Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 10,502, William Blake, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Blake, William Miller, Sarah
W 10,502
Former Widow
CONTENTS

6347- Connecticut Sarah Miller - dec d (for 2) widow of William Blake who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private
Conn Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 25 Dollars —
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848. and ending 17 th July 1850-
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 th day of July 1855. and sent to
J. B. Ferris Stamford Ct.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 184. Vol. H.

Know all men by these presents that I Reuben Blake of Stamford in Fairfield County Connecticut - one of the surviving children of Sarah Miller - who applied for a Pension under the law of Congress passed 1836 - and whose application is now pending before the Pension Department at Washington as duly constituted and appointed Joshua B. Ferris of said Stam- my true and lawful attorney, for me and in my name, to pro- secute the claim which the said Sarah Miller during her life time and at the time of her death had, for any amount of Revolutionary Pension - either under the law of Congress passed 1836 or any sub- sequent law; and I hereby constitute him with full power and authority to do and perform whatever may be neces- sary and proper to that end, hereby countersigning and ratifying all Pow- ers of Attorney and Authority heretofore given by me and especially the Power of Attorney by me heretofore given to Edward A. Smith of Washington in which my hand and seal this 26 th
Sealed and delivered day of May AD 1853
Reuben Blake
in presence of the words, "my true and lawful Attorney" were interlined before the execution of the foregoing power. Seth P. Duntard William D. Miner

State of Connecticut } County of Fairfield } ss. Be it known that on the 26th day of May A.D. 1883 before the undersigned the Notary Public in & for said County & State personally appeared Boston Blake within known and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be his act and deed. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed seal this day in year last above mentioned.
William J. Miner Notary Public
State of Connecticut } ss. Stamford Probate District County of Fairfield }
Personally appeared before the Board of Probate for said District above sitting in Boston Blake of Stamford in said District who being first duly sworn according to law, doth depose and say that he is the son of William Blake now deceased that his mother's maiden name was Sarah Simpkins and that she was married to his father said William Blake as this deponent has been informed and near the close of the Revolutionary war - That his father, the said William Blake, died twenty six years ago last

January and that his mother, the said Sarah, subsequently married Theobald Miller whom she survived - That while the widow of said Miller, she applied for a Pension under the Act of Congress passed July 4th AD 1836 - That she died on the 17 day of July AD 1850 and left surviving the following named children - which she had by Deponent's father the said William Blake - viz Reuben Blake (this Deponent), Letitia Rouse, Hitty Hutchings and Polly Johnson - and none other were That This Deponent claims the amount of Pension due to his mother at the time of her death - in behalf of himself & his three surviving sisters - This Deponent further says, that he has been informed and justly believed and therefore records, that his mother, in her application for a pension, having been unable, at that time, to obtain or find any Record evidence of her marriage or any written memoran- dum thereof and obliged to rely, in the matter of a date, upon the recollection of aged people - erred and mistook the period when said marriage took place; for he says, that he has seen a sworn copy of the Ministerial Record of the Mar.

image of his father and Mother - which is hereto annexed and hence this Deponent avers that his father and Mother were married by the late Rev d Mr Orey on the 21 st day of March 1934 in In proof of his father's Revolutionary services, this De- ponent refers to the testimony annexed to his Mother's application for a Pension on file in the Pension office.
Reuben Blake
Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written and I hereby cer- tify that I believe the said Reuben Blake to be directly interested in said claim as set forth and to be the identical party therein alleged in
William J. Minor Judge
Personally appeared before the said Court of Probate on the 21 st day of June A D 1883 Seth P. Rootmore of Greenwich in said County - who being first duly sworn be- fore me, deposes and testifies that he was well acquainted with Sarah Miller and knew her a long time previous to her death - That the said Sarah Miller was an applicant for a pension under the law of 1836 on account

of the Revolutionary services of her first husband William Blake - while she was the widow of Haddams Miller, her second husband. That said Sarah Miller died on the 17 th day of July AD 1850 - and that Ruth Blake, the applicant for whatever amount of pen- sion may have been due to her - is the son of said Sarah Miller by her said first husband and that he re- sides in Stamford in said Fairfield County -
Seth P. Beardsley Sworn & subscribed on the day and year first written and I further certify that Deponent is a credible person -
William T. Minor Judge
State of Connecticut } Probate Court County of Fairfield } District of Stamford I Jonas Seely Clerk of said Court and Keeper of the Seal & Records thereof do certify, that Wm T. Minor is the said and presiding Judge of said Court and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court this 9 th day of January AD 1854. Jonas Seely Clerk,

I Isaac Jennings do hereby certify that on examination of the ministerial Records of the Congregationalist Church now in my possession and kept by Rev. Mr. Arny deceased I find therein recorded the following entry William Blake under date of March 21 st 1784 - William Blake to Sarah Simpkins
I Isaac Jennings Minister of the First (Congregational) Church of Stamford Connecticut do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy as contained in said record which the exception of dates and which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows - March 21 - 1784 -
Isaac Jennings Pastor of the Church
Permit to subscribe before me on this 27 th day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two A.D. 1832. Edwin Scofield Jr. Justice of the Peace
to certify the same, also to administer oaths, to take Affidavits and De- positions out of Court, and to give certificates thereof; that full faith and credit may, and ought to be given to his official acts and attestations; that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and know that the signature to the instrument hereto annexed, purporting to be his, is his genuine official signature; and that said instrument is executed, acknowledged and duly authenticated according to the laws of this State. In Testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand, and affix the Seal of said Court, at in said County and State, on this 11 th day of December A.D. 1832 W. H. Noble Clerk.

I Isaac Jennings do hereby certify that on examination of the ministerial Records of the Congregationalist Church now in my possession and kept by Rev. Mr. Arry deceased I find therein recorded the following entry William Blake under date of March 21 st 1784 — William Blake to Sarah Simpkins
I Isaac Jennings Minister of the First (Congregational) Church of Stamford Connecticut do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy as contained in said record which the exception of dates and which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows — March 21- 1784-
Isaac Jennings Pastor of the Church
Sworn to & subscribed before me on this 27 th day of November
Two of the Peace
STATE OF CONNECTICUT, COUNTY OF FAIRFIELD, COUNTY COURT CLERK'S OFFICE.
I,
Wm. H. Noble
CLERK
of the County Court, within and for Fairfield County, and keeper of the Seal thereof, and of the Commission of Justices of the Peace for said County, hereby certify that
Edwin Leofeto
Esquire,
was on the 27 day of November 1852 and now is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly appointed, commissioned and sworn, having full power and authority by the laws of this State, to take the acknowledgment of Deeds and other instruments, and to certify the same; also to administer Oaths, to take Affidavits and Depositions out of Court, and to give certificates thereof; that full faith and credit may, and ought to be given to his official acts and attestations; that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and know that the signature to the instrument hereto annexed, purporting to be his, is his genuine official signature; and that said instrument is executed, acknowledged and duly authenticated according to the laws of this State.
In Testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand, and affix the Seal of said Court, at in said County and State, on this 11 th day of December A. D. 1852
Wm. H. Noble Clerk.

1134
Sarah Miller
Con:
Act 4 July 36

State of Connecticut } County of Fairfield } p -
On this second day of January AD 1844 - before the Court of Probate within and for the District of Stamford in the said County and State the same being a Court of Record and holden at Stam- ford in the said District personally appeared Sarah Miller formerly a resident of Bedford Westchester Co. State of New York - now of Greenwich within said District aged seventy nine years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following decla- ration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 4 th AD 1836 - That in the month of March 1781 - according to the best of her knowledge and belief - she was married, in Stamford in said District, to William Blake who was, at that time, a private soldier in the service of the Uni- ted States. He served on board of the Armed Boats under the command of Captain John Fitch & others from the period of her mar- riage to him, till the Declaration of Peace Declarant has heard her husband - the said Blake say, that he had served in the ear- ly part of the War - was in the battle of White Plains and in other engagements dur- ing the War - but Declarant can obtain no evidence of any of her husband's services

during the War - except what is hereto annexed - in the armed Boats herein before referred to. That her husband - the said William Blake died in January AD 1821 - That they, the said Blake and Declarant, lived in said Greenwich at the period of their intermarriage and for several years thereafter - and afterwards removed to Bedford in Westchester Co. N.Y. That in January AD 1826, she was married to Thaddeus Miller of said Town of Bedford who died on the 26 th day of December 1834. That she has remained a widow ever since that period - as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed -
She further declared That the reason she has not made application for a pension heretofore, is that she has not been able till recently to find evidence of her husband's services. That her maiden name was Sarah Simpkins. That she can find no documentary or other evidence of her marriage to said Blake, except what is hereto annexed -
Sworn and subscribed in open Court on the day and year first above written before the said Court of Probate for the District of Stamford -
Sarah her + Miller mark
Done in presence of
Henry A Mitchell } Seth P Quintard }
Sworn to before me
Henry A Mitchell Judge

State of New York City and County of New York
George Mills of the City of New York being duly sworn doth depose and say that he is now aged about eighty one years. That in the year of our Lord One Thousand seven hundred and eighty he entered on board the United States armed Anna B. Boats under the Command of Captain Jabez Fitch Edward Lockwood and Ebenezer Jones cruising on Long Island Sound and employed as Coast Guard and continued on board said Boats until after Peace was declared. That on deponents going on board said Boats he found William Blake of Greenwich State of Connecticut attached to and in service on board of
Blake after that in Board they at Home in that said Blake on board behalf Mills
STATE OF NEW-YORK, CITY AND COUNTY OF NEW-YORK, } ss.
I, NATHANIEL JARVIS, Clerk of the City and County of New-York, and also Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said City and County, being a Court of record, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That John Newhouse before whom the annexed deposition was taken, was, at the time of taking the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for said City and County, duly commissioned and sworn, and authorized by the laws of this State to take the same; and that I believe the Signature of said Justice thereto subscribed is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court and County, the 23 rd day of December 1843
Nath Jarvis, Clerk.
sworn before me this 23 rd day of Decr 1843 John Newhouse Justice of the Peace
23 rd

State of New York City and County of New York
George Mills of the City of New York being duly sworn doth depose and say that he now aged about eighty one years. That in the year of our Lord One Thousand seven hundred and eighty he entered on board the United States Anna B. Boats under the Com- mand of Captain Jabez Fitch Edward Lockwood and Ebenezer Jones, cruising on Long Island Sound, and employed of Coast Guard and continued on board said Boats until after Peace was declared. That on deponent going on board said Boats he found William Blake of Greenwich State of Connecticut attached to and in service on board of said Boats where the said Blake also continued until after the declaration of Peace. That when the men engaged on board said Boats were on shore they ventured a party at Horse- neck a party at Stamford in the State of Connecticut. That the period for which he said Blake was engaged with deponent on board said Boats was upward of Two and a half
Years sworn before me May 23 rd day of Dec r 1843 William Newhouse Justice of the Peace
George Mills

State Connecticut (Bridgewater) County of Litchfield to all to whom these presents shall come
I Wm Noble Clerk of the County court within and for the County of Litch- field and Keeper of the Seal thereof and of the Com- missions of the Justices of the same
within and for said County hereby certify That Joshua B. Ferris Esq was on the 20 th day of June 1843 and so legally com- missioned until the 20 th day of June 1844 a Justice of the Peace within and for the said County of Litchfield duly appointed confirmed and sworn with him by the laws of the State to administer oaths and to take the acknowledgment of deeds and other instru- ments, and that I am well acquainted with his handwriting and that the signature to the instrument hereunto annexed purport- ing to be his is his genuine official signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my hand and the Seal of said Court Given this 29 th day of February A.D. 1844
Wm Noble Clerk

I, Elizabeth Marshall of Greenwich in Fairfield County Connecticut do hereby certify that I am seventy six years old and upwards, and have always resided in said Greenwich. That in the Revolutionary War, I first knew Sarah Simpkins who was, during said War, married to William Blake. He was enlisted, according to my best recollection and belief, at the time of his marriage but did not enter into the service till a short time after.
There was an old house near the residence of Mr Jeremiah Palmer in said Greenwich where said Blake and said Sarah were married. The house I refer to was then occupied by a Mrs Wright. The house has been torn down years ago. Said Sarah has been to my house since her marriage she had then with her a child - which, I understand, was her youngest. This must have been twenty five or thirty years ago.
Said Sarah as I am informed now lives in Bedford Westchester Co. New York or rather I have been informed that she has lived there most of the time since she removed from Greenwich.
Done in presence of S. H. Quintard }
Elizabeth her X Marshall crop
State of Connecticut } December 1883 - County of Fairfield } Personally appeared Elizabeth Marshall known to me to be a credible person and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition before me. Joshua B. Ferris Justice of Peace

death - which, as I am informed, happened some fifteen and twenty years ago. They had a large family of children - all of whom are now grown up. I understand that said Sarah is applying for a pension and wishes me to testify what I know of her marriage and life, to assist her in getting it. I have done so truly.
Second is subscribed in presence of Seth P. Dinsmore
his Thomas Palmer mark
State of Connecticut County of Fairfield
December D/843.
Personally appeared Thomas Palmer. Known to me to be a credible person and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed.
Joshua B. Ferris Justice of Peace

acquaintance with her, to said Blake. I knew her well. She lived with Seth Palmer, my father in law, and with his brother, Jeremiah Palmer for some years. I have known her from that time down to the present time. She and said Blake lived together as husband and wife till Blake's death which took place twenty three years ago this January. She had twelve children by said Blake, six of whom are now living, and are all respectable members of society. Some time subsequent to said Blake's death she was married to Theodore Miller of Bedford in Westchester County N.Y. as I have been informed and being believe said Miller died about ten years since and said Sarah - the applicant is now and has been since the death of said Miller, a widow.
Isaac Linscomb
State of Connecticut } County of Fairfield } ss - January 5. 1847
Personally appeared Isaac Linscomb known to me to be a credible person and subscribed the foregoing deposition in my presence and made solemn oath to the truth of the same.
Before me Joshua B. Ferris Justice of the Peace

I Thomas Palmer of Greenwich in Fairfield county Connecticut, a coloured man, depose & say That I am seventy five old and upwards That during the Revolutionary War I was well acquainted with William Blake Then of said Greenwich. That in the latter part of the Rev- olutionary War said William Blake enlist- ed as a soldier on board of the armed boats That cruised on Long Island bound commanded by Capt Yabez Fitch. I lived within a mile of Blake and knew him well. Said Blake was married about the time he entered the service on board of said Boats. to Sarah Simpkins. who, at the time of her marriage to said Blake, live with Jeremiah Palmer of said Greenwich. I lived with said Jeremiah Palmer at the same time and continued to live with him till his death - in all, forty or fifty years -
I was not present at the marriage of said William Blake to said Sarah - but I recol- lect the time when it was said to have taken place. My old master Jeremiah Palmer told me he was present at the marriage and said There were only two men present beside himself - They were Samuel Risk and Robert Nick- ols. All now are dead. I know, said William Blake and said Sarah lived together as man & wife always, till Blake's

death - which, as I am informed, happened some fifteen and twenty years ago. They had a large family of children - all of whom are now grown up. I understand that said Sarah is applying for a pension and wishes me to testify what I know of her marriage and life, to assist her in getting it. I have done so truly.
Second is subscribed in presence of Seth P. Brewster
his Thomas Palmer mark
State of Connecticut County of Fairfield
December 28/843.
Personally appeared Thomas Palmer. Known to me to be a credible person and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed.
Joshua B. Ferris Justice of Peace

I, Elizabeth Marshall of Greenwich in Fairfield County Connecticut do here and say that I am seventy six years old and upwards, and have always resided in said Greenwich. That in the Revolutionary War, I first knew Sarah Simpkins who was, during said War, married to William Blake. He was enlisted, according to my best recollection and belief, at the time of his marriage but did not enter into the service till a short time after.
There was an old house near the residence of Mr Jeremiah Palmer in said Greenwich where said Blake and said Sarah were married. The house I refer to was then occupied by a Mrs Wright. The house has been torn down years ago. Said Sarah has been to my house since her marriage she had then with her a child - which, I understand, was her youngest. This must have been twenty five or thirty years ago.
Said Sarah as I am informed now lives in Bedford Westchester Co. New York or rather I have been informed that she had lived there most of the time since she removed from Greenwich.
Done in presence of
S. H. Sturtevant } J. D. } J. D. } J. D. }
Elizabeth her X Marshall crop
State of Connecticut
December
AD 1843 -
County of Fairfield
Personally appeared
Elizabeth Marshall
known to me to be a creditable person and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by her signature - Joshua B. Ferris Justice of Peace

I have Friends of Greenwich in Fair- field County Connecticut aged eighty- years next April depose and say That I was acquainted with William Blake during the Revolutionary War who then resided in said Greenwich That said Blake was in the service of the United States in said War - in the year seventeen hundred and eighty-one as a private soldier - in a company commanded by Capt Joby Fitch - in which company Joseph Hull was Lieuten- ant and Andrew Mead was Ensign - That said Blake served in said Com- pany till the close of the War according to the best of my knowledge and belief - said company served upon the land as coast guards and upon the water of Long Island Sound, in Armed boats.
Gen David Waterbury then had command of the post at Greenwich embracing the company to which Blake belonged.
I knew Sarah Simpkins, an appli- cant for a pension - in the latter part of the War - as near as I can now state my first acquaintance with her was in the Winter of 1780-81 -
She was married shortly after my

And the said Court of Probate doth hereby declare its opinion after the investigation of the matter That said Sarah Miller, the applicant, was married to William Blake on account of whose services in the Revolutionary War she claims a pension - in the month of March AD 1781. That he died in January AD 1821. That she afterwards was married to Haddens Miller who died in December AD 1834 and that she is now the widow of said Miller - and that said Blake, her former husband, served in the Revolutionary War as she in her Declaration states.
Henry A Mitchell Scribe
I, Roswell Hoyt, Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Stamford in Connecticut do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Sarah Miller for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office This 14th day of March AD 1844 -
Roswell Hoyt, Clerk.

Res WIDOW, &c.
File No. 10502
Sarah Miller
Wid
William Blake
prior to War
Act: Sept 27/88
Index:—Vol. 31 , Page 50
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Feb. 1 th day 81

Comptrollers Office
September 19 th 1833
I Eliza Phelps, Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Connecticut, do certify that it appears by the journals of the Council of Safety, under date 25 th January 1781, that, upon motion of Col. Davenport, one of the Council of Safety, John Fitch Esq. of Greenwich was authorized & directed forthwith to raise by voluntary subscription an independent company of one hundred men officers included to proceed by land or water to annoy the enemy with all proper means in their power according to such orders & instructions as shall be given them from time to time by the Captain General of this State &c &c - "And his Excellency the Gov. is desired to grant a commission to said John Fitch Esq. de se, who was empowered to enlist any of the persons that are or may be interested or detailed into the regiment or guards raised for the defence of the Western frontiers & to prevent illicit trade with the enemy, de se - "to continue in service during the present war or not less than three months, unless sooner discharged" de se. "Resolved that the Committee of Pay Table draw on the Treasurer in favor of Capt. John Fitch of Greenwich

11 now appointed Capt. of an independent company of 11 volunteers & de for "one hundred pounds State bills de 11 Under date of June 2 nd 1781 the following resolution appears in the journal, "Resolved that the boats 11 taken into the public service & employed by Capt. 11 Jacob Fitch for the purpose of the defence of the State 11 and annoying the enemy be kept in repair at the 11 expense of the State, & that the owners of said boats 11 shall be entitled to the same share as is usual to be 11 drawn by boats in such service, also that the guns 11 belonging to the gun boats be furnished with ammun- 11 ition from the public magazine. There is also this entry, viz, "Whereas Br Gen. his Waterybury commanding 11 at the post at Greenwich hath made complaint to his 11 Excellency the Governor of this State against Lieut. 11 Joseph Hall an officer of the State, Lieutenant of the 11 independent company under the command of Capt. 11 Jacob Fitch for failure of duty & speaking disrespectfully 11 of his superior officer & praying a Court Martial"

"for the defence of the State, to furnish him with provision "ammunition or to repair guns & arms belonging to his "cooks out of the public stores."
And that under date April 6 th 1782 there is charged, on the books of the Pay Table, to the United States "To order of Treasurer G. Fobes Fitch "pay roll Waterbury's Brigade specie 2/6 Tax $1349, 2, 10."
I also certify that I cannot find any roll of 600 Fobes Fitch's company, or any other evidence of the time it was in service, or who belonged to it.
E. Phelps

Connecticut 9616.
Sarah Miller nee 2 widow of Mr Blake. who was a Private in the Continental .
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20. Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 th day of July 1855. and sent to
J. B. Davis Stamford, Ct.
[Acts of March 3, 1843, and June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book 16 Vol. 1 Page 165

11.771 Connecticut Sarah Miller dec d (for g d ) widow of W m Blake who died on the _____ of _____ in the State of _____ who was a private in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ in the Revolution line for 6 months.
Inscribed on the Roll of Hartford at the rate of 20 Dollars _____ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 th day of July 1855. and _____ B. Ferris Arrears to the 4th of _____ Semi-annual allowance ending Stamford Ct.
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act July 7, 1838. }
Recorded by G. J. Getty Clerk. Book H Vol. 1 Page 135

Hon L. P. Waldo. Washington D. C.

Rev. J. P. Webb Correspondence of Garrison Washington City D.C.

FILE
Hon. Loren P. Waldo Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D. C.

L Sarah Miller
Cont Dec 36
Joseph P. Gadda
Commissaire of Pensions
Washington
D. C.
FILE

Rev. H. Pennington
Sarah Miller or Blake
born Sus 30
J. B. Heath Esq. Kern Pennington,
McLeod
Nov 20/5
Edwards & Smith

In Hitebury's Ordeals Book, which I have, it appears that William Blake was at New July, in Sussex, in 1770, for 2 to 3 months - Have you sent an evij mst, to you see better proofs and for opinion of the evidence!
I hope you will
MB Batten

No. 6134
Sarah Miller, former widow of William Blake
Con - term
Let to J. B. Frown Sept. 22/44 " Same April 26/49 " Same Jan'y 13/52 " Same June 5/55 B. B. Chapman July 11. 1855
Rejected under 36 enter under 38 & c
Rev
act of July 1836

Brief in the case of Sarah Miller former widow of Wm Blake
County and State of Connecticut
act 5 July 7 1838 Y c
Claim, ("original," not for insurance )
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
For proof of service the parties have furnished the Affidavits of George Mills who lived with her husband, of Elizabeth Morehead, Thos Palmer & Isaac Duntund with all known that he was not in service, & her allegations & the testimony of the witnesses are now shown to be correct by an original Muster Roll upon which her name is found, under the (if for insurance) identical Officer claimed, This Roll shows
How additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what is
Six months Service,
Record of marriage,
Identity & his death by the witnesses also, Her death & the names of the children proved by Seth P Duntund, all the witnesses proper certificates
Name and residence of Agent
Joshua B Ferris Esq Hartford Ct
Thomson Hipton Examining Clerk.

Hon Loren P. Waldo.
Dear Sir,
When in Washington, last Summer, with Mr. Munn, you may remember, that I examined the Pension papers of Sarah Munn and then stated to you that in her declaration she erred as to the time of her Marriage, a record of which having been found since her death. I felt apprehensive, that, on account of this error in a point so material, a claim on behalf of her children would be disallowed - but I am confident it was an honest mistake both on her part and of the witnesses offered to sustain her.
The Ministerial Records of Rev Mr. Jennings fixes the time as if I am not mistaken, it was conceded by Mr. Dorr, that the services were performed sufficiently by the evidence which accompanied her application - Indeed I saw the name of Wm Blake on an original Roll of the late Col. Fitch formerly of Greenwich, which I had occasion to use in procuring

the restoration of Capt Isaac Decintond who had been stricken from the pen- sion list or I am satisfied that the claim of her children is fair and honest and I hope it will be found supported by due evidence at your Department required.
Most respectfully & truly
Stanford January 9. 1853 }
Your Obedt Servt
Joshua B. Ferris
Hon Loren P. Waldo Chairman of Pension

Hon J. S. Edward Commissions & Pensions

J. S. Edwards Esq. -
Sir,
I enclose you the Pension-application of the Widow Sarah Miller. This case was presented to me a long time ago and I was then unable to find any evidence to establish the service of her first husband William Blake and consequently then dismissed the further consideration of the matter. Recently I have ascertained from Capt Mills - whose testimony is annexed to Mrs Miller's application - that Blake was in the service with him two years and a half - or upwards. Hoping that her claim will receive the favorable consideration of the Department.
I remain Most respectfully
Stamford Conn. - March 14. 1844
Yours at Service Joshua B. Ferris

District of Stamford , ss. Probate Court , Stamford July 9 1845
Estate of Sarah Miller late of Stamford in said District, deceased.
James H. Olmstead , Esq., Judge of said Court.
To Joshua B. Ferris Esq of said Stamford
Greeting:
WHEREAS Sarah Miller late of said Stamford in said District
having while she lived, and at the time of death, Goods, Chattels, Credits and Estate in said District, now lately died
intestate; by virtue whereof, the power of Administration and full disposition of all and singular the Goods, Chattels, Credits and Estate of the said deceased, and also the hearing, examining and allowing the accounts of the Administration thereof, appertains unto me: and being desirous that the Goods, Chattels, Credits and Estate of the said deceased shall be well and truly administered, and having full confidence in your fidelity, care, and good management;
THEREFORE, I DO BY THESE PRESENTS, hereby commit unto you full power to administer the Goods, Chattels, Credits and Estate of the said deceased, which to her while she lived, and at the time of her death, did appertain: and to pay all debts in which the deceased stood bound, so far as the Goods, Chattels, Credits and Estate can extend, according to the value thereof: and to make a true and perfect inventory of all, and singular, the Goods, Chattels, Credits and Estate of said deceased, and to exhibit the same into the Registry of the said Court of Probate, on or before the 9 th day of September next ensuing; and also to render to the said Court a true and plain account of your Administration, on or before the 9 th day of July next which will be Anno Domini 1846 And I do by these presents, ordain, depu te and constitute you Administrator of all, and singular, the Goods, Chattels, Credits and Estate aforesaid.
By order of the Court,
Lorenzo Wheeler
Clerk.

Hon Loren P. Wallace
Dear Sir,
While I was absent at our Court of Sessions, last week, a person by the name of Chapman from Ohio, I believe, proceeded administratively to be taken out from the Probate office here, upon the estate of Sarah Miller, by one Blake - with a view to obtain, for her legal Representatives, a Pension -
The letter of administration in this case is not countersigned by Gov. Minor who at the time was also absent & who remains Judge of Probate until 10 - November - The 4th of July - and the appointment is alleged to void -

The application of Hannah Miller for a pension on account of the services of her husband Wm Blake is still in my charge and under my control - as is Cloney - and the interference of any other party is illegal - unjust and wrong -
Very truly
Stanford July 3. 1855
Your obedt servt & friend
Joshua B. Lewis
P.S. Gov. Minns informs me That no appointment of admin- istrator in the case mentioned has been made -

Spring House City of New York July 14 th 1833
Hon. L. P. Waldo Comm r of Pensions
Sir,
The enclosed letter from James H. Olmstead Judge of Probate for the district of Stamford Ct. will explain his and my connection with the case of Sarah Miller formerly widow of W m Bloke for a pension & concerning which Joshua B. Ferris Esq. of Stamford wrote you on the 3 rd inst.
You will oblige me by filing Mr. Olmstead's letter with the case of Mrs. Miller.
I have also to request that you return to me all of the papers filed by myself in the case & thus leaving it entirely in the hands of Mr. Ferris.
I am Very Respectfully Yours
B. B. Chapman

Sarah Miller dec. formerly widow of William Blake
Connecticut
adm d July 7 1838 &c 6 mos pri $20 per annum from Dec r 1838 to 17 th July 1850 when she died.
Pay to Joshua B Ferris & adm r for Reuben Blake Loretta Rome 2 & Hettie Hatchins 3 & Polly Johnson 4 children
sent to Joshua B Ferris Esq Stamford Cont

Stanford July 14 th 1855
Hon L. P. Waldo
Dear Sir; -
I take this opportunity to make a brief statement to you of the facts with regard to the pension case of Sarah Miller of this town. Mr Chapman came to me a few days before, I entered upon the duties of the office of Judge of Probate, with Reuben Blake of this town, son of Sarah Miller aforesaid, for the purpose of having said Blake appointed Administrator of the estate of said Miller. I was then acting as the clerk of Gov. Allen whose term of office had not expired, under the direction to act as if I were then judge & he would sanction by his signature my doings, in his absence. Mr Blake said no one was then employed in gitting said function - that all who had undertaken it had abandoned it. Mr Chapman told him if any one had anything to do, with it then he would not interfere in the least on any account, Blake said again that all had abandoned it. I then made out the app l of said Blake as administrator, leaving my doings to be sanctioned by Gov. Allen. This was on Saturday, on Monday Gov. Allen came into my office for the above purpose, he said upon looking at it that Mr Ferris had the matter in hand & he could not sanction my doings. So the matter rested until Monday when Ferris was appointed administrator. Mr Chapman acted upon board in all that he said & did. Could not have acted more so. Blake was the sole cause of all the difficulty.

This morning Mr Chapman again visited me. I stated to him how it was. I then went with him & saw Mr Hens & Mr Main. The explanations between them were I believe perfectly satisfactory. I have thought it incumbent on me to explain these matters on my own account as well as on the account of Mr Chapman. Wishing you the esteem of all our citizens in your new office, allow me to remain
Yours very truly D. A. Olushead

Norwalk Ct Jan 26 th 1854
Brother Ferris
In reply to your inquiry respecting the examination of the case of Sarah Miller, widow of William Blake who was an applicant for a Pension, made by me when at Washington, I have to say
That according to my recollection the principal objection was that the Bunker & Bost Fitch were Watermen not soldiers. But they were enlisted as such soldiers, except that they were transported in boats, to meet the boating parties of the enemy. In the State department at Washington among the vols of Strong returns in Vol 31 return 74. of my memoranda are correct - being a return of Col Waterbury's Regiment - it will appear that Bost Fitch's Company was returned as a part of that Regiment - so it was even considered treated. I was totally at a loss to account for the objection in the mind of Mr Edmonds until I became acquainted with his peculiarities.

Enclosed I send you an original receipt found among the papers of Capt. Hite by Judge Wilson, and sent me - and which I promise to keep safe. If you make any use of it, you must return it, that I may fulfil my promise if required.
Very truly yours Thos B. Butler

(Copy)
Stamford April 13 th 1872
We the subscribers hereby acknowledge to have received of Capt. John Titcomb the several sums annexed to our names, wages in full for services done in his Company and witness our hands.
 Joseph Hall, Lieut. $115. 20. 0.  Andrew Mead, Ensign $94. 17. 4.  Henry Durdwell, Pte. $15. 6. 0.  Sergt. Sam l P. Lewis Pte. $39. 0. 0.  Daniel Comstock Corp. $26. 8. 0.  Daniel Palma Corp. $26. 8. 0.  George Pitcaird Corp. 26. 8. 0.  Henry Smith, Corp. 26. 0. 0.  his mark David X Bush Private 24. 0. 0.  Daniel Wood do 24. 0. 0.  Peter Lansbury do 25. 13. 4.  Jonathan Hovey do 8. 0. 0.  Henry Smith in the Mad. do. 15. 0. 0.  Elkanah Knapp do 24. 0. 0.  Jos t Hall for Andrew Waters do 2. 10. 8.  Jos t Hall for John Brown do 8. 0. 0.  Jos t Hall for Daniel Gibbs do 8. 0. 0.  Jos t Hall for Jos t Iness do 12. 0. 0.  Jos t Hall for Wm Blake do 12. 0. 0.  Jos t Hall for Jos t Whitney do 8. 0. 0.  Daniel Palma for Levi Palmer do 24. 0. 0.  his mark John X Brown do 16. 0. 0.  Sam l P. Lewis for Stephen Palmer do 24. 0. 0.  Sam l P. Lewis for Allyn Leete do 22. 0. 0.  Sam l P. Lewis for Joel Crane do 7. 2. 8. 
10000

William Tappan 24 0 0 Exact weight one name 24 0 0 Summer John 8 0 0 Ella Starks for Peter Burt 8 0 0 Deborah Howard 6 0 0 Stephen Smith 8 0 0 Shely Leonard 5 1 0 Rev. & Mrs. Tomlinson for me for Hull 6 0 0
Stamford April 26 th 1782
We the subscribers hereby acknowledge to have rec d the several sums annexed to our names for shares of our accounts with the estate of Capt. Tappan which in liquidation of his company as witness our hands.
William Tappan £ 3 10 0 Samuel Morehouse 3 7 0 Levi Palmer for Sam l Palmer 3 7 0 Isaac Wood for Sam l Wood 3 7 0 Israel Wood 3 7 0 Levi Palmer 3 7 0 Noah Brown 3 7 0 marks.
Town Office July 26 th 1782
I certify that the foregoing is a true copy from the original on file in this office 
D. M c Leod Commissioner

Know all persons by these presents That I Reuben Blake — a resident of Stamford — Fairfield County & State of Connecticut
have made constituted & appointed and by these presents do make constitute and appoint Dr. L. Edwards & Smith of Washington City D.C. My true & lawful attorney for me & in my name place and stead,
To examine each and every paper now on file relating to my mother Sarah Blake late Sarah Miller of said County & State for the services of her Husband in the Revolu- tionary War William Blake of  the  County  and Town of Bedford  Hartford  Connecticut (deceased), and State of New York
Giving and granting unto my said attorney full power and authority to do and perform every act and thing whatsoever requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises as fully to all intents and purposes as if I were personally present with full power of substitu- tion and revocation hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said attorney or his sub- -stitute shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof
In witness whereof I have hereunto

Set my hand and seal this first day of November A.D. 1852
Deuben Blake
Acknowledged before me on this first day of November A.D. 1852
William S. Minna
Notary Public
Notary - 9
Deuben Blake and Sarah Blake William Blake To Edward Smith Power of atty.
We desire to see the papers in this case, 18 Nov. '52
Edward Smith

State of Connecticut } County of Fairfield } to Stamford Probate District
Personally appeared on this 9 th day of Sep- tember A D 1848 - before the Court of Probate within & for said District. Hannah Knapp a resident of Greenwich in said Dis- trict - aged seventy seven years and upwards who being first duly sworn According to law - doth testify and say that she knew Sarah Simpkins during the Revolutionary War and after the war was ended. That said Sarah Simpkins then resided in said Town of Greenwich and near to the residence of this Deponent. That said Sarah during the Revolutionary War and toward the latter part thereof - but whether in the last year of the War or the year preceding the last she cannot state. was married to William Blake. Then a soldier in the Revolutionary War and connect- ed with the Green-Point Service - said marriage took place at the house formerly owned by General Palmer who is now deceased. with- in the limits of said Town of Stone-

is near to the Eastern line of said town of Greenwich. Deponent was pres- ent at the marriage and saw the parties married. Deponent has been informed that in a lawsuit is an applicant for a pension on account of the Revolutionary services of the said William Blake. That after the death of the said William Blake the marriage is part of the name of Miller - whose widow she now is - and who applies for a pension under one of the acts of the name of Sarah Miller - and further deponent saith not.
Hannah Knapp mark
State of Connecticut
Fairfield County ss. Probate Court Sep 9. 1828
Personally appeared before the subscribing authority Sarah Smith maker of the foregoing deposition who being the same in my presence and made oath to its truth In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official Seal of said Court
William J. Miner, Judge of the Court of Probate for Stamford District