Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 23,654, Aaron Botsford, Conn.

SERVICE
Conn.
Botsford, Aaron or Botchford, Comfort
NUMBER
N. 23,654
CONTENTS

Albany. N.Y.
Aaron Botsford deceased of Washtenaw in the State of Michigan who was a Pri in the Com. commanded by Captain of the commanded by in the Revo War line for 6 months.
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 20, Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831. Vending on the 17 June 1842 Thursday of his death Certificate of Pension issued the 10 day of July 1844 and sent to L. H. Beardsley Milford Conn Arrears to the 14th of Pension allowance ending
(Revolutionary Claim, filed June 7, 1832.)
Recorded by E. L. Swann Clerk, Book E 2 Vol. 4 Page 7
Payt. to Comfort Botsford his in

State of New York Livingston County
On this 28 th day of September 1832 personally appeared in open Court, before the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Livingston, now sitting Aaron Botsford a resident of Livonia in the County of Livingston aforesaid aged sixty eight years the twenty ninth day of February 1832. being born leap year 1764. who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832. That he was born in the Town of Old Milford County of New Haven in the State of Connecticut. on the 29 th day of February 1764. - No record of his age - Served when called into service in the town of Milford aforesaid - when continued to live until the year 1805 since then has lived and now lives in the town of Livonia aforesaid - Was a volunteer & enlisted into a Fort on the West side of Milford Harbor - No regular soldiers or Continental or Militia Regiments when he served - never received a discharged peace was declared or then a suspension of Army all went home.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated in a Company commanded by Captain Nathan Baldwin on or about the first day of August 1782 Can't recollect the exact day but it was at the last of July or first of August left the service about the first of April 1783 some after the first days of April Can't recollect the exact day was stationed at the above named Fort in a Company Sergeant's Command State Troops of twelve men - The command was called Captain Baldwin from the Fort frequently was called to other places along the shore often found to watch the motion of the enemy to give notice of their approach & protect the inhabitants

stability from Plunder and hinder their in course with refugees & Tories - has no documentary evidence of his service and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service - 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
No 22884
He further declares as aforesaid that there is no Clergyman in the immediate vicinity of him - Deacon Gibbs and Augustus Gibbs to whom neighborhood who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief as to his services as a soldier of the revo- lution, etc.
Aaron his Botchford mark
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid -
To Hastings Attest
We Deacon Gibbs a Judge of Livingston County Court and Augustus Gibbs Sheriff of said County residing in the town of Livonia aforesaid hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Aaron Botchford who has sworn & subscribed and sworn to the above declara- tion that we believe him to be 68 years of age - that he is re- puted and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion that they have never heard this opinion questioned Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid -
Deacon Gibbs
Augustus Gibbs
And the said court do hereby declare in their opinion after the investigation of the matter and putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War department that the above named applicant was a soldier revolutionary & served as he states - And the said court further certify that it appears to them that the said Deacon Gibbs who has signed the foregoing certificate is a resident in the said town of Livonia and that Augustus Gibbs who has signed the same is a resident of the said town of Livonia and are both credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit

Aaron Batchford,
Application -
I Chauncy R. Bond Clerk of Livingston common Pleas do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Aaron Batchford for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 31st of October 1832
Ch. R. Bond clk
by S. G. Haven clk

No 22864 Aaron Botsford dec Livingston Co N.Y.
Rejected
Let C. R. Bond. 30 May '33 " " 24 Sept. '34 " L. Gibbs. 28 May '35
C. Re Bond Clk Livingston Co N.Y.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
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 subjunct 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. These 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, showing the Service of Aaron Batedford Livingston
   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.     Vol. Augt 1782 Fin. April 83 under not stated Sergeant Capt. Bell Lieut. no other com- manding officers not field officers stated no battle Millford Town Connecticut Cut State 68 years Town of Old Mill ford Co Scituate Connecticut Traditional diver  
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 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 that 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 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 [e] 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 R. [unclear]

3711
New York Albany.
Comfort Botsford widow of Aaron Botsford Conn. who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 7. day of Feby 1849 and sent to
L. Jenkins Albany N.Y.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 12 Vol. 4
Reported
Feby 7/49
744

9417
Comfort Batchford
NY.
arr. 7. July '38

State of New York } Livingston County } p. Sironia
On this 7 th day of August in the year 1843, personally appeared before Lemuel Gibbs a Judge of the Court of Livingston County Comfort Botsford a resident of the Town of Sironia, County of Livingston, and State aforesaid, about 72 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838.
That she is the widow of Aaron Botsford, who was a private soldier in the War of the Rebellion. She further declared that she was married to the said Aaron Botsford in the Town of Milford, County of New Haven, and State of Connecticut on the 22 nd day of June in the year 1788. That her husband the aforesaid Aaron Botsford died on the 17 th day of June in the year 1842. That she was not married to him, prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January 1794. Witness at the time above stated. She further declared that she formerly resided with her husband in the Town of Milford County of New Haven and State of Connecticut, and moved to the town of Sironia County of Livingston State of New York.
Comfort her X Botsford mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written, and I further certify that the Declarant Comfort Botsford is the widow of Aaron Botsford, also died at the time above stated, viz on the 17 th day of June A.D. 1842.
Lemuel Gibbs a Judge of Livingston County Court

Memoandum
Write to the Garrison that Botsford with his name - both age Botsford and Botsford - request him to make the Certificate layall at Botsford -

From the Records of the 1 st Congregational Church in Milford, New Haven County, State of Connecticut "Baron Botsford was married to Comfort Eaton June 22 d A.D. 1788." June twenty seconds seventeen hundred and eighty eight.
I David B. Coo pastor of the 1 st Congregational in Milford, County of New Haven, State of Connecticut, hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the record of the marriage of widow Comfort Botsford, to her husband Baron Bots- ford late of Superior, Washtenaw County, State of Michigan (deceased) with the exception of the date which is expressed on the original record in fair legible figures as follows Twenty second day of June seventeen hundred and eighty eight "June 22 d A.D. 1788."
David B. Coo
I David B. Coo above named do hereby certify that I held the office of Pastor of the 1 st Congre- gational Church in Milford, County and State aforesaid, and that I have held the said office for three years past, and have the keeping of the Records of said Church, and that on this twelfth day of January in the year 1844. I ex- amined the aforesaid Records, from the 1 st day of January A.D. 1780. to the 1 st day of January A.D. 1795. and that I find the above is a true extract from the Records of said Church, with the exception above named as certified by me.
David B. Coo Pastor of 1 st Congregational Church Milford
In presence of and subscribed before me this 12 th day of January 1844. Lucius N. B. Burdick Notary Public

State of Connecticut } Probate Office District of County of New Haven } Milford January 13 th 1844
I William Strong Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Milford hereby certify that Lucius N. Brainerd whose name is annexed to the within instrument, and thereon written, was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgement a Notary Public in and for the town of Milford, Commissioned and sworn and duly authorized to take the same to administer oaths and take depositions. And I further certify that the signature annexed to the within attestation is the genuine signature of the aforesaid Notary. In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court this 13 th day of January in the year 1844.
William Strong Clerk

Declaration of Comfort Battsford of New York under the Joint Resolution of 23 o January 1843
9095
New York
Comfort Battsford widow of Aaron Battsford who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832, and who died on the 17 th June, 1842 of Livingston City the State of New York who was a private in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ in the Connecticut line for 6 Months
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 20 Dollars per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 th day of March 1845 and Hon. Mr. Stewart Middle Haddam, Ct.
Total amount, $100.00
Joint resolution [Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by W. Stewart Clerk, Book 2 Vol. 1 — Page 149

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 23654
Comfort Botsford Widow of Aaron Botsford Dis Rev War
Act: Feb 2 d 48
Index:—Vol. A , Page 76
[Arrangement of 1870.]
New York
Rev. —
Aaron Botsford
Suspended
In Let to Claim? Oct
15. 1835, let to L A Beardsley July 18. 1843 Same cct 25/42

5820
Albany New York
Comfort Botsford
widow of Aaron Botsford
who was a Private
in the Rev War
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 day of July 1843 and sent to
L. W. Beardsley Milford Conn.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 Page 271
2 Certs.
1832 { rep. 10 July 1843 }
No. 21.
Joint resolution certif. issued Jan. 23. 1845 } March 25 1845
see letter to L. Gibbs, April 29. 1845

New York Revo:
Aaron Dotehford
Rejected
let. C.R. Bond. 30 th
May 1833.
Set to C.R. Bond 24 Sept. 1834
Set to J Gibbs 27 May 1835- " claimant 3 Sept. 35-
Act 7 June 37
8/87/100 21 07

Dear Brother My Yours sincerely Aug 28 3
Yrs
J. G. Edwards Postmaster New Market Washington

Livonia August the 25 1835 Honoured Sir I have written A few Lines to you concerning my Service in the Revolution with Britton when I went before the Court I testified to but Eight months But when I went down where my fellow Soldiers lived to get there Evidence I found that I was mistaken I had forgotten the time that we served in the fort they said it was Twelve months I was in the Draft with them Stationed at pond point two months which I made no mention of when I made Application to the Court I served as many months as they did and with them at the same time Amos Ford my fellow Nathan Crait and to my Certificate you will find their names Soldiers who testified on your pension Role when I was about two years of age I met with A bad hurt Broken Boddied and am so now when I was Twelve years old I had a fever sore on my Leg and Lost many Bones out of it I was ever faithfull to my Officers and faithfull to my trust I have a little Spot of Land of about one Acre of Corn yearly. Some times I hoe it my Self Some times I am not able to hoe it I am so feeble I have a wife a poor Sickly Daughter That has not been able to do any thing in two years and I am Dear Sir if you will Be pleased to grant me A little pension it will be thankfully Received By your humble Servant Aaron Botsford

Dear Sir I went to Connecticut last august to get proof of my service of my Brother Soldiers Nathan Dwaite and Amos Ford and found that you had given them the privilege of drawing sixty dollars a year and they had drawn 120 dollars for two years and now Sir if you will give me the privilege of drawing for one year or eight months or six months it will be of great help to thank you Sir I have been four hundred miles and have not got nothing as yet more than thirty dollars Dear Sir when I came to Litchfield American history I found it was 1783 the year that Galtoun came to New York that I served in the fort had the evidence of my fellow soldiers you have that was given in before the town Caring magistrates of the town of Milford Abijah

Livermore Sept 29 Dear Sir According To your Letter which I Reivd that my Declaration which must Be returned To your office before you Return me any Answer of Judg to  gibb  made the mistake about the year that I Served I told him it was the last year of the war which was 1783 I think I had not Sought to Be Denied the privileg because he made the mistake Dear Sir you have it in your power To grant me Some privilege or power to deny me Aaron Patchford

Comfort Botolford N.Y. in 48—
By Mr Addison March 51

State of Connecticut New Haven County } ss.
I L. W. Beardsley of the town of Milford County and State aforesaid, being duly au- thorized as the Committee pension persons on file will show. do hereby request H. P. Ed- dison Esq of Washington City, respectfully to invite the Commission of Pensions to review the Case of Comfort Potosford of Simsbury, Liv- ingston County State of New York; who was a pensioner of the United States under the Act of 7 th July 1838. and subsequent Acts relating thereto, at the rate of $20. per annum, and also such an increase of pension as she may justly be entitled to.
This reexamination is solicited, on the ground that her husband Aaron Potosford deceased, is believed to have served in the War of the Revolution as a Colonel, in Milford Foot for the term of twelve months at least.
The testimony whereof I have herunto sub- scribed my name this 1 st day of February A.D. 1851.
L. W. Beardsley

State of Connecticut Comptroller's office Hartford
18 th April 1835
On examination of the Books of this office, it appears that on the 14 th day of May 1782 the Governor and Council of safety, caused the following entry to be made on their journal (viz) "W th Nathan Baldwin of Milford is appointed a Lieutenant, with the command of the Fort at Milford; and he is hereby empowered to reside in the sound with the Boat belonging to said Fort; and that his excellency the Governor is desired to commissionate him accordingly. (copy given) "
That in January 1783, the General Assembly: "Resolved, that the number of officers and men hereafter mentioned be raised and stationed in the following towns to garrison the Forts in the same, (the time hereafter limited;) at the Fort at Milford one Sergeant, two Corporals and twelve privates; the noncommissioned officers and privates may, and shall, be raised by said towns by voluntary enlistment; to be holden in the service untill the first day of Feby. next, unless sooner discharged -
That on the first day of June 1784. Nathan Baldwin received an order on the treasurer for his company of Guards at Milford in 1783. £82. 0. 10 -
That on the 9 th day of Dec r 1784. Nathan Baldwin received an order on the treasurer for subsistence his company Guards £38. 10. 0.
Certified by Roger Huntington Comptroller of Public Accounts

Adolphe ad 18 6520
James L. Adams Esquire Somerset B. of Business New Bedford Washington City General Post Office

Albany October 23 d 1848.
James L. Edwards Esquire Chairman of Pension,
Sir, Send me the declaration of Mrs. Comfort Batesford, for the purpose of obtaining her Pension Certificate under the Act of 2 d Febry. 1841.
Very respectfully
Your obedient
Samuel Jenkins

No 22844
Samuel Botsford and
N.Y.
7 June 1837
add - 1842
add
4100 per
$20 per an
Payable to Comfort Botsford his widow to 17 June 1842 the day of his death
L. A. Bransby Milford Conn.

May 27 Anza Botanical Garden NY
Shirley
NY
J. Edward Zay
Commissary Bureau Washington D.C.

State of New York Livingston County Livonia May 19. 1835
Sir Enclosed is the Certificate of the Comptroller of the State of Connecticut in the case of Aaron Batchford - which I conclude will be conclusive I am Sir very res- pectfully Your obe- dient Servant
Seman Gibbs
J. L. Edwain, Esq.

State of New York County of Livingston } ss Livonia December 13 th 1843 I, Comfort Botsford of the town of Livonia, County and State aforesaid, widow of Aaron Botsford deceased; do hereby constitute and appoint, J. N. Beardsley of Milford County of New Haven State of Connecticut, my Attorney to act in my name respectfully to ask of J. S. Edwards Esq. Commission er of Pensions, to grant me a pension (allowance to certain widows) — on account of the services of my said husband
In presence of Leman Gibbs Augustus Gibbs Sarah Botsford
her Comfort X Botsford mark

State of New York
Livingston County 3 Be it known that on the 13 th day of December 1843 before me the subscriber a Judge of County Court in and for the County of Livingston aforesaid appeared the within named Eunice Botsford and acknowledged that the within Power of Attorney to be her act and deed - I certify that by reason of the infirmity of age she is unable to write and therefore made her mark -
Leman Gibbs a Judge of Livingston County Court.

STATE OF NEW-YORK, Livingston County Clerk's Office,
ss. I, SAMUEL P. ALLEN, Clerk of said County, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That
Ceman Gilber Esq
whose name is subscribed to the certificate of the proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument, and thereon written, was, at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment
a Judge of County Courts
in and for the County aforesaid, dwelling in the said County, commissioned and sworn, and duly authorized to take the same. AND FURTHER, that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of such Judge and verily believe that the signature to the said certificate is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said County, this day of Decr
A. D. 1843.
28 c
Samuel P Allen Clerk.
By Wm H Whiting Dep. clks.

9417
Comfort Butchford NY
7 July 1838
Mar. - 88 -
Handwritten diary line 1842

State of New York Livingston County } ss.
On the 13 th day of December in the year 1843 personally appeared before Lemuel Gibbs, one of the judges of the court of Common Pleas in and for the said county of Livingston, Comfort Botsford a resident of Livonia Livingston county State of New York aged 72 years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 7 th 1838. entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows" That she is the widow of Aaron Botsford (deceased) who was a private soldier in the Army of the Revolution, but for a more particular account of his services and the evidence thereof she refers to his papers on file in the pension Office. She further declares that she was married to the said Aaron Botsford in the town of Milford, County of New Haven, State of Connecticut on the 22 d day of June in the year seventeen hundred and eighty eight, that her husband the aforesaid Aaron Botsford died at Superior Washtenaw County State of Michigan on the 17 th day of June in the year 1842, that she was not married to him prior to the time of his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January seventeen hundred and ninety four Viz. at the time above stated. She further declares that she formerly resided with her husband in Livonia Livingston county State of New York and moved to Superior Washtenaw County State of Michigan where her husband the said Botsford died, and that after his death she returned to Livonia where she now resides. She further declares that she has continued unmarried since the death of her husband the said Aaron Botsford and on account of his services she asks that a pension may be granted her agreeably to the provision of the above mentioned act of the 7 th July 1838. Comfort her Botsford mark

Sworn and subscribed before me the day and year first above written - I further Certify that the declarant Cornelia Botford by reason of the infirmities of age is unable to appear in open Court and to write her name and therefore made her mark - And I further Certify that she is now the lawful widow of Aaron Botford deceased and that she is a respectable and Credible person and that her Statement is entitled to Credit and is well known to me - Solomon Gibbs a Judge of Livingston County Courts
State of New York Livingston County ss
I Samuel P Allen Clerk of said county do hereby certify that Solomon Gibbs Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavit appears to have been taken and subscribed, was on the day of the date thereof a Judge of County Courts in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified to act as such and further that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and justly believe his signature above written to be genuine
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County at Geneseo this 23 rd day of December 1843
Samuel P Allen Clerk By W. H. Whiting Deputy

State of New-York, } ss. County of Livingston
On this fourteenth day of October in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty- eight , personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Livingston in the State of New York, Comfort Botsford a resident of the town of Savanna in the said county of Livingston aged seventy seven years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed on the 2d February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War:
That she is the widow of Abner Botsford who was a private in the War of the Revolution, and on account of whose service she was pensioned under the acts of Congress of 3 d March 1843 & 17 June 1844, and the annual amount of the pension which she received under the Act of 17 June 1844, was twenty dollars - She further Declares, that she is still a widow - and that she cannot write on account of age and decrepitude
Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year first above written, before me Comfort Botsford mark Mary C. Bowler a Justice of the Peace In presence of Augustus Gibbs
I certify that the above Declaration is personally known to me. Mary C. Bowler a Justice of the Peace
State of New-York, } ss. County of Livingston
I, William H. Whiting Clerk of the said county, do hereby certify that Comfort Botsford was on the day of the date of the above Declaration, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said county, duly elected and sworn, and that the signatures to the Jurat of the above Declaration and to the above Certificate, purporting to be his, are genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the said county, this 19th day of Oct 1848.
W. H. Whiting clerk

Middle Haddam Ct. March 14. 1845
Dear Sir
I have this morning received the accompanying Declaration re of Mrs Comfort Botsford for a pension, which were sent to me at Washington, but not having reached them until after I had left for home, they have been forwarded to me at this place.
I now transmit the parcel to you, and humbly trust you will grant to the applicant such pension as she may be justly entitled to, and send her certificate to me, payable at the Hartford office, and I will forward it to Mrs Botsford or her Agent.
With Great Respect
I am Very Truly
Your Obedient Servant
John Stewart
How J. L. Edwards Comm ee of Pensions.

April 23 1845
Comfort Bolechford
My wife
5820
John A. G. Gove
Cambridge
Washington
D.C.
44

Livonia Liv Co. N.Y. April 19. 1845
Dear Sir:
A Mr. Beardsley of Milford of Ct has obtained a Pension for Aaron Botchford under the act of 1832 and also for his Widow Comfort Botchford since the death of her husband — Aaron Botchford died in 1842. his Pension was not obtained until after his death and drawn by his widow. The papers have been obtained by said Beardsley and kept by him. No Certificate as I understand has ever been forwarded to her nor has she seen one — but B. makes out the papers for drawing the money and sends them here where she resides where she swears and the Justice of Peace certifies to her identity &c. and the Certificate in Connecticut. But recently she has received information that Mr. Beardsley has obtained a pension for her as a Widow under the act &c. from the 4 th of March 1836 to the 4 th of March 1841. Certificate as Beardsley says signed by the present Secretary of War War, Gov. Morey — Beardsley has sent the papers made out by him for her to draw the amount which the Pension to which she would have entitled from the

4 th March 1836 to 4 March 1841 admitting she had then been a widow - But her hus- band was then living - lived until 1842 and she has drawn by virtue of a pen- sion to him which she obtained after his death the whole amount of his Pension from the 4 th of March 1831 up to the time of his death which was, I believe in June 1842 in the year of 1842 at any rate - Now is this the conclusion of the act that a Widow can go back and draw a pension for the same time that her husband was en- titled; and for time previous to his death - I have never considered it so - I believe the pension is wrong for I don't think the husband was ever entitled but let that go - I made in 1832 his declaration and after searching for proof of his services I came to the above conclusion - And should not have presumed to have troubled you had not the fact occurred of another pension having been obtained granting her a pension back 5 or 6 years anterior to the death of her husband - I concluded there must be a mistake and felt it to be my duty to acquaint you of the fact. The agent I understand thinks that the certificate of identity and Power of Attorney cannot be executed without sending the Pension Certificate

I have forewarned to tell him there was a swindling somewhere of not an intentional fraud which I would not for a moment entertain - because I know nothing of this Mr Beardsly and know nothing but what he is a highly respectable and honorable man - He may have misconstrued the law - And perhaps I am wrong in my construction -
Beardsly claims of him I am indebted one half the amt for getting it -
If I am right there is more time to stop the payment as the agent has agent here with whom Beardsly corresponds will send to him for the Pension Certificate before he executes the draft on the agent at Albany for the money - If I am entirely wrong Pardon me and I will be cautious here after - In haste - Respectfully
J. L. Edwards Esq
Yours &c. Leman Gibbs

Milford Ct. L. March 4 th 1845.
Sir
Herewith you will receive the Declaration of Comfort Batford, of New York, (formerly of this town) for a pension, under the Resolution of the 23 rd January 1845.
The facts in this case are as follows. - Aaron Batford, forsook the husband, applied for a pension under the Act of 7 th June 1832, in 1833. But the pension was not allowed, and in 1842, said Batford died. In May 1843, I wrote the Commissioner concerning this case and I was informed that on a reexamination the proof of service was deemed sufficient.
In the month of August 1843, Comfort Batford applied for the pension, due her husband and also for a pension under the Act of the 7 th July 1838. As will be seen, by the accompanying Declaration which was filed in Department but returned on account of its informality. Now in July 1844, a certificate was issued in the case of Aaron Batford deceased under the Act of 7 th June 1832, and in the case of Comfort Batford under the Act of the 3 rd March 1843. But not under the Act of July 1838. - Mrs. Batford is therefore justly entitled to the benefit of the Joint Resolution of 23 rd January 1845.

May I beg the favor that you will transmit these papers to the Pension Office, and respect- fully request such a pension as the claimant is justly entitled to
I have the Honor to be Your Obedient Servant
J. N. Beardsley
Wm John Stuart - }

9417 Comfort Boletifna NY
7 July 1838
Rejected due 1842
Addn o 6 mo in more the act- March 1843.
$20 - pr ann.
S. A. Bransby Milford Con.

Post Office
Milford Ct. July 6. 1844.
Sir
In the case of Aaron Botsford (dec.) under the Act of the 7 th of June 1832. I have furnished the proof of the time of his death, the time of the marriage and the name of the widow which was all you required, in your letter of July 18 th 1843. in which you also state that "the proof is deemed sufficient to establish his worth service" I beg leave therefore to invite your attention to this case again — (as by reason of the provisions of the Act of April 30 th 1844. the claim of his widow Sarah Botsford under the act of the 7. July 1832. cannot be allowed.
The only dependance therefore, of this poor old woman, is upon the pension justly due her husband, under the act of the 7 th of June 1832. she may however be entitled under the act of the 17. June 1844. — but that will be but a gift.
I am very Respectfully Your Obedient Servant. G. N. Brandly P.M.
Hon J. S. Edwards } Comm. of Pensions — }

Comfort Botsford
Oct 11. 1843
Hon. J. S. Coburn Commissioner of Internal Revenue Washington City
FREE Botsford OCT 11 1843
J. M. Beardsley Milford 61-

Sir.
Post Office
Milford Ct. Oct. 9 th 1843.
I received a letter from you the 18 th of July last relating to the pension of Aaron Botsford's widow, of Livonia Livingston County New York in which you state, "the proof is deemed sufficient to establish six months service, but before a Certificate can be issued, the Court of Livingston County should certify the day of his death, and the name of his widow."
Immediately after the receipt of your letter, I procured the required Certificate and forwarded it to you, with the widow's declaration, and a Certificate of her marriage. Since then, I have not heard from you.
I learn from a source that may be relied upon that the old lady is sick, and supported by the charity of her neighbors; as I would not have called your attention to the subject again so soon. That Aaron Botsford was a faithful soldier of the Revolutionary War is a fact which can be fully proved by living witnesses in this town and that his widow was married at the time

She has stated clearly appears on the Records of the 1 st Congregational Church which are preserved entire for the last century.
Very Respectfully Your Obedient Servant J. M. Beardley T. M.
Dear K. S. Edwards. }
P.S. In the Certificate of Marriage the Rev. Mr. Prince admitted to errors he had subscribed it before a mag- istrate - He remarked to me that it would be an unusual (as his signature was so well known at the Pension Office - If that however is any grounds of objection it can be easily rectified. J. M. B.

Post Office Milford Ct. January 13 th 1844.
Sir
Herewith you will receive the proof of the marriage of widow Comfort Botsford a woman of Lironia Livingston County State of New York. the time of the decease of her husband Aaron Botsford late of Superior Washtenaw County Michigan, under the name of his widow. In your letter of the 18 th of July 1843. you informed that "the proof is deemed sufficient to establish six months service". Some delay has been occasioned in this case in consequence of my not having been informed correctly of the place of his death until recently. It is perhaps proper that I should state to you the following facts. Aaron Botsford (deceased) was a native of Linton in New Hampshire at the time of his service, was afterwards married here to Comfort Sexton, and then moved to Lironia N.Y. and from there to Superior. Washtenaw County Mich. where he died. After his death the widow returned to Lironia Livingston County State of New York, where she now resides. I was informed that he died at Ann Arbor Mich. and accordingly I wrote Ann Arbor on the papers, but I learn that that part of Ann Arbor where he died is now called Superior which

accounts for the erasure, by the Judge officiating of the dead Ann Bets, and the substitution of the word Superior - the Judge in each case made the erasure before the papers were signed - I had all the papers to send back to them once as they neglected to execute them properly and I now should have undertaken to establish the claim, were it not that the widow is extremely poor and destitute. Several of the same fam- ily residing here spell the name "Botsford" instead of "Bedford" and Judge Pills made me that the old man unquestionably used his name the former way.
Will it be necessary for the widow to make a mother Declaration, in order to obtain the ar- rears due her husband Aaron Bedford (decd) under the Act of the 7 th June 1832?
It would be a convenience if the pension could be made payable at the Hartford Agency - and I should be very glad on the old lady's account to receive the Certificate as soon as is practicable -
I am very Respectfully Your Obedient Servant
L. N. Beardsey B.M.
Wm J. L. Edwards }

Wiltshire Cr. Aug r 12 th 1843.
Sir,
Yours of July 18 th relating to the Persian claim of Colonel Botsford, is duly received, in which you state "the proof is documents sufficient to establish six months service." Herewith you will please find her declaration and certificate of marriage, which I trust will be satisfactory. I am glad the claim to the allowance for it, is most certainly an act of justice to a penniless widow of a worthy old soldier. I would also beg leave very respectfully to inquire, if Mrs. Botsford is not entitled to a further pension, due her instance from March 1836 to the day of his death, 2 nd June 1842. I should prefer to have the certificate made payable at the War Office Agency.
Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
J. M. Beardmore.
Hon. J. Mansel Pleydell }

Wilford Ct. May 23 rd 1843.
For Aaron Botsford who was a soldier of the Revolution, served at the Fort in Wilford under the command of Nathan Baldwin moved from this town, about forty years since to Livonia N.Y. where he applied to Government for a pension some seven or eight years ago. The proof of his military service was transmitted to the Commissioner, But as there was no Roll of those who served at the Fort a certificate of the Commanding officers Commission was required. The enclosed certificate was then obtained from the Comptroller and sent the old gentleman in N.Y. But he was discouraged, gave it up, and died last summer. His widow now being left extremely poor applies for the benefit of the act of the 7 th July 1832. All of those living who served with Botsford at the Fort receive pensions, precisely on the same grounds, which he applied. — and whose testimony in proof of Botsford's services may be obtained again. But that I conclude it unnecessary, as the dep s . home of Camp Clarke Nathan Quill are already in your possession. I beg leave to inquire whether this widow who was married in 1788 (as the Church Records show) is not entitled to her Pension.

If the widow of Botsford is entitled to a pension will you have the goodness to inform me what further proof is wanting, in order to establish her claim - The Comptroller's Certificate you will find - with recd. although somewhat dilapidated -
Very Respectfully Yours
Obedient Servant L. N. Beardsley
M. Milroy W. R
Hon. J. L. Edwards

We Samuel Botsford of Northfield, Abijah Tindall of Salem & David Savage of Ann Arbor all in the County of Washtenaw State of Michigan, of lawful age, depose and say, that for the space of three years we have lived near to Aaron Botsford late of Superior deceased, and his wife Comfort Botsford, and were well acquainted with the aforesaid persons, and that on the seventeenth day of June, in the year eighteen hundred and forty three, the aforesaid Aaron Botsford being alive, died, and we further depose and say that we believe, and are fully satisfied, that Comfort Botsford, was, the lawful wife of said Aaron Botsford, while he was living, and that soon after his death, she removed from Superior to Pinedale Livingston County State of New York. We further depose and say that Comfort Botsford remained unmarried and was the lawful widow of Aaron Botsford deceased, from the time of his death, as long as she resided in Superior. And we are credibly informed and fully satisfied, that she still remains his widow, and that she is the person who is applying for a pension on account of the services of her husband the said Aaron Botsford deceased.
Samuel Botsford
Abijah Tindall
David Savage
State of Michigan County of Washtenaw
} 2
Personally appeared on this 28 th day of December in the year A.D. 1843, the above named deponents, Samuel Botsford, Abijah Tindall and David Savage who are well known to the subscriber as persons of undoubted veracity and whose depositions, are entitled to full credit and made solemn oath to the truth of the above depositions, by them subscribed before me.
Wm. H. Perry
associate Judge of the Circuit Court of Washtenaw County and State of Michigan

31 Earl P. Gardner Clerk of the Circuit Court of Washtenaw County, State of Michigan, hereby certify that the within named W. R. Perry (a Judge of said Circuit Circuit Court) and that the signature attached to the within attestation is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court this 28 th day of December, A.D. 1843

State of Michigan, } ss. WASHTENAW COUNTY, }
I Earls P. Gardner
Clerk of the County
of Washtenaw and also Clerk of the Circuit Court of said County, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That William H. Perry before whom the annexed Affidavit purports to have been executed was at the date of said Affidavit an authorized judge of the Circuit Court in and for said County of Washtenaw duly sworn and qualified to act as such, and by law authorized to take the same, and that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said William H. Perry , and verily believe his signature thereunto subscribed is genuine.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County and Court at Ann Arbor, this 28 th day of December A. D. 184 3
E. P. Gardner CLERK.

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the resolution of Congress of the 23 rd January 1845. —
Whereas the act of the 30 th of April 1844, prohibits me from drawing a pension for the same period during which my husband was a pensioner, I now make the following statement, under oath to obtain the benefits of the resolution above mentioned. I am the widow of Aaron Botsford who was a private in the war of the Revolution; I have drawn a pension at the rate of Twenty Dollars per Annum from the 4 th day of March 1843 and now ask for the amount due me from the 4 th day of March 1836 to the 4 th day of March 1843 when my former pension commenced.
Confort Botsford
Sworn to and subscribed before me on this 22 nd day of February in the year 1843 at Litchfield Livingston County State of New York
Robert Dison Justice of the Peace
I certify that the declarant is personally known to me, and that she is the same individual, she represents herself to be in the foregoing affidavit.
Robert Dison Justice of the Peace

William H Whiting Clerk of the County of Livingston do hereby certify that Robert Dirden Esq. who has signed the within is a justice of the Peace for the County of Livingston in the State of New York - and that the within is his signature. In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of office this 24 th day of February in the year 1845. at Geneseo in the State of New York
W H Whiting, Clerk

State of New York Livingston County ss.
On the 8 th day of September 1834 before me Simon Giff, a Judge of Livingston County Court, appeared Aaron Botchford and being duly sworn according to Law deposeth and says that at the time he made his declaration for a pension under the act of Congress of June 7 th 1832 he could not recollect the exact time he served and that he meant in making his statement of the time he served so short as not to be sure and not exceed the time but not knowing under he served what authority he served he had made a journey to Connecticut to the town of Milford in New Haven County where he formerly resided thinking that he might find some of those with whom he was acquainted by them with his services — He there found Amos Ford & Nathan Oviatt who served with him and Amos Baldwin who was his neighbor during the Revolution — their Affidavits are hereto attached — The said Aaron upon his oath aforesaid further says that upon conversing with those with whom he served and in adverting to circumstances connected with his services he has no doubt but he enlisted for and served one year in the fort as sworn to by Baldwin Ford and Oviatt for which time he claims a pension unless he has foreclosed himself by his declaration in not then declaring for the whole time he served and further he says not
Sworn & subscribed
This 8 th day of September
1834 Before me
Simon Giff a Judge of Livingston County Court
Aaron Botchford

State of New York, Livingston County ss. }
I, Chauncy R. Bond clerk of said County do certify that Lemuel Gibbs Esq. before whom the preceding affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same, one of the justices judges of Livingston County Court and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit, to be to be the proper hand writing of the said judge - Witness my hand and seal this 9th day of September 1834 - Chauncy R. Bond clerk

We Amos Ford and Nathan Dinsell of Milford in New Haven County and State of Connecticut of lawful age depose and say that either in the month of April or May in the year 1832 we enlisted into a fort in said town of Milford erected by order of said state of Connecticut and commanded by Capt Nathan Baldwin of said town of Milford and served in said fort under said Baldwin for the space of one year. And we further depose and say that Aaron Scitford then of Milford in said New Haven County and State of Connecticut but now of Livonia, county of Livingston and State of New York enlisted at the same time in said fort and served therein for the period of one year against the enemies of our country in the revolutionary war and further saith not
Amos Ford Nathan Dinsell
New Haven County of Milford May 19 th 1832
Personally appeared the above named deponents, men well known to the subscribers as men of credibility and veracity, and made oath to the truth of the above deposition before me
Abijah Carrington Justice of the Peace

I Amos Baldwin of Milford in New Haven county and state of Connecticut of lawful age depose and say that in the year 1782 I was at the fort in Milford under the command of Capt Nathan Baldwin a number of times and was well acquaint- ed with many belonging to said fort and do further depose and say that Aaron Botsford then of Milford but now of Livonia, county of Living- ston and state of New York was a neighbor of mine and was to my certain knowledge in said fort and served therein against the common enemy of our country during a period of the revolutionary war and further saith not
Amos Baldwin
New Haven county ss Milford May 19-1834
Personally appeared the above named deponent Who is well known to the subscriber and whose statement there is no doubt as to its correctness, made oath to the truth of the above deposition before me
Alijah Carrington Justice of the Peace
State of Conn. } County of New Haven }
I J. H. Beach Clerk of the County Court in and for said New Haven county hereby certify that Elijah Carrington is & was on the 19 th May 1834 a Justice of the Peace in and for said New Haven county, duly qualified and admitted Oaths & that the signature by him made to the foregoing affida- vits, is his genuine official signature. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said County Court this 28 th day of May 1834 J. H. Beach Clerk