Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 9725, Elisha Belcher, Conn. Continental

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Conn.
Belcher, Elisha
W 9725
Continental
Lydia
CONTENTS

New York 186
Repa at 8 P.M.
Lydia Belcher widow of Asahel Belcher
Con n who died on the 23rd Decem r 1820 of Westchester in the State of New York who was a Surgeon in the — commanded by Captain [blank] of the Reg t commanded by Col Stanley in the New York line for 2 years. Com n
Inscribed on the Roll of New York City at the rate of 500 Dollars 66. Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 day of June, 1846 and sent to J. M. Irving Esq, New York
Arrears to the 4th of Semiannual allowance ending
Increased from $480. Deduct all former payments under this act:
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the
Recorded by H. D. Ransom Page

State of New York City and County of New York } ss
I, Henry Depeew of the said City being duly sworn doth depose and say that he was born in the Township of Greenwich in the State of Connecticut and is now Eighty six — years of age and upwards ac- cording to the best of his knowledge and belief That deponent was a Corporal in Captain Jacob Wright's Company in the Regiment of Continental Troops commanded by Colonel Philip Van Cortlandt called the 2 nd New York Regiment in the War of the Revolution & that he served in said Regiment during the latter part of the said War and until the con- clusion thereof. — And this deponent further says that he was intimately acquainted with Dr. Elisha Belcher who was attached to the of Continental Troops Regiment, commanded by Colonel John Mead in the Revolutionary War, and which Regiment was stationed on the lines at and about the said Town of Greenwich in Connecticut and at the town of Rye in the State of New York during the years 1780, 1781 and 1782 & to the conclusion of the War. That this deponent knows that the said Dr. Elisha Belcher was attached to said Regiment as Surgeon thereof during the most of said period. That deponent was sick at his father's house in the said Town of Greenwich for about six weeks in the months of August and September in the year 1782 and that the said Dr. Belcher attended him in his illness until his recovery, all which time this deponent knew the said Dr. Belcher to be doing duty as the Surgeon of said Regiment, and that the said Regiment or the greater part thereof was at that time and during the period of deponent's illness as aforesaid in actual service in the field stationed on said lines. That he also knew the said Dr. Belcher to be in actual service in the field attached to said Regiment in the town of Rye for a short period in the month of July in the year 1782. — And this deponent further says that he was acquainted with Lydia Raymond the daughter

of Horton Reynolds of the said town of Greenwich before and after her marriage with the said Dr Elisha Belcher and that the said Lydia Reynolds was married to the said Dr Elisha Belcher about  in the year 1781 about a year previous to the deponents sickness as aforesaid as he has always understood and believes, and that he heard the marriage spoken of at the time - That he saw Mrs Belcher residing with the said Dr Elisha Belcher in the said town of Greenwich two or three days before he joined his regiment after being restored to health which was some time in September 1782 & that they lived together at that time, and he knew them to live together for several years since as man and wife and that they had several children with whom he was acquainted -
Sworn to before me this 9 th day of March 1838
Amos Dyer Commissioner of Deeds
Henry his X Depeew mark
I certify that I have made inquiry into the character and standing of Henry Depeew the above witness and am convinced in stating that he is is entitled to full belief. March 19 th 1838
Aaron Ward

STATE OF NEW-YORK, CITY AND COUNTY OF NEW-YORK, } ss.
I, Joseph Hoxie , Clerk of the City and County of New-York, and also Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the said City and County, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That James Legier before whom the annexed deposition was taken, was, at the time of taking the same, a Genuine  J. Woods in and for said City and County, duly commissioned and sworn, and duly authorized to take the same, and that I believe the signature of said Conanfinu thereto subscribed is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court and County, the 10 th day of March 183 8 .
Joseph Hoxie Clerk.
Sworn to this 9 th

V 2772 Declaration of Lydia Belcher for a pension under act of July 4 th 1836 21
  79. Stanley -  27.00    " Hooker -  27 -    80. Mead -  30 -    82. Mead -  30 -     11.4    Sergeon 3.mo. 21/07  
abnd 3mo. 21/07 Surgeon 20. 6. Surgeon mate  $500-66-
For A. Ward

State of New York County of Westchester
On this Eighth — day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven personally appeared before me the undersigned one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Westchester it being a court of record Lydia T. Belcher now a resident of the town of White Plains in the County of Westchester aforesaid aged seventy five years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 15 th 1836. That she is the widow of Elisha Belcher who entered the service of the United States in the Continental Army in the war of the Revolution as this declarant hath always understood and believes as a private soldier in the Regiment under the command of Colonel Samuel H. Parsons called the 10 th Regiment of militia in the Connecticut line: that he was employed as such soldier in the hospital tending upon the sick. That the declarant understood and believes that her said husband had been for several years previous to his entering the service, in the study of Physic: that this declarant understood and believes the fact to be that her said husband was on or about the first of January 1777 appointed Surgeon's Mate in the General hospital in the military hospital in the eastern Department in the State of Connecticut in the Continental Army during the said war of the Revolution that he continued in said service as a Surgeon's Mate until the first of July 1779 or thereabouts when he was honorably discharged That he was afterwards appointed a Surgeon

in the State troops or militia of the said State of Connecticut and served in the Regiment under the Command of Lieutenant Colonel Mordial Hooker for the period of twenty seven days and was discharged from said service upon the term of service of said Regiment having expired
That he was also employed as a Surgeon in a regiment of militia or State troops of said State of Connecticut under the command of Lieutenant Col. Stanley - in September 1779 for the period of twenty seven days
That he was afterwards employed in a regiment of militia or State troops under the command of Colonel John Mead in the said State of Connecticut in the year 1780
And this declarant further saith that after her intermarriage with the said Elisha Belcher her late husband she believes that he was employed as a surgeon in the State troops or militia in the said State of Connecticut: that the head quarters of the American troops were kept at the declarant's fathers house whose name was Horton Reynolds that the enemy during said War attacked the American troops then stationed at said house and damaged said house very much and destroyed most of the articles of furniture
That this declarant has a perfect recollection that after her intermarriage as aforesaid her said husband drew rations whilst he was so employed in the service as a surgeon as aforesaid and brought the same to her fathers house where they resided; that her father was a man in good circumstances and did not charge declarant or her husband for their board and there was no necessity for his bringing his rations

Home, Nevertheless he did so and it is for this reason with others which impresses the fact on her mind that her husband was employed in said United States service as a surgeon after their marriage but this declarant cannot state with any degree of certainty the name of the regiment to which he was attached although she is inclined to the belief that the Regiment was under the command of one Colonel Mead
This declarant however declares the truth to be that her husband was some time from home after her said marriage and she always understood and believes that whilst he was so absent he was engaged in active service in the field or hospital department in said military service
She further declares that she was married to the said Elisha Belcher on the nineteenth day of July in the year seventeen hundred and eighty one ————— by the Reverend Mr. Jonathan Murdock of the town of Greenwich in said State of Connecticut: that she has a perfect recollection that on the day she was married the house had not then been repaired since the attack made on the American troops quartered there as aforesaid, that the windows were all broken out
She further declares that her husband the aforesaid Elisha Belcher died on the 23 rd day of December in the year 1825 and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed
The declarant further saith that the certificates hereto appended as proof of the military service of her said husband she found

Among some of his old papers; that she is clear in the opinion that there were many more of a similar character among his old papers which were mislaid before or after his death and which she has not been enabled to find since his decease.
The declarant further saith that she has no recollection that there is a record of her marriage in her family Bible.
Sworn to and subscribed this Eighth day of September 1837 before me
Lydia Belcher
Caleb Pomphins first Judge of the Court of Common pleas of Westchester County —
I certify that Lydia Belcher who has signed and sworn to the foregoing declaration before me is unable by reason of bodily infirmity to attend the court of record in this County to make her declaration in open Court Dated September Eighth — 1837
Caleb Pomphins —
I do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Lydia Belcher the widow of the late Doctor Elisha Belcher, and have been acquainted with her upwards of twenty three years, and that her character and standing in society is such, as to entitle her foregoing statement to full credit and belief
Caleb Pomphins —

State of New York Westchester County S.S.
I John H. Smith Clerk of the said County. Do hereby certify that Caleb Thompson whose name is subscribed to the foregoing Certificate and before whom the affidavit of Lydia Bitchner purporting to have been taken was on the day of the date of the same first Judge as aforesaid. And further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Caleb Thompson and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his are genuine.
The testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County this twenty fifth day of September 1834
John H. Smith Clerk

This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services.
Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as are now in the possession of the Government are on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States.
L. W. B. W. 9725.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY.
May 25, 1897.
Sir:-
Replying to your request for information concerning Elisha Belcher, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, you are advised that Lydia, widow of Elisha Belcher, made an application for pension on September 8, 1837, at which time she was 75 years of age and residing at White Plains, N. Y., and her pension was allowed for the actual service of her husband as a surgeon in the New York troops, Revolutionary war, for a period of two years; a part of the time he served under Col. Stanley. Place of his enlistment not stated.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Mr. Samuel E. Belcher,
25 South Portland Ave.,
Brooklyn, N. Y.

Eliza Belcher No. 7772.5 Conn.
Discharge from the Genl. Hospital
By the Surgeon Genl July 1 st 1879 -

This may certify that Doct r E. Beecher has served in Gen l Hospital, upwards of two years, & Now at his own request is dischar- -ged, for his Assiduity & good Services, in behalf of the Publick, I return him most hearty thanks
P. M c Culloch Surgeon Gen l
Military Hospital — Danbury 17 th July 1779

A Discharge from Colonel Stanley's 4th Infy. B. Co.
Elisha Belcher W. F. 9725. Conn.

These may Certify that Doct r Elisha Belcher has served as a Surgeon to my Reg t Twenty Seven Day and as the time of service for my Reg t is now expired he is Honourably Discharged and in behalf of the Reg t I return him thanks for his good Services and is intitled to pay as Such Norwalk 12 th of Sep r 1779
Gad Stanley Lnd Col Com

And Appointment a Mate in the Ho. 12 Capt. J. Foster
Elisha Balcher, W. F. 9725, Contl.

Norwalk Feb. 27. 1777
This is to certify that Mr Elipha Belcher was appointed mate in the General Hospital Janu- -ary the first VV77 - since which time he has done the Duty of mate in Norwalk & Stamford.
William Lusk Appr: Surgeon.
The above entitles Mr Belcher to pay as Mate in the Genl Hospital Isaac Foster

A Discharge from Col. Hoskins Regiment 19th May 1864
Elisha Belcher. W. F. 9725 Conn.

This may certify that Lieut. Elisha Belcher has served as a sergeant to my Reg t Twenty seven days and as the time of service for my Reg t is now expired he is Honourably Discharged and in Behalf of the publick I Return him my most Thanks that for his good service and is fulfilled to pay as he is
Greenwich 13 th July 1779
J. Canah Hooker Lieut Col Com d

Elisha Belcher W. F. 9725 Contl.
envelope from E. B.

This is to certify that Doct. Elisha Peabody is Appointed Surgeon State Brig Genl Officers of the Military Hospital eastern Department, By Virtue of the Authority given to them by y. Hon ble Congress of y. United States of America; He's a young Gentleman that ever since his entrance into y. Service has given the utmost proofs of skill in, and Attention to the duties of that station, with y. strictest fidelity & exactness.
He. leave of Absence for Twenty-five Days
P. Miller Surg t Genl
Danbury 20 th Oct. 1777

25. 1897 - History to Samuel E. Belcher South Portland av. Brooklyn, New York. 15. 1897 - History to Mr. and E. Belcher, Brooklyn, N.Y.
9725 Rey WIDOW, &c.
May 7 Mr. 25
File No. 9725
Lydia Belcher
Wid.
Elisha Belcher
Surgn N.Y. line
Act: July 4/96
Index: - Vol. A , Page 57
June Sam
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Elisha Belcher the last of present Campaign was an Enlisted Soldier in the Army of the United States, and was employed the whole time in the Hospitals Tending the Sick & assisting the Physicians, he has been several Years in the study of Physick under the Direction of Skillful Gentlemen of the Faculty & is Suppos d by them to be well Skill d in the Art of a proper Person to be employ d as Surgeon's Mate in a Regiment; And as he now has the offer of a Place in that Business, I am willing he should be discharg d from my Regiment, to be employ d as Surgeon's Mate in another Regiment if it is thought best for the Service July 26 th 1776
Sam l H. Parsons Col. of 10 th Reg t

N: year 26: July 1776
I have no objection to Blyth Belford being being appointed Treasurer, Mate if he be ap- pointed, as for that place
Y: Spencer Bogen
A. Belford from Col. Belford Ref
Col. Belford Mch 27 1775 Conte

Leicester Master Here is certificate for one Month Washing
30 days Leicesters to Head in 1788
Elisha Belcher. W. F. 9725. Com.

Witnesseth that Ralph Bullock surgeon in Col John Meads Regt has found his horse from the first day of April to 9th this month Day inclusive being thirty days No 100th 30 April 1700
So y s C o F or any of his deputies
Oliver Ferriss L t M c

Eliza Belcher M. A. 725- Con't. Patient d.
1 Jan to 31 Oct 77 10 mo. Surgs Mate.
Patent Act. Certified by the Surgeon Genl.

The United American States
To Elisha Belcher
D r
1777.
To the Amount of my Rations as Surgeons Mate in the General Hospital from Jan y 1 st to Ap r 11 th being 101 Days & Bat d P r Day. at 7 1/2 P r Ration } £ 12 12 6
To Ditt o from Ap r 11 th to Oct r 31 st  203 days 2 Bat d P r Day at 13 P r Bat d . . . 13 10 2 Surplus Money £ 26 3 2
Errors Excepted E Belcher
This may Certify that Doct r Belcher has serv d in the Gen l Hospital as Surgeons Mate from 7 th Jan y to 31 Oct r & is intitled to pay for his Rations
D. M c Intosh Surg t Gen l

New York - 1866.
Letter to Pen Agt 125 Sept 1838.
Syria Belcher widow of Elisha Belcher —
who died on the 23 d December 1825. of Worcester in the State of N York who was a Surgeon in the — commanded by Captain — of the — commanded by Col Stanley in the N Y R line for 2 years Conn
scribed on the Roll of N York the rate of 500 Dollars 66 Cents, per annum, commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 th day of March 1838, and sent att. Hon. A. W. — Pens
Arrears to the 14th of — $ 3804.62 Semi-annual allowance ending 4: 1/2 250.33
$ 3754.95
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the }
Recorded by R. Burdick Clerk, Book A — Vol. 2. Page 184.

New York 000
Lydia Belcher
widow of Elisha Belcher
who died on the 23. Dec. 1825 of Manchester in the State of N. York
who was a Surgeon Surgeon's Mate in the by Captain of the Rgt. of the Rgt. commanded Col. Stanley in the N. York for 2 years, Conn Conn & Cont.
scribed on the Roll of New York the rate of 480. Dollars — Cents per annum, commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
certificate of Pension issued the 22. day of Sept. 1838 and sent to Sylvester Spencer, Esq. New York
Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, Vol. 2 Page 104
Reduced from $500.66
Agent notified
See letter to P.M. Irving, May 11. 1844 - Same. May 25. 1846.
by line Fas at 4 to c

Documents -
Private in 1st campaign to July '76 — Surgeon's Mate from 1 Jan to 31 Oct 77-
1780 - from 1 Apr to 30. inclusive as Surgeon to M c ead's Reg
✓ Suspended 2772 - see let to Albert Lockwood, Dec 7, 1837.

Dr Belcher. was attached to Col. Sread Regt of Militia of the State of Connecticut as Surgeon for 6 weeks. & afterwards in August & September in 1782. in the Field & in actual service in town of Granby.
That he was in actual service in said Sread's Regt. in the town of Rye 1782. in July of that year.

State of New-York, County of Ulster } ss. II, Charles T. Smith
Clerk of the County aforesaid, DO HEREBY CERTIFY , That, Oliver T. Johnson whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of the adoption of the annexed order and endorsed thereon, was, on the day of the date of the said Certificate, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County, residing in the said County, commissioned and sworn, and duly authorized to take the same. And further, that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Oliver T. Johnson and verily believe that the signature to the said Certificate is genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said County, the 10th day of November 18 95
Charles T. Smith

Declaration
In order to obtain an increase of pension under Act of July 4 th 1836.
State of New York Westchester County } ss.
On this Eighth day of December in the year Eighteen hundred & Forty Three personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for Westchester County, Lydia Belcher, aged Eighty two years, who, being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath make the following de- claration in order to obtain an increase of pension, under the Act of Congress, passed July 4 th 1836.
That she is the widow of Elisha Belcher, who was a Surgeon and Surgeons Mate in the War of the Revolution; and that she is in the receipt of a pension under the above Act of 480 dollars per annum, but is entitled to an allowance of 600 dollars per annum, as she has been informed and believes, with arrears for the difference between the two a- -mounts from the 4 th March 1831.
She further declares that she has not inter- -married, but continues the widow of the above Elisha Belcher; and that she is the identical Lydia Belcher named in the Pension Certificate herunto annexed, and now surrendered that a new certificate for the increase to which she is entitled may be issued in lieu thereof. Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year above written before me.
Lydia Belcher
C. Nathan G. Gimon Justice of the Peace

Comptroller Office Hartford Connecticut March 2d 1838
I certify that it appears by the books in this Office that Col Parsons's afterward Col Fyles Regiment was raised January 1776 for one year, and there is credits on said Books made to said Regiment in the years 77-78 & 79.
The following entry appears at the head of an account on the pay table books in this Office, to wit, "Col Noah Hooker's Battalion of volunteers raised by authority of the General assembly held at Middletown. 12th December 1776 for relief of the Army retreating through New Jersey — to serve two months,, Col Hooker's credits extend from May 29- 1777 to April 24th 1781.
It appears by the books in this office that Col McCauley Regiment was ordered into service August 11th 1776. and his credits are continued to February 20th 1783,
I further certify that Dr Elisha Belcher's name has not been found,
Wm Field Comptroller

State of Connecticut
County of Fairfield } ss. Personally appeared before me Samuel Close one of the Justices of the peace in and for the said County of Fairfield Doctor Shadrach Mead, being duly sworn, on his oath saith that he is now seventy nine years of age, that he is well acquainted with Lydia Belcher (widow of the late Doctor Elisha Belcher) whose maiden name was Lydia Reynolds, in the Revolutionary War, and also, with the said Elisha Belcher deceased.
That the said Lydia was married to the said Elisha Belcher on the nineteenth day of July in the year eighteen nineteen hundred and eighty one, at her Father's house, in the town of Greenwich in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut that he was present and saw them married at the time and place aforesaid, by the Rev. Jonathan Murdock who was pastor of the Second Congregational Church in said town at that time. That they lived together as man and wife until the time of the decease of the said Elisha Belcher, which took place about the year 1825 as near as the deponent can recollect and she the said Lydia is now, and has remained a widow ever since the death of her said husband.
The deponent further saith, that the Rev. Jonathan Murdock, did soon after the marriage of the said Elisha Belcher, leave this place & the pastoral charge of said Church, and as this deponent has since heard is dead - This deponent further states, that he does distinctly recollects of hearing it stated at the time of the war, that the said Elisha Belcher was engaged in the Continental Army, in the capacity of Surgeon's Mate, and whether he acted during the war in any other capacity the deponent does not recollect - And further this deponent saith not -
Sworn & subscribed before me, at the town of Greenwich, this 12 th day of September 1837
Shadrach Mead
Samuel Close Justice of the Peace
I do hereby certify that the above deponent's character & standing in society is such as to entitle his foregoing statement to the fullest credit and belief - Samuel Close Justice of Peace

I hereby certify that I have diligently searched the records of the Second Congregational Church in the Town of Greenwich County of Fairfield & State of Connecticut of which the Rev. Jonathan Hildreth had the pastoral charge in the revolutionary war, and find no record of the marriage of the late Doctor Belcher with Lydia Reynolds. But find it recorded in the Books of said Church that in consequence of the troublesome times and difficulties occasioned by the Revolutionary war, public worship in said Church ceased altogether for a time and it is also recorded as a consequence that no Church records were kept from June 17 th 1780. to August 18 th 1783. Jonas Mead Clerk
Personally appeared Jonas Mead Clerk of said Church and maker of the foregoing certificate and subscribed the same in my presence, and made oath to the truth of the same. Before me at Greenwich in Connecticut this 13 th day of September 1887. Samuel Close Justice of Peace
I hereby certify, that being Town Clerk of the town of Greenwich Fairfield County and State of Connecticut, I have examined the records of said Town and find no record of the marriage of the late Doctor Elisha Belcher and Lydia Reynolds, and I further certify that then was no law of the State that required marriages to be recorded until within a few years past. Greenwich Attest Samuel Close Clerk of the town of Greenwich September 13 th 1887 - in Connecticut.

State of Connecticut Fairfield County
¶ I Thomas B Osborne Clerk of the County Court within and for the County of Fairfield in the State of Con- necticut do hereby certify that Samuel Close Esq whose own proper sig- natures, known to me to be genuine are annexed to the Certificates on the foregoing Depositions, is now for more than one year last past has been a Justice of the Peace within said County duly commissioned & duly authorised to administer oaths, & take Depositions &c I further certify that the said Samuel Close Esq is now for more than one year last past has been the Town Clerk of the Town of Greenwich in said County well known as such and acting in that capacity. Given under my hand and the Seal of said County Court in Fairfield this 14 th day of September A D 1837 -
Thomas B Osborne Clerk
J. Johnson, Notary

New York June 3. 1886
Sir
In compliance with the suggestion of your letter of the 25 th ultimo, I herewith return the pension certificate of Mrs Lydia Belcher at $480 per annum that a new one may be issued to her at $500. ss , the amount to which your communication states her to be entitled. I beg to call your attention to the fact that the increase should commence only from the 4 th March, 1888, up to which time she has been paid at the rate of $500. ss , which was her original allowance.
Very respectfully
Your obedient Servant
Pierre M. Simon
No 32 Wall St.
J. S. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D. C.

New York Dec 18. 1843
Sir
I herewith transmit application of Mrs Lydia Fletcher, Eugene's widow, for an increase of pension under act 4 th July, 1836.
Very respectfully
Your obedient servant
Diana M. King
15 1/2 Wall St
J. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington City

New York City Pension Agency June 23. 1846
Sir
In the notification of increase of the 12 th instant in the case of Mrs Lydia Belcher, I am directed to pay her at the rate of 500. 66 dollars per annum, deducting former payments at 480. A reference to the books of the former agent shows that Mrs Belcher was paid at the first named rate up to 4 th March, 1838, and that her allowance was afterwards reduced to the last named rate, but whether with a condition to refund the excess paid her from 4 th March, 1831 to 4 th March, 1838, does not appear. The children state unequivocally that this excess, amounting to 144. 52 dollars, was retained from her subsequent semi-annual stipend. Her original allowance being now restored, be pleased to inform me whether I am to pay her the difference between the two sums from 4 th March, 1831, or 4 th March, 1838.
Very respectfully
Your obedient Servant
M c A. Stewart Pension Ag t
J. S. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D.C.
P.S. A marginal memorandum in the old ledger refers to letters Sept r 12 th & 22 nd , 1838; as reducing the original allowance, but these cannot be referred to -

New York Feb 23. 1844
Sir
On the 8 th of December last I forwarded an application for an increased allowance from Mrs Hannah Rague, widow of John Rague, Surgeon's Mate; and on the 18 th of the same month a similar application from Mrs Lydia Fletcher, widow of Elisha Fletcher, Surgeon & Surgeon's Mate. The pay certificates were transmitted in both instances, & as without them the parties cannot draw their approaching Semi-annual stipend, of which they stand in need, I am induced to ask attention to their applications before the 4 th of March next. I take occasion to add that the applications were drawn up under an erroneous impression that the late decision of the War department authorized an augmentation of the pensions of surgeons & surgeons' mates. If it applies only to the cases of surgeons, Mrs Rague will not, in all probability, be embraced in its benefits at all, & Mrs Fletcher to a much less extent than was supposed.
Very respectfully
Your obedient servant
Dion M Irving
15 1/2 Wall St
J. L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington City

Lydia Belcher, widow of Elisha Belcher, New-York N.Y., act July 4. 1836.
She was originally pensioned at the rate of $500:66 per annum, and subse- quently reduced to $480 per annum.
Be pleased to say whether the overpayment was afterwards refunded.
Respectfully June 26. 1846. } J
The overpayment of $144.62 was disallowed in the settlement 2 d q r 1838 - which sum was credited by the Agent in 3 d q r 1839
dH
500 66 per 2 d q r 38 - 144.62 480 per 3 d q r 39

Mechanics Bank New York 20 th Sept 1888
Sir
Agruably to the instruction contained in your letter of the 12 th Inst, I herewith enclose the pension Certificate of Lydia Belcherson correction,
I am Very Respectfully Your Obed Servt J. Lorillard Trustee & In te Agt by Sylvester Spencer Chf Clk
James L Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington

Payment to be made at New York, by the Bayer, MacLanins Bank Agent for paying Pen= sions, in the Agency of N. York
Issue a new certificate according to the within & send it to Sylvester Spencer Esq. New York; notify the Agent of the reduction & note the same on our Books
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book A. Vol. 2 - Page 104 by
R. Burdin Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the 3d section of the law of the United States, of the 4th July, 1830, Sybil Belcher of New York — widow of Elisha Belcher , deceased, who was a Surgeon and Surgeon's Mate, during the War of the Revolution — is entitled to receive Four  and eighty hundred dollars and  cents per annum, during the time she may remain unmarried, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually, on the 4th of March and 4th of September. This certificate issued in lieu of one dated the 19 th March 1838, cancelled.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this Twenty second  nineteenth day of September  March — one thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight.
Examined and } Countersigned. }

New York. February 23. 1846
J. L. Edwards Esq. Sir
In your letter to me of May 11. 1844, in reply to my application on behalf of Mrs Lydia Belcher for an augmentation of her stipend, you stated that if it could be clearly shown that her husband received 45 Dollars per month, the pension might be increased to $540 per annum. This was said on the supposition that her husband held no higher grade at any period of his service than Surgeon's Mate.
Since my first communication to you in this case, I learn that the evidence in the original application upon which a pension was allowed at $500. (bb) Shows that Elisha Belcher served for two years as a Surgeon's mate in the Hospital Department, and subsequently about 4 months as a full Surgeon. Her pension was reduced in 1838, (the time the Surgeon was reduced from $600 to $480 per annum,) and took effect 4 th March, 1838.
In behalf of the widow, I beg to ask your attention to the case again. I am inclined to believe you will find the Statement of Service to be true, and being so, I hope there will be no difficulty in pensioning her at the former rate of allowance, $500. (bb) , and directing the payment from the time it was reduced. XXXXX 13- 4 th March, 1838. The

Pension I presume was computed for many months at a $40 - and for many years at a $50, making in amount the sum above stated. As the payment for the 4 th March next will be soon at hand, permit me to request a reply before that time.
Very respectfully,
Your obedient Servant
Daniel M. King
(32 Wall Street)

Mechanics Bank New York, 8 th Sept r 1838
Sir
The enclosed power of attorney of Lydia Belcher, a pensioner under the 3 rd Section of the act of 4 th July 1836, was this day presented for payment,
Fearing that this pensioner, is classed among those who should not receive more than $480 per annum, as per your Letter of the 4 th Inst t I have thought proper to delay the payment until I receive instructions from you,
I am Very Respectfully, Your O bt Serv t J. Lorrillard President & Pension Agent By Sylvester Spencer Chf Clerk
James L Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington

Payment to be made at New York by J. Louillard Esq. Agent for paying Pen- sioners, in the Agency of New York
Your new Certificate Increase
3. 24 Surs m
20. 6. Surs m Male
500 66 deduct all prior payments
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book A. Vol. 2 Page 104, by
D. Brown,
Clerk.
Pierre M. LIVING New York

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the 3d section of the law of the United States, of the 4th July, 1836, Lydia Belcher, of the State of New York widow of Elisha Belcher, deceased who was a Surgeon and Surgeon's Mate in the War of the Revolution.
is entitled to receive Four hundred and eighty dollars and cents per annum, during the time she may remain unmarried, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September. This certificate issued in lieu of one dated the 19 th of March 1838, cancelled.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this twenty second day of September, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight.
W. Cooper Actg. Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. }
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

25 South Portland Ave., Brooklyn N.Y., April 30, 1897.
To the U.S. Pension Bureau, Washington D.C.
Will you please inform me
what steps I must take to procure a Certificate from your Department of the fact that Elisha Belcher was private soldier and afterwards Surgeon's Mate in the War of the Revolution, and that Lydia Reynolds Belcher was granted and paid a pension as his widow?
The pension was granted under Act of Congress passed about 1838 to 1840, giving pensions to the widows of deceased Revolutionary Officers and sol- diers. The papers substantiating the claim for the pension were filed in the U.S. Pension or War Department.
Very respectfully yours
Sam E. Belcher

This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services.
Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as are now in the possession of the Government are on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States.
L. W. B. W. 9725. Am
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY.
June 15, 1897.
Sir:-
In response to an inquiry on the part of Hon. Denis M. Hurley, for information concerning Elisha Belcher, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, I have the honor to advise you that Lydia, widow of Elisha Belcher, made an application for pension on September 8, 1837, at which time she was 55 years of age and residing at White Plains, N. Y., and her pension was allowed for the actual service of her husband as a surgeon in the New York troops, Revolutionary war, for a period of two years; a part of the time he served under Col. Stanley. Place of his enlistment not stated.
Very respectfully,
Acting Commissioner.
Mr. Samuel E. Belcher,
25 South Portland Ave.,
Brooklyn, N. Y.