Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 23,644, Josiah Borden, Navy R.I.

SERVICE
Navy R. I.
Borden, Josiah Susanna
NUMBER
W. 23,644
CONTENTS

15520
Rhode Island
Isiah Brown
of Newport in the State of R.I. who was a Seaman in the Company commanded by Captain Wilks of the Ship commanded by Aspinwall in the U.S. line for Lyons
Inscribed on the Roll of R.I. at the rate of 90 - Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 th day of June 1835 and sent John Crop Pensions R.I.
Arrears to the 4th of Mar 1833 $192.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept. 48.00 $240.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by L. H. Bouson Clerk, Book 2 Vol. 2 Page 103

DECLARATION.
IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE BENEFIT OF THE ACT OF CONGRESS, PASSED JUNE 7, 1832.
STATE OF RHODE-ISLAND, } ss. COUNTY OF Newport }
On this Eighth day of Septem r 1832 personally appeared in open Court, before the Judges or Justices of the Court of Probate for the County of Newport now sitting, Josiah Borden a resident of Newport in the County of Newport and State of Rhode-Island, aged Seventy seven 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, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
That is to say: He in the month of May 1775, at said Newton in the County of Newport entered into the Company of Captain William Cook's Co. which Regiment of the Troops raised by Rhode Island, at that time for eight months - and was soon after marched on to Prospect Hill near Boston and joined the American Army then investing the English in that place - Gilbert Manton who was lieutenant of said Company - and Ezekiel Cornell (who was afterwards Brigadier General in the Rhode Island line) was Lieut. Col. of the Regiment - While in this service he and the Company to which he belonged were employed, performing besides the ordinary duty of the camp, in fortifying Prospect Hill and the vicinity by throwing up temporary defences, and in annoying the enemy by all possible means - He staid there till the month of June when he returned home to Newton.
Early in the year 1776 He entered, in the Merchant's Service in the whaling business - on board of the Brig Lydia, at Newport Rhode Island, which Brig. was owned by one Mr. Lopez of said Newport - that said Brig sailed on her cruise or voyage, and sometime afterwards put into Saint Lucia one of the West Indies, to escape the enemy's Cruisers - We were here with several other American vessels blockaded by the enemy - from this place we escaped, at the suggestions of Capt. Weeks, (who then lay at Martinique) and arrived safely at Martinique - He then, at Martinique, in the summer of the year 1776 (as he thinks) and believe in the month of July or August - but cannot now be certain, entered on board the United States Armed Ship "Reprisal" for the term of twelve months - Capt. Lambert Weeks commanded said Ship - and Benjamin Harris was first Lieutenant - Soon after we proceeded to Philadelphia and took on board

Benjamin Franklin and sailed for France, when were arrived as near as he can remember, in the fall of the year 1776 and safely landed Dr. Franklin. The ship then cruised in the English Channel a considerable number of months. Said ship made three cruises from L'Orient in France which he belonged to her - during this time and in these cruises, we took a number of Prizes which were ordered in, to some of the Ports in France - that during the last cruise in said ship from L'Orient aforesaid, and he thinks in the year latter part of the year 1777 or the beginning of 1778 he was put on board of a prize Barge taken from the Enemy and ordered for L'Orient - but that before said prize Barge was enabled to reach the port of destination, he was recaptured by the English Privateer called the "Hawks" - he was then carried Prisoner to England and committed to Mill Prison near Ply- mouth - that he remained a prisoner of War, until Admiral Graves with the English Fleet sailed to New York - he then escaped from Prison got on board of the
Prudenta a ship of the fleet and arrived in New York in the month of August in the year 1781 as near as he can recollect and reached Newport and from the latter place returned home - the whole period from the time that he entered on board of the Reprisal at Martinque, till his escape from Mill Prison was as near as he can recollect four years and eleven months, and undergoing while in prison as aforesaid many and severe privations - That he never received any pay for all the time he was in said Prison, and only twenty two Crowns prize money for the many prizes taken by the ship Reprisal while he was on board of her - And said Borden avers that that he faithfully served the above mentioned periods in the manner aforesaid in in the revolutionary War.
And He further declared that he was born at Bedford County in the State of North Carolina on the 21st day of March 1755 - that he removed with his mother to said Newton when he was five years of age since which time he has ever resided, and doth still reside in said Town - that he hath no record of his age - that he never received any written discharge for any of his services aforesaid - that he hath no documentary

Evidence of any of said services - and no living witnesses to the services done on board of the Armed Ship Reprisal - and of his being in the Prison, so long, near Plymouth in England - he does not know that any of the crew of said ship Reprisal are now living in this state or elsewhere, but hopes that the papers of said vessel may be found, which would prove his services - he has endeavored to find some one who was with him on board said ship - or in said Prison near Plymouth - but has failed - as he is very infirm and poor - he has not the means to prosecute his inquiries, as far as he should have done under other circumstances - he at one time since, requested Mr. Gilpin the English Consul for this State residing in Newport - to write to the Keeper of said Prison in order to ascertain whether his name would not be found on the records of said prison for that time - but he declines, and did not come within the sphere of his duties - that he is not acquainted with any living man in his vicinity or neighborhood now residing therein - but refers to Job Durfee and Elisha Hicks Esqrs. who are his neighbors and citizens of said Town of Kingston who testify to his order for vessel and that he was a soldier of the Revolution - to the same foregoing deposition,
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State. Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Isa Gray Clerk
Josiah his X Borden mark
We, Job Durfee Esqrs. and Elisha Hicks Esqrs. with Josiah Borden believe him to be seventy seven 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 to and subscribed the day aforesaid.
residing in the Town of Kingston aforesaid (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we
Job Durfee Elisha Hicks
Isa Gray Clerk
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 Job Durfee Esqrs. who has signed the preceding certificate, is a resident in the said Town of Kingston and that Elisha Hicks Esqrs. who has also signed the same is a resident in the same Town of Kingston and that their statement is entitled to credit. And the said Court, moreover, further certifies that the Depositions of the Hon. Job Durfee and of Charles Durfee Esqrs. which are hereto annexed, were severally sworn to & subscribed, this day before said Court, by the said Job and Charles, and the Court further certifies that they are credible persons, & that their statements are entitled to credit.
I, Isa Gray Clerk of the Court of Probate of the Town of Kingston, County of Bristol do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Josiah Borden for a pension, & further certify, that said Court is a Court of Record.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this Eighth day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred & thirty two - Anno of American Independence the fifty seventh -
Isa Gray Clerk of Court of Probate

No 18865
Josiah Borden Newport County Rhode Island
Siaman 2 years N. M. C.
John Crop Portsmouth Rhode Island

BRIEF in the case of Josiah Borden County of Newport in the State of Rhode Island (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 74 years  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served. Rhode Island troops   Years, Months, Days.     Enlisted In 1775 May time not stated Private Gen. Col M c Cook, Col Churchy Regt, Col   Enlisted Merchant service 1776 afterwards 1776 July or Aug Mariner Ezekiel Cornell, Brig Lydia, U.S. Reprisal, Capt L Weeks   Enlisted on board the 1777 or 1778 Ship Reprisal for 1 - -  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? None stated  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Newport County Rhode Island  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? traditional no clergymans certificate 2 witnesses certified to be credible  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct 
X Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
The applicant states that the ship proceeded to Philadelphia and took B. Franklin on board & proceeded to France with him from whence they cruised until he was captured by the British & imprisoned, that he arrived in NYork & made his escape from the British about Aug t 1781.
He states it was 4 years & 11 from the time he entered on board the Armed Ship Reprisal until he escaped from Wilt prison & returned to America 1781.
Examining Clerks

Ref. see letter
1832
Rhode Island 7779
Susanna Borden, dec d who was R.I. widow of Josiah Borden who was a Seaman in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. V end 3 rd September, 1843. when she died.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 th day of June, 1846.
and sent to Hon. John Q. Adams, House of Representatives.
Payable to the children, viz. Sarah B. Lake and Hannah Manchester.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book 1. Vol. 2. Page 42.

I Charles Durfee, Town Clerk of the Town of Scituate in the County of Newport & State of Rhode Island do certify and say that by virtue of my office I have the custody of the Records of births and marriages of said Town and I further certify that it appears by the Records aforesaid, that Josiah Borden and Susanna Salisbury were joined in marriage on the fifteenth day of June One Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty Four. The following is a copy of the Record word for word, figure for figure as it stands
Record of a Marriagem of a Marriage as left by Thomas Durfee Esquire late of Scituate deceased.
1784 June 15 th
Then Married Josiah Borden to Susannah Salisbury
Thomas Durfee Just. Peace
Clerks office Scituate
a True Record. Attest Chas. Durfee Town Clerk.
All which duly appears
Witness Chas. Durfee Town Clerk
Newport for State of Rhode Island
Personally appeared before me, the above named Charles Durfee, known to me as the Town Clerk of the Town of Scituate and made Oath to the truth of the above Certificate, by him signed, on this 4th day of February 1846.
Before me. Asa Gray Publishing the Peace

We Edward Manchester and Sarah B. Lake of Fall River in the State of Massachusetts of lawful age being first duly sworn according to law, do on our oaths depose and say That we are the Grandchildren of Josiah Borden and Susannah Borden, late of Tiverton in the County of Newport and State of Rhode Island deceased, and know of the times of their decease. Our Grandfather the said Josiah Borden, who was a Revolutionary Pensioner, died on a Sunday, on the sixteenth day of September eighteen hundred and thirty eight. Our Grandmother, the said Susannah Borden, widow of said Josiah Borden, died also on a Sunday, on the third day of September eighteen hundred and forty three.
Edward Manchester Sarah B. Lake
State of Rhode Island } County of Newport } S.S.
Be it known that on the second day of February 1846 before the Subscriber a justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared the above named Edward Manchester and Sarah B. Lake and severally subscribed and made oath to the truth of their foregoing Deposition, and I further certify that said Deponents are known to me, and they are credible persons, and their statements I believe to be true. Before me Asa Gray Justice of the Peace

12581.
Susannah Rodman Mother of Joseph Feb 19 1836.
act 7 July 1838
Maria 1784
Husband died 16 Ap 1831
Mother died 3 Sep 1843

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th July 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows"
State of Rhode Island
County of Newport ss.
On this Second day of February One thousand eight hundred and forty six personally appeared before the Judges of Justice of the Court of Probate for the town of Tiverton in the County of Newport and State aforesaid, a Court of Record, Sarah B. Lake and Hannah Manchester of said Tiverton of lawful age, Children of Josiah Borden and Susannah Borden his wife, late residents of said town & Tiverton deceased, who being first duly sworn according to law, do on their oaths make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 7. 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows"
That they are the only Children of the said Josiah Borden and Susannah Borden deceased; That the said Susannah Borden was the widow of the said Josiah Borden who was a pensioner of the United States, in the State of Rhode Island, under the Act of Congress of June 7. 1832, at the rate of Ninety Six dollars per annum for services in the War of the Revolution, as a Soldier in Capt. Cook's Company in Col. Church's Regiment, and as a Seaman in the United States Ship, Reprisal, Capt. Weeks, Commander, his pension certificate was granted (to think) in June 1833.
They further Declare, that their Mother the said Susannah Borden was married to their father the said Josiah Borden on the fifteenth day of June in the year Seventeen hundred and eighty four; That their mother's maiden name was Susannah Salisbury; That the aforesaid Josiah Borden died on the sixteenth day of September in the year Eighteen hundred and thirty eight; That their Mother the aforesaid Susannah Borden, the widow of the said Josiah Borden died on the third day of September Eighteen hundred and forty three aged ninety two years, our father the said Josiah was aged Eighty three years when he died:
That our Mother the said Susannah, never made any Declaration for a pension, and never received any. That she was never married after the decease of her husband the said Josiah Borden, but continued his widow till her death. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the Service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz. at the time above stated.
Witness to their Signatures,
Charles Durfee Edward Shearman
Sarah B. her X Lake mark
Hannah her X Manchester mark

The afor-going Declaration sworn to and Subscribed on the day and year above written, before and in open Court; And the said Court do further certify that the said Sarah B Lake and Hannah Manchester are the Children, and the only Children of the said Josiah Borden late a Revolutionary Pensioner, resident in said Tiverton, deceased, and of the said Susannah Borden. And that the said Josiah Borden, died on the sixteenth day of September in the year Eighteen hundred and thirty eight, and that his widow the said Susannah Borden, died on the third day of September Eighteen hundred and forty three. And that the Evidence adduced is to the satisfaction of this Court.
In testimony Whereof we have caused our Seal to be hereunto affixed this second day of February A.D. 1846.
Signed and Sealed by order and in behalf of said Court.
Charles Durfee Probate Clerk.

O. W. & N. Div. L. W. B. W. 23644.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, BUREAU OF PENSIONS, WASHINGTON, D. C.,
December 21st, 1896.
Sir:-
Replying to your request for information concerning the military record of Josiah Borden, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, I have the honor to advise you that he made an application for pension on September 8th, 1832, at which time he was 77 years of age and residing at Tiverton, R. I., and his pension was allowed for one year's actual service as a private in the Rhode Island troops, Revolutionary war, and one year's actual service as a seaman on board the U. S. S. "Reprisal," Revolutionary war. While in the army he served under Capt. William Cook and Col. Church and while on board the "Reprisal" he served under Capt. Weeks. He enlisted at Tiverton, R. I.
His widow, Susanna, made application and received a pension for the service of her husband as above set forth.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Hon. Melville Bull,
House of Representatives.

Jonah Borden
18865

I Charles Durfee of Tiverton in the County of Newport do testify and declare - I am and have been many years past well acquainted with Josiah Marden now an applicant for a pension under under the act of Congress passed the 7 th of June 1832 That on or about thirty years since he resided at my fathers I was then young about eight or nine years of age That during the time of his stay I was much interested in hearing him relate his adventures and suffering during the Revolutionary were particularly while while a prisoner in Mill Prison near Plymouth and at other times when a prisoner of War That since then he has frequently related more or less of this narrative That his statements have been uniform the same so far as I have been able to observe That he always appeared to have a particular antipathy towards the English much on account of his extreme suffering while in prison as above mention and the long being a subject of their oppression That he ever has been so far as I have been acquainted with him a person of credibility and as one on whose statements reliance reliance in these respects reliance may be had and and That upon examining the substance of his declaration I think it  accords by him subscribed in relation to his services during the Revolution I think it very well accords with his previous statements and that confidence may be placed on the same
Charles Durfee

State of Rhode Island Newport County } ss.
On the eighth day of September 1832. before the judges of the Court of Probate, of the Town of Kingston in the County and State aforesaid, now sitting, person- ally came the within named Charles Purse, and made Oath to the truth of his foregoing Deposi- tion and subscribed the same
Asa Gray Clerk

Job Durfee of Tiverton in the county of Newport state of R Island under oath declare and say that I am well acquainted with Josiah Borden whose statement of revolutionary services I have read. That he was in a labouring man for some time during my youth in the family of my father - say more than twenty years since that I particularly recollect of listening with great interest to the narrative of his sufferings during the time he was a prisoner on board the a British ship of war and in Prison That the declaration which he has subscribed is in accordance with my recollections of his narrative at that time after that I have since not repeatedly heard his story since and have no doubt of its truth
Job Durfee
State of Rhode Island, Newport County } ss.
On the eighth day of September 1832. before the judges or Justices of the court of Probate for the Town of Tiverton, in the County & State aforesaid, now sitting personally came the above named Job Durfee and made oath to the truth of his foregoing deposition and subscribed the same.
Asa Gray Clerk

I Wanton Howland of Tiverton in the County of Newport and State of Rhode Island aged fifty seven years being duly sworn according to law do on my oath depose and say That I have from my youth been well acquainted with Josiah Borden late of this town a pensioner deceased, and with his family - They resided in my neighborhood - The wife of said Josiah Borden was named Susannah - They had two children, named Sarah and Hannah - They are now living and are named Sarah B. Lake and Hannah Manchester - and they are the only children of the said Josiah Borden and his wife the said Susannah - That I ever knew of - Wanton Howland
State of Rhode Island
County of Newport } ss.
Be it known, that on the second day of February 1846. before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Newport, personally appeared Wanton Howland and subscribed and made oath to the truth of his foregoing Deposition, and I further certify that said Deponent is a credible person, and I believe his statements are true,
Before me, Asa Gray Justice of the Peace

I Asa Gray of Tiverton in the County of Newport and State of Rhode Island of lawful age, being duly sworn according to Law do on my oath depose and say. That after the passage of the Act of Congress of July 7. 1838 granting half pay and pensions to certain widows, I supposed or understood that those widows, whose husbands died after the passage of said act, were not entitled to the benefits of its provisions. I was enquired of by Susannah Borden, widow of Josiah Borden a pensioner, and also by her friends relative to her obtaining a pension, and I informed them, as I understood it, that her husband the said Josiah having died after the passage of the Act, she could not obtain a pension under it. In the summer of the year 1843 I was informed that widows, who became such after the passage of said act of July 7. 1838 were obtaining pensions. I thereupon addressed a Letter to Mr. Edwards upon the subject, his Letter in answer is dated August 3. 1843, in which he informed me that such widows could obtain pensions, provided their cases were in all other respects embraced by the Law. On the receipt of Mr. Edwards Letter, in the month of August 1843, I called upon said Susannah Borden to inform her that she might get a pension, and to prepare her Declaration, but I found her lying upon her sick bed, speechless and insensible, I was informed by her daughter with whom she lived, that she was taken sick a day or two previous, she died shortly after, never having become sufficiently sensible to make her Declaration. Asa Gray
State of Rhode Island &c County of Newport ss
Be it known That on the 3 d day of February 1846 before me the subscriber a justice of the peace in and for said County of Newport, personally appeared Asa Gray and subscribed and made oath to the truth of his foregoing Deposition & I further certify that said Depon t is a credible person. Charles Durfee Justice of the Peace

State of Rhode Island &c Newport S c
Clerks Office Supreme Court
I hereby certify that the signatures "Asa Gray Justice of the Peace" and "Charles Durfee Justice of the Peace" are of the own proper hand writing of Asa Gray and Charles Durfee Esqrs. Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Newport duly elected commissioned and sworn - and that to all acts and things thus by them attested full faith and credit are and ought to be given in Court and thereout -
In witness whereof I William Gilpin Clerk of the Supreme Court in and for the County aforesaid have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this fifth day of February 1826
Wm Gilpin Clerk

Susanna Borden dec d . who was widow of Jonah Borden, Seaman U.S. Navy 8661 559
R. Island Roll
Act 7 July 1838, to commence 4 March 1836.
$96 per annum.
Issue a certificate also under act March 3. 1843, payable to the children of said widow, viz. Sarah B. Lake and Hannah Manchester, up to the 3 rd of Sept. 1843, when said widow died.
Cert: to the Hon. John Q. Adams House of Reps

Everton (R.I.) Feby 7. 1846
Sir,
Herewith enclosed are papers for the pension, which of right, accrued to Susannah Bodine before her decease among them is an affidavit made by me relating facts within my knowledge, why an application was not made by her in her life time: and I would submit whether under the circumstances the pension for the whole of the five years commencing in 1836, and the part of the year in 1843 ought not to be allowed. You will please direct to me any communication relative to the case.
I am most respectfully your Obed Servt. Isa Gray
J. L. Edwards Comm r of Pensions Washington

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

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? No clergymans certificate - 2 Witnesses certified credible XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? yes XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? 2 Witnesses certified credible XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
‡QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
¶ In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Portsmouth R.I. Nov. 19. 1832.
Hon. Lewis Cass Sec. of War No. 1.
Dr. Sir
I herewith enclose, the Declara- -tions of Josiah Borden, Pardon Lake and Thomas Thurston of Swi- -ertons and Nathaniel Smith of Newport, all of this County for pensions under the late act of Congress. Will you have the goodness to advise me of the reception of this by letter.
I would also respectfully inquire, whether a Service on board of Privateers or private armed vessels - in the Revolu- -tionary War - entitles a man to a pension, under the late act of Congress?
I am with great respect, Sir, Yours Obedient and Humble Servt.
John Cross

V N o 12581
Susannah Bourn ad.
R J
Set to son George 11 th May 40
act 7 July 1838

Ref. see letter
Payable to children, viz. Sarah B. Lake and Hannah Manchester,
10,047
Rhode Island
Susanna Borden, dec. d who was
Widow of Josiah Borden
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 16 th September 1838 of Newport Co. in the State of R. Island who was a Seaman in the U.S. Navy, commanded by Captain of the commanded by in the line for
Inscribed on the Roll of R. Island at the rate of 96 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 th day of June 1846, and sent to Hon. John Q. Adams, House of Representatives
Total amount, $
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Y Jan. 23, 1845.
Recorded by D Brown
Clerk
Book L. Vol. 1, Page 103.

Dec 12 96 To Wm S. Potter Fall River Mass
Dec 21 96 Histo to Hon M. Buel. L.W.B. H. of R.
1897 History to S. Potter 398 Winter Fall River, Mass. L.H.B.
Rev
WIDOW, &c.
Mrs
File No. 23644
Susanna Borden
Wid. of
Josiah Borden
Seaman
Jan. 15. Mrs. W. Street.
Act March 3 rd 1843.
Index: Vol A, Page 76
[Arrangement of 1870.]

8 B Hase River Dec 3 rd /96
Hon. W m Lockren
Dear Sir:-
Will you please look up the record and find out about Josiah or Joseph Borden who fought in the Revolution War and was taken prisoner, put in the Shelmore prison England, and afterwards received a pension

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Office of the Secretary. Archive Room — Boston, Dec. 8, 1896
Dear Sir:—
Will you please send me an abstract of what appears concerning said Josiah Borden as quoted in enclosed letter and I will be greatly obliged — I have looked for him on our records but fail to find a single reference —
Yours very Truly, Geo. W. Brown
Enclosure.

Please return to P.W.B.
Fall River
Dec 5 th
George H. Brown
Dear Sir:
Letter received and noted. can not give you much more information, only know his name was Ebenezer Borden and at the time he enlisted he lived in Tiverton which is now Fall River, he was not an officer, and do not know the name of the Capt. as all the papers were burned at the time of what is known as

the "Big Fire" in 1843. We do know that he had a pension and that back pension was paid to his daughter Sarah who married Phillip Lake.
If can give you any more dates will do so
Yours Resp.
Mrs. V. S. Potter 891 Winter St.
We do not know whether the pension came from Mass. or Washington, but the fact of his being a pensioner and his prob. was my great grandmother daughter received it after, we think it ought to establish his identity.

O. W. & H. Div.
W 23,644
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
December 11, 1896.
Madam:
Replying to your request for information concerning the military record of Josiah Borden, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you are advised that he made application for pension on September 8, 1832, at which time he was 77 years of age and residing at Tiverton, R. I., and his pension was allowed for two years' actual service as a private in the Rhode Island troops, Revolutionary War; a part of the time he served under Capt. William Cook and Col. Church. He enlisted at Tiverton, R. I.
His widow, Susanna, made application and received a pension for the service of her husband as above set forth.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Mrs William S. Potter,
391 Winter Street,
Fall River, Mass.

W. 23, 044
L. W. B.
January 19, 1897.
Madam:
Replying to your request for information concerning the military record of Josiah Borden , a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you are advised that he made an application for pension on Sept. 8, 1832, at which time he was 77 years of age and residing at Tiverton, R. I., and his pension was allowed for one year's actual service as a private in the Rhode Island troops, and one year's actual service as a seaman in the Revolutionary War. While in the army he served under Capt. Cook and Col. Underwood; as a seaman he served on board the U. S. S. "Reprisal" under Capt. Weeks. He enlisted at Tiverton, R. I.
His widow, Susannah, made an application and received a pension for the service of her husband as above set forth.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Mrs W. S. Potter,
801 Winter Street,
Fall River, Mass.