Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 18736, Elisha Briggs, Continental Mass.

SERVICE
Continental Mass.
NUMBER
Briggs, Elisha
S. 18736
Carded
CONTENTS

21. 12 8 Massachusetts Elisha Briggs
at Scituate in the State of Mass who was a Sergeant in the Cont. commanded by Captain Washburn of the Reg. — commanded by Col. Nabcoll in the Mass line for 1/4  Ms  48. 4 3  "  pr  3
Date of death not on A. B.
Phys
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass at the rate of 80 Dollars 50 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 day of Aug. 1833 and Sister J. H. Soud Plymouth
Arrears to the 4th Mar. 31 $ 160 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4/4/31 40 $ 200
P. O. Estlin  Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by P. O. Estlin Clerk, Book E. Vol. 2. Page 9

This may certify, that it doth appear on the publick records of the Town of Scituate, (Book 4, folio 139-) that "Elisha Briggs, Son of John Briggs and Abigail his wife, was born August 10 th A. 1761.-
Ebenezer Bailey, Town Clerk
Scituate, (Mass.) August 17 th 1832 --
of Scituate
I hereby certify that the above named Ebenezer Bailey is a credible person Attest Ebenezer J. Fogg - Just peace

12280
Elisha Briggs
Augt 14 Mch
Pm 3 . 17
14 06
May 17 1833
$ 402
20 11 15 10
J H Lona Eng Plymouth Mass

BRIEF in the case of  Elisha Briggs  u  of  Scituate  in the State of  Massachusetts  (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? 71 years  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days. As a Gen.     May In 1776 — 3 — Private Col. Burbank   June 778 — 6 Sergt. Capt. Washburn   July 779 — 4 and Capt. Curtis   July 780 — 4 — Capt. Turner Col. Jacobs  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? none  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Scituate Mass  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? By living witnesses  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.
Nicholas South  Examining Clerk.

Elisha Briggs
Statement
12.280

State of Massachusetts Plymouth County ss.
On this twenty second day of August A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court, before the Hon d Wilkes Wood, Judge of the Court of Probate for the said County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts, now sitting at Hancove in said County. Elisha Briggs, a Resident of Scituate in the said County of Plymouth, aged seventy one years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7. A.D. 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers and served as herein stated, to wit:
1 st In May A.D. 1776 he entered said service for three months, that is to say, he volunteered for said term and did go to Castle William in Boston Harbour and was employed a part of the time then, and a part of the time on Governor Island in repairing and rebuilding the fortifications under Col o Burbeck the Engineer, served the whole term aforesaid was then discharged and returned home to Scituate the last of August A.D. 1776, and there is no one living by whom he can prove this service.
2 d In June A.D. 1778 he entered said service as Sergeant in the Company commanded by Abraham Washburn of Bridgewater, one of the other Officers was Bartlett of Plymouth, went directly to Boston and there joined said Company, when he continued until September, and his duty while there was to guard the public stores, magazine, Prisonship, &c, and in September, he was detached with ten other men who were put under his command, were sent to Nantasket, and their duty was to report all vessels that appeared in the Bay by hoisting signals, and then continued until the expiration of his term, having served Six Months, then a part of the men went home and he with the remainder returned to Boston and delivered up the boat and other utensils, was then discharged and returned home to Scituate about the 10 th of December while he was at Boston the French Fleet under De Estaing was in the Harbour, and the same Fleet sailed out while he was at Nantasket. He can prove this service by John Turner now living who served with him his deposition is annexed.
3 d In July A.D. 1779 he entered said service as Sergeant in the Company commanded by Calvin Curtis, Lieut Elisha Curtis, Ensign Benj t Vassall, marched through Hanover, Pembroke, Bridgewater, Raynham, Taunton Rehoboth and Nantasket to Providence, there encamped on the west side of the river and continued some time, then went in boats down the River to Warren and encamped and continued there until the British troops left Rhode Island. While at Warren, Gen l Gates visited the troops. From Warren crossed Bristol Ferry and marched to New Port and was employed in demolishing the forts the British troops had erected on the landside, remained there a short time, was then detached with nine or ten men under him and sent to tend Bristol Ferry, and so continued until a short time before his term expired.

then was relieved and returned back to his said Company, and at the end of his term which was four months — was discharged and returned over Howland's Ferry to Tiverton thro' Middleborough home to Scituate. He can prove this service by Nehemiah Manson & Caleb Litchfield now living who served with him in said Company and their depositions are annexed. His Company was attached, as he thinks to Col Jacobs' Regiment.
4 th In July A.D. 1780 he entered said service as Orderly sergeant in the Company commanded by Amos Turner, Lieut Benj o Stetson and Ensign Nath l Brooks, went directly to Tiverton and formed the Company and joined the Regiment, crossed Howland's Ferry to R. Island marched to Middletown, remained there a short time, then marched to Batts hill and encamped, continued there a short time then moved to the Quaker Meeting house and served his term out which was four Months. He was then discharged and returned home in November as he thinks. His Company was attached to Col John Jacobs Regiment Lt Col John Clapp and Major Earl Clapp. Col Jacob soon took the command of the Brigade and then Lt Col Clapp commanded the Regiment. At the same time the French Gen l Rochambeau was then with his Army. He can prove this service by Jesse Dunbar, Reuben Damon and Caleb Litchfield who served with him and their depositions are annexed.
He served in all as aforesaid one year & five months he does not remember ever receiving a written discharge, and has named above those who can testify to his service. He has no documentary evidence of his service.
He was born in Scituate the 10 th day of August A.D. 1761. His Birth is recorded in the town Records of Scituate. He lived in Scituate when he entered said service and has always lived there. He volunteered or enlisted for each term of service. He was in no instance drafted, nor was he a substitute. He has named all the Officers under whom he served that he now remembers, also all the important circumstances of his service. He is known in his present neighbourhood to Samuel Deane, Samuel A Turner and others who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution.
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.
Elisha Briggs
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. Attest Jacob H. Lovee Register

We Samuel Deane a clergyman residing in the town of Scituate in the County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts, and Samuel A Turner residing in the same town hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Elisha Briggs who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration, that we believe him to be seventy one years of age and that he is respected and believed in his neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Samuel Deane
Samuel A Turner
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid,
Attest Jacob H. Lord Register
And the Court aforesaid do hereby declare their opinion, after this 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 Samuel Deane who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the town of Scituate and that Samuel A Turner who has also signed the same is a resident in the same town and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credence. By the Court Attest Jacob H. Lord Register
I Jacob H. Lord Register of the said Court of Probate for the County of Plymouth do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Elisha Briggs for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of said Court this twenty second day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty two.
Jacob H. Lord

May 21, 1937
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mrs. J. O. Woodsmall Hartford Accident & Indemnity Company Memphis, Missouri
ELISHA BRIGGS S. 18736 BA-J/MLB OW
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the record of Elisha Briggs, of Plymouth County, Massachusetts, who, you state, was born in August, 1761, served in the Revolutionary War and married October 2, 1791, Abigail Foster. You desire to know whether or not he received a warrant for bounty land on account of his service in the Revolution.
You are furnished herein the record of Elisha Briggs as found in pension claim, S. 18736, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War. There is no record on file in this office of the issuance of a warrant for bounty land on account of that service.
Elisha Briggs, son of John Briggs and his wife, Abigail, was born August 10, 1761, in Scituate, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, where his birth was recorded in the office of the Town Clerk.
While a resident of Scituate, Massachusetts, Elisha Briggs volunteered in May, 1776, served as private in Colonel Burbeck's Regiment of Artillery, stationed at Boston and Governor's Island repairing and rebuilding the fortifications and was discharged the last of August, 1776. He volunteered in June, 1778, served as sergeant in Captain Abraham Washburn's Massachusetts company, engaged in guarding public stores, magazines and the Prison Ship, until September, following, when he was detached with ten other men who were put under his command and sent to Nantucket to watch all vessels which appeared in the Bay, and was discharged about December 10, 1778, and returned to his home. He volunteered in July, 1779, served as a sergeant in Captain Calvin Curtis' company, Colonel John Jacobs' Massachusetts, stationed at Rhode Island engaged in demolishing the forts erected at Newport by the British, was then detached with nine or ten men under him, sent to Bristol Ferry and was discharged after having served a tour of four months. He volunteered in July, 1780, served as

sergeant in Captain Amos Turner's company, Colonel John Jacobs' Massachusetts regiment, again stationed at Rhode Island, and was discharged in November, 1780.
Elisha Briggs was allowed pension on his application executed August 22, 1832, while a resident of Scituate, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, where he stated then he had lived always.
It is not shown in the claim whether the soldier was ever married.
In order to obtain date of last payment of pension, the name of person paid and possibly the date of death of Elisha Briggs, you should write to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data:
Elisha Briggs Certificate #21122 Issued August 20, 1833 Rate $80 per annum Commenced March 4, 1831 Act June 7, 1832 Massachusetts Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. MILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

P
18/36
1937 May 21 - Hist. Soc. of Woodstock MRB
INVALID.
File No. 18,736
Elisha Briggs
Dis Rev War
Act: June 7 th 82
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 446
[Arrangement of 1870.]
7

19980 Elizabeth Taylor
J. H. Lord Esq Plymouth M.P.

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Elisha Briggs Situate Ill. 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? ut
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
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?
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? ut
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? not all
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? ut
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? ut
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.
The certificate that was deficient is now endorsed on the back of Caleb Litchfield's Affidavit.

John Lumer Deposition for Elisha Briggs

I John Turner of Honoover in the county Plymouth and State of Massachusetts on oath do testify and say that Elisha Briggs of Scituate in said county of Plymouth served with me one campaign of six months as a serg- eant, in the State Militia, in the war of the Revolution American Revolution at Boston, Nantasket & vicinity for the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy eight. In the company commanded by Abraham Washburn, the Lieutenant was a M c Bartlett of Plymouth, & further saith not.
John Turner
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Plymouth July 25 - 1832 Then the above named John Turner made oath that the above declaration by him subscribed is true.
before me Samuel A. Turner Just. Peace.
And I further certify that I have been personally acquainted with the above named John Turner for many years and that he is a credible person.
Attest Samuel A. Turner Just. Peace.

Nathaniel Manson
Sept ~
for Elisha Briggs

I Nehemiah Mansan of Scituate in the County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts, aged seventy one years on oath do testify and say that in the month of July A.D. 1779 Elisha Briggs of Scituate aforesaid entered with me into the service of the United States in the Company commanded by Calum Curtis as he thinks and marched to Providence Warren and Rhode Island and served four months, as he thinks, and the said Elisha Briggs served the whole time aforesaid as Sergeant in said Company except being detached a part of the time to tend Bristol Ferry and further saith not. Nehemiah Mansan
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Plymouth ss. Aug 2 d . 1832 Then the above named Nehemiah Mansan made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true, before me - Ebenezer T. Fogg - Justiciarius - And I further certify that the above named Nehemiah Mansan is a credible witness. Attest Ebenezer T. Fogg - Justiciarius

Jesse Dunbars
Deposition of Elisha Briggs

I Jesse Dunbar of Scituate in the County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts on oath do testify and say that Elisha Briggs of Scituate in said County of Plymouth served with me one campaign of four months as a sergeant in the State militia in the war of the American Revolution at Rhode Island, In the year Seven hundred & Seventy nine, or eighty, in the company commanded by Capt Moses Turner, In Col. John Jacobs Regiment.
Jesse Dunbar
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Plymouth ss July 21-1832 Then the above named Jesse Dunbar made oath that the above declaration by him subscribed is true. before me -
Samuel H Turner Just. Peace and I further certify that the above named Jesse Dunbar is a credible person attest - Samuel H Turner Just. Peace

Caleb Litchfield Dep - Elihu Briggs
Caleb Litchfield

I Caleb Litchfield of Weathersfield in the State of Vermont on oath do testify and say that Elisha Briggs of Pittsfield in the State of Massachusetts in the year seventeen hundred & seventy nine served with me one campaign of four months, as a sergeant in the state militia in the War of the American Revolution in the company commanded by Calvin Curtis, at Rhode Island, the year of the above service was when the British troops left the Island, which I think was in 1779. Also the said Elisha Briggs served with me one other campaign of four months as, orderly sergeant in the State militia in the War of the Revolution in the year 1780 in the Company commanded by Amos Turner, at Rhode Island and further saith not,
Caleb Litchfield
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Plymouth ss - July 17. 1832 Then the above named Caleb Litchfield made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true according to the best of his knowledge & belief. before me Ebenezer D. Doyg - Justice

I hereby certify that the within named Caleb Litchfield the Deponent is a credible person.
Attest - Ebenezer T. Fogg - Just peace

I Reuben Damon of Scituate in the County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts, aged seventy three years, on oath do testify and say that in the year 1780. I think in July, Elisha Briggs of Scituate aforesaid entered the service of the United States in the war of the Revolution for four months, as I believe, in the Company commanded by Amos Turner, said Briggs being Orderly Sergeant of said Company, was raised in the towns of Scituate and Hanover which was attached to the Regiment commanded by Col John Jacob. I the said Reuben Damon and the said Elisha Briggs after said enlistment marched with said Company to Rhode Island, crossing Howlands Ferry on our way - and the said Briggs and myself after our term had expired were discharged together and returned the latter part of Autumn home to said Scituate and further saith not,
Reuben Damon
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Plymouth ss. July 25. 1832 Then the above named Reuben Damon made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed was true,
before me Ebenezer T. Fogg - Justiciarius
And I further certify that I have been personally acquainted with the above named Reuben Damon for many years and that he is a credible person,
Attest - Ebenezer T. Fogg - Justiciarius

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Plymouth Yr. I Jacob H. Lord Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Plymouth being a Court of Records do hereby certify that Samuel A. Hume & Ebenezer S. Fogg Esquires are Justices of the Peace in & for said County & that I believe their names subscribed to the annexed certificates are true & genuine signatures. —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this twenty second day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
Jacob H. Lord

Hartford Accident and Indemnity Company
HOME OFFICE - HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT
MRS. BLANCHE WOODSMALL, AGENT MEMPHIS, MISSOURI
April 21, 1937
Veterans Administration Washington D.C.
Dear sirs: Do your records show that any Bounty land Warrant was issued to Elisha Briggs of Plymouth Co. Mass on account of Revolutionary services.
Elisha Briggs B. 8-18-1761
D to 2-1791
M. 10-2-1791 to Abigail Foster
If so, would like a copy of same
Very truly yours
(Mrs. J. O. W.) Blanche Woodsmall
P.S. - I would also like to have copy of pension record of the same Elisha Briggs . Plymouth Co. Mass Your records no S 18736 & S 30291 are both for the same name and location but the wife, Abigail Foster is all I can distinguish the desired record by. Thank you for your prompt reply.
Mrs. J. O. W.