Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 10, 426, William Carpenter, Continental N.H.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental N. H.
Carpenter, William
S. 10,426
Carded.
CONTENTS

New York 20402
William Carpenter of St. Lawrence in the State of N.Y. who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Whitcomb of the N.Y. Regt commanded by Col. Reed in the State Troops line for
18 Months ★ N.H.
Jan'y 31, 1905. Record completed
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 60. Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4 day of Sept r 1833. and sent to A.C. Low. Northam, St. Lawrence Co.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept r 33. 150. 00 Semi-ant. allowance ending Mar 34. 30. 00 180. 00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by F.F. Franciosi Clerk, Book E.O. Vol. 4. Page 52

State of New York St Lawrence County } ss:
Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832.
On this twenty fourth day of September 1832, personally appeared in open Court, before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in & for Said County, now sitting, William Carpenter, a resident of Potsdam in Said County of St Lawrence and State of New York, aged eighty years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declara- tion, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named of- ficers, and served as herein stated. That at the alarm of the battle at Lexington, he immediately went from Swansey, Cheshire County New Hamp- shire, where he lived during the Revolu- tionary War, and enlisted as a volun- teer at Cambridge, Massachusetts, about the first of April first of May 1775 for eight months, in Capt. Jonathan Whitecomb's Company, in Col. James Reed's Regiment in Genl. Sullivan's Brigade, of the New- Hampshire Line. Soon after he enlisted

his whole Brigade went upon Winter's Hill and was engaged there in preparing for a defence against the British during the whole period of eight months. He obtained permission from his officers to go home for a few weeks in the summer, being unable to do duty, and he returned and joined the company again when his furlough was out. After the expiration of this period of eight months, he enlisted again as a volunteer with many others, without leaving the place, to serve for one month longer till new recruits should arrive, in Capt. Spaulding's Company, in the same Regiment and Brigade. He served out this period of one month at the same place and was dismissed there about the 1 st of February 1776 - He does not recollect whether there were other companies on Winter's Hill except what belonged to Genl. Sullivan's Brigade.
In June or July 1776 he enlisted again as a volunteer at the same place  Swansey to go to Licondergo for five months, in Capt. Humphrey's Company in Col. Wingate's Regiment of the New Hampshire Line. Immediately after he enlisted, he went into the Hospital at Keene, N.H. and was there about a fortnight sick with the small pox. - His Reg t was ordered to go to Mt. Independence, in the State of Vermont, to which place they

marched in small parties, through Charlestown, N.Y. Springfield & Rutland, Vt. At Mt. Independence, they met several companies of soldiers just returned from Quebec and stationed there. At Mt. Independence, Col. Stork, he thinks, commanded a Regt of New Hampshire Militia, which was stationed near Col. Wingate's Regt. He remained at this place till his term of five months expired and he was dismissed, in November. after.
About the last of December 1776, he enlisted again at this same place as a volunteer, for two months, to go to Peekskill, New York, in Capt. Lown's Company in Col. Gilman's Regiment, in the New Hampshire Line. He went directly to Peekskill, N.Y. and there joined his Regt and served out his said term of two months and was dismissed there about the last of February 1777. Some British Prisoners were brought there while he was there to be guarded. They had been taken in the Jerseys as he understood. Thinks there were some other soldiers there besides his own Regiment, but does not recollect of what kind. He was drafted a considerable part of said term to Fort Kings Ferry, and did not as much combat duty.
In July 1777 he enlisted again

as a Volunteer for two months, at same place, in Capt. Joseph Whitecomb's company in Col. Nichols Regiment. Lieut. Col. Gregg, in Genl. Stark's Brigade, in the New Hampshire Line. He went directly to Charlestown, N. H. crossed Connecticut River and went to Bennington, and staid there a few days when his Brigade was ordered to march to Stillwater as was supposed. They had just commenced a march when an express arrived with despatches for Genl. Stark, who immediately countermanded the orders, and they went back. The next day, he was drafted with a small party of others, and under Lieut. Col. Gregg went out a few miles from the Brigade and met Col. Baum with a party of Hessians - The British Colone halted and threw up breastworks. Genl. Stark, soon came up with his Brigade, and on Saturday the 16 th Augt. after a few previous slight skirmishes, he assaulted the Breastworks of the British and compelled them to retreat. They retreated a short distance, met Col. Breyman with a Reinforcement of British troops and made further resistance. With the aid of Col. Morris' Regiment of Continentals, just arriving, the Americans were finally successful.

after the close of the battle at Bennington, the Regiment to which said Carpenter belonged, marched to Stillwater and joined the main army under Genl. Gates and remained there but a short time when said term of two months  time expired and said Carpenter was discharged and returned home.
He further saith that he has no documentary evidence of his said service and that he never was in any engagement except the Battle at Bennington.
Manasseh Sawyer, whose affidavit is herunto annexed, was in the same company with him during the five months campaign at Mt. Independence in 1776. But they never were acquainted with each other till they saw each other in the Hospital at Reene as mentioned by said Sawyer in his affidavit, and they marched to Mt. Independence in different parties and saw each other but little while there, as said Sawyer did but little duty there on account of ill health.
Andrew Nichols, whose affidavit is herunto annexed, resides in Michigan, a great distance from the residence of said Carpenter, and made out his said affidavit at the request of a friend without having had any

conversation with said Carpenter on the subject of his services for a great many years. Their memories both agree in respect to the first service of eight months, and in respect to the second service of five months at Mt. Independence except that the said Nichols states that said Carpen- ter was in Col. Starks Regiment instead of Col. Wingate's Regt. said mistake arising undoubt- edly from the fact that both of those Regiments were stationed near each other at that place. Said Nichols was also in the same company with him during the two months campaign at the battle of Bennington in 1777. Said Carpenter has no proof of his two months service, commencing in December 1776 at Pukaskill, N. Y. He knows of no person living who was in that Cam- paign with him unless it is James Shaf- ter, of Grafton, Vt. to whom he has some time since caused a letter to be written requesting his affidavit, but has re- ceived no answer, from which he in- fers said Shafter is not living - Said Carpenter hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an- nuity except the present, and de- clares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency

of any State - Sworn to and Subscribed, the day & year aforesaid.
A C Clerk
said to be a private gentleman saith that he moved from Swansy N.H. to Milton Vermont in 1805 and in 1807 he moved to Potsdam where he now resides
and where he has ever since resided. He further saith that he is acquainted with Hosiah Allen, Jober Wells, Jonathan Hoit and others who can testify as to the reputation in his neighborhood of his services.
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
A C Clerk
James Carpenter
We Gross Wilkinson a clergyman residing in Pots- dam aforesaid and Jonathan Hoit under oath of the said County of St. Lawrence residing at Potsdam aforesaid
hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Carpenter who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be eighty years of age, that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
A C Clerk
Gross Wilkinson Jonathan Hoit
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories pre- scribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the court also certifies that it appears to them that

George Wilkinson, who signed the preceding sworn certificate, is a clergyman and re- sides in Potsdam aforesaid and that Jonathan Hoit, who also signed the same, resides in Potsdam aforesaid, and is a credible person and that his state- ments are entitled to credit.
I, Alvin C. Low, Clerk of the said Court of common Pleas, and of said County of St. Lawrence do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original pro- ceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of William Carpenter for a pension.
I also certify that Horatio Allen before whom the following affidavit of Manasseh Sawyer appears to have been taken, was at the time of taking the same a Justice of the peace of said County and that his signature thereto and to the certificate accompanying it, is his own handwriting.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
seal of office this twenty south  fifth day of September in the year of our Lord one thou- sand eight hundred and forty two. A. C. Low clk
The word "fifth" inserted and "fourth" interlined
A. C. Low clk

I, Lawrence County Clerk, of the District of Columbia do hereby certify that the annexed papers are the true and correct copies of the original proceedings in this court in cause of William Carpenter's application for a pension - and that through inadvertence the ends of the papers were not passed under the seal of this office formerly affixed - Witness my hand & seal of office this 21 st day of May 1833.
A. O. Lowden
* The witness whose character is not certified to the good, resides in the Territory of Michigan as appears by his affidavit and it would be impracticable to send them - Allen & Baldwin -

S. Lawrence County N.Y.
Manasseh Sawyer
of Potsdam in said County, being sworn saith that he formerly resided in West- moreland, in the state of New Hampshire that in the fore part of July 1876 he enlisted in Capt. Humphrey's Company in Col. Wingate's Regiment of the New Hamp- shire United States Troops, for the term of five months, that soon after he en- listed he had the small pox and was in the Hospital at Reene, that while he was there William Carpenter, then of Swaney N. Hampshire, now of Potsdam came into the Hospital and was then sick with him, that he understood understood said Car- penter had enlisted for the same period of five months, that said troops marched to Mt. Independence in Vermont, and he then saw said Carpenter again and has no doubt he served out his full term of five months. This de- ponent was unable a good part of the said term and did but little duty and does not now recollect what com- pany said Carpenter belonged to, whether or to the same company with him or to another.
Manasseh Sawyer
Sworn and subscribed this 4 th day of September 1882 before me Aaron Allen Justice Peace

I certify that the above named Menasheh Lawaya is a man of fair character and of undoubted veracity.
Sept. 4. 1822.
Horan Allen Justin Pease
I the said Justin do also further Certify that at the time of taking the above Affidavit, and from repeated inquiry since I understood, and I am also well satisfied from repeated inquiry since that Andrew Nichols, the Deponent named in the said Affidavit hereto before annexed, is the same person whom several years ago resided in the town of Rich- ington in the said County of Vt & Lawrence and whom while residing there I knew, and know to be a credible person. I have no doubt of such identity, and that the said Deponent (Nichols) is a credible person. I am requested to make this Certificate to supply the omission of the Certifi- cate of Credibility by the Magistrate who took the said Affidavit of the said Nichols. The said Carpenter is indigent and infirm and in great need of his pension, and it would cost him considerable trouble expense and delay to be obliged to procure the said Certificate so omitted. Dated May 25. 1833.
Horan Allen Justin Pease

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section ENL Can
August 5, 1929
Mrs. Stanley M. Lee 566 Territorial Road Benton Harbor, Michigan
Dear Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.10426 , it appears that William Carpenter , while a resident of Swansey, Cheshire County, New Hampshire, enlisted and served as a private with the New Hampshire Troops as follows:
From about May 1, 1775, eight months in Captain Jonathan Whitcomb's Company, Colonel James Reed's Regiment; after the expiration of this service, one month in Captain Spaulding's Company, Colonel James Reed's Regiment; and was discharged February 1, 1776; from June or July, 1776, five months in Captain Humphrey's Company, Colonel Wingate's Regiment; from the last of December, 1776, two months in Captain Towne's Company, Colonel Gilman's Regiment; from in July, 1777, two months in Captain Joseph Whitcomb's Company, Colonel Nichols' Regiment and was in the battle of Bennington.

He stated that he moved from Swansey, New Hampshire, to Milton, Vermont, in 1805, and in 1807, moved to Potsdam, St. Lawrence County, New York, where he was residing when he was allowed pension on his application executed September 24, 1832, aged eighty years.
There are no data as to family.
Very truly yours,
EARL D. CHURCH Commissioner.
Date of death not on A.B.
18 32 PO 42

1929-Aug 5. Hist to Mrs Stanley M. Lee, Eld.
Rev War
10426.
✓ INVALID.
File No. 10,426
William Carpenter Prim. Rev. War.
Act: June 7 th 1832
Index:—Vol. A , Page 60
[Arrangement of 1870.]

In the matter of the application for a pension by W m Carpenter.
16579 v

Territory of the United States } Personally appeared Washington D.C. } the Deponent, Andrew Nichols, to me well known, and last known and said, that he well knew William Carpenter of the town of Swanzey, County of Hillsdale, State of New Hampshire; that said Car- penter enlisted and served, as a private soldier for eight months, commencing before the Battle of Burnside Hill, in the County of Washington. at the town of said Swanzey, of Colonel Reed's Regiment of the New Hampshire Mi- litia, - said Carpenter said Carpenter served at this time, or whether any longer, this Deponent saith not.
This Deponent further saith, that in the Spring of Seven hundred and seventy six, this Deponent returned from Quebec to Mount Independence, State of Vermont, that he there met said Carpenter, who had enlisted for five months, which time said Carpenter served, - said Carpenter's last team's name was - Plumsey, and first Lieutenant Moses Kellogg, in the Regiment of John Stark.
This Deponent further saith, that said Carpen- ter again enlisted in the latter part of June or July of July, Seven hundred and seventy seven, in

the New Hampshire Militia, and served for two months, along with this Deponent. His Captain's name was Joseph Whitcomb, in the Regiment of Col. - Nichols, in Gen. John North's Brigade. And further this Deponent saith not.
Andrew Nichols Sworn and subscribed before me, in the town of Dexter, county of Washburn, Territory of Michigan, this twenty first day of December A.D. 1841. Leigh Kenney and that one. Before me.
Sam. W. Dexter Chief Justice of the County Court for the County of Washburn
Territory of Michigan
Washburn County Ss. I James T Allen Clerk of the County of Washburn aforesaid do here by certify that Sam W Dexter the person before whom the foregoing deposition was taken is and was at the time said deposition was taken Chief Justice of the County Court in the County of Washburn and that I am acq
quainted with the hand writing of said Justice and believe the above signature to be his
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county at Ann Arbor the twenty sixth day of December in the year

Abstract of Said Carpenter's Services:-
From April or May 1875 - 8 months " June or July 1876 - 5 do " Dec r 1876 - 2 do " July - 1877 - 2 do 17 months-

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of William Carpenter which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
Swing Witnesses
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? No as to one
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? No
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Hon. Lewis Cass Secretary of War Washington City D.C.

Sir -
Potsdam May 28. 1833.
Enclosed we return you the pension papers, in the case of William Carpenter. We hope they will be found satisfactory.
Yours Truly
Allen & Baldwin
J. L. Edwards Esq. Pension Office

Benton Harbor, Michigan,
May, 3, 1929.
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:-
Will you please check over and verify the following history of William Carpenter, giving me authority for same.
WILLIAM CARPENTER , "Born Charlestown, Mass., September 25th, 1752; died July 24th, 1843; buried at Potsdam, N.Y., served in the Revolutionary War under Captain William Humphrey in the Northern Army; his wages amounted to nine pounds, eighteen shillings. He served a second time in the company of Captain Francis Townes, in Colonel Gilman's regiment in 1776. His wages were seven pounds, thirteen shillings. He served a third time in Captain Townes' company from December 15th, 1776 to March 12th, 1777. He was paid for his services a total of eight pounds, ten shillings, eight pence, and the amount of wages due were five pounds, ten shillings, eight pence. He next served in Samuel Wrights' company as a private; was discharged September 24th, 1777. ( As my record shows, time of service 2 months and 2 days; was paid nine pounds and six shillings.)"
WILLIAM CARPENTER received a pension for service as private in Captain Francis Towne's company, Colonel Gilman's regiment 1776 - 1777. Born Charlestown, Mass., Died, Potsdam, New York.
Will thank you for your prompt attention and enclose stamp for reply.
Very truly yours.
Hazel M Lee Mrs Stanley M Lee, 566 Territorial Rd., Benton Harbor, Michigan.