Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S 30,900, Darius Brewster, Conn. Sea Service

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn Sea Service
Brewster, Darius
$30.900
CONTENTS

Maine D. 1876
Marion Chester of Lincoln in the State of Maine who was a Seaman in the U.S. Navy Oliver Cromwell by Captain Harding of the U.S. Navy commanded by in the U.S. time for 12 months Conn
Navy
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 88 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11th day of Feb 1838 and David H. Prince Thomason Maine
Arrears to the 14th of Sept 1833 $220.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending Feb 24 — 44.00 $264.00
Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by W. M. D. M. Clerk, Book E Vol. 1st Page 1

Darius Bricout
2/084

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th June, 1832.
DISTRICT OF MAINE, } COUNTY OF LINCOLN, } ss.
On this eighth day of November 1832 personally appeared the in open court before Jeremiah Bailey Judge of Probate within & for said County of Lincoln
Darius Brewster
a resident of Thomasville in the County of Lincoln and State of Maine , aged seventy  Sixty eight years,
who being duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he entered in the army of the United States in the year 1794 in May - on board the Ranger  Ship  at  Wadsworth  Longpoint  Master  that his father Isaac  Brewster was first Lieutenant with about one hundred men. That they cruised in the Sound and at New York and the Hudson River and continued seven months in service and was discharged at Fort Montgomery on the Hudson River & returned home by land. That in the Spring of 1797 he again enlisted at New London on board the ship Oliver  Cromwell  Seth  Harding  master - Timothy  Parker  lieut with about 140 men that he cruised in the Atlantic Ocean and took in the channel of England the Weymouth  Packet of 18 guns and brought her to Boston and served in the ship Oliver  Cromwell six months and was discharged at Boston. That in the Spring of 1798 he again enlisted at New London on board the 20 gun ship called the Rutland  Thomas  Allen  Master and cruised on the coast for six months - during which time
They took six prizes and sent them in and was discharged at New London. That in December 1799 he entered on board the ship Recovery  Capt  Smalley  master - he is not positive whether she was a State Vessel - after a short cruise she was taken by the enemy off Long Island by the British ship Galatee and was carried to New York and put on board the prison ship Jersey remained a prisoner three months & was exchanged and brought to Boston sick with the Yellow fever returned home remaining sick for many months and did not recover until more than a year from the time of his enlistment.
He presumes the Records in the office at Washington will confirm his statement. He further states that there is no person with whom he served that he knows of

with about 120 men that he cruised in the Atlantic Ocean and took in the channel of England the Waymouth Packet of 18 guns and brought her to Boston and served in the ship Oliver Cromwell six months and was discharged at Boston - That in the Spring of 1778 he again enlisted at New London on board the 20 gun ship called the Rutland Thomas Allen Master and cruised on the coast for six months - during which time
They took six prizes and sent them in and was discharged at New London - That in December 1779 he entered on board the ship Recovery Capt. Smedley master - he is not positive whether she was a U S or State Vessel - after a short cruise she was taken by the Enemy off Long Island by the British ship Galatea and was carried to New York and put on board the prison ship Jersey remained a prisoner three months and was exchanged and brought to Boston sick with the Yellow fever - returned home - remained sick for many months and did not recover until more than a year from the time of his enlistment
He presumes the Records in the office at Washington will confirm his statement - He further states that there is no person with whom he served that he knows of now alive whose testimony can be had - he further states that he was born at Preston in Connecticut 23 June 1764 - The record of his age is in his Family Bible - That he has resided in Thomaston where he now resides for forty years last past
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of any agency of any State
Darius Brewster
Sworn to and subscribed to the day and year aforesaid.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
Bailey Judge of Probate for said County of Lincoln
I John H. Sheppard Register of the Court of Probate aforesaid do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Darius Brewster for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this eighth day of November A. D. 1832. John H. Sheppard Register of the Court of Probate for said County of Lincoln

Ques
We, Job Washburn a Clergyman, residing in the Thomaston and David Fales residing in the St. John hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Darius Brewster of Thomaston who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be sixty eight years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid { Job Washburn At a Probate Court at Thomaston April 29. 1833. { David Fales Before J. Bailey Judge of Probate.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Job Washburn who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman, resident in the St. John of Thomaston and David Fales who has also signed the same is a resident in the St. John and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
J. Bailey Judge of the Court of Probate in Lincoln County

27084
Darius Brewster
Seaman 22 Months
\begin{array}{r} 86 \\ 3 \\ \hline 176 \\ 117 \\ \hline 250 \end{array}
H. Prince Esq., Thomaston Me

WAR DEPARTMENT,
25 July 1833 Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Darius Brewster
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     76 7 Seaman Colly Thack Capt Stanton  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 
6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must fix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
He must produce proof from the Executive of whatever State or States the vessels in named belonged to, if they were public vessels. Service in private armed vessels is inadmissible

1930 Apr. 21. Photos mailed to Edw. H. Gould. See Joel Adams, W. 23402. A.O.Y.
1930 July 3 M. E. H. Gould ad- dressed birth M.W.F.
Invalid
W. 23402. A.O.Y.
May
File No. 30900
Darius Brewster
"Seaman"
In the "Oliver Cromwell"
Rev War
Act June 7 / 1832.
Index: Vol 1st , Page 51
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Mr. Henchiah Prince Thomaston Maine

Comptrollers Office August 5 th 1833-
I Elisha Phelps Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Connecticut do certify that it appears by the journal of the Council of Safety that on the 31 st day of May 1776 Theophilus Stanton was appointed Capt. of the Row Galley Shark, on the 11 th day of April 1777 Seth Harding was appointed Capt. of the Ship Oliver Cromwell and on the 23 rd day of January 1778 Samuel Smedley was appointed Capt. of the Ship Defencer.
On the 23 rd of March 1779 the Council of Safety passed the following vote, viz, " Voted that this board concur in the opinion of the " Navy Board of the Eastern Department in their letter of " the 15 th inst. in the cruise of the Ship's Confederacy & " Oliver Cromwell up Sound to annoy the enemy - to " attack their Ships & Cruisers as shall appear prudent, & " to prosecute the expedition with greater security of " success, that the Ship Putnam be taken into the " service of the United States, for the present expedition " as the measure carries the appearance of insuring

"sweeps, and the most deliberate reflection, we cannot "doubt of Congress approving the measure."
There are no muster, or pay rolls of the crews of these vessels; nor any other evidence by which to ascertain the duration of their voyages, & the time their respective crews served.
O. Phelps

Sir
Comptroller's Office
Aug. 5 th 1833
Your letter to the Secretary of the State was by him, delivered to me, to examine as requested of him. I have made a minute examination, & have given the result in my certificate. I cannot find that the State ever owned a Ship named the Recovery; & I am confirmed in the opinion, that your Applicant for a pension is mistaken in the name, because he says he sailed in her in 1779 under Capt. Smedley. I find that Capt. Smedley was appointed to command the Defence January 23 rd 1778, & reappointed her commander in February 1779. I conclude therefore, that he served in this Ship in 1778, and Smedley was her Captain; & in 1779 in the Ship Patnam, when I name she was in service. However my conjecture may be erroneous, & if so, I cannot find any evidence, except what I transmit, that will be beneficial to him.
I have not obtained the Seal of the State to be annexed, because my certificates are not required to be so authenticated.
I am very
Respectfully
Yrs O. Phelps
without enclosure
The Secretary sends me the dollar enclosed, if the applicant be able. I think one dollar more would not be too much, as the records are in manuscript &c.

I Lucy Brewster of Thomaston County of Lincoln and State of Maine aged 83 years testify and say that I lived in the State of Connecticut in 1776 and was well acquainted with Darius Brewster now of Thomaston I knew of his entering with his father Iadore Brewster on board the Rowgally Shark and was absent from home more than seven months in 1776. I also know of his entering on board the Ship Oliver Cromwell in 1777 and was absent more than seven months. Also that in 1778 he again entered on board the Ship Putman and was absent more than seven months - and also that in 1779 he shipped on board the Ship Recovery and was absent more than six months during which time he was on board the Prison ship Jersey at New York & returned home sick and remained sick many months. I further say I am a mother in law to D r Brewster and well knowing to the above statements is Test D. S. Talbot. Lucy X Brewster
Subscribed April 25 1833 Personally before the above named Lucy Brewster and made oath to the truth of the above deposition by her subscribed & I testify she is a person of truth and veracity so reputed and is very intelligent for a person of her years
D. S. Talbot, Just. of the Peace

State of Maine
To all whom it may concern
Lincoln ss. I Nathaniel Coffin clerk of all the Judicial Courts within and for the County of Lincoln do hereby certify that David S. Hale Esq whose name is affixed to the within deposition as justice of the peace is legally commissioned and duly qualified to act as such, and that the name so affixed is his own proper signature to me well known
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the court of common pleas this 26 th day of April AD 1833
Nath. Coffin
David S. Hale Justice of the Peace
David S. Hale Justice of the Peace

Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the peace within and for the county of Lincoln. Darius Brewster who being duly sworn deposes 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 men- tioned below, and in the following grades as Seaman in the Rowgally Shark in 1776 for the term of seven months — 7. Months as Seaman in the ship Oliver Cromwell with Herring Master six months — 6 " as Seaman in 1778 or 1779 on board the ship Pulman of 20 guns six months — 6 " as Seaman in the ship Recovery or Defiance under Herring Master three months } 3 " Making twenty two months as Seaman — 22 Months and for such service I claim a pension
Darius Brewster
Lincoln ss October 18 th 1833 The above- named Darius Brewster made oath to the truth of the above declaration by him subscribed before me
Hon d Prince Just of the Peace

State of Maine.
TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.
LINCOLN, ss— I NATHANIEL COFFIN, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts within and for the County of Lincoln, do hereby certify that Hereticus Prince Esq. whose name is affixed to the annexed paper, as a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE is legally commissioned and
duely qualified to act as such, and that the name so affixed is his own proper signature, to me well known. his commission is dated January 31. 1831
will expire Jan. 31. 1838
IN TESTIMONY whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas this twentieth second day of October A. D. 1832
Nath Coffin CLERK.
[Faint, mirrored handwriting from the reverse side of the paper]

EDWARD K. GOULD ATTORNEY AT LAW 376 MAIN STREET ROCKLAND, MAINE
June 20th, 1930
Commissioner of Pensions Washington , D. C.
Sir:
In the Revolutionary and 1812 Section in the case of Darius Brewster, your number S. 30900, Revolutionary pension claims, in photostating the declaration for pensions the names of the town in which he was born, near the bottom of the page is covered by the ribbon attached to the paper. Will you kindly give me the name of the town?
Very Respectfully,
Edward K. Gould.

Rev. & 1813 Wars Section MMHT Clare
July 3, 1930.
Edward K. Gould, Esq. 378 Main Street Rockland, Maine.
Dear Sir:
I advise you that in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 30900, it appears that Darina Brewster was born June 23, 1764 in Preston, Connecticut.
Very truly yours,
E. W. MORGAN, Acting Commissioner.

SUBMIT IN DUPLICATE.
[Signature] 1-681
PHONE Branch 476
All inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No.
41961
Requisition for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON
CHIEF, Division of Publications, Room G 139.
April 8, 192/30.
Please furnish work specified below.
Bureau ordering Pension Deliver to Room No. 5033
(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE, EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)
Title and description of job photostatic copies of 1 page from Revolutionary War pension claim of Darius Brewster, Conn. Sea Service, S. 30800.
No. of copies 1 Shall form be kept standing? days
For further information see Mrs. M. M. H. Finch Room No. 5033 Phone No. 541
Approved:
[Signature: Margaret M. H. Finch]
Chief Clerk of Bureau.
Chief of Division.
NOTE: No order made "SPECIAL" unless statement showing necessity is written below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering
CHECK WORK DESIRED
Duplicate
Multigraph
Mimeograph
Folding
Assembling
Stapling
single or double space? Facsimile signature?
one side or both sides? Facsimile signature?
once or twice?
Once? Twice? Side? End?
Electric typewriter Fill in addresses? Dated?
Addressograph from lists
Envelopes, size Cards, size
Proof list Pay rolls
Labels (submit sample) Corrections
Fill in letters Tabulation sheets
Photostat Size actual Official use? Repay? yes $ .15 Blue Print Size Official use? Repay? $
Remarks
(OVER)
See request in Joel Adams, W. 23402.

NOTE: Routine changes of addresses may be made on this blank without formal reference through or initialing of chiefs of branches or chief clerks of bureaus.
.....192 (Date)
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as follows:
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