Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S.12223, Benjamin Billings, Mass.

SERVICE
Mass.
NUMBER
Billings, Benjamin S. 12223
CONTENTS
carded

Referred to Pension Agent. See letter Letter to G. C. Ames, Oct 28/51
Massachusetts 4691
4491 Benjamin Billings, decd.
Hirton Co. in the State of Mass. who was a Surgeon H ng Mts in the ————— commanded by Captain ————— of the regt. commanded by Col. Gile ————— in the Massachusetts line for
Increased from $346.67. Payable to Fanny D. Briggs, only child of Benjamin Billings, decd.
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 403 Dollars 16 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. & end 9 th October 1842, when he died
Certificate of Pension issued the 1 st day of July 1844 and sent to Hon. R. C. Winthrop, Boston, Mass.
years to the 4th of means allowance ending former payments to be deducted
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, Book E. P. Vol. 2. Page 44

Doc. Benj. Billings
B.M.
5882.

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, BRISTOL, ss.
At a COURT OF PROBATE holden at Taunton in and for said County on the twenty eighth day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two, before the Honorable HODIJAH BAYLIES, Judge of the Probate, &c, for said County, personally appeared Benjamin Billings, Physician, a resident of Mansfield in the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, aged at least seventy two years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832, make the following declaration: That he served in the army of the Revolution. Vis. In the year 1775 he enlisted & served under Capt Samuel Payson eight months. In 1776 he enlisted into the company commanded by Capt Pennaman & served two months. In 1777 he served in the regiment commanded by Benjamin in Gill, four months, as a Surgeon's Mate. In 1778 he served in the regiment commanded by Col. John Jacobs, six months, as a Surgeon's Mate. And in the year 1779 he served in the regiment commanded by the said Col. John Jacobs six months as a Surgeon's Mate. and further declares as follows, in reply to the interrogatories propounded by the Secretary of War; to wit:
1. Where, and in what year were you born?
Ans That he was born in Shurtonham now Sharon in the County of Suffolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the year one thousand seven hundred and sixty
2. Have you any record of your age; and if so, where is it?
He was informed by his parents of the day month & year of his birth. He believes his birth is on record in the town records of said Sharon.
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary War, and where do you now live?
When called into service he was living in a place now called Sharon in the county of Norfolk. Since the Revolutionary War to the present time he has lived in Mansfield aforesaid.
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? and if a substitute, for whom?
In the year 1775 he enlisted & served eight months. In 1776 he enlisted & served two months. In the year 1777 he was appointed Surgeon's Mate & served in that capacity four months. In 1778 he was appointed Surgeon's Mate & served six months. And in 1779 he was appointed Surgeon's Mate & served six months. Reference to his warrants of appointment herewith annexed will more fully appear.
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers who were with the troops when you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service.
In April 1775 he enlisted & served under Capt. Samuel Payson, in the regiment commanded by Col. Joseph Reed, for eight months. He was marched with the company commanded by said Samuel Payson to Roxbury, near Boston, & did duty as a private soldier in guarding the sea coast; the British ships being then in or near Boston. At the expiration of the said eight months' service he was honorably discharged, but not in writing. Samuel Billings of the borough in the county of Norfolk was sergeant in the company commanded by the said Capt. Samuel Payson. At the expiration of the aforesaid eight months' service he commenced the study of Medicine & Surgery under the direction of Doct. Elijah Housins of said Sharon. In the year 1776, while a student of Medicine with said Doct. Housins, he enlisted as a private soldier into the company commanded by Capt. Pennaman in the regiment commanded by Col. Mackenlash, for the term of two months, marched with the company aforesaid to White Plains in New York, & did duty in said company during the said two months. At the expiration of said two months he was honorably discharged, but not in writing. As to this said two months' service he has no proof, as he knows of no officer or soldier now living who was there at the time.

And further the said Benjamin Billings was in the year 1777 appointed Sergeon's Mate in the army of the Revolution in the Massachusetts line as his warrant of appointment or Commission will show; and served in that capacity four months in the regiment commanded by Col. Benjamin Tilton, raised to reinforce the army under Maj. Gen. Gates, at Still Water in New York. He was at the surrender of Gen. Burgoyne & his army at Saratoga. At the expiration of the said four months service he was honorably discharged but not in writing. In 1778 he was again appointed Sergeant's Mate as his warrant of appointment will show & served six months in the regiment commanded by Col. John Jacobs, in the Massachusetts Line, & in the army commanded by Maj. Gen. Sullivan. This service was rendered near Newport in Rhode Island. At the expiration of said six months service he was honorably discharged but not in writing. And further, in 1779 he entered the service as Sergeon's Mate, (reference being had to his warrant of appointment or Commission) & served six months, in that capacity in the Regiment commanded by the said Col. John Jacobs. This service was also rendered near Newport in Rhode Island. At the end of the said six months service he was honorably discharged but not in writing. During all the time that he served as Sergeant's Mate, in the above named terms of service or Campaigns, Elijah Hewens was Sergeant in said regiments.
Said Hewens has long since deceased.

6. Were you a Soldier or an Officer ? if 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 ? if an Officer, did you ever receive a commission, and if so by whom was it signed, and what has become of it ?
In 1775, he served as a private soldier eight months, at the expiration of the time received a verbal discharge by Col. Joseph Need. In 1776 he served as a private soldier two months, at the expiration of which he received a verbal discharge. In 1777 he served as a Surgeon's Mate four months & received a verbal discharge by Col. M'Intosh. In 1778, he served as a Surgeon's Mate six months & received a verbal discharge by Col. Gutter. In 1779 he served as a Surgeon's Mate six months & received a verbal discharge by Col. Vachell.
7. State the names of the 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. Noland Green William Cleveland, John Cobb, Mason Cobb, Benjamin Cobb & William Sun- born all of said Mansfield and Nathaniel Stone Jr. both of Mansfield in said County of Bristol -
And the said Benjamin Billings doth further declare that he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State, or (if any) only on that of the agency of the State of —
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Benjamin Billings H. Baylies, Judge of Probate.
WE Nathaniel Stone Jr. residing in Mansfield in the said County of Bristol and Noland Green residing in the same town hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Billings who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration ; that we believe him to be seventy five 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. Nathaniel Stone Jr. Noland Green
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
H. Baylies, Judge of Probate.
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 abovenamed applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Nathaniel Stone Jr. who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman resident in the town of Mansfield in said County of Bristol, and that Noland Green — who has also signed the same is a resident in said town, and is a credible person, and that their — statement is entitled to credit.
H. Baylies, Judge of Probate.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, BRISTOL ss.
I Anselm Bassett Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Benjamin Billings — of Mansfield in said County, for a Pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of the said Court the — day and year first above written.
Anselm Bassett

5882
Benjamin Billings Bristol Co Mass.
11 Mos. & 12 days, Surgeon's Mate 10 Do Private 21 - 12
order
$261.33.
For J. L. Hodges H.R.
A. Gabbett Taunton Bristol Co Mass.

BRIEF in the case of  Benj. Billings  of Bristol City in the State of Mass.  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Open Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 72 years  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     In 17 95 — 5 — privt Capt Samuel Pason   " 96 — 2 — " sergeant   " 97 — 4 — sergeant's mate Col. Packenham   " 98 — 8 12 " Col. Benj. Gill   " 99 — 6 — " Col. Jacobs  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? none  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Norfolk City  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditional evidence, living witnesses, documents -  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct - 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
J. H. S. Blair Examining Clerk.

State of Massachusetts
Bristol County. Vs. Be it known, that on this eighth day of January eighteen hundred and forty four, personally appeared Fanny D. Briggs a President of Mansfield in said County, State aged — sixty years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain an increased rate of pension which she claims to be due her as the only child & representative of her late father Benjamin Billings deceased, who was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States under the law of 1832 at three hundred forty six dollars & sixty seven cents per annum, and who belonged to the Massachusetts Militia and State Troops, and who served according to the best of her recollection & belief, and as she has heard him say, a part of the time as a private, [which she believes was a small portion of his service] but principally as a surgeon's mate & surgeon and of his service as a surgeon she has the fullest assurance for she finds his appointment by Col. Isaac Dearn in the Month of August 1780. & which is hereunto annexed, and she has also learned from him, that he performed the surgeon's duty for a long space of time during his service in the Army. And she has reason to believe he discharged the duty of surgeon in Col. John Jacob's Regiment in the years 1778. & 1779. see accounts of the sick in the Hospital hereto annexed, But she is unable to state the length of his service, either as private, surgeon's mate, or surgeon, in the war of the Revolution, and refers for a further more full description of his said services, to his declaration for a pension under the said law of 1832. now on file in the war department at Washington — But she has reason to believe from some minutes she has recently found, that her said father served about one and a half years, as surgeon's mate & surgeon & about ten months as private & under Colonels Jos. Reed, John Jacob, Benjamin Gill, & Martin. And the declarant further alleges & declares that after her said father died which was on the ninth day of October. 1842. she recd the balance of pension due him. And she now respectfully prays, that the papers in his case may be reexamined and a larger pension allowed.
over.

in accordance with the rank, pay, and services of said deceased as private, surgeon's mate, and surgeon, while in the Army of the Revolution. Fanny D. Briggs
Sworn and subscribed by the said Fanny D. Briggs [Who is to me well & personally known] on the day and year first above written, in this instrument.
Before me Cromwell Leonard Justice Peace And I do further certify, that I was the legal Administrator of the estate of the said Benj a Billings deceased, and that the ancient papers which are annexed to this declaration were found among his papers, and that his appointment as colonel by surgeon, by Col. Isaac Deane, & which is hereunto annexed, is in the hand writing of the said Deane, who lived & died in this neighbourhood & whose writing is well and familiarly known here, and that the other part of the said ancient papers are in the hand writing of the said Doctor Benjamin Billings and Cromwell Leonard Justice Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston January 17. 1841,
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Cromwell Leland was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Bristol,
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Palfrey. Secretary of the Commonwealth.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 7 th June 1832 Benjamin Billings, deceased, late of Massachusetts, who was a Private, Surgeon's Mate and Surgeon in the Revolution, was entitled to a pension at the rate of $403:16 per annum; and having died on the 9 th of October 1842, the amount due, from the 4 th of March 1831 to the time of his death is payable to Fanny D. Briggs, only child of Benjamin Billings, dec d . All former payments to be deducted.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 1 st _____ day of July one thousand eight hundred and forty-four.
Examined and Countersigned. }
Secretary of War.
Commissioner of Pensions.

Rev War
12223 INVALID
File No. 12,223
Benjamin Billings Surgeon Rev. War.
Act: June 7 th 1832
Index:—Vol. a , Page 83
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Lit & Am. H. C. Winthrop Apr 23. '44

Let to Wm R & Wmthrop Feb 22 '44
70 Bristol
191 Massachusetts Benjamin Billings of Dorchester in the State of Mass who was a Surgeon Mate in the Comp y commanded by Captain _____ of the Brig t commanded by Capt. Gell in the Mass line for 8 Months Service 16 " Surgeon Mate
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass at the rate of 346 Dollars 67 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of June 1834 and sent to A Dapett Taunton Mass Arrears to the 4th of March 1834  $1050.01 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sep " 173 33 $1213.34
Recorded by Book
Ebenezer Taylor Clerk, Page 43
Revolutionary Claim, Hot June 7, 1832.
Issued in Secy 833 - Canceled in $261.36 to $34 page 85

4491. Massachusetts
Benjamin Billings
of Bristol in the State of Mass who was a ser t in the Company commanded by Captain  of the  reg t commanded by Col  in the Mass line for 11 Mo 12 Ds 10 " Private
See letter to A. Dyer Dunton June 10 th 1834
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass at the rate of 26 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 st day of Jan'y 1833 and sent to J. L. Dodge Atty Rep
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 $39.99 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Mar '33 130.00 $522.65
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J. F. H. 9 Clerk, Book D Vol. 287 Page 95

Oliver Drake of Mansfield in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts do testify and say, that I was a Soldier in the Company of Capt. Samuel Payson and Regiment of Col. Joseph Reed in the eight Months Service near Boston in the army of the Revolution in the Napaquasset line, and that Dea. Benj. Billings, did the duty of a private Soldier in the said Company during that time in the year 1775 Bristol J s August 4 th 1832 Then the above named Oliver Drake Oliver Drake made Oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed before me David Gilbert Justice of the Peace

I, Samuel Billings, of Foxborough in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts do testify and say that I was a Sergeant in the Company of Capt. Samuel Payson and Reg. t of Col. Joseph Reed in the eight months service near Boston 1775 in the Army of the Revolution in the Massachusetts line, and that D o Benj. Billings did the duty of a private soldier in the said Company during that time
Sam l Billings
Bristol Jt. July 28 th 1832. Then the above named Samuel Billings made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed
Before me
David Gilbert Justice of the peace —
The cause of my taking the above affidavit is because the s d Samuel Billings is very old & infirm —
David Gilbert —

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
District 11.
I, James Sprout, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Bristol, do hereby certify that David Gilbert Esq., whose signature is affixed to the within and annexed certificates, is a Justice of the peace in and for said County of Bristol, and duly qualified to administer oaths.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this eighth day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty.
J. Sprout

To Doctor Benjamin Billings you are hereby appointed Surgeons mate to Col. Benj a Gill's Regiment Being a Detachment from Suffolk and your Brigades of militia for which appointment this shall be your Sufficient warrant.
Given under my hand at Stoughton August 23 d . 1777
Benj a Gill Col a
with the force under this service in the northern army, commanded by Gen l Gates at the taking of Gen l Burgoyne

Yours sincerely Benjamin Billings
S.F. 12, 223 Benjamin Billings, Massachusetts.

Benj d Belling is appointed Surgeon of the Reg t of Militia now under my Command at Tiverton Aug t 3 rd 1780. — Isaac Dyer Col l .

State of The Major part of the Council of Massachusetts Bay, in Massachusetts Bay New England
To Benjamin Billings. Gentleman. Greeting.
Arkansas War
Hopkins Bangor H. Gardner
Cushing Oliver Prescott A. Fuller
Being informed of your skill in surgery and reposing special trust and confidence in your ability and good conduct do by these Presents constitute and appoint you the said Benjamin Billings to be Surgeon's Mate of the Regiment of Foot whereof John Fossick Esq r is Colonel raised for the Defense of the New England States. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of Surgeon's Mate to the said Regiment in all things appertaining thereunto, observing such Orders and Instructions as you shall from time to time receive from the Colonel of said Regiment, or any your Superior Officers for which this shall be your sufficient Warrant.
Witness the Council of said State at Boston the Twelfth day of March 1778 By Order of the Council. And signed agreeable to a Resolve of the General Court March 23. 1778. John. Avery Clerk

State of Massachusetts Bay.
The Major Part of the Council of the Massachusetts Bay in New England
To Benjamin Billings Esq. Greeting
Whereas
reposing Special Trust & Confidence in Your Ability, Prudence & Fidelity Do by these presents Constitute & Appoint You the said Benjamin Billings to be Surgeons Mate to the Regiment of Foot whereof John Jacobs Esq. is Colonel raised by this State for the defence of Rhode Island
You are therefore Carefully & Diligently to discharge the Duty of Surgeons Mate in said Regiment according to Military Rules & Discipline in pursuance of the Trust reposed in You for which this shall be your Sufficient Warrant
Given at the Council Chamber at Boston this first day of June A.D. 1779 And in the Third Year of the Independence of the United States of America
By Order of the Council John Avery D.L.

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Benj. Billings Bristol City of Mass - 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? yes 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? yes 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? yes XIV. † If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? yes Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? yes XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes 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? yes
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 the 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.
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 authenticated 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 end 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.

chap. June 23 rd Pen carb. aut.
to A. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington - D.C.

Taunton Mass. June 18. 1834.
Sir,
Yours of the 14 th relating to Doct. Benj. Billings Pension was received last evening - Enclosed is Doct. Billings Pension Certificate as required - I presume you will give orders for Doct. Billings to receive the arrears of Pension at the next semiannual payment - Very Respectfully Your Obt. Servt. A. Barrett

Payments to be made at Boston Mass by J. P. M c Dermott Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of Mass.
Recorded by J. H. M c Blain Clerk, in Book D. Vol. 2 nd page 95.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 7th June, 1832, Benjamin Billings of the State of Massachusetts who was a Surgeon's Mate in the Army of the Revolution.
is entitled to receive Two Hundred Sixty one dollars and Thirty Three cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually, on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this Twenty First day of January one thousand eight hundred and thirty. Here
John C. Calhoun Secretary of War.
Examined and } Countersigned. }
J. S. Edwards

Washington July 27 1851 James E Heath Esq Sir
Enclosed you will please find Application of the Drub of Benjamin Billings late a pensioner under the act of 7 June 1832. for an increase of the allowance made to him.
In addition to the service which was admitted in the Adjustment of Dr Billings pension he claimed to have served 4 months as Surgeon, Mate in 1776. His Statement is fully sustained by the Certificate of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. So far as the record of that State furnish evidence of Military Service, recorded in the Revolutionary War. It is known that those records afford no evidence of service in 1776. His own statement therefore as to this service should be received as sufficient to authorize the allowance of that term.
Dr. Billings claimed to have served as a Surgeon several times in the Militia after 1780. His declaration in charge to this service should be literally construed as the record of Massachusetts after 1780, are

imperfect, & contain little or no information in relation to the Military Service of that period
With Much Respect Yours Absolut Geo. C. Ames

 18.33  2.33  7.50   23.16  380.   403.16 
Wadsworth - Sc.
Commissioner of Revenue
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Mass.
ERRE

Fauntler Mass. June 7. 1834.
J. L. Edwards Esq. Sir,
Doc. Benjamin Billings of Mansfield in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a pensioner under the act of 1832 is very solicitous that you should reexamine his Application for a pension — He believes that he has not allowed him as much as he is entitled to by law — He served 16 months as a Surgeons Mate and 10 months as a Private viz.    8 Mo. in 1775 as a Private,     2 Mo. in 1776 " " "  in Col. McKintosh's Regt.       10     4 Mo. in 1777 as Surgeons Mate in Col. Gills Regt.     6 Mo. in 1778 " " "  Col. Jacob's Regt.    6 Mo. in 1779 " " "  " "  
Doc. Billings further thinks and believes that the whole of his time as a Surgeons Mate, ought first to be allowed him and then make up the two years from the time he acted as a Private — He has left his Pension Certificate with me, which is numbered 4491 to be forwarded to you, if necessary, after you have reexamined his application aforesaid and advised me of the result, which you may come to, respecting this his request — Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servt -
A. Barrett

H.B. 7 March 1844
The Commissioner of Pensions,
Sir,
I inclose you the certificate of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Mass ts in the case of Benjamin Billings, to which I am requested to call your renewed attention. —
I am requested, also, to ask for a statement of the services declared for by Doct. Billings, & the length of time allowed, when his pension was granted under the law of 1832. —
I take the occasion, also, to inquire whether the case of Mrs. Coles has yet been acted on. The papers were sent by me from Boston three or four months since.
cont sent Mar 7 th
I am, very respf., Your Ob dt Servt.
Robt. C. Winthrop.

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Bristol ss.
I, ANSELM BASSETT, Register of the Court of Probate for said County of Bristol, do hereby certify, that, at a Court of Probate, holden at Taunton — in and for said County, on the sixth — day of January eighteen hundred and forty three — it was satisfactorily proved to said Court, that Benjamin Billings (a Revolutionary Pensioner,) late of Mansfield — in said County of Bristol, deceased, died on the ninth — day of October eighteen hundred and forty two — leaving one child and one only vix. Fanny D. Briggs , then living at said Mansfield — and it further appeared to said Court that said Billings left no widow —
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court, this twelfth day of January eighteen hundred and forty four — A Basset

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston May 13 th 1824
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation from well Leonard, was a justice of the Peace for the county of Bristol,
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Wm. Siffts. Secy Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I Fanny D. Briggs of Mansfield in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts widows, being sixty years of age do hereby testify and say that I am a daughter of Benjamin Billings late of said Mansfield deceased. And that I am the only surviving child of the said deceased. And I further testify and say that my late father the said Benjamin Billings deceased, was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States, and died on the ninth day of October eighteen hundred and forty two, and that his pension Certificate was left by him in my care & possession. And I do further testify and say that I surrendered the said Pension Certificate, and caused it to be sent to the pension Office in Boston, together with an other certificate from the Court of Probate, showing the time of the death of my said Father, [and also that I was the only surviving surviving child of said deceased] and these certificates accompanied a power of Attorney from me, by which I obtained the arrears of the pension due to him from Sept 4 th 1842. to Oct. 9 th 1842. the last mentioned date being the day of his death, and I have never seen the said pension certificate since, and I believe it was sent on to the pension Office at Washington Mansfield May 11 th 1844.
Fanny D. Briggs

State of Massachusetts
Bristol County - ss May 11 th 1854. Then James
D. Briggs subscriber to the within affidavit personally appeared and made oath that the same is true in all its parts.
Before me - Cromwell Leonard Justice Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol County ss. On this First day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty one personally appeared before the subscriber a justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid Fanny D Briggs a resident of Mansfield in County aforesaid aged sixty four years who upon oath makes the following declaration in order to obtain an increased rate of pension as due her late father Benjamin Billings under the act of June 7 th 1832.
And this declarant states that she is the only surviving child of said Benja Billings late a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States. This declarant stating from her best knowledge information and belief, says, that her father was a resident of Stoughtonham Mass; in the time of the Revolutionary war, that he entered the service as a private in Capt Payson's Company Colt Reed's Regt; and served 8 mos in the campaign of 1775. That in the autumn of 1776 he served four mos as assistant Surgeon to Dr Elijah Hovey in Col McIntosh's Regt and was in New York. That in the summer and fall of 1777 he served as Surgeon's Mate in Col Benjamin Gill's Regiment, about 4 mos & was at the taking of Burgoyne under Gen Gates.

That in 1778, he served as Surgeon Mate in Col John Jacob's Regt, 9 mos and was stationed on R.I. and was under Gen Sullivan. That in 1779 he served as Surgeon Mate in said Jacob's Regt about 6 mos in R.I. In 1780 her father was Appointed Surgeon and she has heard him say that he performed considerable service after that time.
She further states that her father the said Benja- min Billings died in Mansfield on the ninth day of October 1842 and that your declarant is the only surviving child, and that her fa- ther left no widow.
Fanny D. Briggs
Bristol ss. July first 1851 Then personally appeared before me Fanny D. Briggs whom I know to be the identical person she represents herself to be in the foregoing declaration and made oath that the same is true according to her best knowledge and belief.
Before me
Wm B. Bates
Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, July 8 th 1851.
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation William B. Bates was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Bristol,
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and qualified; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Lucara Walker, Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston:
June 26 1851.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Benjamin Billings is borne on rolls of 8 mo. Service in 1775 in Capt. Samuel Payson's Co. Col. Read's Regt. as a private, of Houghtonham, - on coat roll Dec. 29. 1775.
On an abstract of rations due officers of Col. Benj. Gill's Regt. as Surgeon's mate, from Aug. 14. 1777. 3 mos 28 days.
On roll of wages of officers of Col. Jacob's Regt. as Surgeon's Mate, from Apr. 1. 1778. 9 months. Elijah Hovey was Surgeon of the Regt.
On a pay roll of officers of Col. Isaac Dean's Regt. as Surgeon, from Aug. 1. 1780. 9 days. (on alarm)
On a pay roll of officers of Col. Jacob's Regt. as Surgeon's Mate, from June 1. 1779. 5 months. 21 days.

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Frederick W. Lee Secretary of the Commonwealth.

To the Secretary of State Massachusetts. The undersigned states that Benjamin Billings late of Mansfield County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts served in the War of the Revolution as follows viz. In the 8 mos service in 1775, in the Company of Capt Samuel Payson in Col Joseph Root's Regt. In 1776 two months or more in Capt Penniman Company Col McIntosh's Regt and was in New York. This service was in the latter part of the year 1776 and he was assistant surgeon to Dr Howins
In 1777, four months as surgeon's mate in Col Benjamin Gull's Regt and was at the taking of Burgoyne
In 1778 six mos in Col John Jacob's Regt. as Surgeon's mate in R. I. and in 1779 six months more as surgeon's mate in the same Regt.
That in 1780 the said Billings was appointed a Surgeon and rendered service in various short campaigns.
He requests evidence of all the services that can be identified with the person above described.
Freeman Bradstreet Atty for Fanny Briggs only child Cumberland ss. June 10 1857 signed before me Shad M Dwell for Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
No. 193.
Secretary's Office, May 9 1811.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Benjamin Billings of Haverhill is borne upon the rolls of Col. Dyer's Regiment from April 19 1775 to May 15 1776 upon the Col. returns & that roll, as a private for 1775.
The name of Benjamin Billings is also borne upon the pay rolls of Col. Dyer, as Surgeon's Mate from Aug 16 1777 4 months, & S.M. of Col. Jacob's from April 1 1778 to Jan 1 1779 9 months & from June 1 1779 4 months.
The name of Benjamin Billings is borne upon a pay roll of Col. Isaac Grant, from Aug 1 to 9 1780 9 days as Surgeon.
There is no other record of said Billings that appears upon the rolls in this Office.

273 Rev.
And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone: and that said application and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances which tend to satisfy me of the identity of the party described in the application with the individual who rendered the service.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Wm. S. Smith Sept 3 Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Sir,
Finance Office, April 23rd 1841.
In reply to yours of the 7th ultimo, I have the honor to inform you, that the additional allowance of nine days as Vurgeon in Dean's Regiment, in 1780, will be made to Benjamin Billings when his Certificate shall be returned for the increase.
He was allowed for the service he claimed viz: four months Vurgeon's rate in 1777 Gills' Regiment, five months ditto in 1778, in Jacob's Regiment, and five months ditto in 1779, in Jacob's Regiment, and eight months, as a private.
The certificate of Mrs. Bolis was by an erring pen on the 7th ultimo to you at Boston.
I have the honor to be Very respectfully, Your obedt Servant, J. Edwards
Hon. W. C. Winthrop, House of Representatives.

Benjamin Pillsbury Mass.
out 7. June '32 - increase
Says certificate Aug. 19. " " Surgery - 9 pri 4. 21
adnd. 24 -
4 mo. 21. dr pri 19. - Surgery note 4 - 9. Surgery
403.16 from 4 March 31 to 9 Oct. 42 the day of his death de ducting what has been paid -
To Fanny D. Briggs my child of Benj Pillsbury deed
Rev. H. C. Winthrop Boston Mass.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Sept 29 1866
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Benjamin Billings is found upon the Regimental Return of Col Isaac Danks, as Surgeon From Aug 1 to Aug 9. 1780. 9 days at 18 £ per month.

Pension Office Feby. 22. 1844.
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the Statement of Benjamin Billings, deceased, corroborated by documents conclusively shews that he was a Surgeon's Mate during all the service which he alleged he rendered in the Staff. If any additional Claim for service as Surgeon in Dyer's Regiment (which was not claimed by him) is made, the length of the service should be shown by the Certificate of the Secretary of Massachusetts. The allowance made him as Surgeon's Mate is correct.
I have the honor to be, My respectful, Your Ob Servant. J. L. Edwards
Hon. R. C. Mitchell, House of Representatives.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Feb 27 1811
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Benjamin Pillsbury is borne upon the Regimental Return of Col Isaac Dows, as Surgeon from Aug 1 to Aug 9. 1780. 9 days at 18 £ per month.

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone: and that said application and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances which tend to satisfy me of the identity of the party described in the application with the individual who rendered the service.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
W. L. G. Raper;
Chairman of the Commonwealth.

Pension Office Feby. 22. 1844.
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the Statement of Benjamin Billings, deceased, corroborated by documents conclusively shews that he was a Surgeon's Mate during all the service which he alleged he rendered in the Staff. If any additional claim for service as Surgeon in Dyer's Regiment (which was not claimed by him) is made, the length of the service should be shown by the Certificate of the Secretary of Massachusetts. The allowance made him as Surgeon's Mate is correct.
I have the honor to be, My respectfully, Your obedt Servant J. L. Edwards
Hon. R. C. Winthrop, House of Representatives.

Benjamin Billings, S.F. 12, 223.
Removed from this case for return to the War Department, are —
Memo. of British and Foreigners including the noted governor, Skene, and schedule of small arms, ordnance, ammunition and Ar. M ts property, all captured at the surrender of General Burgoyne; (P) —
✓ Returns of sick in hospital, Col. John Jacobs' reg't, 1778-9.
A.H.M.
Oct. 30/05.
(5 Enclosures)
To War Dept. Oct. 1901