Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 958, Thomas Blain, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Blain, Thomas
S. 958.
carded.
CONTENTS

28142.
Rev. Lensey - N o 28.14
Thomas Blair
of Bangor in the State of N. Jersey who was a private in the Comp y commanded by Captain Blair of the Reg t commanded by Col. Wisner in the N. Jersey
  for  4. Mts  14. days  Private  14.97    "  5 "  5. days  "  25.00    "  6 "  14. days  "  29.98        70.95  
Enrolled on the Roll of N. Jersey at the rate of 119 Dollars 85 Cents per annum to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 th day of March 1834 and Hon. P. Breckinridge
  Arrears to the 14th of March, 1834 -  359.55    Pension allowance ending  59.92     $ 419.47  
{ Revolutionary War, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by R. Rudine Clerk Book E. Vol. 3. Page 103.
* N. U. Line. Records corrected June 26/35.

DECLARATION.
State of New-Jersey, } ss. Bergen County, }
On this thirty first day of December 1832, personally appeared in open Court, before the Judges of the Inferior court of Bergen in and for the County of Bergen now sitting, Thomas Blain a resident of Sussex River in the county of Bergen and State of New-Jersey, aged eighty one years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers, and served as herein stated. That he was born in the town of Warwick in the County of Orange & State of New York on the 27 th of February 1751. As appears by the Bible & family record kept by his father William Blain and which Bible is now in possession of his Sister Margaret Winfield. That Warwick was his place of residence during the Revolutionary War and at which place he first entered the service of the United States. That in the Month of June 1778. he volunteered as a Sergeant of Capt. William Blain's Company of Militia and was marched to Fort Montgomery on the Hudson River at which place he continued to do duty for one month, Col. Hattow commanded the Detachment to which he belonged. That in the December of the same year he done one month's duty as a Sergeant of Captain Blain's Company Stationed at Tappan & Haverstraw, thinking that Lieutenant Thomas Warner commanded the Company a portion of the time and that Lieut Col Henry Warner had the command of the Regiment or Detachment to which he belonged. That he performed six weeks duty as a private Soldier of Captain Blain's Company which fully appears by a certain Pay Roll hereto annexed. That he performed one month's service as a private Soldier of Captain Blain's Company, as will also appear by another certain Pay Roll hereto annexed dated Aug t 1779. That he also performed a month's service as a private Soldier of Captain Blain's Company, as will appear by a certain Pay Roll hereto annexed dated Nov r 1779. and hereto annexed. That the only field officers concerning whom he now recollects, served during the periods above mentioned are Col. Hattow, Col. Warner & Major Ropano. That some time late in the fall, or the early part of the winter of 1779. he recollects & knows that he entered as a volunteer Sergeant of Capt. Blain's Company & was marched under the command of Col. Hattow to Haverstraw and while stationed at that place he was detailed as first Sergeant of a Patrolling Guard and marched from Camp through various districts of the surrounding Country watching the movements of the Enemy & protecting the Inhabitants against the Refugees. That he continued constantly on duty in the service of the United States as a Sergeant of 2nd

Guards Organized by Col. Hathorn until in the month of Feb- ruary 1778 not less than three months. That in the month of Fe- bruary 1778 he received a Commission as Lieutenant which is herewith annexed. That he then entered the service of the United States as a Second Lieutenant of Captain McCamley's Company, and was as attached to Col. Hathorn's command and was marched to Newfound Land in the State of New Jersey, from thence to the Hudson River in the County of Bergen from thence to Fort Montgomery in the State of New York, can not state the precise length of his service on that occasion but thinks it was not less than four weeks. The next four of service he now recollects to have performed as a Lieutenant near at the Minisink on the Delaware River to which place he went with a detach- ment of Militia in consequence of some depredation committed by the Indians. He thinks that Col. Hester had the command That he has a distinct recollection and knows that he performed three several - separate & distinct tours of duty as a Lieutenant in the service of the United States on the Del- aware River during the Revolutionary War but cannot state precisely the different years or months in which they were performed, nor the precise length of his service on the Delaware River but is satisfied that the three several tours of service could not have been performed in less than from 2 to three years  one year each in all not less than two months. That he performed one month's tour of service as a Lieutenant and attached to Col. Hathorn's command at which time he was marched to a place called Hopper's Mills in the County of Bergen New Jersey, a portion of the Regular Army was stationed at that place at the same time thinks that Genl. Wayne had the command. That he performed one month's service as a Lieutenant in command of a detachment of men repairing the Fort at West Point. Thinks that Henry Wisner Esq. superintended the works at West Point at the time. That he was on duty as a Lieutenant in the service at the taking of Stony Point and on which occasion he was de- tached with a detachment of men in charge of the British prisoners taken at that place & marched them to Newlon Sussex County New Jersey thinks that Genl. Wayne had the command at Stony Point. Thinks he was in the service four weeks at that time. That he was in the service of the United States during the Revolution some times as a volunteer, some times as a detailed militia man, and was doing duty at various periods of each year from the commencement to the close of the war the greater portion of his service was as a Lieutenant. That after the close of the war he continued to reside at Warwick till the year 1826 when he removed to the County of Bergen New Jersey and at which place he still now resides. That he has no documentary evidence to offer excepting the several steps of paper - Pay Rolls & his Commission herewith annexed which have remained in his possession since the close of the war. That he knows no man in

in the State of New Jersey whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service. The only field officers that he can now particularly name - are General Washington whom he once saw at Brandywine - Col. Hawthorn - Lieutenant Col. Wisner - Adjutant Fink - Major Popson - are the only field officers under whom he now recollects to have served - There were many others whom he cannot recollect. The several papers relating to his service have been in his possession since the Revolutionary War.
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 of the United States.
Sworn to, and subscribed, in open Court, the day and year first aforesaid.
Thomas Blain
H. Westcott Clerk
WE, Jonathan H. Cooper a Clergyman, residing in the Township of Franklin County of Bergen and State of New-Jersey, and John G. Doremus residing in the Township of Saddle River - County of Bergen and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Thomas Blain who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, - that we believe him to be Eighty one 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 FIRST AFORESAID.
Jonathan H. Cooper, Pastor John G. Doremus
Perigrine Sandford - Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Bergen
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 Jonathan H. Cooper who has signed the preceding Certificate, is a Clergyman resident in the Township of Franklin County of Bergen and State aforesaid, and that John G. Doremus who has also signed the same, is a resident of the Township of Saddle River - County of Bergen and State aforesaid, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
W. M. Winton
I, Abraham Westcott Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for said County of Bergen do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Thomas Blain for a Pension.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal of Office, this thirty first day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
W. M. Winton
in no service of the United States as a Sergeant of the

17.106 Thos. Blair
aq.
4 m o the days purrat o 5 m o long o 6 m o light
Hon. J. Dickinson H.R. A. Reynolds Paterson N. Jersey

State of New Jersey Bergen County S.S.
Personally appeared before me Peleg Lewis Sandford one of the Judges of the Superior Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Bergen Thomas Blain who being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith that he is the same identical Thomas Blain who was sworn and did subscribe to an original declaration herunto annexed the same having been this day read over to him again and corrected after which he further deposeth and saith that he is now Eighty three years of age and very infirm but is fully satisfied and verily believes that all the matters and things contained in his original declaration are true except there may be some unintentional variance as to dates, and this deponent further saith that since making his original declaration he has recol- lected and knows that he performed one other monthly tour of service as a private soldier of Captain John Minthorn's Company stationed at Fort Montgomery on the Hudson River, that there were about Two Hundred regular troops stationed near the Fort at the same time, cannot recollect the name of the Officer commanding the regular troops but thinks a Col. Thurston commanded the Militia at that time. And this deponent further saith that he can not particularise the precise periods of the war in which he served otherwise than as described in his original declaration; that by reason of extreme 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 four months and fourteen days I served as a private. For five months I served as a sergeant, and For seven  six months I served as a second lieutenant, and for such ser- vice I claim a pension."
And this deponent further saith, that he has no further evidence by which to substantiate his claim than the affidavits and other papers herunto annexed. That he is the same identical Thomas Plain whose name appears on the several papers, purporting to have been used in the time of the Revolution and herunto annexed, And he solemnly charges the truth to be, that the said pa- pers herein referred to were used in the time of the Revolution for the purposes therein mentioned and have been by him preserved since the time of of which they bear date
Sworn and Subscribed Thomas Plain before me this 24 day of February 1834
Peregrine Sanford Judge of the Peace
I Peregrine Sanford do hereby certify: that Corne- lius Johns whose affidavit and signature is attached to the declaration of Thomas Plain was duly sworn before me on the day of which his affidavit bears date, and I further certify that the said Cornelius Johns is a credible witness and fully intitled to credit and belief Peregrine Sanford Judge of the Peace

State of New Jersey County of Bergen ss; I Abraham Wister vice Clerk of the County of Bergen and Clerk of the Superior Court of Common Pleas in and for said County Do hereby certify that Percy Sandford Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the Jurat of the foregoing & annexed affidavit of Thomas Blain was on the day of the date thereof and still is, a Judge of the said Court, and also a Justice of the peace in and for said County, duly com- missioned & sworn; And further that I am ac- quainted with the hand writing of the said Percy Sandford, and verily believe that his signature to said Jurat, as well as to the Certificate thereunder written is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court this twenty sixth day of February A.D. eighteen hundred and thirty four. - 1834.
Ab: Wister Clerk

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 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 Blair
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     1776 1 Serg t Col Hathorn   1 Do Lieut Col Wisner See paper No 1   1 14 Private Hathorn & Wisner Pay Roll No 2   1777 1 Do Do " " " No 3.   1 Do Do " " " No 4   1 Do Col Thurston Some affidavit & Declaration   1777 & 1778 3 Serg t Col Hathorn   1 Lieut See Comm te No 5   2 Lieut Hathorn & Wisner See Slip paper No 6. Dated 1782   1 " Gen l Wayne & Col Hathorn   1 " Wisner   1 " Gen l Wayne (Story Point)  
Paper No 1 was not found in the files of the War Dept.
Statement of Service - but no pay roll or other documents found in the files.
See next page
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES 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. ops. 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 days 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 inquiry 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 [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.

May 28, 1936.
Mr. West E. Blain Brandywine Summit Pennsylvania.
BA-J/ILL Thomas Blain S. 958
Dear Sir:
The data furnished herein were found in the papers on file in pension claim, S. 958, based upon service in the Revolutionary War of Thomas Blain.
Thomas Blain, son of William Blain, was born February 24, 1751 in Warwick, Orange County, New York; the name of his mother was not stated.
While a resident of Warwick, Orange County, New York, he enlisted in June 1776, served one month as sergeant in Captain William Blain's company (no relationship between this Captain Blain and Thomas Blain shown), Colonel John Hathorn's New York regiment, after which he served as private and sergeant on different tours in Captain William Blain's company, and in Captain John Minthorn's company under Colonel Thurston, until February 1778, amounting in all to four months and fourteen days as private and five months as sergeant: during these tours of service, he was at Fort Montgomery in the summer of 1776, and, in the fall and winter of 1777, was at Tappan, Ramapough and Haverstraw. Thomas Blain was commissioned in February 1778, 2 nd Lieutenant of Captain David McCamly's company, Colonel John Hathorn's New York regiment, served on different tours, one under Colonel Wisner, amounting to at least six months, continuing until August 1782: during said tours, he was engaged in New Jersey, at Minisink on the Delaware River, was at the taking of Stony Point, and afterwards, at West Point.
Thomas Blain resided in Warwick, Orange County, New York, until the year 1826, then moved to Bergen County, New Jersey.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October

31, 1832, at which time he resided Saddle River Township, Bergen County, New Jersey. Thomas Blain died February 11, 1841.
The soldier made no reference to wife or children.
In 1832, Thomas Blain referred to his sister, Margret Winfield.
In 1832, one William Windfield was a resident of Warwick, Orange County, New York. No relationship to the family of Thomas Blain was stated.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILIER, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

august 22 th 1782
Sir I have got 3 pound and one quarter of Lb and one half lb of powder I beg you would not Let the men want it and receive a gain if they have A proper use for it as gallopable for it therefrom your friend to serve George Lucker
the one half of the Lb is for Mr Clark and Mr Wisner
See Lieutenant Blaine - I have on the other side with a list of my account from other companies

August 22 1782
Thos Blain-Lt
Nathaniel Bayley 600 Capt Miller Alexander Lamb - Capt Mealy William Winer Richard Clark Capt Gray com Samuel Gouler John Devoe Detach'd Com Moses Roberts Capt Gray Nehemiah Bailey Capt Miller
Sit Blain on his way to New York
BLAIN, THOMAS

May 28, 1936.
Mr. West E. Blain Brandywine Summit Pennsylvania.
BA-J/ILL Thomas Blain S. 958 David Wisner W. 6549
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of James Blain, private in Colonel Zephaniah Platt's regiment Dutchess County militia, John Blain of Orange County New York militia, John Blain, Jr., of Colonel Hathorn's New York regiment, Thomas Blain, 2 nd Lieutenant of Warwick company, Orange County New York militia, William Blain, 2 nd Major of Colonel John Hathorn's Florida and Warwick New York regiment, and David Wisner, a pensioner of New York.
Revolutionary War data furnished by this office are obtained from claims for pension and bounty land which have been made to the United States based upon service in that war.
There is no claim for pension or bounty land on file based upon service in the Revolutionary War of the above noted James Blain, John Blain, Sr., or John Blain, Jr., nor of any William Blain; other spellings of the surname were searched. The records of Thomas Blain and David Wisner are furnished herewith.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

Brandynine Summit, Pa.
March 13. 1936
U. S. Veterans Administration
Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen: —
In connection with some genealogical work I would like to have information concerning the following Revolutionary soldiers, whom I believe were pensioners.
✓ James Blair , private, Colonel Nephanah Platts Regiment, Dutchess County, New York. Militia, also enlisted man, Dutchess County (Land Bounty Rights) - Second Regt. N. Y.
✓ John Blair , enlisted man Orange County Militia, N. Y. (Land Bounty Rights) 4 Regt. N. Y.
✓ John Blair , Jr., enlisted man, Colonel John Hathorne Regt. New York.
Ann

✓ Thomas Blain K , enlisted man, Col. John Hathorn's Regt. Orange County Militia, N. Y. 4 th Regt.
Second Lieutenant, of Warwick Company Orange County, Minute Men. (In some cases the name is given as Blane.)
✓ William D Blain, 2 nd . Major of Colonel John Hathorn's Regt. Florida and Warwick Regt. N. Y., Feb. 19, 1778 Captain of Mawayanda Company. commission issued Feb. 28, 1776, of Florida and Warwick Regt. N. Y.
✓ Ensign David OK Wisner , he was a pensioner. Of Orange County New York. Militia. His commission is on file in the records of the old pension bureau.
Please send me as much detailed information as you have and advise me of cost of photostats of documents relating to the above.

Thanking you for your courtesy.
Very truly yours, West E. Blair.
Brandywine Summit, Pa.
Mrs. Finch said not to mention price of photos - I.L.L. May 22/36.

Rev. Nat.
INVALID.
1936 - May 28 - Hist. to West E. Blair. SSR.
File No. 958
Thomas Blair
His. Socy. N.Y. City
Act June 7. 1832.
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 84
[Arrangement of 1870.]
New York ✓

The People of the State of New York. by the Grace of God FREE and INDEPENDANT. To Thomas Blain Gentleman ~ ~ ~ ~ Greeting.  WE reposing especial Trust and Confidence, as well in your Patriotism, Con- duct and Loyalty, as in your Valour and Readiness to do us good and faithfull Service. Have Appointed and constituted, and by these Presents DO Appoint and Constitute you the said Thomas Blain Second Lieutenant of the Company of Militia in our County of Orange commanded by Capt. David M c Camly in that Regiment whereof John Hathorn Esq. is Colonel.
You are therefore, to take the said Company ~ ~ into your charge and care as Second Lieutenant ~ ~ ~ thereof. and duly to exercise the Officers and Soldiers of that Company in Arms, who are hereby commanded to obey you as their Second Lieutenant ~ ~ and you are also to Observe and follow such Orders and Directions, as you shall from time to time, receive from our General and Commander in Chief of the Militia of our said State, or any other your Superior Officer, Ac- cording to the Rules and discipline of War, in pursuance of the Trust reposed in you, and for so doing this shall be Your Commission, for and during our good pleasure, to be Signified by our Council of appointments. In Testimony whereof, we have caused our Seal for Military Commissions to be hereunto Affixed. Witness our Trusty and well beloved George Clinton Esquire ~ ~ ~ Governor of our State of New York, General and Commander in Chief of all the Militia, and Admiral of the Navy of the same, by and with the Advice and Consent of our said Council of Appointment, at Esopus ~ ~ the Nineteenth day of February, in the Second ~ ~ ~ year of our Independence, and in the year of our Lord one Thousand seven Hundred and seventy Eight.
By His Excellency's Command.
Richard Malsfield Secretary.

J. L. Edwards Esq
comm ce

Dear Sir
I enclose the papers of Thos Blair and ask your attention to them. At as early a day as your numerous applica- -tions will permit.
I am yours very Respectfully
Ph: Dickerson
March 3 rd 1894
J. L. Edwards Esq.

New Jersey.
Bergen County.
Thomas Blair's application } Militia for a pension } Service
17106
rolls taken out & delivered to Mr. Luce
ed Thos. Blair

State of New Jersey § 11
By me County of Bergen in Prigine Sandford one of the Judges of the inferior court of Common Pleas in and for said County Personally ap d Cornelius Jones and being by me duly sworn deposeth and saith that he is personally acquainted with Thomas Blair of the township of Saddle River in said County who is now about applying for a Pension under the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 - and on his oath saith that he has a perfect recollection of having seen the said Thomas Blair in the service of the United States during the war of the Revolution at the following places to wit at Haverburgh in Orange County in the State of New York in a Company com- -manded by Capt. Blair during which time this deponent was a fellow soldier with said Blair - also on other terms of service under the command of Capt. John Minton in the four months service stationed a part of the time at Fort Montgomery on the Hudson River near West Point, also on other terms of service at the Delaware River near West Br. Mills, in Capt. Blair's Company as volunteer and this deponent further saith that he has a perfect recollection of seeing the said Thomas Blair in the service of the United States during the war of the Revolution at several times under the command of Capt. Blair employed in scouting and guarding the inhabitants from the ravages of the Refugees and British during which time this deponent was a fellow soldier with said Thomas Blair — also on terms of service at Henry Paris close not recollect the name of the captain at which time Colonel Bathorn commanded the regiment — Cornelius Jones Sworn to and subscribed before me this 2 nd day of October 1832 Prigine Sandford Judge

State of New Jersey County of Bergen
ss
p. I Abraham Westervelt clerk of the Inferior court of common Pleas in &
for said county of Bergen & clerk of said county Do hereby certify that Peregrine Sandford before whom the foregoing affidavit of Cornelius Jones was made and taken at the time of taking the same was and still is a Judge of said court duly commissioned & sworn & residing therein that I am acquainted with the hand writing of said Judge & that the signature "Peregrine Sandford" Judge subscribed to the jurat of the above affidavit is genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this thirty first day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
Ab. Westervelt Clerk

Orange County ss. Personally appeared Before me Edward L. Witting Justice of the Peace in and For said County Azariah Kitchum of the Town of Warwick in said County who Deponeth and Saith that he was acquainted With Thomas Blair Now a resident of Saddle River Town Hudson County of Bergen & State of New Jersey, Before the commencement of the Revolutionary War, and has known him Ever Since, knows that said Blair was a Lieutenant under Capt. McCamly During the Revolutionary War, and done duty as such. He also Saith that he is know- ing to said Blair being at Fort Montgomery in the year 1776 and also several times at Minneger and Further Saith he has no doubt that said Blair was at least two years in the Service of the United States in the Revolutionary War and Further Saith that said Blair always Sustained a good Character as an officer & a Citizen. Azariah Kitchum
Sworn & Subscribed this 15 th day of October 1892
Before me Edward L. Witting Justice
Orange County ss. Personally appeared Before me Edward L. Witting one of the Justices of the Peace in and For the County aforesaid William Windfield of the Town of Warwick in the County aforesaid Who Deponeth and Saith the same as in the above affidavit Made By Azariah Kitchum, With the addition of Service under the said Thomas Blair as a Lieutenant at Different times and Further this Deponent Saith Not.
Sworn and Submitted to this William Windfield 15 th day of October 1892 mark
Before me Edward L. Witting Justice of the Peace
State of New York ss
Orange County ss. I Asa D. Dunning Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that Edward L. Witting before whom the preceding affidavits purports to have been sworn was at the

dated the same on of the Section of the peace in and for the said County and that I am acquainted with his handwriting and rightly believe his name subscribed to the said Affidavits to be his proper hand writing and usual Signature — Witness my hand and Seal of Office this fifteenth day of October 1832 Asa Dunning
State New York
Orange County
I Samuel Seward first Judge of the Court of Said County do hereby certify that Asa Dunning whos certificate appears above was at the date of said certificate Clerk of the said County of Orange and that said certificate is in due form of Law and I further say that the signature is his proper hand writing and the Seal annexed is the Seal of said County. Given under my hand the sixteenth day of October 1832
Sam S. Seward
State New York
Orange County
I Samuel Seward do hereby certify that I have been personally acquainted with the within Petitioners Thomas Blair, and Jeremiah Pulham William Windfield whos names appear to the within Affidavits for more than thirty years. And that they have all sustained the Characters of honest reputable men in the Society where they reside and I have no doubt of the Truth of said Affidavits — Florida 16 th Oct. 1832
Sam S. Seward