Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 12154, Thomas Bennett, Mass. Sea Service

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass Sea Service -
Bennett Thomas
S 12154
boarded
CONTENTS
See D. A. Acc No. 874 0 50 0/2 Not Half Pay Thomas Bennett

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass Sea Service -
Bennett Thomas
S 12154
boarded
CONTENTS
See D. A. Acc No. 874 0 50 0/2 Not Half Pay Thomas Bennett

20.835 New York
Thomas Bennett
of New York in the State of New York who was a Matrosse in the Comp. commanded by Captain Hultgren - of the Regt. commanded by Col. Danneil in the Militia.
one for 12 Months Matrosse $70.72 8 " Infantry 26.66 $97.38
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 97 Dollars 38 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
[should be $94:16]
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 day of Oct 1833 and Lydia Woodcock Nancy Thaca
Arrears to the 4th of Sep. '35 $243.45 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4th Mch '36 48.69
$292.14
Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. Col. Stiles Clerk
Recorded by Book 6 Vol. 4 Page 89
See letter 28 April '34 to John Fleming & Woodcock & Hous Certificate corrected and sent to Woodcock & Hous 13 May 1834 let to J. Fleming 5 Aug '34 Ordered by him to pay him see letter 25 April 1837 to Agt. 9 Nov let to him 4 Nov 7 Dec '38. Col. Stiles to Hous 30 Mch 1834
Sales & Pensions Pension Agent New

The Matter of Thomas Bennett a Revolutionary Soldier
X
1833
✓
1 -

The following questions were propounded by the Court to the applicant.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
Answer. East mouth England. Can't tell the year will be 90 next month
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so where is it?
Answer. Has no record of his age at all
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war; and where do you now live?
Answer. At New Bedford when he entered the service - moved from there 19 years ago to Chelsea Mass. Moved from there to Spring Mills New York. Moved from there to Seneca Falls N.Y. Moved from there to Hector where he now lives
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute; and if a substitute, for whom?
Answer. Outfitted for 8 months was a substitute once - enlisted as a seaman once - he was a substitute for Nathan Brown
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.
Answer. Genl Washington. Genl Lee. Genl Putnam. Was out in the service when Bunker Hill was taken but not in the battle. Was in the marine service once. Was at fort Bedford in Mass at the last of the war. Was taken prisoner by the British while a seaman
6. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
Answer. Never had any written discharge
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
Answer. Robert Tabor. John Brown. Samuel Hovey. Gct John D. Williams
WE, Philip Smith residing in the town of Hector and county of Tompkins and State of New York, and David Crane residing in the same place, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Thomas Bennett who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, and that we believe him to be seventy nine years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed, } the day and year aforesaid, }
Saml. Love
Philip Smith
David Crane
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogations 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 Philip Smith & David Crane who have signed the preceding certificate are residents in the town of Hector and county of Tompkins and are creditable persons, and that their statements are entitled to credit.
I Samuel Love Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Tompkins do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the Court in the matter of the application of Thomas Bennett for a pension.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this third day of October 1832.
Saml. Love

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832.
STATE OF NEW YORK, Dompkins COUNTY, ss.
On this day of September personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas now sitting, Thomas Bennett a resident of the town of Hector in the county of Dompkins and state of New York, aged eighty nine 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 7th, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States, under the following named officers and served as herein stated.
That he was born at Dartmouth in England. That he went from England in an English slave ship to the coast of Africa as a mariner. That the vessel sailed with slaves to Jamaica. From Jamaica deponent went to Rhode Island in an American brig Capt John Northrop. From Rhode Island he went to New Bedford in Massachusetts & was engaged in the whale fishery until the commencement of the revolutionary war. At the commencement of the war he enlisted at New Bedford in the service of the United States in April or May 1775 under Capt Thomas Kempton, in Col. Daws Lincoln's regiment for eight months. Was stationed at Roxbury near Boston. When his time of service was spent - his service consisted in standing guard building forts & he was not in any engagement. At the end of the time was dismissed & returned home to New Bedford. He was acquainted with Capt Egery in the same regiment. Genl Thomas or Genl Ward commanded at that time but which he does not recollect.
In the winter of 1775 & 1776, but in what month he does not recollect he went on board of the American sloop Sally as a seaman, bound to Cape Nicolo Mole in his hands for ammunition for the States Service. Capt Lemuel Jenkins commanded her. Sailed to the place of destination & took in a supply of sulphur. Was captured off the Bermudas on her passage home by the English frigate Action or Acteon - thinks this was in April or May of 1776. Was taken in the English frigate to Cape Fear or Cape Fear at the mouth of Charleston river where the British fleet lay, commanded by Commodore Parker. The British fleet then made an attack on fort Sullivan but was repelled. The frigate that deponent was a prisoner in ran aground. The whole of her crew with deponent among the number were taken on board the Commodore's ship (the Bristol) for a reinforcement. The attack was on Friday & the Commodore's ship was much cut to pieces. On Saturday,

night following deponent escaped & went to a brick fort higher up the river of which he cannot recollect the name - was examined at the fort & was then sent to Charleston where he was further examined by General Lee & Governor Carrance - Genl Lee gave him a pass to Philadelphia - he went to Philadelphia on foot & got there he thinks in August - went to Governor Hancock who was then a member of Congress - Gov Hancock gave him a pass to Bedford - he got home at Bedford in the same month.
In the Spring of 1777 deponent went on board of an American merchant vessel Capt Tho: Estlin bound to Charleston for a load of rice & from thence to Bordeaux in France - Sailed to Charleston, took in their rice, & sailed from thence for Bordeaux, but was captured by the Valiant An English 74 Capt Gore. Deponent was kept on board of the 74 as a seaman between three & four years. He however escaped from this vessel at Portsmouth & went to Dartmouth in disguise to see his friends - that he staid at Dartmouth about three weeks & then went on board a British privateer Brig which in three or four weeks after in the month of June (the year not recollecting) was captured by the American ship Galen Capt Hamilton - that deponent was brought into Salem by Capt Hamilton in August following & went from thence home to Bedford on foot.
Afterwards but in what month or year he cannot recollect, deponent went as an inhabitant for Massachusetts  settled in the Artillery Company in the Massachusetts State Troops commanded by Capt Simonds for sixteen months - he does not recollect the Colonel's name - they were stationed at the fort in Bedford (then Dartmouth) at the mouth of Acushnett river - Deponent served the whole term of sixteen months at this fort & was dismissed at the end of the time - peace was declared so about a month before he was dismissed - Lieut Gordon had charge of the fort.
That he has no documentary evidence & that the affidavits  names of no person except William Gordon, Thomas Hathaway & Phillip Cannon show affidavits as to his service are hereto annexed.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declare that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
S. Jones C.M.
his Thomas Brant mark

8818333
Thomas Bennett Tompkins Co - N.Y.
h.c.f.
Admitted
Private Artillery. Madison 17 mos do Infantry — 8 " 24 mos
416 17 2912 194.76 416 148.69 70.72 243.45
Woodcock & Ferris Ithaca Tompkins Co N.Y.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Thomas Bennett Tompkins Co. B. N.Y.
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     May 6th enlisted 1775 8 Private Capt. King Lieut. Col. Dawlin Col. - Genl. - Roxbury near Boston 89 years Evidence of his enlistment for applicant from May up to Dec following 1775 -   winter of 1775-6 went on board Sloop Sally as a seaman Capt. King Lieut. Col. Dawlin Lieut. Col. Gookin Genl. Thomas Genl. Gage Niccolo Hispano Cape Cod lands - likewise Allen Brady & Dandera the same   Spring 1777 X 7 artillery Capt. King Lieut. Col. Dawlin Genl. Gage Great Char- leston - Brick - Fort - Williamford's evidence for ap- plicants enlistment 1780 to Nov 1781   1 5 infantry Capt. King Lieut. Col. Dawlin Lieut. Col. Gookin Genl. Gage Philadel- phia Potsmo- uth - Dartmouth Salom Belford  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

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

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

Beckman
12.154 ✓ INVALID.
File No. 12, 154
Thomas Bennett vs Matrass Rev War
Act: June 1 th 82
Index:—Vol. A , Page 29
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Take up Thomas Bennett of N. York State — Report to H. a. W m Loomis HR
33 3
666
Capt Kempton — 1775 — (page) 10-228-298. " Lincoln — 1780. 1781 — 228 — (paper 46 vol. 15)

56 22  132 132  14.5 3  17.52  War Dept. Mus. P.M. Dec.  1120 1121 1122 (see 1121) (see 1122)

Jan 11 line 4 - 893 Vol. 878 602 - 686 389 -
481,594
228 - 820
Vol. 4, 163
11.177 Vol. 38
J. Bennett in Lincoln's Vol. 13 m. 21 d. 1 April 1781 to 1 Nov. 1782
appears to have had eye 7 mo. makes 20 mo. for 81 6'83 ndm

John Hathaway of New Bedford, formerly a part of Dartmouth in the County of Bristol & State of Massa- chusetts - aged seventy seven years, tes- tifies as say that I know Thomas Bennett in 1775, & long since, now living in the State of N. York, as I understand & believe, in Tompkins County, that he was a private soldier in the com- pany commanded by Thomas Kenp- ton of said Dartmouth & Col. Dani- els's regiment, in which company I also was at the time, that the en- listment was the first of May & the service continued to last of December, eight months, the term for which the com- pany was enlisted; that said company & Regiment was stationed at Roxbu- ry near Boston - & that said Bennett served the above enlistment & time -
John Hathaway Bristol p. Personally appeared before me

the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace for said County & in the State of Mass- chusetts. John Hathaway, whose name is above subscribed & made solemn oath that the deposition of him within is true - The said Hatha- way is to me a well known & a by common reputation was in the service as he has within stated - Indeed I have seen his name on the original roll of the company for the time above mentioned -  Alden Bradford Justice of the Peace
Bristol County, New Bedford July 16 - 1832 We certify that Alden Bradford above named is a Justice of the Peace duly qualified to act as such in said Co. & to take affidavits
Richard Williams Post Master
Sp. July 18 th 1832 - I certify that Alden Bradford is a Justice of the Peace for said County & that the above is his signature A. S. Emoot. Bldg. B. B. P. M.

I also certify that on examining the roll of said Capt. Thomas Kempton, now in the hands of his Son, is borne the name of Thomas Bennett, who enlisted on 5 th of May 1775. Alden Bradford Just. Peace
I Philip Cannon, aged seventy three years, testify & say that I was born in Dartmouth in said County of Dan Bristol, & have always lived here; that I knew Thomas Bennett, formerly of this place, but in the State of New York as I understand & believe, that I well remember said Bennett enlisted  enlisted in the American army, the first year of the war, to wit in 1775; & joined the Company of Capt. Thomas Kempton of this town - & as I fully believe remained in the service eight months, the time he enlisted for - & that said Bennett removed away from this place to New York State, in 1812 ————— Philip Cannon Bristol. July 10. 1832 Sworn to & subscribed before me Alden Bradford Just. Peace

I Alden Bradford the justice within named do hereby certify that I am acquainted with John Hathaway & Philip Cannon within named & that they are persons of credibility whose statements are entitled to credit. June 14 th 1833 Alden Bradford Just. Peace
39 1/2
County of Bristol
State of Massachusetts
Bristol County ss: I James Sprague Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Bristol do hereby certify that Alden Bradford Esq. before whom the within affidavits of John Hathaway & Philip Cannon were taken was at the time of taking the same a justice of the peace in & for the said County duly qualified & I further certify that I am acquainted with his hand writing & truly believe the several signatures within purporting to be his to be genuine.
Witness my hand & seal of Office this 17 th day of June 1833 J. Sprague
John Hathaway
Philip Cannon

William Gordon Esq. of New Bedford in the County of Bristol & State of Massachu- setts, aged seventy eight personally appeared before me the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace for said County, & being cautioned to relate the truth & nothing but the truth, on oath testifies & declares that he well knew Thomas Bennett for- merly of this town (then Dartmouth) & until he removed to the State of New York, some seventeen or eighteen years ago, as he thinks; that said Thomas Bennett belonged to the company of which said Gordon was Lieutenant, & Amos Lincoln was Captain, & a regiment com- manded part of time by Colo. Crafts, & afterwards by Col. Revere. That said company was an artillery company; that he said Gordon had command of the Fort & the men in it in Dartmouth aforesaid over three years - that said Thomas Bennett was a private soldier, or a matross, (the pay or wage being fifty shillings per month) that it appears by his enlistment & a roll of the men under his command as aforesaid, (being twenty one in number) said Bennett enlisted under him June 1 st 1780, & served under him in said place & fort till November 1 st 1781 - being seventeen months; said Crafts

or a Revere's regiment being called a State regiment. Crafts commanding part of the troops, & Revere who had been the Lieut. Col. afterwards hav- ing the command
Wm Gordon.
Bristol. July 17 th 1832 - The above deposition was subscribed & sworn to before me Alden Bradford Just. Peace
And I also testify & say, that said William Gordon is well known to me & has been for many years; & is a respectable character, & produced before the en- listment & roll of men under in the Fort at Dartmouth with the time of enlistment & service & Alden Bradford
State of Massachusetts Bristol County ss: I James Sprague Clerk of the Court of the Common Pleas of the said County of Bristol do hereby certify that the Alden Bradford Esq. before whom the above affidavit was taken was at the time of taking the same a Justice of the peace in & for the said County duly qualified & I further certify that I am acquainted with his hand writing & truly believe the signature above purporting to be his as genuine
Witness my hand & seal of Office this 17 th day of June 1833 J. Sprague

Thomas Bennett
Fredericksburg, Va. Nov 22 nd
Free
Nov 22 nd
The Honorable
The Secretary of War
Miss
to J. L. Edwards Esq.
Comm. of Pensions
Revolutionary Claims
Washington D. C.
James L. [?]

Yarmansberg Tompkins County New-York Nov 22. 1836
To J. L. Edwards Esq Commr. of Pensions, Sir,
In the course of last spring, Tho- mas Bennett, a revolutionary pension received from you a communication of which the following is a copy: "War Department
Pension Office
March 18. 1836
Sir, Since the admission of your claim, it is ascertained, that there are rolls of the service, rendered under the authority of Massachusetts, in the office of the Secretary of State at Boston, and the regulations require the best evidence in the power of claimants to procure. You should therefore obtain the Secretary's certificate as to your alleged service of 8 months in 1775 under Capt. Frooton, Col. Hamilton, and of 17 months in Capt. Lincoln's Company of Artillery. Your pension is suspended in the mean time. I am very Respectfully Yr. Obs. At.
J. L. Edwards
Owing to the extreme age of Mr. Bennett (being more than Ninety years of age) it was deemed doubtful, if he would live to make another half yearly draft of his pension, and hence the neglect to make an effort to procure the necessary evidence until this fall. Bennett however, still lives and in Oct. last, I addressed a letter to the Secretary of State of the state of Massachusetts on the subject, and the following, so far as relates to the question, is his reply:
"Secretary's Office
Boston Nov 14 1836
A. S. Barto Esq.
Sir, yours of the 26th of October was not received until this morning.
All the Muster-rolls and other documents relating to the service of the Massachusetts Troops in the Revolutionary war have been transmitted to Washington

Washington. I therefore, request you, for further information in regard to Mr. Bennett's service to James L. Edwards, Esq., Commissioner of Pensions at Washington, who will cause the rolls to be searched according to your wish.
Very Respectfully
Your obt Servt
John P. Bigelow
Sec'y of the Com. etc.,
Now Sir, I have to request, that you cause the Muster Rolls of the State of Massachusetts, if in your office, to be searched; and if the evidence of Thomas Bennett's service shall be found satisfactory, that you will be so kind, as to issue, for him, a certificate, showing the suspension mentioned in yours of March 18. 1836, Newords.
Very Respectfully
Your obt Servt.
H. D. Barto
N.B. Instead of Col. Samuelson it may possibly be Col. Donielson under whom Bennett served, in Capt. Ransom's Company.

Thos O'Connell
Payments to be made at New York by J. C. W. M. Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of
New York
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book E, Vol 1, Page 19. by J. C. Steele Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Thomas Dennett of the State of New York who was a Major &c. in the Revolutionary Army is entitled to receive Vinty - Seven dollars and Thirty Eight 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 9 day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty- three
John P. Kirtland Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. }
J. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

In the Matter of James Charles Applicant for a pension -
And of Mrs. Pennant whose pension was disputed
Brief
A. D. Barto Tanneryville, Franklin Co N. York
Agent

In the Matter of Thomas Bennett a Revolutionary Soldier His Pension was suspended and of which he received the following notice
War Department Pension Office
March 18. 1838
Sir Since the admission of your claim it is ascertained, that there are records of the service rendered under the authority of Massachusetts in the office of the Secretary of State at Boston and the regulations require the best evidence in the power of claimants to prove - You should therefore the Secretary's certificate as to your alleged service of 8 months in 1775 under Capt Rampton Col. Daimelson (or Dan- elson) and of 17 months in Capt Lincoln's of Artillery - Your pension is suspended in the mean time I am &c M. H. Bennett) J. L. Edwards
The Secretary of Mass. at Boston has been written to on the subject of the records above referred, and he answers, that the rolls have been forwarded to the War Department Washington - Some time since I wrote to the War Department advising them of this fact but have recd no answer, probably owing to the conflagration of the post office at Washington -
Will you please inform me if Thomas Bennett , has been is to be pension has been or is to be restored -
Very Respectfully
H. D. Barto
Johnstown, Tompkins Co.
N. York