniform in 1779 - at a public Training -
Elijah Graves Deposition.

I Elijah Graves of the age of 78 years of Swaney in the County of Cheshire and State of New Hampshire depose and say That in or about the year A.D. 1779 being at a militia training in said Swaney I saw a man dressed in a red coat & other clothing similar to the uniform of the British regular troops. I enquired who it was and was answered "Joseph Parker," he being some distance from me & in his new dress was the cause of my not recognising him, having been acquainted with him from his youth up to manhood.
I further depose that it was the common report here at the time above alluded to that the said Joseph Parker had been taken by the British and had "run away from them".
I further state that the said Parker above named was then living in S. Swaney and that his mother also lived in the same town at that time and that he now, and for a number of years past, has lived in Windsor Vt. I also further depose that I believe the said Joseph Parker to be a man of truth and veracity.
Elijah Graves Cheshire J. January 23 1834.
Swam to before me Elijah Saneyo Just. Peace

Cherokee Is
I the subscriber hereby certify That the within named Elijah Graves is in my opinion a man of truth E. Sawyer Just Peace
Cherokee Is. January 24. 1834
I Selma Hale, Clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature certify that Elijah Graves is a Justice of the Peace in a said county, & that the two signa- tures of his name on this paper are in his own hand writing. In testimony whereof I hereunto affix the seal of said Court S. Hale, Clerk

Dolly Whitcomb same Parker in the Parker's version - 1779
Depositions of John and Dolly Whitcomb
Send to Bidd

I Dolly Whitcomb of Swansy in The county of Chishin and State of New Hamp- shire of the age of 66 years Depose and say that I am well acquainted with Jo- seph Parker formerly of said Swansy & now of Windsor V.T. (as I have always un- derstood) I further depose that in the year 1879 I saw the said Joseph Parker in said Swansy same time after the month of April in said year, and the said Parker was dressed in a red coat, and what makes me more freshly to recollect the circumstances of his return and dress is, that I was greatly affrighted when I saw him supposing that the British had come, having been told that they wore red coats; I further depose that I have always understood, by common report, that the said Parker got his red coat among the British, and that he had been a prisoner to the British. The said Parker's mother lived at the time of his return, aforesaid, near my parents in said Swansy and I also depose and say that I have been long acquainted with said Joseph Parker and believe him to be a man of truth & veracity. Chishin ss. Jany. 23. 1834 Dolly X Whitcomb Then the said Dolly Whitcomb personally appeared and made oath to the truth of the above written deposition before me Elijah Sawyer Just. Peace.

I John Whitcomb Jr of Swanzey in the County of Cheshire & State of New Hampshire of the age of 72 years depose and say that I have been acquainted with Joseph Parker, formerly of this town, & since, as I have alw- -ays understood, of Windsor Vt. ever since before he went into the service in the Revolutionary army. I also recollect the time of his return from said army, and from common report at that time & since I have understood that the said Parker had been a prisoner by the British and had left them. I also depose that I saw Paul W. Hason, soon after the said Parker's return from the army, with a red coat on, & understood that said Hason had said coat of Joseph Parker aforesaid.
I further say that the aforesaid Joseph Parker is in my belief a man to be relied on for truth and veracity - John Whitcomb Jr. By Elijah Saneyrs (at said Whitcomb's request)
Cheshire Vt. January 23. 1834.
Then the aforesaid John Whitcomb Jr. personally appeared and made oath that the above disposition, to which his name is affixed is in his belief true.
Before me Elijah Saneyrs Just. Peace

Cheshire Co.
I hereby certify that the within named John Whitcomb Jr. and the within named Dolly Whitcomb may be relied on for truth. Elijah Sawyer Just. Peace
Cheshire Co. January 24 1834.
I Salma Hale, clerk of the Superior Court of Indictments for said county certify that Elijah Sawyer is a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, and that his official signa- ture of his name, three times occur- ring on this paper is in his own hand writing. — In testimony whereof I hereunto affixed the Seal of said Court S. Hale, Clerk

William West
Barker visited the same year - many years ago - good character
W. West, Minister of the Gospel, 167 West Street, New York City, Feb. 5, 1834

William White -
Parker related the same story - many years ago - good character
WILLIAM WHITE 15. 1. 1804 - 1874

I, William White, of Windsor in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont, aged nearly seventy nine years, depose and say - that I have constantly lived in said Windsor for forty seven, or forty eight, years past - that Joseph Parker, of said Windsor, who is seeking a pension, has lived in said Windsor, according to my best recollection about forty six years, and upon lands adjoining mine, and distant from me about one fourth of a mile -;
I further say, that, at a period many years since, how many I cannot say with any certainty, said Parker told me that he was a soldier in the Revolutionary War - that he was taken by the enemy that he enlisted " with the British " as the only way to escape harsh treatment, intending to escape the first opportunity - that under cover of a pretence that he was going out of the enemy's camp for some pigs, he escaped, and with his red uniform " got off " and went home - I further say that said Parker has uniformly stated the same facts in relation to his service - capture - and escape, and that on many occasions, and openly - — I further say, that said Parker has ever been reputed a man of integrity and veracity, and has lived the life of a moral and peaceable citizen ever since I first became acquainted with him -
William White
William White

State of Vermont Windsor ss. —
At Windsor on the 1 st day of February A. D. 1834, William White, the affiant to the within, personally appeared, and made oath that the within affidavit by him subscribed, contains the truth, and nothing but the truth.
Before me, Carlos Coolidge, Justice of the Peace.
And I certify that said William White is a respectable citizen of Windsor aforesaid, and is a credible witness — Carlos Coolidge, Justice of the Peace
State of Vermont Windsor County ss. }
Woodstock, County Clerk's Office, Feb. 5. 1834
I, Benjamin Swan, Clerk of the County Court for Windsor County, do hereby certify that Carlos Coolidge is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, and that the signatures above purporting to be his are genuine —
In testimony whereof I have subscribed my name, and affix the seal of said Court, the day and year above written —
Benj Swan

for S. Allen
Report
Joseph Packer
Certificate of Chervantes

I certify that I have for many years been personally acquainted with Joseph Parker of Windsor Vt (the place of my residence) and that he sustains a fair character in every respect. I presented a certificate to that effect from his neighbors, which I did not now find among his papers. - I should place full confidence in any declaration he should make on oath or without: - and such I believe to be the opinion of all his neighbors -
4 Jan. 1839
Horace Everett

JOSEPH PARKER.
[To accompany bill H. R. No. 324.]
APRIL 12, 1842.
Mr. ANDREWS, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, made the following
REPORT
The Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, instructed to inquire into the expediency of granting a pension to Joseph Parker, report:
The petitioner served one month as a volunteer, and seventeen months as an artificer and soldier, in the army of the Revolution. His application for a pension was rejected on the ground, as stated by the Commissioner of Pensions, that "it is a rule of this department, and it is the usage in every country, not to grant any gratuity whatever to a deserter. This rule is invariably adhered to in this office. It is also a rule not to admit any evidence which contradicts the record, because the credit of a record is held to be greater than that of any witness whatever. As it appears from our records that he deserted from the service, there appears to be no remedy whatever but in a memorial to Congress for a special act in his favor."
The application was rejected, not on the ground that the evidence, if admitted, did not disprove the desertion, but because, under the rule adopted by the department, it was inadmissible. Every person not answering at roll-call, whose absence was not accounted for, was, of course, entered as a deserter. The entry, therefore, is not conclusive evidence of a desertion in fact. The committee, on examining the testimony, are satisfied that the petitioner did not desert. It appears from his declaration, under oath, that, (after the service of a month as a volunteer in the summer of 1777,) about the 1st of November, 1777, he enlisted as an artificer in Captain Painter's company of artificers, in which he continued to serve until April, 1778, when he was transferred to Captain Mansfield's company, in Col. Meigs's regiment of the Connecticut troops. Late in the fall he was taken sick, and remained sick until the spring of 1779. In March he again joined his company, though not fully restored to health. In April he was marched to Horse-neck, where he and another young man went out to get some fresh provisions, and were taken prisoners by a party of Cow-boys, and carried to King's bridge. He was, at this time, eighteen years old. He was told that he would be put on board one of the prison-ships; that, to avoid this, in his then state of ill health, he enlisted in the British service, with the intent to desert the first opportunity; and, within a few days, he did desert, bringing off his arms, and in a Brit-

to return; and in June returned to Swanzy, N. H., where his mother then resided. He procured a person to write to his brother, then a soldier in the army, giving an account of his adventure, and received an answer that he had seen his officers, who said they should be glad to have him come back, and join the company. He did not go back, and his reason was, that if he went back, and was afterward taken by the British, they would shoot him for desertion; and this, he says, he supposes was the reason why his officers never sent for him again. This is the substance of the account (minutely detailed in his declaration) which the petitioner, on oath, has given of the facts.
He is proved ever to have sustained an unquestioned character for truth by a great number of respectable witnesses.
It is also proved that, on his return in June, 1779, he gave the same relation of the facts, and has been uniform in his relation ever since.
It further appears that all his family and connexions were well affected toward the good cause; that two of his brothers enlisted in the army—Amasa, who served through the war, and Benjamin, who was killed at the battle of Bemis's heights; and that he left at home a mother and two younger brothers. Under all these circumstances, the committee cannot doubt the truth of the story sworn to by the petitioner, and therefore report a bill granting him a pension of sixty dollars a year, under the act of 1832.

Resolution —
Joseph Parker
24. Jany 1834.
Ref. com: Revolutionary Pensions with papers
Mar. 4. 1834 Comm ee disch d — to lie on table
Feb y 4 1836
Report ag t — & C. W. ton — print —
Jan y 7 1839
Ref d to the Committee on Rev d Pensions
April 12 1842
Bill Ref d N o 364
Jan y 4. 1840
Ref under rule to Com ee on Rev Pensions
March 5. 1840 Com ee disch d to lie
H. Correll
158. Rev Pensions
Joseph Parker
Mar. 12. 1840
Recommitted to Committee on Rev. Pensions
July 10 1840
Bill — N o 470
Mar. 22. 1842
Ref d to Com ee on Rev. Pensions
April 12 1842
Bill — N o 364

Twenty Third Congress. First Session.
Congress of the United States
In the House of Representatives
January 24. 1834.
On motion of Mr. H. Correll,
Resolved, That the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions be instructed to enquire into the expediency of placing the name of Joseph Parker a Soldier of the Revolution on the pension roll.
Attest,
W. S. Franklin
Clerk House Representatives

Joseph Parker
Dec. 30th 1834
Revolutionary Pensions
With papers
Dec. 29 1835.
Ref to the Committee on Rev d Pensions
Feb. 4. 1836
Report on — C.W. to m 1030
Dec. 12 1837
Ref to the Committee on Rev d Pensions
Mr. Everett, Vt.
128 34 Pms
Apr. 13. 1838 — Report m. to lie
B. Hartwell

23 d Congress.
2 d Session.
Congress of the United States
In the House of Representatives
Decr 30. 1834
On motion of Mr H. Everett,
Resolved. That the Committee on Revolutionary pensions be instructed to enquire into the expediency of placing the name of Joseph Parker on the roll of the Revolutionary pensions - and that the testimony in his case now on the files of this House & the accompanying testimony be referred to the same Committee
Attest
W. L. Franklin
Clerk

8803
Joseph Parker

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Joseph Patten which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes V. * Has he mentioned 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? no VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? in part only. VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? no
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? no
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? no documentary evidence and no living witness who speaks positively.
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? he has produced living witnesses in part.
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? yes
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? no
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state 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.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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.
‡QUERE XVI. 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 paper 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.
☞ In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.

Jan 18 Immediate attention
Mr.
J. L. Edwards Esq. Dear Sir,
Yrs H. Everett H. R.

Washington 13. Aug. 1836
Hi -
I have occasion to see the papers in the case of Dr. Parker, as written before the Com ee of Prisons & request that the originals or copies may be sent to me -
respectfully, &c
H. Everett
M.C. from Vermont.
J. L. Edwards Esq Committee of Prisons

Mr. ANDREWS, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, reported the following bill :
A BILL
For the relief of Joseph Parker.
1 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives 2 of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That 3 the Secretary of War be, and he hereby is, directed to place the 4 name of Joseph Parker, of Windsor, in the State of Vermont, on 5 the list of Revolutionary pensioners of the United States, and to 6 pay him the sum of sixty dollars per annum from the fourth day 7 of March, eighteen hundred and thirty one, during his natural 8 life.

Benj. Smeal, Certificate

Carlos Coolidge, Justice of the Peace.
State of Vermont Hinsboro County ss
I Benjamin Swan Clerk of the County Court of the County of State aforesaid, Do hereby Certify that Carlos Coolidge is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly Commissioned and qualified, that his Commission was dated the sixth day of November A 1833, and will expire the last day of November A. 1834, and that his Signature above written is genuine.
Given under my Hand and Seal of said County Court this ninth day of January Eighteen hundred & thirty four.
Benj l Swan Clerk

H. Everett
Revolutionary pensions Joseph Parker
Agreed. Dec 30 1834
Dec 30. 1834 Ref d to Com ee on Rev. Pensions
Dec. 29 1835 Ref d to the Committee on Rev d Pensions
H. Everett 42. ago

Resolve that the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions be instructed to begin with the upholding of placing the name of Joseph Parker on the roll of Revolutionary Pensions - and that the testimony in his case now on the files of the house & the accompanying testimony be referred to the same Committee.

Joseph Parker - Letter from J. L. Edwards
Domine 32. to hi
17. South 28.

(copy)
War Department
Pension Office
July 27. 1833
Sir,
The case of Joseph Parker has again been taken up. After a due consideration of the subject, I can only say, that there are two rules applicable to such a case, which must effectually bar his claim.
It is a rule of this Dept. and it is the usage in every country, not to grant any gratuity whatever to a deserter. This rule is invariably adhered to in this office. It is also a rule not to admit any evidence which contradicts the record, because the credit of a record is held to be greater than that of any witness whatever. As it appears from our records that he deserted from the service, there appears to be no remedy whatever but in a memorial to Congress for a Special Act in his favor.
I have the honor to be Very Respectfully Yr. Obt. Servt J. S. Edwards
(signed)
Hon: H. Everett Windsor Vt.

29. Aug 1842
Vol 6.
Parker
J. L. Church Esq. Cons. of Papers

Washington 29. Aug t 1842
Sir
I enclose a copy of a Bill, which has passed, granting a pension to Joseph Parker, - and request that his certificate may be sent to me respectfully re H Everett
Ed d Saunders Comt. of Pensions

Joseph Parker.
92. Joseph Parker claims a revolutionary Pension for one month's service in the summer of 1777, & for 19 months service from the 1. Nov. 1777 - His application was rejected by the Commissioners of Pensions because he was entered as a deserter on the rolls of the Army - under "a rule of the department to consider such an entry as a disability not to be removed without legislative interference."
The month's service is proved by his own declaration - His known service proved to be a man of unquestionable truth & veracity - The second line of service from his enlistment 1. Nov 1777 to the date of the entry of desertion is proved by his declaration - corroborated by other witnesses - for the most part if not for the whole time by the rolls - The only question is did he in fact desert? - This entry would have been made in all cases when the reason of cause of the absence of a Soldier, was at the time unknown. - And is conclusive evidence of his absence only. And is perfectly, in this case consistent with the story of the applicant.

He states, in his declaration, that he enlisted about the 1. Nov. 1777, for three years - or during the war - that in the Winter & Spring he was later in poor health - that about April or that year he marched to Hors-neck - where he and another went out to get some fresh provisions - and were later prisoners by the "Corn Boys" and carried to Kings bridge - where, to avoid being put on board the guard ships, and being in poor health he enlisted in the British Service, with intent to desert the first opportunity - He was then 19 years old - that the first opportunity, & within 3 or 4 weeks he did desert & in hand came home to his mother, in Scarsdale N.Y. in the British Uniform - that he then told the same story & appeared openly - that his return was he believes known to his officers & that the reason why he did not return was that if again taken by the British he should have been in danger of being shot as a deserter - & that he believes was the reason why he was not sent for -
That he told this story at the time & has always told the same story - fully proved by other witnesses - and also that he came home in the British Uniform
His declaration that he did not desert - & join the British is corroborated, by the

fact that his family were never supporters of the Revolution - that two of his Brothers joined the Army - one of whom was killed in Battle in 1777 - and the other survived thro' the war - - There was especially at his age no reason for dissent - to fight against his own Brother - etc - all these facts added to the well estab- -lished character of W Parker entitle his dis- cernment to full credit.

Meriden June 2 1854
Mr Hubbard
Dr Sir. I shall send you by to day Mind affidavits to be used in the case of Westgate Slavery accompanied by letters to you in relation to the same, which letters if you think it advisable, may be sent in with the other papers.
I am requested by Joseph Parker Esq of this town to have the honor to speak to you at least about his Father. Joseph Parker's case. His claim is not admitted for the reason that it appears by the Rolls that he was a deserter. Old Mr P. states and has so stated in his depositions. that he did not desert but was taken prisoner by the "Cow boys" and delivered to the British. Before To have service he entered for the purpose of getting away from them & that he did leave them the first opportunity. If so cannot the difficulty be got along with - He is a man of character - His case was made out and sent on by Mr Coffidge of Windsor where Mr Parker the affidavits received. I hope you have the goodness to call and look at the

paper in the cur. - and talk with Mr Edwards respect- ing D. and communicate the result
Respectfully Yrs John Bryant
P.S. I find among my papers the communication of "Elsie Leach," which I sometime since named to you - I am not sure to whom she intended to address whether yourself or the President of the US States but suspect to you - To gratify the old Lady will you please to look at the rolls and see if she can get any relief. His "Excellency, most obedient hand Maiden"
J.B

See 154
( Rep. No. 568. )
APRIL 12, 1842.
Read twice, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House to morrow.
Mr. L. W. ANDREWS, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pen- sions, reported the following bill:
A BILL
An act For the relief of Joseph Parker.
1 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives 2 of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That 3 the Secretary of War be, and he hereby is, directed to place 4 the name of Joseph Parker, of Windsor, in the State of Ver- 5 mont, on the list of revolutionary pensioners of the United 6 States, and to pay him the sum of sixty dollars per annum 7 from the fourth day of March, eighteen hundred and thirty- 8 one, during his natural life.
Approved, August 26 th , 1842.
A true copy from the Roll in this Office.
Dept. of State, Aug. 30 th 1842.
H. Fletcher Nichols Ch. Clerk.