Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 1,081, Nicholas Baumann, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Baumann, Nicholas or Bowman
P. 1,081
CONTENTS
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State of New York } Ulster County } ss
On this 25 th day of February, 1833 personally appeared before me John Mahon one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Ulster Nicholas Bowane a resident of Schuylerville in the County of Ulster and State of New York aged Seventy one 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 United States under the following named Officers and served as herein stated - That he entered the United States Service in the fall of the year 1777 at Fort Dayton - That immediately after he entered the service they had a Battle with the Tories and Indians at Fort Dayton who made an attack upon the Fort - That his said Service was in a company of Militia commanded by Captain Henry Hart, Lieutenants John Bennett & Peter Weaver and Ensign John Bellingr in the Regiment of Colonel Peter Bellingr Lieutenant Colonel Frederick Tracy Bellingr and Major Denis Clapsaddle - That he was enrolled in said Company in the year 1777 which was the year that he attained the age of sixteen - That he served at Fort Dayton and was on guard duty at said Fort previous to his enrollment and before he was sixteen years of age - That from the time of his first service which was as early as 1776 and before he was sixteen years old he served under the before named Officers at Fort Dayton until the year 1781 when he removed to Mannersville now in Montgomery in the State of New York except that during the Winter of 1778 he went to Fort Plank at Canajoharie below Ulster where he served also during the said Winter and whilst
From now County of Montgomery

Boats to Fort Stansis - and further this Deponent saith that said Nicholas moved to Warrenbush in
He remained at Fort Plank in a company of Militia commanded by Captain George Countryman - that he does not recollect the other Officers in said Countryman's Com- pany except Sergeant Henry Walbratt - that in the spring of the year he returned to Fort Dayton at Hekimer where his parents and their family were living - that his service at Fort Dayton and which continued until the year 1784 was as follows - the Inhabitants of Hekimer residing in the neighbourhood of Fort Dayton from their exposure to the constant attacks of the enemy and among whom this Deponent was included were from the commencement of the war until the period that the dwellings of the Inhabitants at that place were burnt which was in the year 1777 for a great part of the time collected at Fort Dayton to defend themselves against the enemy - that after the burning of Hekimer and from that period to the end of the war the Inhabitants of Hekimer were continually assembled and living in Fort Dayton - that the collection of the inhabitants at said Fort was the occasion that required the constant guard and defence of said Fort - that there were some times short periods when no duty was required at said Fort - but such was the continual exposure that at that place that the inhabitants could not perform the usual farm labour upon their lands without an armed guard to defend them and that very often when engaged in labour upon

their fields with a guard wounded them They were attacked by the enemy - that many of the inhabitants were killed during the said War in fields when at labor - that so much were they continued opposed and watched by the enemy that it was only by considerable parties that the inhabitants at said Fort could at all perform any labor upon their fields - that whenever they went into the fields & labor they would go out in parties and every person that did go out was obliged to carry his arms with him - that when in the field they would stack their arms place out some of their parties as sentinels and the rest would perform labor - that during his stay at Fort Dayton he has often often times been thus engaged in labor in their large sometimes an outpost around them at labor and sometimes at labor with sentinels around him -
that very often he would perform his regular turn of Guard duty at said Fort in the night time and during the day was under arms on the field - that for a great part of the time they were obliged to keep the Fort closed and remained on duty at the said Fort night and day - that this kind of service was rendered at said Fort by him and the other Militia stationed at said Fort from the commencement of the War until the year 1781 when he moved to Warrenton in the County of Fryon now County of Montgomery

Boats to Fort Stawis - and further this Deponent in the State of New York - that there were occasionally parties of Regulars Stationed at said Fort Dayton who aided the Militia in the defence of said Fort - that for the most part of the said period no regulars were Stationed at said Fort and the whole defence devolved upon the said Militia among whom he was one - that this kind of service was continual both in the summer and winter seasons during the whole period that he was at said Fort and that he was continually engaged in this service - that besides the said services thus rendered by him at Fort Dayton he was also occasionally ordered out upon duty away from said Fort Dayton that he was ordered out twice to guard boats to Fort Stawis - that when at Fort Plank in the winter of 1778 he was on duty also at said Fort Plank and out upon Scouts - that his duty at Fort Plank was was of guard duty and was performed under said George Carmetman - that from 1781 to the close of the War he was enrolled into the Militia at Warrenbush in the company of Captain Yeomans but his services there were unimportant that his service at Fort Dayton he considers as continual service in the service of the United States and that the same continued from the year 1776 before he was sixteen years of age

until the year 1781 except the short period that he was stationed at Fort Hawk and that whilst at Fort Hawk he rendered important services in behalf of his country That he has no documentary evidence of his services nor has he ever had any
That he was born at Berklein in the state of New York on the 16 th day of April in the year 1761
That he has a record of his age at home which was made by his father -
That he resided at Berklein when he entered the service -
That since the war he has lived at Berklein - Fish creek in America and at Schuylkill - That he now resides at Schuylkill
That he was called into the service as heretofore set forth -
That he was acquainted with Colonel Dayton, Lieut. Col. Whitely - Major Major Barker and Capt. Bloomfield - who were

at different times at Fort Dayton when he served at said Fort
That he never had any discharge for any of his service —
That he is known to George Kilts and Philip Hart of Herkimer who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution —
And he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever for a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state —
Sworn to and subscribed in open Court this day and year above before me this 25 th day of Feb y 1833
Nicholas Balimann
John G. Mahan One of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Herkimer

State of New York } Herkimer County } ss
Adam Bowman of the town and county of Herkimer being duly sworn saith that he is aged Twenty three years - that Nicholas Bowman of the town of Schuyler in said County, is a Brother to this Deponent - that during the Revolutionary war the said Nicholas and this Deponent were enrolled in the Militia of Tryon County at Herkimer under Captain Henry Martz Lieutenant John Bennett Lieutenant Peter Weaver and Ensign John Billinger in a Regiment commanded by Colonel Peter Billinger Lieutenant Colonel Frederick Billinger and Major Denis Clapsaddle - that from the time of their  enrollment of the said Nicholas the year this Deponent does not recollect but thinks it was at an early period of the war, the said Nicholas served in the said Militia until he afterwards removed to Warsaw Bush now in Montgomery County which he believes was in the year 1781 - that he knows that said Nicholas was on guard duty at Fort Dayton before he was sixteen years of age - that during his stay at Herkimer he was constantly stationed at Fort Dayton at Herkimer and almost constantly engaged in defending and guarding Fort Dayton - that after Herkimer was burnt and for much of the time before that period the Inhabitants of Herkimer in the vicinity of Fort Dayton were collected at and lived in said Fort - that a constant guard was kept up at said Fort to defend the same and the Inhabitants living there - that there were occasionally parties of Regular Troops at said Fort engaged in the defence of said Fort but that the defence of said Fort devolved chiefly upon the Militia of that neighbourhood and that this Deponent and the said Nicholas were almost constantly engaged in the service in defending said Fort with the rest of the Militia of that quarter - That there were occasions when the said Nicholas was absent from said Fort for short periods on other service service as he thinks but does not now remember the particular services or occasions except that he once went to guard

Boats to Fort St. Lawrence - and further this Deponent saith that said Nicholas moved to Warrenton in 1781 as he thinks but this Deponent remained at Fort St. Lawrence to the close of the War - Sworn and subscribed
this 25 day of February Adam Bowman - - 1833 before me
John Mahon one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Herkimer
And I the said John Mahon Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Herkimer aforesaid, do hereby declare my opinion, after the investigation of the matter and of the putting the interrogatories presented by the War depart- ment, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states.
And I do further certify that it appears to me that Peter P. Bellinger, Adam Bowman and George Witts who have signed the preceding Certificates are residents of the County of Herkimer aforesaid, are Credible persons and that their Statements is entitled to Credit.
And I do also certify that the said Nicholas Bowman could not from bodily infirmity attend the place of holding Courts of Record in and for the County of Herkimer February 25 th 1833
John Mahon one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Herkimer

State of New York Herkimer County } ss.
George Hilts of Herkimer in the County of Herkimer aforesaid being duly sworn, saith that he is seventy years of age - that he was acquainted with Nicholas Bowman of Schuyler during the Revolutionary War - that said Nicholas during said War was enrolled in a Company of Militia under the Command of Captain Henry Harker in the Regiment of Colonel Peter Bellinger (in which said Company this Deponent was also enrolled) and served for several years in said Company at Fort Dayton at Herkimer during said War - that this Deponent does not recollect the particular years in which said Nicholas served, but being together in the same Company and having served together he is certain that he did serve in said Company at Fort Dayton for several successive years - that the declaration for a pension has been read of the said Nicholas has been read to this Deponent and that the same contains a true statement of the service performed by the said Nicholas during said period and whilst he was stationed and served at said Fort Dayton - that the Militia stationed at Fort Dayton and in which the said Nicholas and this Deponent were included were almost continually upon duty that the service rendered by them chiefly was in guarding and

depending said Fort Dayton and the Inhabitants living in said Fort - that what said Nicholas states in relation to the mode of performing farm labour by the Inhabitants living at Fort Dayton and that the same could be done only with their arms and by guards and that same was so done during most of the said period of the war at Fort Dayton is correct and true - and further saith that what said Nicholas states in relation to the Inhabitants living in said Fort is also true -
Sworn to & subscribed This 10 th day of October 1832.
His George + Hilt's mark
Be it Remembered that on the 10 th day of October 1832 before me Charles Gray Commissioner of Deeds personally appeared George Hilt of the Town of Herkimer and subscribed and made oath to the foregoing Affidavit. And I do further certify that the said George Hilt is to me well known and that he is a person of good repute and entire credibility.
Chas Gray
N. Bauman

State of New York Herkimer County ss. p.
Personally appeared before me Alpheus Osborn the undersigned a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the said County Nicholas Bowman who being duly sworn deposeth & 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 follow- ing grades -
For four months I served as a private in the year 1777 as I now believe, commencing on the 1 st day of October 1777 and ending on the 1 st day of February 1778 in a Militia Company commanded by Capt. Henry Hart, Lieuts. John Denneth and Peter Mearns and Ensign John Bellinger, in the Regiment of Col. Peter Bellinger. Lieut. Col. Frederick Bellinger and Major Denis Clapsaddle and in the Brigade under the command of General Nicholas Serkimer - The foregoing were the Officers under whom I served in the year 1778 but cannot say that they were all living at the time of my aforesaid four months service Gen. Serkimer & Major Clapsaddle & Ensign Bellinger were killed at the Oriskany Battle which may have been before my foresaid four months service although I cannot state for certain either way -
My said four months service aforesaid was rendered at Fort Dayton at Serkimer where I was stationed during that period - said service consisted in Garrison duty wholly, except that during that period we had a skirmish with the Indians & Tories

in the neighborhood of said Fort Dayton
For two months I served as a private in a company of Militia Commanded by Capt. George Cummings - I do not now remember who were the other officers nor do I remember in what Regiment this service was rendered -
This service consisted in Garrison duty rendered at Fort Plank in the neighborhood of Canajoharry now Montgomery County
This service commenced about the first of May and ended about the 1 st of July 1778 - I was then at Herkimer near Fort Dayton where I lived until some time in February 1778, being shortly after the close of my first four months service aforesaid, when I went to Canajoharry and where I was enrolled in the aforesaid company of Militia and under said Capt. Cummings served until about the first of July of that year when I went back again to Herkimer to Fort Dayton and where I afterward remained and served until the year 1781 as I believe when I removed to Warrensburgh on the Mohawk River below Herkimer and now in the County of Warrensburg
When I arrived at Herkimer at Fort Dayton again which was about the 1 st of July 1778 I was again put upon the Roll of the Militia company of the aforesaid Captain Barker and put up duty also immediately at said Fort Dayton, and that I again served at said Fort Dayton under said Capt. Barker, Lieutenants Meaver and Demuth, and in the Regiment of Col. Peter Bellinger who was also at Fort Dayton, until the 1 st day of January 1779 being a period of six months I

That my said Service for the period I consider a constant and uninterrupted Service for the said period of six months and the same was Garrison duty - Our duty consisted in guarding said Fort Dayton - Whilst at said Fort during this period we were paraded at said Fort twice a day once in the morning and once in the after- noon towards evening and we were by turns put upon guard making my turns of guard duty or Standing Sentry as often as every other day - Sometimes every third or fourth day - That during the Summer Season we were in the habit of going out into our fields to labour under arms between the morning and evening parades - That I frequently afterwards on guard at the Fort during the night and on parade at the Fort in the morning went out and worked on the Farm and at the beat of the drum for parade at evening returned to Fort and paraded -
That although I during that period attended to civil employment in the manner and under arms as afore- said, yet I cannot consider my Militia Service otherwise than a constant and uninterrupted Service and I therefore set the same forth and claim it as a constant Service from about the 1 st of July 1778 to the 1 st of January 1779 making a period of six months and during which period I served in the capacity of a private - That during the

I served at said Fort Dayton also as a private in the said Company of Militia commanded by said Capt. Henry Hart in the said Regiment of Col. Peter Bellinger from the 1 st of January 1779 to the first of March 1781 — I Capt. Hart I believe did not remain at Fort Dayton until March 1781 and altho. I cannot state when he moved yet said Capt. Hart did move away and after he moved away the Command of the Company as I now believe devolved upon Lieut. John Dornith and under whose command I served after the removal of said Capt. Hart — Col. Bellinger under whose command the said Company of Militia belated remained stationed at said Fort Dayton until the close of the War and from him proceeded all our orders at said Fort Dayton — In March 1781 I removed from Fort Dayton at Heshimer & Narrowsbrook now in the County of Montgomery where I remained until the close of the War —
That I served in the same manner as is herewith stated in my said last mentioned period of six months service from the first day of January 1779 to the 1 st day of March 1781, except that I was occasionally on duty away from said Fort in pursuit of the enemy and to guard boats and except also that we were occasionally relieved and spiked at said Fort by regular troops and except also that there were short periods when there were no other duties performed at said Fort except guards at night. That our services continued as well in the winter season as in the summer season and the Militia in which I served and in which all my services were rendered was a

regularly organised Corps from the commencement to the close of the War and under orders from the Government and during the whole period of the War to be equipped and ready to march at a minute's warning — that I was in this Corps and under such orders that my said service was rendered — that I was constantly at said Fort Dayton from the 12 th January 1779 to the 12 th March 1781 except when absent on duty and in pursuit of the enemy — that I do consider and believe that my service from the 12 th January 1779 to the 12 th March 1781 as a constant and uninterrupted service and I therefore state that I served as a private the in the aforesaid Company of Militia and under the aforesaid Militia Officers in the manner herein before stated for the period of two years and two months commencing on the 12 th day of January 1779 and ending the first day of March 1781 and for which services and my other aforesaid services I claim a pension —
That I served under the aforesaid Capt. Gorton and the other Militia Officers in the year 1778 and before I was sixteen years of age — that this service consisted also in garrison duty at said

I served at said Fort Dayton also as a private in the said Company of Militia commanded by said Capt. Henry Harker in the said Regiment of Col. Peter Bellingham from the 18 th of January 1779 to the 10 th of March 1781 — Capt. Harker I Fort Dayton and I also served at Saratoga but after my removal there but those services were unimportant and for which therefore claim no pension —
And I further state that during the periods of my aforesaid services at said Fort Dayton and Fort Plank I was occasionally absent from said Forts on duty, in pursuit of the enemy, guarding transport Boats & Scows, but in no instance was absent as I now believe from either of said Forts over three or four days at any one time
Subscribed and sworn to W. P. Elias Beman
this 17 th day of February A. Osborn Nipetunk County 1854. And I do certify that from an examination of the said Nicholas Bowman and from my knowledge of him and from his reputation among his neighbors and certify that he is a man of truth and veracity and is entitled to belief and credit under oath.
February 17 1854 A. Osborn Nipetunk Co. County

No 25431.
Nicholas Bowman Herkimer County New York
d. c. j. k. page 10 Vol 5 - $8.00 1.06 1779 12 " " 4.00 0.18 1780 1.24
1081
Chas Gray Herkimer N. York

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjunct notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Nicholas Bowman Herkimer County New York
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Entered fall 1777 0 14 0 private Col Bellinger, Col Henry Harts 71 years Herkimer County 3 Witnesses - papers correctly attached -   1778 — 2 0 — Capt. Centryman — —   1779 — 6 0 — " Henry Harts N. York —    The applicant states that he was in constant service at Fort Dayton from 1776 until 1781, except while at Fort Plank in 1778
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
8666 134

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

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

Act of June 7. 1832.
Suspended claim of Nicholas Bowman. New York.
Power of Attorney to examine claim.
Chas. C. Tucker. Present.

Power of Attorney
Know all men by these presents that we Jacob Lintz and Elizabeth Lintz his wife the said Elizabeth being a daughter and heir at law of Nicholas Bowman deceased do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint Charles C. Tucker of the City of Washington D.C. our true and lawful agent and Attorney to prosecute the claim of Nicholas Bowman deceased for any amount of Revolutionary Pension or increase of Pension that may be due under the provisions of the Act of June 7 th 1832 or any other Act or resolution of Congress; and we hereby authorise our said Attorney to examine all papers and documents in relation to said Claim or file in the Departments at Washington City or elsewhere, to file additional evidence or arguments and to receive the Certificate which may be issued for said Claim and to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed; and to do all things that we might or could do were we personally present; hereby ratifying and confirming all that our said Attorney may lawfully do in the premises.
Witness our hands & seals this 30 th day of March 1854 In presence of Chas. Gray
This Jacob + Lintz mark
Elizabeth + Lintz mark
State of New York Herkimer County } ss:
On this 30 th day of March 1854 before me a Justice of the Peace in and for said County & State aforesaid personally appeared Jacob Lintz and Elizabeth Lintz his wife to me known to be the persons described in and who executed the foregoing Power of Attorney and severally acknowledged the execution thereof for the uses and purposes therein expressed.
David Kachab Justice of the Peace

July 3
Revolutionary Claims
for FREE
J. L. Edwards Esquire
NY
Committee of Revision
Washington

J. L. Edwards Esquire
Sir
Enclosed I return the Pension application papers of Mr. Nicholas Bowman, which were indefinitely and sent to us some time 1833- The reason of the delay which has intervened has been on account of the absence removal of Mr. Bowman from Herkimer Co. where he lived when his application was first forwarded to Jefferson Co. distant from us over 100 miles -
In 1834 Mr. Bowman was at Herkimer when he made his explanatory pft. and left the matter of getting some other explanatory proof with some of his connections, and then returned to Jefferson Co. & I have not seen him since - so I am in law of Mr. Bowman called on me yesterday on this subject and on being told that the papers had not yet been forwarded for the want of further proof. procured the attendance and Affidavit of Capt. Christopher Bellinger which is attached -
Both these men insist and so do all the old men that were at Fort Dayton in the war, that there service was constant and uninterrupted from 1778 after Brant was burnt to the close of the war - although they did occasionally attend to their farming

yet they all agree and swear that their farm duties were performed performed always in the intermission between their morning and evening parades, and under arms -
We do not suppose that the circumstance of doing their farm work under arms, will or ought to entitle this Service to Military Service.
We mention it only as a circumstance showing the situation of these people at the time, and the absolute necessity of keeping up Garrison duty in the Fort -
But certainly the morning and evening parades, & the regular and daily details of guards and regular and constant guard duties at all times night & day in Winter as well as Summer, gives to this Service all the character of a regular Military Service.
Capt. Bellinger is not an officer by a pension, but a man of rather remark- able memory & mind for a man of his age and I can find a great number who all agree & will swear that service rendered by the Militia of Her Majesty was of the character mentioned -
These men knew not from whence the orders came imposing upon them this Service emanated except that it proceeded from their Colonels and other Military Officers under whom they immediately served - We apprehend that there must have been some order from competent authority for this Service - We do not believe that it was altogether gratuitous.

on the part of Genl. Harkness and the Colonels Bellinger who it seems from all these men were the chief officers at this place and neighborhood - (That there were occasionally regular continental troops stationed at Fort Dayton, and that it was a Fort built immediately by the Government is evidence we think that it was a regu- larly established military post in the War - That it was guarded chiefly by the Militia in the neighborhood, and that it may have been maintained, for the shelter & protection, more particularly of these other frontier settlements, makes it no less a military post and the services rendered theret, although performed by the Militia a regular military service -
If the Government had no interest in this Fort or the military establishment maintained at this place, how does it happen, that from time to time and when their situation was deemed especially perilous and critical, that reinforcements of regular troops were sent to their relief  therein , and again withdrawn when the threatened danger ceased - A regular and constant communication was at all times  kept up between this and other Military Posts in that state - We cannot distinguish between this and any other Garrison or post and if it is entitled to that character then we think Mr. Bowman must be entitled to a full pension, and if not we think certainly rendered sufficient acts entitle him to a partial pension. Please ascertain from the Continental pa- per which you lately told me were in the Library of Congress - or know. Well I hope you may be able to find out how much a pension rightfully you are entitled to.

_____ Ex'r.
INVALID.
RECEIVED
Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
1081
P. O. Nicholas Boorman
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____

New York
Rev. - -
Nicholas Bowman
Suspended
Lib. to Chas Gray. cfp O.R. 1837
1832

State of New York William County ss
1 Christopher Bolliger of the Town of Germanflats in said County being duly
sworn that he was seventy three years of age on the 24th day of November last past - that this deponent was born at Herkimer in said County of Herkimer and from his nativity until about seven years of age when he moved to the town of Germanflats, (situated from his former residence at Herkimer) about one mile, and resided at Herkimer - except also that this deponent was absent about two years during the Revolutionary War, being the two last years of said War - that this deponent from his earliest recollections has been acquainted with Nicholas Bowman named in the annexed papers and who as this deponent informs is an applicant for a Pension - that said Nicholas Bowman & this deponent from their infancy both lived and continued to reside at Herkimer until the Revolutionary and through the War and for many years after the War when the said Nicholas moved from Herkimer and has since lived in Oneida County and other places and is now living in Jefferson County in the State of New York, but with whom this deponent notwithstanding his non-residence at Herkimer has always kept up and now continues an acquaintance - that from the time that Fort Dayton was built at Herkimer in the early part of the Revolutionary War that Nicholas Bowman as well as this deponent were constantly in the said Fort until this deponent left said Fort Dayton and went with with his mother and family part of the family to live at Schoharie and Albany - that the family of which this deponent was a member left Fort Dayton in the fall of 1780 and remained absent until the close of the War and that the occasion of their departure from Fort Dayton was that the Father of this deponent was at that time a prisoner in Canada and that but a short time before their departure the eldest brother of this deponent was killed by the Indians on the Flatts at Fort Dayton now the Village of Herkimer - that the said Nicholas Bowman and his father family also moved away from Fort Dayton towards the close of the War, but this deponent cannot say whether such removal was before or after the departure

Therefor by the Deponent - that the families of which this Deponent and the said Nicholas respectively belonged to the lives in said Fort Dayton from the burning of Fort Union in 1878  the time of the until their removal as aforesaid - that although the Deponent does not now remember any particular service rendered by said Nicholas in said War, yet from the fact that the said Nicholas was an able bodied man - during the period of the War, and several years older than the Deponent, that he was living at Fort Union from the beginning of the War until the burning of Fort Union in 1878  the time of the until his removal and that no able bodied male of sufficient age to bear arms was at that place during that period except for some militia duty this Deponent has no doubt that the said Nicholas Bourne was during his stay at Fort Union at Fort Dayton rendered the ordinary militia duty rendered by the Militia of that place - that the service performed at said Fort by the Deponent and which was the service rendered by all the Militia of that place was the ordinary garrison duty, such as daily parades and drilling and guard duty - said guard duty was the regular guard duty, and was at all times kept up while the Deponent remained at said Fort both in the day time and in the night and as well in the Winter as Summer without any interruption - That during the time of their stay at Fort Dayton it has customary to attend to the farming concerns and to which part of the time was devoted - that the practice has for some time past been to have a parade in the morning part were most of them left to attend to their farming concerns The rest were  were down with us to be down in the field and in armed parties they performed their farm work - at sundown, not

Before sundown they were again on parade where guard would be detailed for the night & the following day - The the regular town guard detail guard was at the every parade of every day - and further South not
Subscribed & sworn this 27 th day of January 1877
Christopher Bellinger
Adjutant Genl. of Duds
Quintly in the State of New York, but with whom his is at present his residence at

Abt Bowman
Pension Papers
25/31

Peter B. Bellingr of the Town of Stanhope in the said County being duly sworn saith that he is seventy two years of age - That he was acquainted with Nicholas Bowman of Schuyler in said County during the Revolutionary war and has known him ever since - that he knows that said Nicholas was living at Fort Dayton at Helderberg for some time during the Revolutionary war and that he removed from Fort Dayton to some place on the Mohawk River below Fort Dayton before the close of the war, but where he removed to this Deponent does not now know - that this Deponent does not now recollect any particular service rendered by said Nicholas during said war but from the circumstance that he was at Fort Dayton for some time during said war and knowing that the male Inhabitants at Fort Dayton at all times during said war were compelled to perform Militia duty he has no doubt that said Nicholas performed services in defence of his country at that place - And this Deponent further saith that he was stationed and living at said Fort Dayton for several years during the war of the Revolution - That the declaration for a pension of the said Nicholas Bowman has been read to this Deponent - That the history given by the said Nicholas of the military services rendered by him and the rest of the Militia stationed at Fort Dayton and the particular manner in which such services were performed so far as the same is applicable to the Militia services rendered at said Fort Dayton in general is correct and true except that this Deponent believes that most of the Militia stationed at said Fort Dayton have done much more service in the pursuit of the enemy and in behalf of the United States out of and away from said Fort Dayton than is claimed therein claimed by said Nicholas to himself - That the settlements in the District of Country now embraced within the limits of Herkshire County were at that period frontier settlements - That the frequent depredations and murders committed

...as at the Pantry at Schenectady upon them by the savage enemy. Compelled the Inhabitants of those settlements for their Mutual Defence and Safety to collect and live during almost the whole period of the Revo- lution at the different Forts and places of defence in that District - that these Forts and places of defence were not only very frequently but very often very unexpected- ly in the summer and in the winter seasons attacked by the enemy - that these repeated and unexpec- ted attacks required the utmost vigilance and compelled the almost incessant military exertion and service of their Militia - And this Deponent further saith that what is stated by the said Nicholas, in relation to the manner of conducting the usual farm labour at Fort Dayton and which also applies to the farm labour done at Fort Herkimer, and all the other Forts in that vicinity during the said war is also correct and true - that the farm labour during that period performed by the Inhabitants at Fort Dayton and Fort Herkimer and the other Forts in that neighborhood was performed in most instances under arms and not unfrequently was the farm field converted into a field of Battle - that in order to perform the usual farm labours the Inhabitants including the Militia went out in parties with their arms and after placing out centinels would do the ordinary field labour - that occasionally regular Troops stationed at said Forts accompanied and guarded the Inhabitants when engaged in their farm labours - And this Deponent further saith that the said Militia at said Fort Dayton and Herkimer and the other Forts in that quarter besides performing the usual guard duties and defending the said Forts

were also whenever the occasion required called out and marched from their homes in pursuit of and to oppose the common enemy of United States— That the said Militia in pursuance to the General Orders then issued to the Militia of the State of New York generally and which orders as this Deponent is informed and believes proceeded from a resolution of the Congress of the United States passed in May 1775 did Arm and Equip themselves and keep themselves in constant readiness to march against the Enemy at a minutes warning and that whenever and as often as the state of the Country required it and a call was made they did march to oppose the enemy of the Country.
And this Deponent further saith that from his acquaintance with the said Nicholas Bosman he has no doubt that he served as he states and further saith not
Given to this day Peter P. Bellinger of October 1832
on the 11 th day of October 1832 before me Charles Gray Commissioner of Deeds De personally appeared Peter P. Bellinger of the Town of Danube in said County and subscribed and made oath to the foregoing Affidavit, and I do hereby further certify that the said Peter is to me well known and that he is a person of good character and entitled to full credit —
Charles Gray

State of New York Suffolk County
I Julius C. Nelson Clerk of the County of Suffolk do hereby certify that John Mason before whom the declaration of Nicholas Salomon hereto annexed purport to have been sworn, was at the date thereof a judge of the County Courts of the said County and duly authorized to discharge the duties of such judge and that Charles Gray by whom the affidavits of George Kirt and Peter P. Bellinger purport to have been sworn was also at the date of the said affidavits a Commissioner authorized to swear affidavits and that I am acquainted with the handwriting of the said John Mason & Charles Gray and that their signatures are genuine and the proper hand writing of the said John & Charles respectively In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this 29th day of May 1833 Julius C. Nelson Clerk
Field Bowmar Pension Papers 25431