Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 20816, Abial Burges, Continental Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental Mass
Burges, Abial Jane
W 20816
CONTENTS
[Ruled lines for entry]
[Ruled lines for entry]

13.042 Massachusetts
Abial Purges
of Manchester in the state of Mass t , who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Dailey of the Mass t . line, for the term of 1 year
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 4 of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 of July 1819 and sent to William Welmore Esq, Judge Boston Mass t .
  Arrears to 4th of March 1819. . . .  $ 88. 23    Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 Sept " "  48.    10m 27 / 30 4/31  $ 136. 23  
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }

Massachusetts Dane Burges , widow of Abial Burges who was a Private in the Mass line for 1 year.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 40 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13th day of July , 1843 and sent to
R. Merrill Salem , Mass
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book d. Vol. 1. Page 36.

Hm J. B. May 14 Jan 53
Ret July 13

Abial Burgess
Pariah Bayley's
Maps Reg t 1 st one year
4 April 1818
✓
Inadmissible Artificers are not provided for by Law.
Service in the line of the army, certified June 30. 1819.
Adm l one year - 1776 - in Bailey's reg t .
Abial Burgess - m. 2

State of Massachusetts.
I Abial Burges — a Citizen of the United States, now resident at Manchester in the County of Essex — in the State aforesaid, do on oath testify and declare, that in the War of the Revolution, on in the month of April In the year of Our Lord One thous and seven hundred & seventy five
I entered and was engaged in the land — service of the United States on the continental establishment, and served accordingly from that time to the month of April, I think In the year of Our Lord Seventeen hundred & seventy nine, being three years & eight months.
as a private against the common enemy, without any interruption or absence: that I belonged to Captain Hammonds Company in Colonel Cottons Regiment for eight months in 1775; to Captain Brighams Company in Colonel Baileys Regiment for twelve months in 1776; to Captain Potts Company, as a Carpenter in the Regiment of Artificers for twelve months in 1777; & to Captain Bolter's Company in Colonel Morses Regiment for twelve months in 1778 & 1779. and that I left the service on the expiration of last term of twelve months, being then honourably discharged
and that by reason of my reduced circumstances in life and poverty, I stand in need of assistance from my country for support, being now of the age of sixty one years. My several discharges are now lost thro' lapse of time & I have none other evidence to offer than what is herewith exhibited
And I hereby relinquish all claim to every pension heretofore allowed me by the laws of the United States, if any may be or hath been so allowed.
Abial Burges
BE IT REMEMBERED, That on this fourth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen Pursuant to a law of the United States, entitled, "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war," made and passed on the 18th of March, A. D. 1818, personally appeareth before me the Subscribers One of the Associate Judges of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the middle Circuit within the State aforesaid & presiding pro hac vice
the abovenamed Abial Burges — and after due examination and caution to testify and declare the whole truth, he maketh oath to the declaration aforesaid, and subscribes the same in my presence; and, on examination duly made by me the said Judge, it appeareth to my satisfaction that the said declaration is true. In testimony whereof I hereunto affix my name & the seal of said Court
W m Wetmore
James

June 30. 1819. I further certify the supplementary Evidence of Eleazer Fuller & Manlby Turner of the services of the declarant Abial Burger in the Massachusetts line of the army, which is herewith annexed; and that they are persons well known to the one here rec- pictable, of good credit & reputation & disinterested witnesses. The said Burger yet is in such reduced circumstances in life & so poor as to require the assistance of his country for his support. Witness my hand & the Seal of the said Court as within offered. Wm Wetmore
Supplementary Evidence.
I Eleazer Fuller of Boston, aged Seventy nine years, last may, do testify & say that I well know the within named declarant Abial Burger; & that I well remember he was a soldier, for the twelve months service, in the Regiment of Col. Bailey in the company of Capt. Brigham, in the Continental army, in the Massachusetts line of the army, during all the year 1776. I was during all that year Sargeant Major of the said Regiment & had frequent opportunities of seeing him. I was also a Sargeant in Capt. Wadsworth's company, in Col. Rooton's Regiment of the Continental Army, in the Massachusetts line, in the year 1775, for the eight months service, and having known Mr. Burger, before the revo- lutionary war, at Chebogue in Nova Scotia I recognised him as a pi- vate in Capt. Hammonds company in the said Regiment, & know that he served therein for the sd. eight months. Having been frequently with him, detached on various services during that time & during the years service, just before the expiration of the eight months service both of us enlisted anew for the year's service as above stated when I was promoted to be Sargeant Major. I was in service the whole of the time above stated by me, for which I have received my pension Certificate under the late act of Congress, & I know the sd. Burger, was in the sd. service during the same time. I know also that he was honourably discharged. Eleazer Fuller

I Marbury Turner of Hanover in the State of Massachusetts, here testify as a first Lieutenant in Capt. Rudam's company in Colonel Putnam's regiment in the Massachusetts line of the Continental army during the revolutionary war, do testify & say that I will remember the within named Aliah Burges, a private in Col. Baileys regiment, & Capt. Brighams company in the year 1776, while at New York, that he with others was detached on an important service of which I had the charge to procure & fix the Chevaux de Frise in the North river to obstruct the British Ships in passing up the river, he was under my command in that active service as much as four months, & was detached as aforesaid from Baileys regiment & Brighams company & continued under my command in the above service till some time the latter part of the year 1776. I think the month of December - the time of the enlistments for the year's service was in and Burges marched with the regiment from Cambridge to New York in the spring, & about January 1776, so that I have every reason to be live I have no reason to doubt that he served during the whole of that year - as to his other service I know nothing & therefore cannot testify, but I know that he was a faithful soldier while under my command - I was in the service during the whole of the revolutionary war, except two or three months  years - & I have recd my pension Certificate under the late act of Congress. Marbury Turner
June 30 1889. Sworn to by the said Eleanor Fuller & Marbury Turner respectively, before me Wm Wetmore the Judge within named

94 Jane Burgess
Wid. of Abial do
Mass
Married 1783
deed 1833
Allow 12m s pr. $40
per ann from 4 March 1836.
Per Merrill Esq Salem Mass

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Essex ss.
I John Prince Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in said County do certify that David Cummings is one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in said Commonwealth - that Asahel Huntington is a Justice of the Peace in & for said County - and that their signatures hereon are genuine.
Witness my hand & the seal of said
Court July 28. 1838.
John Prince Clk

I John C. Lony of Manchester in Massachusetts do hereby testify that I have the custody of the Town Records of Manchester of which and that the following is a true extract therefrom. "Abiah Burges & Mrs. Jenny Leach both of Manchester were mar- ried by the Rev. Benj. Gappan on the twelfth day of June seventeen hundred & eighty three" and that it is a true copy from the Records with the exception of the date which is expressed in figures. viz. June 12. 1783.
I am Town Clerk of said Manchester
John C. Lony.
State of Massachusetts Essex County ss.
July 27 th 1838 sworn to & subscribed
Before me
Asahel Huntington
Justice of the Peace

Declaration In order to obtain the benefit of the "Act of Congress passed 7th July, 1838" entitled "An Act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows"
State of Massachusetts Essex County: S.
On this twenty eighth day of July 1838 personally appeared before The Honorable David Cummings Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the State of Massachusetts, Jane Burgess a resident of Manchester in the County of Essex & State of Massachusetts aged 78, who having first been 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 & pensions to certain widows", That she is the widow of Abial Burgess, who served as a private in the war of the Revolution during the whole period of the year 1776. as set forth & proved in 1819, when he was placed on the Roll of the Massachusetts agency & obtained his certificate for a pension, dated July 23 d 1819 - & numbered - 13,042, under the Act of 1818 -
She further declares that she was married to the said Abial Burgess on the twelfth day of June in the year seven-teen hundred & eighty three - That her husband the aforementioned Abial Burgess died on the 31 st March 1833 and that she was not married to him previously to his leaving the service but the marriage took place prior

to the first of January seventeen hundred & ninety four - in at the time aforesaid.
witness J. C. Perkins
her Jane F Burgess mark
Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year above written. The applicant by reason of infirmity being unable to appear in Court.
Before me David Cummings

me the subscribers being citizens of Manchester in Massachusetts, on oath testify that we were acquainted with Abial Burgess late a Revolutionary Pensioner & know that he died at Manchester in the year 1833 & that Mrs. Sarah Burgess who is now applying for a pension is his widow & she has so remained ever since his death.
Ellingwood Smith
John C. Young
State of Massachusetts Essex County ss.
July 27 - 1838 - Then the above named Ellingwood Smith & John C. Young who are credible & disinterested witnesses subscribed & made oath to the above affidavit. Before me -
Isaac Huntington, Just. Peace

Abiel Burges' claim to be continued on the pension roll
J. B. Warr Agent,
Rec d 23 d Oct r 1824.

District of Massachusetts, ss.
ON this twentieth — day of September 1824 personally appeared, in open Court, being a Court of Record, viz. Court of Common Pleas for the County of Essex. Created such by the Laws of the Commonwealth Massach. Abial Burges aged Sixty eight years, resident in Manchester in the County of Essex — in said District, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare, that he served in the Revolutionary War, as follows: in the Company Commanded by Capt. Brigham in the Regiment Commanded by Col. Bailey . My account to him that he entered at Roxbury . in the State on the 1 st January . 1776. and was discharged at Peekskill in the State of New York on the 1 st of January . 1777. that his Pension Certificate is dated July 23 1819 . and number 13,042
And I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons, engaged in the Land and Naval Service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property, or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income, other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
Abial Burges
Sworn to and declared, on the twentieth — day of September A. D. 1824 before
Salmon Strong
I, Ichabod Tucker , Clerk of the Court Common Pleas do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedule hereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value, of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is and Sixty Nine cents. Sixty four dollars
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this twentieth — day of September 1824
Ichabod Tucker, Clerk

Continued
Four Children Viz.
One Daughter. Joanna. Aged 22. lives at service for $1. 25. p Week.
One Daughter. Martha. 24 Years. lives at home in an invalid
One Daughter. Sally. 30 Years. has been a cripple. from her infancy & incapable of providing for herself
One Son. Abie 34 Years. follows the Sea. and has a home & family to support
Abial Burges

Schedule of Property belonging to. Abie Burgess late a Private. in the Army of the Revolution.
Real Estate. none
Personal Estate -    One Cow.  10.    One Pig  10    One Table.  2.    One Desk Mahogany.  8.    Two Old Tables  2.    One Dry Chest  4.    One pair And iron stove  50    One pair d o Grays.  31 0    Two Old Stoves. Small & Old fashioned  3 0.    1 Dry Chest & Forks.     Old P worn out  33    Lot of Crockery Ware consisting of One Dry Tea Cup & Saucers.     One Big Plate.  21 0    2. Pots Iron.  66    1 Grap kettle.  21 0    1 Copper kettle.  11 0.    1 Tea kettle.  50.    Iron Stove.  8 -    One Old Whale boat  5.      64.99  
Occupation.
Mariner. age. 68. Afflicted with Rheumatism Complaints. 2. unfit to follow his profession
Family
Wife. age. 65. Very infirm having lost the use of her right hand in a great degree by Rheumatism affecting her left hand is nearly useless by the cut. of in leg. -
Property $64.99
S. Strong Judge

Ray
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 20816
Jane Burgess Wid. of Abial Burgess Priv. Rev. War
Act: March 3 rd  1/43
Index:—Vol. 24 , Page 108
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Susp d his letter to Col. Jo: Watson, 23 rd Oct. 1894-

Mr. Edwards Caveat
John C. Calhoun Esquire
Secretary of War
Washington City
D.C.
Recd 24 Jan: 1825

Boston Jan y . 19. th 1825
Sir I feel it the duty of every citizen to give the Government information of the appearance of fraud. being in company with a gentleman of Manchester who observed a man by the name of Abial Burgess was trying to obtain a Pension of Government, to obtain it, he had made a sham sale of his house which was worth from 12 to 1500 $ - that he also held notes nearly two thousand dollars - That said Burgess was the latter part of the Revo- lutionary war living in Nova Scotia and sailing under the British flag. The gentl man observed the Select-men of the Town or any respectable person sign his Certificate. also W m Furbish Esq former Collector of Gloucester was knowing to his residing in Nova Scotia -
With great respect & regard Off Servant -

except from his own labor, which is very little on account of his advanced age, a letter is exhibited from Wm Gray Esq r of Boston, stating that he has long known the claimant, that he has lately become very poor, and destitute, that he has no means of support for himself and family, except what he can obtain by manual labor, which is very little, considering his advanced age.
Claimant aged 68, a mariner, afflicted with Rheumatic complaint, wife 65, infirm, and lost the use of her right hand in a great degree, 2 daughters aged 30 & 24, one an invalid, the other a cripple from her infancy, has a daughter in law and her family residing with him.
see letter 11 March 1825, to Wm Gray, Esq r - Boston, Mass.
12 Sept '191
Evidence 17 th Jany 1825,
Application to be continued under act, 1 st May 1820,
Massachusetts.
Abiel Burges, Private. Served 1 year from 1776.
  Cow $10. - Pig $10. -  $20. -    A few articles of furniture. -  44.99     64.99  
A statement relative to the property of claimant is exhibited, from which it appears that he had property from Oct 1818 to June 1824, amounting to $4531.75, which was sold at different times to pay his debts, amounting to $4699.98, leaving a balance due from him $168.23, affidavits of the creditors of claimant are exhibited corroborating the above statement, copies of deeds are also exhibited, States that he did not exhibit a schedule of his property sooner, because he had too much property to be entitled to a pension, but having been obliged by various misfortunes to make public sale of his property, it was sold for much less than what he had valued it at, leaving him now destitute of any property either real or personal, and that he has no other means of support.

Lt. Col. Phillips July 5 1837
(13042) O.R.
Massachusetts Roll.
Abial Burges
of Manchester in the State of Massachusetts who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Burgham of the regiment commanded by Colonel Bailey in the Massachusetts line, for the term of one year from January 1776 to January 1777.
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of Eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 4 th day of April 1818 and
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 rd of July 1819 and sent to Wm. Wetmore, Esq r . Boston.
Continued on the Roll on the 16 th day of February 1829 and notification sent to Tyler Parsons at Manchester, Mass. Pension commencing on the 28 th of January 1829
Amount due on 4th of March 1829 }
$ 10:6
{ Revolutionary Claim, Acts March 18, 1818, May 1, 1820.

Massachusetts 39
Sarah Burges widow of Abial Burges
who died on the 31 March 1833 of Essex Co. in the State of Mass. who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Brigham of the Regt. commanded by Col. Driely in the Mass. line for 1 year
Debts to H. A. H. and Jan. 28. 1840
Inscribed on the Roll of a Mass. at the rate of 40 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 rd day of Aug. 1838 and sent Genl. Merrill Salem Me.
Arrears to the 14th of March 1838 $87.10 Semi-annual allowance ending Sept., 20.00
$107.10
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1838, Section the }
Recorded by H. A. H. and J. D. D. Clerk, Book Vol. Page 70

James L Edwards Esq., { War Department Pension Office U States
Dear Sir,, In behalf of Abiel Burges of Manchester, County of Essex & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a Pensioner as appears by his Certificate given at the war-office the twentythird day of July 1819, Copy of the same accompanying this together with his declaration with two and by him subscribed respecting the present state of his property - Also the statements of facts from the overseer of the Poor, Burges, Identity being already proved to the Government at the commencement he having received a pension two years, then dropped, supposed to have too much property In the year of 1824 I think in June I sold all his property at auction for the purpose of his paying his debts. and so far as I then knew it was so applied, his declaration together with a full statement of his then state of Property was forwarded to the Pension office Mr Blagg a Notary Public of Boston was employed to attend to the business I called on Mr Blagg for Burges once he said he had not received any answer to the thing - Mr Blagg did not long after nothing has transferred since Blagg met

and having left any thing about the transaction - The papers are probably all in the office - It will save Burges expense and time there being no court until March - your records already identify him agreeably to his certificate accompanying this. I presume there will be no doubt in your mind in relation to Burges, Identity or Property or that he is a pensioner to all intents and purposes I submit these statements, and certificates attached, together with my remarks in behalf of P. Abial Burges, to you with the utmost confidence you will restore him to the Pensions list from the time he was dropped, he being a pensioner at that time, had he then sold his property he was not worth one cent providing he paid all his just debts, and had it not been for the particular favours of his friends and creditors together with the indefatigable exertions of his - he must long since have been a public charge together with his family, his circumstances in early life undoubtedly produced such

Feelings or not to call on the Town for help, until impossible to prevent it his only means of support is by dayly labour & in the summer he goes a fishing in a small boat - far too much exertion for a man of his age, being a statement from the War department of Oct 26, 1828 fully justifies me in the belief that  that Burges was a pensioner at the time he was deceased, I can but fondly hope you will forward me a Certificate of his removal to the pension list, without any further expense, he leaving a deceased wife in years a daughter aged 35 - years a cripple from her birth his other children not in a situation to help him but on the contrary he has lost much of his property by one of them, the pension office being already in possession of all the transfer of his property together with a copy of all the deeds, I presume sufficiently to save us from any further expense in the prosecution of this object, the amount of property valued by the

Overseers of the Poor or overseers for Bury St Edmunds of a little furniture one Cow & one Pig and a horse is probably not more than one eighth part, what the late construction of the poor law would admit - your answer together with a Certificate of his removal to the poor law list will be most gratefully received
Manchester Jan y 26 th 1829 In behalf of Abiah Burges
Permit me to Subscribe your obedient Servant
Hyde Parsons

From
Mr Gray Com
Jan y 17 th 1825
Hon ble John C. Calhoun Secretary of War City Washington

Sir
Boston Jany 17. 1825
Will you permit me to state to you, that I have long known Abial Burgess, of Manchester in the County of Essex in this state, I believe he has lately, become so poor, and destitute of property, that he has no means of support, for himself & family, except what he can obtain by manual labour which must be very little considering he is about sixty eight years of Age.
I have the honour to be Sir, with great Respect Y r Most O b d. S r Wm Gray
Hon ble John C. Calhoun Secretary of State, City Washington

Copy Abial Burgess to Amos Hilton

Know all Men by these Presents,
That Abial Burges of Manchester in The County of Essex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts yeoman
in Consideration of Six hundred Dollars paid by
Amos Hilton of Manchester County and State aforesaid manor
the Receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, do hereby give, grant, sell and convey unto the said
Amos Hilton a certain dwelling house situated in Manchester County and State aforesaid with the land under and adjoining - about Three fourths of an acre - and adjoins land of Mr Henry Lee, Daniel Amable John Allen, the heirs of John Tuck and John Dodge - together with a Barn with other out houses on the aforesaid premises - with all the privileges therein to belonging
To HAVE and to HOLD the afore-granted Premises to the said Amos Hilton - his Heirs and Assigns, to his and their Use and Behoof forever.
AND I do covenant with the said Amos Hilton his Heirs and Assigns, That I am lawfully seized in Fee of the afore-granted Premises; That they are free of all Incumbrances; That I have good Right to sell and convey the same to the said Amos Hilton
AND that I will warrant and defend the same Premises to the said Amos Hilton his Heirs and Assigns forever, against the lawful Claims and Demands of all Persons. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I the said
Abial Burges
have hereunto set Hand and Seal this Twenty Fourth Day of June in the Year of our LORD One thousand eight hundred and Twenty Four
Signed, sealed, and delivered in Presence of us, Andrew Masters Tyler Parsons
}
Abial Burges (seal)
Essex ss. June 24. 1824 Then the above-named Abial Burges acknowledged the above Instrument to be his free Act and Deed - before me, Delucena E. Bingham Just. of Peace.
True copy of the original Rec d in The Registry of Deeds for The County of Essex June 25. 1824, and Entered for record.
Attest Amos Choate Reg r

Copy Abial Burgess to Ebenezer Tappan

Know all Men by these Presents,
That Abial Burges of Manchester in The County of Essex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts yeoman
in Consideration of Twelve Dollars paid by
Ebenezer Tappan of Manchester County and State aforesaid Trader
the Receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, do hereby give, grant, sell and convey unto the said
Ebenezer Tappan a certain piece of woodland situate in Gloucester, containing about two acres, more or less land formerly David Woodberry — for a more particular description of said land — reference is to be had to the deed from Woodberry to Burges —
To HAVE and to HOLD the afore-granted Premises to the said Ebenezer Tappan his Heirs and Assigns, to his and their Use and Behoof forever.
AND I do covenant with the said Ebenezer Tappan his Heirs and Assigns, That I am lawfully seized in Fee of the afore-granted Premises; That they are free of all Incumbrances; That I have good Right to sell and convey the same to the said Ebenezer Tappan
AND that I will warrant and defend the same Premises to the said Ebenezer Tappan his Heirs and Assigns forever, against the lawful Claims and Demands of all Persons.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I the said
Abial Burges
have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this Twenty fourth Day of June in the Year of our LORD One thousand eight hundred and Twenty Four
Signed, sealed, and delivered
in Presence of us, Israel Tappan Tyler Parsons
}
Abial Burges — (Seal)
Essex ss. June 24 — 1824. Then the above-named Abial Burges acknowledged the above Instrument to be his free Act and Deed—before me, Delucena S. Bingham Just. of Peace.
Essex ss. Rec d in The Registry of Deeds June 25. 1824. This is a True copy of the original Ent d for record. Abel Storer County Reg r .

Copy Abial Burgess to Benjamin Foster

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS,
That I Abial Burgess of Manchester in The County of Essex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Merchant
in Consideration of Two hundred and Fifty Dollars paid by
Benjamin Foster of Manchester County and State aforesaid Merchant the Receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, do hereby give, grant, sell and convey unto the said Benjamin Foster certain pieces of land situated in Manchester aforesaid - One piece of woodland known by the name of Nichols ; containing Eight acres more or less - Also one acre and one third of tillage situated in The Flame (so called) adjoining land of John Q Morgan and lands of John Craft's heirs. Also two and an half acres of tillage lying in The Flame (so called) adjoining lands of Robert Baker bounded on the road leading to The Saw Mill - for more particular description of said pieces of land reference is to be had to the deeds now on record - first piece recorded Sep. 2. 1802. - Second recorded March 10. 1812. - Third on the same last mentioned date Amos Choate Registry all situated in Manchester aforesaid
To Have and to Hold the afore-granted Premises to the said Benjamin Foster his Heirs and Assigns, to his and their Use and Behoof forever. AND I do covenant with the said Benjamin Foster his Heirs and Assigns, That I am lawfully seized in Fee of the afore-granted Premises; That they are free of all Incumbrances; That I have good Right to sell and convey the same to the said Benjamin Foster to his heirs AND that I will warrant and defend the same Premises to the said Benjamin Foster his Heirs and Assigns forever, against the lawful Claims and Demands of all Persons.
In Witness whereof, I the said Abial Burgess and Jane Burgess wife of said Abial she agreeing to quit all her right and title as dower in the
aforesaid premises have hereunto set our Hands and Seals this seventeenth Day of August - in the Year of our LORD One thousand eight hundred and Twenty
Signed, sealed, and delivered in Presence of us, Martha L. Burgess David Colby
} Abial Burgess — (Seal) Jane Burgess — (Seal)
Essex ss. August 17 1820. Then the above-named Abial Burgess acknowledged the above Instrument to be his free Act and Deed—before me,
Essex ss. Recd August 30. 1820. recorded David Colby Just. of Peace. and examined by Amos Choate Reg { True copy of record, Book 224 Leaf 116. Amos Choate Reg

Copy Abial Burgess to Innes Hilton

Know all Men by these Presents,
That I Abial Burgess of Manchester County of Essex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts yeoman
in Consideration of Eighty Eight Dollars and fifty cents paid by
Amos Hilton of Manchester State and County aforesaid
the Receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, do hereby give, grant, sell and convey unto the said Amos Hilton a certain piece of woodland situated in Manchester about two acres in poplar plain (so called) - for more particular description of said lands, reference is to be had to the deed from Tyler Parsons to Abial Burgess - Also about four acres of woodland situate in Manchester, and adjoins land of Thomas Leach , Nathaniel Marston , Allen and others - Also about two and an half acres of marsh in The Town of Essex and County of Essex Stony Point (so called) - for a more particular description of the last mentioned piece of wood land, reference is to be had to the deed from John Osment to Abial Burgess for a more particular description of the marsh reference is to be had to the deed of said Marshes from David Woodberry to Abial Burgess .
To HAVE and to HOLD the afore-granted Premises to the said Amos Hilton his Heirs and Assigns, to his and their Use and Behoof forever.
AND I do covenant with the said Amos Hilton his Heirs and Assigns, That I am lawfully seized in Fee of the afore-granted Premises; That they are free of all Incumbrances; That I have good Right to sell and convey the same to the said Amos Hilton
AND that I will warrant and defend the same Premises to the said Amos Hilton his Heirs and Assigns forever, against the lawful Claims and Demands of all Persons.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I the said
Abial Burgess
have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this twenty fourth Day of June in the Year of our LORD One thousand eight hundred and Twenty Four
Signed, sealed, and delivered in Presence of us, Thomas Leach Tyler Parsons
} }
Abial Burgess (seal)
True copy of the original Rec d on file and Ent d for record in The Registry of Deeds for The County of Essex June 25. 1824
Attest Amos Choate Progn
Essex ss. June 24. 1824 Then the above-named Abial Burgess acknowledged the above Instrument to be his free Act and Deed—before me, Deliverance L. Bingham Just of Peace.

Copy Abial Burgess to Robert Baker

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS,
That Abial Burgess of Manchester County of Essex in the State of Massachusetts mower
in Consideration of Seventy one Dollars paid by
Robert Baker of Manchester County and State aforesaid yeoman
the Receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, do hereby give, grant, sell and convey unto the said Robert Baker a certain part of a dwelling house situated in The Place so called and adjoining the dwelling now owned by said Baker formerly being the estate of David Woodbury ; for a more particular description of the premises, reference is to be had to the deed from Woodbury to Burgess recorded March 10. 1812 Book 196 Leaf 216. Also a small piece of the Garden beginning as follows, viz, at a stake and stones by the widows door on the road running southwesterly on the road two rods and eight links until it comes within two feet of the house, thence by the house easterly two rods to a stake and stones, thence N. Easterly to the widows door; thence westerly on said door two rods to the bounds first mentioned - Together with the land under said dwelling house above mentioned - the same being set off to the wife of said Woodbury , with all the privileges thereto belonging
A true copy of record, Book 196, Leaf 216 Abial Burgess Choate Reg.
To Have and to Hold the afore-granted Premises to the said Robert Baker his Heirs and Assigns, to his and their Use and Behoof forever.
AND I do covenant with the said Robert Baker his Heirs and Assigns, That I am lawfully seized in Fee of the afore-granted Premises; That they are free of all Incumbrances; That I have good Right to sell and convey the same to the said Robert Baker
AND that I will warrant and defend the same Premises to the said Robert Baker his Heirs and Assigns forever, against the lawful Claims and Demands of all Persons.
In Witness whereof, I the said Abial Burgess and Jane Burgess wife of said Abial Burgess , she having consented to quit her right in the aforementioned premises
have hereunto set our Hands and Seals this eighth Day of January in the Year of our LORD One thousand eight hundred and Twenty
Signed, sealed, and delivered in Presence of us, George Bishop David Colby
} (bracket grouping the attestation and signatures)
Abial Burgess (seal) Jane Burgess (seal)
Essex ss. February 1. 1820. Then the above-named Abial Burgess acknowledged the above Instrument to be his free Act and Deed—before me, Essex ss. Recd. April 25. 1820. recorded and examined by Amos Choate Reg. David Colby Just. of Peace.

Copy Abial Burgess to Daniel Amnable

Know, all Men, by these Presents, That I
Abial Burgess of Manchester in The County of Essex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Gentleman in consideration of Four hundred Dollars paid me by Daniel Amnable of said Manchester in the aforesaid County and Commonwealth witnesseth
the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, do hereby give, grant, sell and convey unto the said Daniel Amnable a certain piece of land situated in Manchester with a dwelling house and out houses standing thereon the same being bounded as follows viz beginning at a stake on the road by land of Andrew Symonds and running westerly by the road Ten rods and about one fourth to land of Hannah Hiltons heirs, also running from the first mentioned stake N. 4° E. six rods and twenty Three links of the chain, thence S. 60° E. Three rods and twenty one links both courses by land of Andrew Symonds, thence N. 21° E. by land of Seward Dow 3 rods and 18 links, then N. 51° W. by land of said Abial 4 rods 12 links, then N 41° W. 6 rods and two links to land of Henry Lee, thence southerly several courses by land of said Henry Lee and Hannah Hiltons heirs as the wall now stands to the road; containing Three fourths of an acre, or be the same more or less - also one Third of the well and Pump in Obed Carters yard.
To have and to hold the granted premises with the appurtenances to the said Daniel Amnable and his heirs and assigns, to his and their use and benefit forever. And I the said Abial Burgess for my self and my heirs, executors and administrators, do hereby covenant with the said Daniel Amnable his heirs and assigns—That I am lawfully seized in fee of the premises: that they are free of all incumbrances: that I have good right to sell and convey the same to the said Daniel Amnable and that I will, and my heirs, executors and administrators shall, warrant and defend the same to the said Daniel Amnable his heirs and assigns, forever, against the lawful claims and demands of any persons.
Jane the wife of said Abial Burgess acknowledges to have received Ten dollars in full for her right of Dower in said premises and hereby quits the said right of Dower
In witness whereof, we the said Abial and Jane his wife have hereunto set our hands and seals this twenty sixth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Twenty
Abial Burgess Seal
Jane Burgess Seal
Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of us,
Joann Burgess David Colby
Essex ss. Received September 25. 1820. recorded and examined by Amos Choate Reg
True copy of record, Book 225 Leaf 126
All Amos Choate Regr
ESSEX ss.
June 19
Abial Burgess
acknowledged the above instrument to be his free Act and Deed—before me,
David Colby
Just. Peace.
1820. —Then the above named

Copy Abial Burgeos to Andrew Munsters

Know, all Men, by these Presents, That I
Abial Burgess of Manchester State of Massachusetts yeoman
in consideration of One hundred Dollars in hand paid by Andrew Masters of Manchester State aforesaid manner
the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, do hereby give, grant, sell and convey unto the said
Andrew Masters a certain Lot in The Meeting House in Manchester situated on the floor of said house, being numbered Fifty Two - with all the privileges belonging thereunto.
To have and to hold the granted premises with the appurtenances to the said Andrew Masters his heirs and assigns, to his and their use and benefit forever. And I the said Abial Burgess for my self & my heirs, executors and administrators, do hereby covenant with the said Andrew Masters his heirs and assigns - That I am lawfully seized in fee of the premises: that they are free of all incumbrances: that I have good right to sell and convey the same to the said Andrew Masters and that I will, and my heirs, executors and administrators shall, warrant and defend the same to the said Andrew Masters his heirs and assigns, forever, against the lawful claims and demands of any persons.
Further Jane Burgess wife of said Abial, she having quit her right in the premises aforesaid
In witness whereof, we the said Abial and Jane wife of said Abial have hereunto set our hands and seals this Twenty fifth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty one
Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of us, Abial Andrews Samuel F. Barron
Abial Burgess (seal) Jane Burgess (seal)
Essex ss. Received July 14. 1821 recorded and examined by Amos Choate Reg True copy of record; Book 227 Leaf 194 Attest Amos Choate Reg
ESSEX ss June 26 1821 - Then the above named Abial Burgess acknowledged the above instrument to be his free Act and Deed - before me, David Colley Just. Peace.

War Department Pension Office U States
James L. Edward Esq
Sir I the subscriber do hereby certify under oath that I am a Citizen of Manchester Penn and brought up in this Town have been acquainted with Capt Abial Burges of Manchester for many years and that I did sail with him in the Schooner Good Intent in the revolutionary war in the fall of the year 1782 until about Decr John Day Master - the Schooner was owned by Abial Burges, Isaac Lee Joseph Leach & William Fick Esq all of Manchester we went to Peninsule from Manchester then loaded with grain and delivered our cargo on our return at Manchester
I further say that I have no knowledge of Capt Abial having having sailed under the British flag neither do I believe he ever did during any time of the war -
Manchester Feby 11 1829 Signed Benjamin Leach
CSSN 55 Feb 11 1829
The above signed Benjamin Leach personally appeared before me and made oath to the above written statement as by him subscribed before me David Colby justice of the peace

War Department Pension Office United States
James L Edwards Esq. Sir having been called on by Capt Abial Burges of Manchester in the county of Essex Commonwealth of Massachusetts, to certify under oath what I know respecting his being employed during the three last years of the revolutionary war - I do hereby declare that I was on Board the Ship Commonwealth of Boston, commanded by Capt Francis Wheeler of Gloucester Sailed from Boston about November 1780 from thence to Port au Prince Hispaniola from thence to Bilbao in Spain thence to Boston returned about the last of May 1781 - I further state that I never knew Capt Burges to have sailed under the British flag, during the revolutionary war or ever heard of such a report - Said Burges shipped as first Master on Board our ship, and acted as Mate of the ship Carried 20 Guns and 56 Men a letter of Mart in our passage from Bilbao we fell in with an English privateer out of Bristol after an engagement of 4 hours she struck to us with the loss of the Capt, & thirty Men - we then threw all her guns overboard and gave the prisoners the parole She having a large crew of 90 men - we then fell in with an English Brig Bound to Liverpool N D loaded with salt Captured her sent her in to Boston she arrived some and as far as I know or believe in that Capt Burges never did or would have sailed under the British flag, during the war - Signed Joseph Moore
ESSESS 55 Feb 11 - 1829
The above named Joseph Moore personally appeared before me and made oath to the above written statement or by him subscribed David Colby pastor of the river

War Department Pension Office United States
James P Edward Esqr
Deer Sir in your letter of the 3 d of Feby 1829 to Mr Parsons my agent respecting my pension claim was received by him, and shown and read to me, I am surprised that any person should be found malicious enough and lost to all truth, as to make such statements as alleged in the letter copy sent by you, viz that I was commanding a vessel under the British flag for the three last years of the Revolutionary war, and 2 d that I held promissory notes amnt of 18 to 2000 dollars Both of these charges are equally and absolutely false, and are malicious. In order to disprove them I must trouble you with all the history of my life since the year 1774, until 1783 by careful examination you will see that the letter to you signed J. P. E. Esqr. was got up by some ill minded person or persons unknown to me, or the public, as you will see by the means adopted by Mr Parsons and that no such person can be found having made such statements as your copy letter states, if they can be found assuredly they will be brought to justice for such false statements being made to your office, you have the statement of Mr Benjamin Leach. Capt William Fitch a son of the William Fitch mentioned in your letter. Also of Mr Joseph Moore, that was with me a very considerable part of the time of the the three last years of the war. When you look at all the statements of these persons, together with the history of my life under their peculiar circumstances of some ill minded false persons maliciously intending to injure me I presume you or any other Man of Candor - of the Congress of the United States to whom I must appeal to if our field will consider the charges against me disproved, and that I am justly and lawfully entitled to a pension - First place I was born in the Town of Union State of Connecticut 1756. My Parents moved to Yarmouth N D 1760 I remained there till 1774, then came to Capt Cook the native place of my Father In 1775 I listed in Capt Hammond Company, Conn. Patten Regiment in the eight month service Jany of 1776 I enlisted in Capt Brigham Company Colo Bayley Regiment, Massachusetts line, and was discharged Jany 1777 - at Peekskill N.Y. the next year I was attached to the Company of Capt Post as a Mechanic the next year 1778 I was attached to Capt Bolton Company Conn. Mason Regiment at Springfield in the 1779 I was at Boston

Then I shipped on Board a Schooner - Capt Prigad for Bermuda the vessel having been brought in for trial and declared as Bermudian property and not subject at that time to be made prize of by American arms or government - and from Bermuda I shipped on Board a vessel Capt Hollida Bound to Annapolis Royal in the Bay for the purpose of getting some to my father at Yarmouth, when of Town, End Boath Bay went in for some provisions the vessel was then detained, Capt Hollida went to Berlin Government ordered the vessel to be given up - thence we sailed for Annapolis our destined port when the Min Virgin fell in with a British fleet commanded by Sir George Collier They took us all out the vessel and put us on Board the Bolonde Frigate as prisoners Carried us into Frenchport, from thence to Halifax where we requested to be imprisoned and to be regularly exchanged but refused thence Carried us to New York from thence to Halifax, in the passage to Halifax there was on Board a Comt. Rogers he said he was well acquainted with my father and on that account he would aid me to get to my father which he did give me a pass to go unresisted and by this means I got to my father I staid with him that winter and until about May of 1780 I then went to Frenchman Bay in America with Capt Henry Coggins belonging to Blue Hill Bay, thence to Beverly there took goods of Furs & Lumber to carry for trade at Quebec in America for sale at half profits, and return to Beverly with our fish from Beverly to Boston then shipped on Board the ship Commonwealth 20 Guns, or from Master and acted as one of the Mates, the ship belonged to Codman & Smiths of Boston commanded by Capt Ignatius Wilkes of Gloucester since dead. We sailed about the month of Nov. 1780 for Port au Prince in Hispaniola, from thence we sailed for Bilbao in Spain, from thence to Boston on our passage home we fell in with an English Privateer from Bristol and engaged her after a desperate action of 4 hours she struck to us with the loss of Capt and thirty men she had 30 men were then through over her all their guns gave the vessel up to the prisoners, not long after we fell in with an English Brig bound to Liverpool which Capt took her & sent her into Boston where she arrived safe about the last of May 1781 after some time in Boston took passage in a small vessel for France near Yarmouth to get to my father I was then employed until about May 1782 and when fishing off the Seal Island in a whale boat hearing the voice of Cannon I went off fell in with a boat

belonged to the Bolande Frigate which had struck on the seal Islands ledge and bilged, in the boat was Capt William Fitch of Manchester and some British officers. Capt Fitch commanded the Ship Lyon of Bury having been taken by the frigate and was in tow when the frigate struck. The Bolande was commanded by Edward Thorneborough Esqr, Capt Fitch informed me when the frigate struck the ledge the main ship Lyon was cut away in the night and she sailed to Wallasey, I then took Capt Fitch to my father's house staid there one night and consulted with the British officers what to do with the men the frigates crew and crew of the Lyon the orders of the Commander of the Bolande was to engage all the vessels possible to carry the officers and crew of the Bolande to Wallasey and the officers and crew of the Lyon to Bury. It was agreed that I should go to Wallasey in a boat of about 12 tons carry the officers and part of the crew of the Bolande and bring back the baggage of Capt Fitch &c out of the Ship Lyon. Capt Thorneborough gave me orders to receive them, I went and received the baggage of Capt Fitch and brought them same to Manchester, I then bought part of a vessel called the Good Intent - with Capt William Fitch, Joseph Leach, Isaac Lee of Manchester, John Day was Master from them to Hartford Connecticut for a cargo of grain then back to Manchester in about the Month of Decr 1782 then I sold out my part of the vessel and purchased a boat then went to Yarmouth to my father not long after I learnt that the American privateer was cut away Capt Standly on the Tuscarora Islands three leagues from Yarmouth, Capt Standly came up and engaged me to take my boat bringing what was saved from the wreck I came up in the Month of March of 1783. Hostilities soon ceased I then commenced business since which my fortune has been sketched as you see by my papers by the above statement you will see I never did commanded a vessel under the British Flagg during any part of the time as alleged against me and was ever under their flagg except when I was a prisoner on Board the Bolande Frigate. I further say that I do not hold any pecuniary note of the value of one Dollar and I do consider the charges made to your office false, and unfounded, therefore

I do believe you will reinstate me to the Prison roll - all of my statement I give with a sacred regard to the truth and I charge any one to prove the contrary - and if ever the person that wrote such false and malicious statements to your office as relates to my case appears before me he will be dealt with as the laws of the United States will direct
Marblehead Feb 11 1829 - Abiel Burges
Given before me Feb 11 1829 The above named Abiel Burges personally appeared before me and made oath to the truth of the within written statements - as by him subscribed
David Colley justice of the peace

War Department Pennsi Office United States
James L Edwards Esq
We the Undersigned Selectmen of Manchester have examined a letter purporting to be a copy of a letter sent your Department dated at Salem January 29 1829 signed J L Edwards The contents of that letter is absolutely false and without foundation in any conspiracy and got up under circumstances of malice by some person unknown to us for the purpose of preventing Capt. Abial Burry from obtaining a pension and further we have now torred Capt Burry for any votes or property whatever Excepting what we have stated to you in our former papers and we do believe him to be a pension to all intents and purposes
Signed as Selectmen and owners of Manchester Plant 12 day of Feb 1829
Andrew Mansfield John T Allen Sam l Cheever
ESSE 33 Feb 11. 1829
The above named Andrew Mansfield John T Allen Samuel Cheever personally appeared before me and made oath to the above written statement by them subscribed — David Colby justice of the peace

I Jonathan P. Saunders, Town Clerk of the Town of Salem, in the County of Essex, & within the Commonwealth of Massa- chusetts. do hereby certify that I have been annually elected & performed the duties of said office since the year Eighteen Hundred and eighteen - That during said term of time lists of persons qualified to vote in the election of State & Town Officers are made, corrected & kept. That the name of J. L. H. H. has never to my knowledge or belief appear- ed thereon. - I further certify, at the request of Tyler Parsons Esq. in behalf A. Burgess I have examined the records of names of persons annually assessed as proportion of Taxes by the Assessors of said Salem & that

- That the name of J. L. E. G. H. does not - there appear - I have also examined - the record of Marriages and certify that such name does not there appear.
Salem 10 th February 1829.
Jonathan P. Saunders
Town clerk. Salem Mass
To the Secretary of the Department of War Washington
Essex ss: Feb y 10 th 1829 - Then Jon a P. Saunders Esq r : above named personally appeared and made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true.
Before me John Prince Jur d Com r

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Essex ss. Clerk's Office Feb y 10 th 1829.
I John Prince Clerk of all the Judicial courts within & for said County of Essex do hereby certify that John Prince before whom the foregoing affidavit was sworn is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Essex duly authorised to administer oaths.
In Witness Whereof I have hereto set my hand & affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas the day & year above written.
John Prince Clerk.
PUBLIC NOTICE.
WHEREAS the subscriber having received from the War Department, a Letter purporting to have been written in Salem, Jan. 20, 1829, and signed L. LEIGH, the same having been examined, the alleged facts in relation to Capt. Abiel Burges is believed and will prove to be false. If any such person resides in Salem, or else where, answering to the above signature, and will give the subscriber information where he can be found, providing his character for truth is such, in general, as would readily be believed in the War Department of the United States, was he personally known to the Officers of that Department,—then he shall have the assurance of being called on to answer for his false statements to that Office, in relation to Abiel Burges, a Pensioner
TYLER PARSONS, Agent for ABIEL BURGES. Manchester, Feb. 11, 1829. 3w

War Department Penn- sylvania Office United States
James L Edward Esdaile
Dear Sir I acknowledge the receipt of your letter from the War Department dated Feb y 3 rd 1829 respecting the Claim of Capt t Abial Burges for a pension - Also a copied letter accompanying the original purporting to have been written in Salem January 29 1829 and signed J L E S G H - the contents of this copied letter is without the least shadow of doubt absolutely false and without foundation, I have taken all proper measures to inform myself of their false statements and do believe this letter was got up by some malicious person or persons not known in Salem for I in this region - or you will see by the papers accompanying this statement from the Town Clerk of Salem - John P r Saunders also from the Selectmen of Mansfield stating that there is not any such person as J L E S G H - known in Salem for I and I further you have the affidavit of Benjamin Dyer & Joseph Moore showing that they were with Capt t Burges in May 1814 and under the American flag at the at the same time it is alleged he was under the British flag, I presume the proper measures will be sufficient to show you that the charges are false and made by some unknown hand - If you will as soon conveniently and see the original letter signed J L E S G H - perhaps the hand writing may be the most probable means of proving to justice such a notorious villain as would dare to state to your Department falsehood to that degree - a fictitious name - I send you the copy of my advertisement taken out of the Salem Courier for the purpose of showing you that my claim for Burges is not due in a corner - or get up and J L E S G H is a contrivance - the public takes a deep interest in detecting the villain and wish for the original

letter to aid them in so desirable an object as considered not a small Commission to write such a false statement to your Department - I hope to receive an answer as soon as your Commission will admit enclosing a Certificate for the several pensions. Also the original letter signed J. L. D. G. M. - the papers are submitted to you with full confidence of the truth that Burgess never was employed here now - under the British flag and has any pecuniary interest in nothing.
{With Great Respect permit me to subscribe Yours etc.
Permit J. Edgar Parsons
James L. D. and Co. } Pension office Department } United States -
agent for Abiat Burgess Manchester Feb 11 1829

James L. Edwards Esq. Com d v Pn. n. s.
Washington D. C.

Salem, Mass'tts July. 28. 1838
To James L. Edwards Esq. Comr. Pensions, Sir,
I send herewith the Application of Mrs. Jane Burgess, widow of Abiel Bur- gess dec'd for Pension under Act of 7th inst., and am
Very respectfully, R. D. Ladd
Brig. Genl.
Please address reply to me.

Schedule of the property of the United Burghs of the County of Essex, state of Massachusetts, the same when, and to whom sold, and how the property has been applied.
    Feb. 10. 1818. Exchanged the Schomus Washington of 33 tons, valued at $100. with Capt. John Knight of Manchester, for the Schomus Hannah of 33 tons valued at $132. and gave my note for $72. the difference between the two. $110 0   Jan. 3. 1820. Sold 1/3 of an old dwelling house, to Robert Baker of Manchester for $100. by execution and sold to her Melcher of Boston administrator on the estate of Daniel Dyer of Boston (merchant deceased) about 25 acres of wood and pasture lands to pay the sum of 71   Jan. 31. 1820. Sold a woodhouse to John Thayer of Manchester for 600   May 20. 1820. Sold to David Knapp of Manchester, a dwelling house in Manchester, with the land under and adjoining the same for the sum of 48   Aug. 17. 1820. Sold to Benjamin Foster of Manchester, about nine acres of woodland and two pieces of tillage land, about 4 acres in Manchester for the sum of 400   Sept. 17. 1820. Sold at auction in Boston, to Isaac & Stephen Jenny merchants of Boston, the Schomus Hannah of 80 Tons (before mentioned) for 250   Oct. 12. 1820. Sold to Ebenezer Baker of Manchester one Acre of tillage land in Manchester for 600   Nov. 25. 1821. Sold at Auction a part of my household furniture viz. looking glasses, beds, bedsteads, chairs, tables, clock, carpet, fire set, china ware, and light stand &c for 93 25   " Sold to Capt. Andrew Mason of Manchester, a floor saw in Manchester machinery house 200   Oct. 20. 1821. Sold a Chaise to Mr. Larkin woodbury of Manchester for the sum of 100   Nov. 17. 1821. Sold to Capt. S. Davis of Gloucester a horse for the sum of 120   March 7. 1822. Sold to Mr. Tyler Parsons of Manchester 1 pr. of Cows, 1 Cart, and 1 Plough for 60   Nov. 10. 1822. Sold to Capt. S. H. Allen of Manchester one Cow for the sum of 80   " Sold to Sheldon Butcher one Cow for the sum of 20   Nov. 19. 1822. Sold to Capt. John Hooper of Manchester 1 Gallery pew in Manchester meeting house for 18   July 20. 1823. Sold Nathl. Wildreth of Manchester, a floor saw in Manchester meeting house for $27. & a half pew for $22. 12   June 24. 1824. Sold at auction to Capt. Amos Hellon of Manchester, my dwelling house, & barn, with the land under & adjoining the same for $600. Also to Capt. A. H. of M. 5 acres of woodland in M. & 2 1/2 acres of marsh-lands in Essex for $88.50. Also to Capt. A. H. of M. 1 1/2 pews in Manchester meeting house for $31.50. 27 50   " Sold to Ebenezer Tappan of Manchester 2 acres of woodland in Gloucester for 720   12   945 31 75   
We the undersigned the the schedule the certify that is a true and correct statement to the best of our knowledge and belief, and that he does actually need the assistance of the Government, being nearly 70 years of age, and having an aged, dearified, wife and a daughter indurly unable to support herself. bearing a complete. and he has no means of support except from his labor.
    Names Place of Residence Names Place of Residence     John Knight Manchester Caleb Mansball Glochester   Sam l kin Woodberry Manchester for: Ally of S ch G "   Bract H. Tappan Manchester Thomas Luffin "   Stephen Parsons Manchester   Thomas Leach Manchester   Richard Lusk Manchester   Sam l Cheever Manchester   John Lee Manchester   John Hooper Manchester   Ab a H. Storr Manchester   
by them subscribers to the benefit of their Thousand Lodge David Colby one of the gophersway to Keosauqua in the county of Iowa in the January 1825. and Thomas Garrison Leacock in presence of Thomas Garrison Leacock
made solemn oath that the above premises is true, according to their knowledge & belief — before me J. S. MARY, Jus Pacis

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Suffolk ss City of Boston. January. 17. 1828
Personally appeared before me Samuel Blagge. Notary Public by legal Authority appointed there and dwelling in Boston aforesaid. and justice of the Peace of Boston for the County of Suffolk at Beck & Blagge and made Oath to the truth of the within force - most by him subscribed. - And at the same time on his Oath declared that the Schedule of his Property recently transmitted to the Hon: Secretary of War. is the only one he has at any time so listed
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Affixed my seal of Office the day & Year above written. S Blagge
Notary Public & In Peace & Leisure

To all persons to whom this may come know ye that I Tyler Parsons of Manchester, County of Essex and state of Massachusetts being of lawfull age do testify and say that I after having given public notice of the time and place of sale, have sold at auction to the highest bidder for Capt. Abial Burges of Manchester, of the County and state aforesaid, certain real & personal estate at sundry times to the amt. of $1244.25 Viz.
   Jan. 8 th 1820. Sold 1/3 of an old dwelling house to Robert Baker of Manchester. for. $ 71   " 31 st " Sold to John Cheever of Manchester a woodhouse. " " 48   Oct. 12 th " Sold to Ebenezer Baker of Manchester 1 acre of Tillage land " 93 25   June 25 th " Sold a part of his household furniture to Capt. John Lee of Manchester, 200   " " " Sold to Capt. Andrew Munters of Manchester a floor pew in Manchester meeting house " 100   June 24 th 1824, Sold to Capt. Amos Hilton of Manchester, his dwelling house & Barn, with the land under and adjoining the same for $600.,   " " " Sold also to Amos Hilton of Manchester about 6 acres of woodland in Manchester, and 2 1/2 acres of marshland in Essex for $88.50.   " " " Sold also to Capt. Amos Hilton 1 1/2 pews in Manchester meeting house for 720   " " " Sold to Ebenezer Tappan of Manchester 2 acres of woodland for 12   $1244 25  
Tyler Parsons
Essex ss January 12. 1825 Tyler Parsons personally appeared before me and was sworn that the above instrument by him subscribed was true. David Colby one of the Justices to keep the peace for the County of Essex

Rec d Feb. 2. 1829
2
Mr. Department Pension Office James A. Garraway
The

Salem Jan'y. 29 th 1829.
Sir To day having some gentlemen relate a circumstance taking place in Massachusetts respecting a contrivance to obtain a Pension for a Capt. Abial Burgess. It was thought very extraordinary when for the last three years of the Revolutionary war, he com- manded a vessel under the British flag trading between Halifax and Yarmouth N.S. as I have often heard Mr. Dink of family Collector of the Revenues, Port of Gloucester, who commanded a ship of war and captured passed into N.S. there see him also these gentlemen did not think him an object for pension, they were certain he held Promissary notes amt. 18. hundred or 2000, $ — years with great respect.
J. L. D. H. James L. Edwards Esq.

War Department Revolutionary Claim
I Certify that in conformity with the Law of the United States of the 18 th of March 1818 Abial Burges late a private in the army of the Revolution is inscribed on the pension list roll of the Massachusetts agency at the rate of Eight Dollars per Month to commence on the fourth day of April one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, given at the war office of the united States this twenty third day of July one thousand eight hundred and nineteen — J C Calhoun
(Seal)
13,042
Secretary of War
The original Certificate of which the above is a Copy, I hold having received a pension two years by virtue of said Certificate I was then dropped supposed to have too much property, and in the year 1824, I disposed of my property to pay my debts and applied the proceeds to that effect I then employed Mr Blagden a solicitor public of Boston to forward my application to the pension office together with the Copies of Deed, and account of the transfer of my property he stated to me that he had forwarded the same, but had not received any answer; and gave as a reason that I must

become a pauper and Call on the Town for help before I should succeed. When abandoned the idea until this time, having laboured hard and far hard even since My Circumstance and age induces to be call on the public. I have Call on the overseer of the poor to have my little property overseer appraised a copy of appraisement accompanying this declaration consisting of a little furniture amounting to fifty three doll. one Cow 20 doll, one pig 10 one Boat 10 Making Ninety three dollars. I am about 73 years of age my wife 70 years and lame, one daughter 35 years a cripple from the birth, my situation in life thus reduced, once in some degree of affluence, now in poverty. You having the copy of My certificate Also a Certified Copy of My declaration made 1824 together with the statement of the overseer of the poor for the Town of Manchester. Also the statement from Mr. Tyler Parsons My attorney. All of which I hope will be sufficient to restore me to the pension. List, at the time I was dropped, I certainly was a pensioner then to all intents and purposes unless Government require I should actually be a pauper. I now however anticipate the strangest hopes and most cheerfully believe you will soon restore me to the pension roll without any further expense, on my part, as there is not any

Court sits in this County until March and that will be at distance from me and expense for me to go, induced me to take this mode hoping it will be perfectly satisfactory, your office is in possession of all I can give them it has cost me already more than I can well pay out of my daily earnings - Your Early attention to my case will be most gratefully acknowledged. - Respectfully I am your Obedient Servant
Manchester January 28 th 1829 Abial Burges
Essex St. January 28, 1829.
Then the above named Abial Burges personally appeared before me and made oath to the truth of the foregoing Statement as by him subscribed.
Delucena L. Bingham Justice of the peace

War Department
Pension office Washington
James L Edward Esq. "
This being a peculiar case I do not think fit to settle the decision, and still not consider it as claiming under the new Act of 1828 Con.
pen: to com: 28 Jan. 1829
See letter to A. Burges Feb. 3. 1829
Manchester, Mass.

To the Secretary of the War department Pension Office of the United States Dear Sir, We the Subscribers, Citizens Selectmen & Overseers of the Poor of the Town of Manchester, in the County of Essex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts do hereby Certify under oath that we have examined, the original Certificate from the war department in favour of Abial Burge, sd Certificate is dated the twenty third day of July 1819. Sign, J C Calhoun Secretary of War, a Copy of the same is here attached to the declaration of sd Abial Burge, and that the sd burge, is a Citizen of Manchester and has received a pension two years by virtue of sd Certificate; for the Express purpose of saving expense we here by Certify that this Identical Abial Burge above named is the person now applying as by the paper annexed will appear to be ordered to the pension list, Further we have valued his property, exclusive of Beds & Bedding such as the laws of Massachusetts exempt from debt the amount as follows viz Sunday furniture

fifty three Dollars — one Cow valued at twenty Dls 20 c one pig valued at ten Dls 10 c one Whale Boat at ten Dls 10 c $ 93 c
amount of Income at ten per cent is nine Dollars 30 cents. — In having no real property as appears by our books of account since the year 1824, having then transferred and sold his property for the purpose of paying his debts, he was a pensioner at that time agreeably to the late construction of the pension department No 26 Dec 1825. We have examined his declaration accompanying this statement and do believe it correct hoping he will be restored to the pension list from the time he was dropped this mode is adopted for the purpose of saving and facilitating the business presuming the government only wishes to be satisfied of the identity of the person and the value of the property of the applicant. The above statements together with our opinion is most

Respectfully Submitted to your Consideration in behalf of Esther Burges a pensioner —
Signed January 20 th 1829
Overseers of the } Andrew Marsters Poor } John S. Allen for the Town } Sam l Cheever of Manchester
Essex St. January 28. 1829.
Then the above named Andrew
Marsters, John S. Allen, Samuel Cheever Personally appeared before me and made oath to the truth of the foregoing statements as by them subscribed —
Before me Deborah L. Bingham Justice of the peace.

District of Massachusetts, ss.
An this day of September 1824 personally appeared in open court, being a court of Record, viz: court of common Pleas for the county of Essex, created such by the laws of the Commonwealth, Abel Burges aged sixty eight years, resident in Manchester in the County of Essex, in said District, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare, that he served in the Revolutionary War, as follows, viz: in the company commanded by captain Brigham, in the Regiment, commanded by Col: Bailey, Massachusetts line, that he enlisted at Roxbury in this State, on the first January 1776, and was discharged at Peekskill in the State of New York, on the 18 th of January 1777. That his Pension certificate is dated July 23. 1819, and numbered 13,042.
And I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18 th day of March 1818; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed

posed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled "an Act to provide for certain persons, engaged in the Land and Naval Service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War", passed on the 18 th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property, or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income, other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
Abial Burges.
Sworn to and declared, on the twentieth day of September A. D. 1824
before Solomon Strong.
I, Ichabod Tucker, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedule hereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value, of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is Sixty-four dollars and ninety nine cents.
In

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this twentieth day of Sept- ember 1824
Schabod Tucker, Clerk:
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Essex ss: Jan y 27 th 1829.-
I John Prince Clerk of all the Judicial Courts in said County of Essex do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the original on file in this office. —
In Witness whereof I have signed this certificate and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas the day & year above-written.
John Prince Clerk:

1312
Jane Burges
$40 per an
Send cost. 6
B Merrill Salem Mass

Declaration
in order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 3d March 1843 granting pensions for one year to certain Widows who have received pensions under the Act of July 7. 1838.
State of Massachusetts Essex County 15:
In this Twenty eight day of April - 1843 personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Essex Jane Burgess a resident of Manchester in said County aged Eighty three years, who being first 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 3d March 1843 granting pensions to Widows of certain persons who served during the Revolutionary War:
That she is the Widow of Abiah Burgess who served as a private in the Revolutionary War and was placed on the Pension list at $40. a year on 23 rd July 1819, and died March 31. 1833: she had a Five Years pension under Act of July 7. 1838 at same rate.
She further declares that she is still a Widow.
Jane Burgess.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me to whom said Jane Burgess is personally known
Joseph Hooper Just: Peace
May. 1. 1843 I certify that Joseph Hooper is a Justice of Peace This above signature is genuine.
Swrett Saltonstall.

Washington
War Department Pension Office United States
James L Edwards Esq r
Pension Advers
rec d . Feb. 16. 1829

War. Department Pension Office at Washington United States James L. Edwards Esq.
Dear Sir. I have been called on by Capt. Abial Burgess of Manchester to state what I know. in respect to his Commanding a vessel under the Brit- ish flag during the three last years of the American War. or that he was trading between Halifax and Yarmouth. I do not know of any such transaction either of his commanding a vessel under the British flag, or of his trading as above stated. I heard my Father William Tuck Esq. say that Capt. Burgess brought his baggage from Halifax to Manchester. - I further state that I was on board the ship Lion a Letter of Marque from Newly bound to Cape Francois and captured by the Blonde Frigate commanded by Edward Thornborough Esq. The Frigate having struck on Seal Island ledge and bilged. The Lion was sent to Halifax. my Father the commander of the Lion, myself and his crew was liberated and we came to Manchester in a Yarmouth vessel commanded by Capt. Skint. To the best of my knowledge and belief the ship Blonde was lost about the first of May 1782 I further state that I do not know that Capt. Burgess holds any notes on demand against any person.
Wm Tuck
Essex ss
Then the above named William Tuck appeared before me and made oath to the foregoing statement by him subscribed - Feb 10 th 1829
David Cobby justice of the peace

Copy Abial Burgess to Eben Baker

Know all Men by these Presents,
That I Abial Burgess of Manchester in the County of Essex and Commonwealths of Massachusetts Mariner
in Consideration of Ninety Three dollars and twenty five cents paid by
Ebenezer Baker of said Manchester in the aforesaid County and Commonwealths Yeoman
the Receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, do hereby give, grant, sell and convey unto the said
Ebenezer Baker a certain piece of mowing land situated in Manchester in the Plains (so called) in the homestead formerly the Estate of John Armstrong and was set off to David Woodbury's wife in the division of said estate the same being bounded as follows viz beginning at the Northwest corner of the Garden set off to David Woodbury's wife, and running Northerly on the road sixteen rods and twenty links of the chain, then easterly by land of Robert Baker about ten rods, thence southerly by land of said Robert sixteen rods 5/10 then westerly by land of said Robert Baker seven rods and seven links to the road and bound first mentioned - the same containing one acre be the same more or less -
To HAVE and to HOLD the afore-granted Premises to the said Ebenezer Baker and his Heirs and Assigns, to his and their Use and Behoof forever.
AND I do covenant with the said Ebenezer Baker his Heirs and Assigns, That I am lawfully seized in Fee of the afore-granted Premises; That they are free of all Incumbrances; That I have good Right to sell and convey the same to the said Ebenezer Baker as in manner aforesaid
AND that will warrant and defend the same Premises to the said Ebenezer Baker his Heirs and Assigns forever, against the lawful Claims and Demands of all Persons.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I the said Abial Burgess and Jane the wife of the said Abial consenting to quit her right of Dower in said premises -
have hereunto set our Hands and Seals this Twelfth Day of October in the Year of our LORD One thousand eight hundred and Twenty
Signed, sealed, and delivered in Presence of us, David A. Grosvenor David Colby
} }
Abial Burgess (seal) Jane Burgess (seal)
Essex ss. October 12. 1820. Then the above-named Abial Burgess acknowledged the above Instrument to be his free Act and Deed—before me, David Colby { Just of Peace.
Essex ss. Recd Oct. 13. 1820. recorded and examined by Simon Choate Reg True copy of record. Book 225 Sep 145 Attest Simon Choate Reg

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Burges, Michael GRADE Private LINE New York
WARRANT NUMBER 6838 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED July 16, 1790
to H. J. (or J.) Vreedenburg, assignee
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.