Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 18,673, Rory Bunce, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Bunce, Mary Elizabeth
W 18,673
CONTENTS

Payable to Simeon, Leonard & Peris Bunce, Sarah, Vash, Rachel Crocker and Betsey Johnson, only children.
2 leaves 1838 & 1843.
Rep d  
It to B. Cotton Jan 28 1847
8063.
New York.
Elizabeth Bunce, dec d widow of Rory Bunce who was a Corporal in the Revolution.
Husb d died June 27. 1812.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 88 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843, ending 24 th July 1843, when she die d .
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 th day of Jany. 1847. and sent to
L. T. Pease, Present
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A. Vol. 2 Page 72.

18092 Elizabeth Burne
dec - 9170
NY. 1924
Act 7. July 38.
m 83. d 12 - 24 July claim? died 24 July 1943
admrs
2 yrs corpl.
$58
Also 43. $44
88 pp to 24 July '43 when she died -
To Simon - Leonard & Boris Burne - Sarah Rash. Rachel Crocker & Betty Johnson only living children
L. T. Pease Esq.

to establish his claim to a pension, He further declares that the leaf of the Family Bible which is hereto annexed, was taken from the Family Bible of the said Rory Bunce, contains the Records of his family, the book from which it was taken, has been kept in my father's family from the time of my earliest remembrance to the time of his death, and since his death, it has been kept by my mother until her death, since which by her children, He further declares that the only surviving children of his mother the said Elizabeth Bunce by her husband the said Rory Bunce, are the following named, Simon Bunce, (the deponent) Leonard Bunce, Peris Bunce, Sarah wife of Silas Nash, Rachel wife of Stephen Crocker and Betsy the wife of Almon Johnson, Simeon Bunce
Cattaraugus Common June Term 1846 }
Sworn and subscribed in Open Court on the 19th day of June 1846, & Satisfactory evidence has been exhibited that the deponent is one of the lawful children of Rory and Elizabeth Bunce the said Elizabeth late of the town of Dayton deceased and also that the names of the persons stated in the above declaration of Simon Bunce are the only surviving children of Elizabeth Bunce formerly widow of Rory Bunce late of the State of Massachusetts deceased, and the leaf hereto attached was taken from the Bible in my presence declared by Simon Bunce to be the Family Bible of Rory & Elizabeth Bunce, which has the appearance of an Ancient Book, was Printed in Edinburgh in 1756 and the said Court have the utmost confidence in the declarations of the said Simon Bunce,
In Testimony whereof I Francis E. Baillit Clerk of the said Court have hereunto affixed the Seal of the said Court and County at the Court House in the Village of Ellicottville in the said County of Cattaraugus this 19th day of June A.D. 1846 F. E. Baillit clerk

State of New York } Cattaraugus County } SS.
On the 19th day of June in the year 1846 personally appeared in Open Court, before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Cattaraugus and State of New York being a Court of Record and having a Seal, and being now in Session, Simon Burns of the town of Dayton in said County (well known to this Court), aged Fifty eight years, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the balance of a Pension that is supposed to be was due his deceased mother Elizabeth Burns under the Widows Pension Act of 1838, for her husband Rory Burns services as a Teamster and soldier in the War of the Revolution, That he is the son of the said Rory Burns who formerly and during the Revolutionary War, resided in the town of Hartford in the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut, and that his said father and mother when this deponent was nine years of age removed to the town of New Marlborough in the County of Berkshire in the State of Massachusetts and resided there up to the time of his fathers death which was on the 27th day of June in the year 1812, (at which time this deponent was 24 years old), and had removed into the County of Cattaraugus in the State of New York, soon after the death of her husband Rory Burns, this deponent removed her into the said County of Cattaraugus, where she resided, until her death which was on the 21th day of July in the year 1843, as will appear by the proof herewith annexed, That his said father and mother were married on the 9th day of January 1783 (Sixteen hundred and eighty three) as will also appear by the proof herewith annexed, He further declares that he has often heard speak his father speak of his services in the Army of the Revolution, and that he served mostly through the Revolutionary War, and that he served under Captain George Seymour then residing in the town of and County of Hartford and State of Connecticut as a Teamster in the said Capt. Geo. Seymours Company of Teams, that he has often heard him tell of being in the army during the said War , that he was taken a prisoner and confined in the Sugar house in New York, and also that he has heard his father say that he was in the service at the time peace was declared, and was discharged in the State of New Jersey, this deponent does not recollect what the officers names were under whom he served except Capt. Seymour, He further declares that his Mother did not apply for a Pension during her life time for the reason that she and her friends did not know where to apply to obtain the necessary and required proof of his said fathers Revolutionary services.

to establish her claim to a pension, He further declares that the leaf of the Family Bible which is hereto annexed, was taken from the Family Bible of the said Rory Bunce, contains the Records of his family, the book from which it was taken, has been kept in my father's family from the time of my earliest remembrance to the time of his death, and since his death, it has been kept by my mother until her death, since which by her children, He further declares that the only surviving children of his mother the said Elizabeth Bunce by her husband the said Rory Bunce, are the following named, Simon Bunce, (this deponent) Leonard Bunce, Peris Bunce, Sarah wife of Silas Nash, Rachel wife of Stephen Crocker and Betsy the wife of Almon Johnson,
Simon Bunce
Cattaraugus Common June Term 1846
Sworn and subscribed in Open Court on the 19th day of June 1846, & Satisfactory evidence has been exhibited that the deponent is one of the lawful children of Rory and Elizabeth Bunce the said Elizabeth late of the town of Dayton deceased and also that the names of the persons stated in the above declaration of Simon Bunce are the only surviving children of Elizabeth Bunce formerly widow of Rory Bunce late of the State of Massachusetts deceased, and the leaf hereto attached was taken from the Bible, for our presence delivered by Simon Bunce to be the Family Bible of Rory & Elizabeth Bunce, which has the appearance of an Ancient Book, and the said Court have the utmost confidence in the declarations of the said Simon Bunce,
In Testimony whereof Francis E. Baillat Clerk of the said Court have hereunto affixed the Seal of the said Court and County at the Court House in the Village of Ellicottville in the said County of Cattaraugus this 19th day of June A.D. 1846 F. E. Baillat clerk

Village of Ellington in the said County of Cattaraugus this 19th day of June A.D. 1846 J. E. Buellet clerk
Bunce's Book
I was married To Elisabeth Olcott Jan y 9 th 1783
My Daughter Sarah Bunce was born Oct r 20 th 1784
My Son Simon Bunce was born June 9 th 1788
My Son Leonard Bunce was born Sep r 25 th 1790
My Daughter Rachel Bunce was born March 9 th 1796
My Daughter
My Daughter Phebe Bunce was born Oct r 26 th 1807
My Daughter Mariah Bunce was born Jan y 8 th 1808
My Daughter Phebe and my Daughter Mariah was born
My Daughter Betsy Bunce was born March 9 th 1812
My Daughter Phebe was born March 9 th 1812
My Daughter was born Jan y 9 th 1758 Hartford
My Daughter was born Jan y 9 th 1758 Hartford

I Mabel Skinner of the City & County of Hartford, State of Connecticut, aged eighty five years & upwards, being first duly sworn according to law, Depose & say, that I was well acquainted with Rory Bence formerly of said Hartford. my first acquaintance with him was about the time of my own marriage which was on the 22 d day of March 1780 - he was then courting my sister Elizabeth Alcott and married her, according to my best recollection in a little more than a year after my marriage. I have never seen any record of the marriage of my said sister but I recollect perfectly that she was married younger than myself and that she was not quite two years my junior - The Rev. Doctor Nathan Strong late Pastor of what is now called the Centre Congregational Church in Hartford joined my said sister Elizabeth & said Rory Bence in marriage. They lived in my neighborhood according to my best recollections about fifteen years after their marriage, when they removed to New Marlborough in the State of Massachusetts. They had when they left Hartford three children whose names I recollect (Oliver, Sarah, Simon) Leonard and Melvina another whose name I cannot recollect - They had, as I have understood, several other children after their removal.

My said sister Bunce visited Hartford twice after her removal, once with her husband, and the last time after her husband was unable to travel on account of sickness of which he finally died. I have never seen my sister since the death of her said husband Rory Bunce. We were informed of his death by letter from her, and also that she was going immediately to live with her son Simon in the State of New York. This must be more than thirty years since.
And it is more some ten or twelve years since I heard from my said sister Elizabeth, until now that and I have just now learned her death in a letter from her son Simon Bunce and further the Deponent saith not.
State of Connecticut ss  ss ss Hartford County ss
Sworn & subscribed this 10 th day of July 1846
Before me, and I further certify that the Deponent is known to me as a credible person whose statements are entitled to full credit.
W m W Ellsworth
Judge of the Peace

I John Barnard of Hartford in the County of Hartford State of Connecticut aged Seventy years & upwards, being first duly sworn according to law Depose & say that I was well acquainted with Rosa & Bruce formerly of said Hartford. — that I knew him from my earliest recollections until he removed with his family out of this state which I think was about fifty years since. My Father — Capt John Barnard late of said Hartford deceased served in the regular army during the Revolutionary War and commanded a Company in the 8 th Regiment Connecticut Line (Col. Wyllys) and I have always understood that said Rosa & Bruce served under him — I have heard this both from my father & said Bruce. and many incidents of his service in my father's Company as detailed to me by one or both, are within my recollection. I have also  believe the name of said Rosa Bruce was upon the Muster Rolls of said Company. which remained in my possession after my Father's death until within a very few years. There were in said Company two men of the name of Bean. Also of Rosa and no other of the name of Bruce — both born and raised

in Hartford & near neighbors to my father.
Rosa or Rory for the name was spelt sometimes with the a & sometimes with the y married Elizabeth Ablett daughter of Joseph Ablett who lived in said Hartford about an mile distant from the State House on the Albany Road -
They had several children when they removed out of the State. I recollect the names of the two oldest - Sally and Simon. Sally, of now living, must be past fifty years of age -
I do not recollect of ever having seen said Rosa Bance or any of her family since they left this State - And further the deponent saith not
State of Connecticut Hartford County
Before me
Sworn & subscribed this 10 th day of July 1846 Before me. And I further certify the deponent is well known to me as a credible person whose statements are entitled to full credit
Wm W Ellsworth
Justice of the Peace

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., July 13, 1921
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Perry Bunce a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his son's (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. W. 18673-
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Feb. or Mar. 9, 1777 3 yrs. Teamster + Corp. Geo. Seymour Barnard Wylllys Conn.   He was taken prisoner & confined in the "Sugar House" New York - dates not stated.  
Battles engaged in, None stated
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Hartford Conn.
Date of application for pension, by son Simeon June 19, 1846. The cl. al.
Residence at date of application, of son Simeon, Dayton, Cattaraugus Co., N.Y.
Age at date of application, was b. Jan. 9, 1758
Remarks: Sol. b. Jan. 9, 1758; Elizabeth (b. Jan. 14, 1763) daughter of Joseph Olcutt of Hartford Conn. Children: Sarah b. Oct. 20, 1784 mar. Silas Nash; Simeon b. June 9, 1788; Leonard b. Sept. 25, 1790; Rachel b. Mar. 9, 1796 mar. Stephen Crocker; Peris b. Oct. 26, 1801; Mariah b. Jan. 8, 1802; Patsy b. Mar. 9, 1806 mar. Almon Johnson. Sol. d. June 27, 1812 & widow d. July 24, 1843. All of the children were alive in 1846 except Mariah.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

1921, July 13 hist. to Mrs. Helen R. Rupp - Ev
1921, Sept. 13 hist. to Miss Mary Francis E.
1931 Mar. 11. Photos mailed to Mrs. Dan Pyle, thru Cora C. Curry & Fin. Div. mfd. a. N.Y.
1931 Apr. 16. Photos mailed to Cora C. Curry & Fin. Div. mfd. a. N.Y.
1931 Aug. 21. Photos mailed to Cora C. Curry, see Silas Nash, W. 608. A. 193.
Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 18673
Elizabeth Bunce Widow of Henry Bunce Corp. Rev. War.
Act: Mar. 3 d 1893
Index: — Vol. 1 , Page 105
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Rep.
10.171 New York.
Elizabeth Bunce, dec d . Widow of Rory Bunce — who was a pensioner under the Act of — and who died on the 27 th June 1812 — of Col. 3. in the State of New York who was a Compy in the Compy commanded by Captain Seymour of the commanded by in the Rev. time for 2 years.
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 88 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 th day of Jan y . 1844 and sent to L. T. Pease, Esq. Present.
Total amount, $440.00
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by D. A. Wood Clerk, Book D. Vol. 1. Page 529.
Payable to Children

Payment to be made at
Albany by J. B. Olcott
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of
New York
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book A. Vol. 2. Page
D. A. Wood Clerk.
Duplicate

WAR DEPARTMENT.
WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that in conformity with the act of March 3, 1843, Elizabeth Bunce, dec d , of New York who was the (widow of Rory Bunce who was a corporal in the Revolution and died on the 27 th day of June 1872 is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Eighty Eight dollars and _____ cents per annum, commencing on the 4 th March 1843, and terminating on the 21, July 1843, unless  the Pensioner married or died before the last mentioned date, in which  she died, payable to Simeon, Leonard  case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage or death. and Peris Bunce Sarah Nash, Rachel Given at the War Office of the United Crocker and Betsy } States, this 12 th day of Jan y Johnson, only ch. } one thousand eight hundred and 97.
Examined and Countersigned.
Secretary of War.
Commissioner of Pensions.
Replicate.

V o 18097 Elizabeth Bruce, div. N. 1. Sub Reg. Colton Nov 4th 1816.
acc d July 1838

Payment to be made at Albany by J. W. Alcock Agent for paying Pension- ers in the Agency of New York Payable on the 4th March, and 4th September in each year.
Recorded in the Pension Office in Book D. Vol. 1,
Page by _____
N. A. Wood Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that in conformity with the act of July 7, 1838, Elizabeth Bunce, dec d , late of New York who was widow of Rory Bunce who was a Corporal in the Revolution and died on the 27 day of June 1812 is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Eighty Eight dollars and _____ cents per annum, commencing on the 4 th March 1836, and terminating on the 4 th of March, 1841, unless the Pensioner married or died before the above mentioned date; in which case the pension is not payable after the time of such marriage or death, payable to Simeon, Leonard & Paris Bunce, Sarah Nash, Rachel Crocker and Betsey Johnson, only Children. Given at the War Office of the United States, this 12 th . day of January one thousand eight hundred and Forty Seven.
Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. S
Commissioner of Pensions.
Duplicate

Hartford Conn. Jan. 25 1847
Sir
L. J. Pease Esq. has handed me (after being obliged to pay him 25 D ls .) the enclosed certificates in favor of the heirs of Elizabeth Bunce the widow of Rory Bunce and on looking them over I notice that you have inserted one of the names of the heirs wrong viz that of Simon Leonard should have been Simon Bunce as you will notice by the enclosed letter with the names of all the heirs on it
The mistake I think must have occurred by noticing the name of Leonard Bunce as I think the declarations stating forth the names of the children must be correct. You will please return me the letter with the certificates & direct your letter to Woodbury Litchfield Co Conn. where I expect to be for a number of weeks to come. I hope you will not fail to make the correction and return me the certificates without delay.
I am very respectfully
Y r Ob t Serv t
Ben u Colton
J L Edwards C Comm r of Pensions Washington
Direct to Woodbury Litchfield Co Conn.

State of Connecticut Comptroller's Office Hartford 13 July 1846
I certify that on application for evidence of the service of Rory Bunce in the war of the Revolution, I have examined the the records of settlements made with the Connecticut Line of the Continental Army, and under the head of
"Settlement with the 3 d Connecticut Regiment Samuel Wyllys Esq d Colonel before January 1. 1780", I find the name of Bera Bunce, who is stated to have commenced service Feb. 28. 1778 and to the time of this settlement, January 1. 1780, to have served 1 year 10 months & 1 day as Corporal. The balance due him to this time is here entered as £37.5.1, which balance is posted in one of the Ledgers corresponding with this record of settlement, and the name is there spelled Rora .
Also, under the head of
"Settlement with the 3 d Connecticut Regiment, Samuel Wyllys Esq d Colonel for the year 1780", Rora Bunce is entered as commencing service January 1. 1780, and to the time of this settlement, January 1 st 1781, to have served 1 year as Corporal. The balance due him on this settlement is posted to the same Ledger, and under the same head as the former balance. I also find Rora Bunce credited for 3 days service in Durkee's Reg t . Cont. Line, as a private, commencing January 1. 1781.
Mason G. Cleveland Comptroller

Hartford July 15 th 1846
I hereby certify that no records of marriages performed by my predecessor the Rev Dr. Stary pastor of the First Congregational Church in this city has ever come into my hands, and I have reason to believe that no such record is now in existence.
H. A. Hovey, Pastor of the First Congregational Church, Hartford.
Town Clerk's Office, ss. Hartford July 15th. 1846.
I certify that no records of Marriages for the year 1783, are to be found in this Office & that very few Marriages have ever been entered on the Records of the Town of Hartford, previous to the year 1820 -
Attest - Henry Francis - Town Clerk.

N.Y. Cattaraugus Co.
Rory Bunce
27 th Jan 1872 died
Capt. Seymour

Hartford Conn t Aug. 5 1 1846
Sir
I I Pardon Esq r has recently forwarded to your Dept t the of the church Claims of Rosa or Rory Brance and the Comptrollers Certificate accompanied the claim showing the services of Rory Brance in Capt. John Barnards Comp y in Col n Willys Reg t and as there was a discrepancy in the entry of Rory Brance Name on the rolls at the Comptrollers office in the first instance (it being entered Rosa instead of Rory) I now send you an original roll of John Barnards Comp y showing that Rosa Brance enlisted in Feb y 1778 for 3 yrs, as a Corp t which I believe the date corresponds with the first entrance of the Name of Rosa Brance on Col n Willys roll at the Comptrollers office, which shows I think conclusively that the Name of Rosa entered on the rolls at the Comptrollers office should have being Rosa or Rory, and that he was the individual man who was father to the claimants. His Name also appears on the Small Woodworth Book containing rolls of Trusters which Book as you are aware was left by A. W. Binge and myself to show the services in other cases left at your Dept t , and I hope you will give the children of Rory Brance all the benefit of the Truster Service that you may think that evidence will afford.
I also send you an original inspection return of Col n Philip B Brantley Reg t as a sample of the 1500 rolls collected by the Rev d Doct r Sprague of Albany & presented by him to a friend of his in this State and that friend has sent them

to me with instructions for me to keep them so long as I may think they will be useful to me in preparing proof for pension claims, and then to dispose of them in such a way as I may think will be the most useful &c. &c.
I saw Mr. Gaylord in Albany a year or more since and he informed me that he had a large collection of Revolutionary rolls & records, which had been a long time collecting to gratify his curiosity in obtaining genealogies and that they were then of no use to him, and he was at loss what disposition he should finally make of them & rather intimated to me, that he might under some circumstances present them to the Conn t . Historical Society for the reason that Connecticut was his own Native State.
If you should think his collection would be useful in your dep t , I have no doubt that you could make such overtures and arrangement with him as to induce him to deposit them in your dep t .
I am very respectfully y r ob t Serv t Benj m Colton
J. L. Edwards Esq r Comm r of Pensions Washington D c

Hartford Conn!
Nov 20 1846
Sir
I have your Letter of the 4 th Inst. reporting your Objection to the Claim of Elizabeth Bunce formerly the widow of Rosa Bunce such which claim is asserted by the Children of the said Rosa and Elizabeth
I stated to Doc t Crump when in Washington about the date of your Letter, that I would give up the claim for Team Service and and accept of the Service of Rosa Bunce as Corp t in Cap t John Barnards Comp y in Col n Willys Reg t of the Conn t line, and I supposed that the his Service in that Capacity was Satisfactorily proved and that he was Satisfactorily identified
The fact of his Name appearing as a Teamster on the records in 1777 is Not inconsistent with his Name appearing as a corp t in Cap t Barnards Comp y in Feb y 1778
I obtained the aid and assistance of Judge Pease to make out & transmit the claim in consequence of my being unwell at the time, and I was informed by him, that he obtained the deposition of John Barnard of this City (who is a Son of Cap t John Barnard of the Revolutionary war) to the identity of Rosa Bunce that appeared on his fathers rolls and the Rosa Bunce who died many years since in the State of New York and whose Children Now claim on account of their dece d Mother Elizabeth Bunce
I saw John Barnard of this City to day & he informed me that he stated in that deposition (as he thinks) that he was formerly acquainted with Rosa Bunce who resided

this town during the Revolutionary war, and that he moved to the State of New York and there as he had been credibly informed died, and that he had been credibly informed and it was generally understood that he was a Soldier in his father's Comp. y , and that he had often seen his name on his father's Muster rolls etc.
Whether John Barnard testified to the facts that I have above stated the papers in your Dep. t will show me if he did not he is ready to do so Now
If such proof of identity is not satisfactory I know not what other proof can be found and if such technical objections in cases is adhered to, I may as well abandon all hopes and expectations of getting Claims allowed, as it cannot be expected at this late period that living witnesses who took part in the Rev war can be found to testify directly to the point as asked for
I Now send you an original Muster roll of Capt. n John Barnard, showing that he was recruiting at Hartford which was the place of his residence, and on it you will observe the name of Capt. Ross Bunce commencing service in Feb y 1778 for 3 yrs which I believe corresponds with the proof you already have, and I hope this will be satisfactory to you, and you will forward me a certificate without delay
If you want the deposition of John Barnard as this city to the facts that I have above stated I will forward it on to you
I L Edwards Esq r Counsel of Pensions
I am respectfully yours & Servt. Benj m Colton

I certify that in a Book of the late Col. Jeremiah Wadsworth, in an account with Thomas Mifflin Esq. D.M.G. - under date of January 29 th 1778. I find in a pay roll of George Seymour's Company of Teamsters the name of Rory Bence as teamster. Entered as having enlisted March 9 th 1777 & paid at the rate of £4. 10. per month Pension Agency Office Hartford Ct. July 15 th 1846
H. Goodwin 2 nd Agent

Columbia Hotel
Washington
July 31 st 1846
Sir
I expect to leave Washington tomorrow morning and would beg leave to say to you, that the small Book containing the rolls of Tenisters left by my friend A. W. Pidgeon Esq r yesterday to show the names of Abel  Sturman and Nathan or Nathaniel  Bulkley was a Book I drew out of a Mass of Books, papers and records, that belonged to Dr. Masters late Jeremiah Wadsworth and I think the heading of those rolls show clearly and conclusively that the Tenisters were enlisted and in-rolled and you will notice in a scrap of white paper at the commencement of the Book an ancient piece of paper showing the enlistment of Reuben Smith and James Harrington whose names appear as you will notice on Capt. Ogier  Ridgman's roll and I show that they enlisted for a term of 3 yrs, and from the testimony of some living witnesses, it is satisfactory to my mind (and I hope it will be to your associate Doc r Crossin ) that all that class of Tenisters that appear on those rolls enlisted for 3 yrs. In a letter you alluded to the Hon ble James  Dickson of a recent date, reporting the claim of the heirs of Stephen Partridge you say "that it appears from the records in your office that Stephen Partridge enlisted into Capt. Geyton's company in 1777 for a term of 3 yrs" You will notice that Capt. Geyton's roll appears on that Wadsworth Book and as there is a deficiency in Wadsworth's proof as to the contents of the services of that class of Tenisters I hope you will afford all the evidence

you may have in your Dept. showing the length of Service in the Bulky, Standard & General Olcott Cases. I made an examination of Dr. Master Genl. Wadsworth's papers some two or three years since and I found a great mass of them (say a cart load) and I spent a number of days in looking out proof of Service and was informed by Daniel Wadsworth (in whose possession the papers & records were then in and who very liberally gave me & the Soc. of the Historical Society access to them) that many of his father's papers had been lost or destroyed and there appears to be in consequence a great deficiency of proof that would undoubtedly afford satisfactory evidence of the length of Service of that Class of Officers. From your actions and decisions in a number of cases through the agency of L. S. Pearce and the Hon. James Dison recently, I think you cannot any longer have any doubt, that that class of Officers that appears on that Wadsworth Book referred to, were enlisted and enrolled and all of them received $4.10 or 15 Dts. per month for their monthly pay and as you cannot but be aware, that our little State of Connecticut, afforded more men and means for the prosecuting the war of the Revolution than any other State in the Union according to its size and population, and that it has also been peculiarly unfortunate in losing the greater part of their Revolutionary rolls & records from the force & circumstances that I personally related to you this morning. I hope and think you will exercise some little liberality in the examination of a small number of cases that

is Now before you, and some few more that may be presented whose Names will appear on that record
I have not long since seen a Statement that each of the Number of Men furnished from each State in prosecuting the War of the Revolution and to my present recollection it was for a Number of States something like as follows viz Massachusetts about 64,000 Connecticut 34,000 and the great State of New York (one county of which is most as large as the whole State of Conn.) about 17,000 and I believe the State of Virginia furnished the largest Number of any State in the Union
I only refer to these facts to show that our little our little State under her pecuniary misfortunes ought to have some liberality shown to her hoariest Claimants
I send you herewith a letter from one of the heirs of Rosa or Rory Bence which accompanied the Declaration Spears setting forth their claim, and being unwell at the time of the reception of them, I asked Z. J. Pease to aid her in getting additional proof in Hartford and although I stated to him my intention of visiting your Dept. he seemed to manifest a wish to send on the claim in his own name for no other purpose as I could suppose only to get the certificates in his own hands to take what he pleased for his services and although I do not wish to be uncooperative or unfair with him yet it would seem as if I was the proper person to present the claim & to receive your action and decision in the matter & I will leave it to your

discretion & judgment to report the case to me or to him as you may think it the proper for you to do. You will notice that Rory Bruce Name appears on that Mss with Book containing the rolls of Trusters on George Symmons Comp y of James Lit is supposed that he served about 6 years in that capacity, and then enlisted into Capt Barnards Comp y 7 th & Col th Willys Regt.
I have an original roll of Capt Barnards Comp y 7 th that is in Conn. The rolls I showed to you that had been presented by Doct. Sprague of Albany which he obtained he said in New York, that it belonged to Baron St. John, and on that roll it shows that Rory Bruce enlisted in Feb. 7 1778 for 3 yrs. If the proof of Rory Bruce as sent on by L. T. Pease of Hartford should not be satisfactory and you will notify me, I will send you on the roll referred to.
If you should think that the 150 rolls that I showed to you about as having been sent to Conn. by Doct. Sprague of Albany will be of benefit and use to your Dept. I think I will send them to you if you will direct the method of conveyance.
The claim of Amanda Steele the widow of Andrew whose claim you notified Mr. Dison you would allow with a New Declaration ought to be reported to Mr. Dison & I am informed by the Daugh.ter that the additional proof was sent from Norwich Mass. by the Judge before whom the declaration was made.
Whatever course you may feel disposed to take in relation to the Rory Bruce case as to reporting the case to me or Pease, you will please not disregard my remarks I have made in relation to it.
I am Very respectfully Yrs affec. Servt. Henry N. Colton J. L. Edwards Esq. Comm r of Pensions Newington

Dayton, June 20 th 1846
Sir
Your letter of the 11 th May has been received and after considering the subject concluded to accept of your proposals to make an effort for us free of cost to us, for amount obtained. And made the necessary papers before the County Court with the signature of the Clerk and Seal of the county attached as we was advised was the proper course which we herewith enclose (We always understood father was in the Revolutionary Service as much as five years. A record of which I think can be found in the office of Secretary of State of Conn. We wish you to make the examination as we suppose he would be entitled to the same compensation as for other services as a soldier You also wished us to refer you to some old persons near where we lived in Hartford which we fear will be a difficult task after an absence of fifty years and children when we left we will give you the names of some we were acquainted with we lived one mile from the court house a half mile from the little river bridge on the Road that led to Farmington, our nearest neighbours was Charles Seymour an aged man had two sons Nathaniel and Charles. Grove Barnard at that time about twenty five years old Capt Daniel Seymour aged man has sons Daniel and Dan Dorus Barnard had a son George 7 or 8 years old a man by the name of Webster Daniel Bunn an aged man son Daniel aged 10 They lived on Cooper lane Mothers name was Elizabeth Alcott her fathers name was Joseph lived on the Road from Hartford to Hudson one mile from the court house and Alcott in Capt Wadsworths company of teams was her brother he had a son Jared who if living is upwards of fifty years old We see by the reading of your letter that you was deceived about the place of our residence We live in the town of Dayton Cattaraugus County N.Y. Please direct to Nashville P.O. Chautauqua Co. N.Y.

We have enclosed all the information in our possi- we can think of necessary in the case if you want a more information which you think likely to be in our possession please write us
Respectfully Yours Benjamin Cotton
Simon Burn
Price

Rev. 41812
No. 22.
August 7, 1931.
Rev. 41812 Wars Section.
561
Rev. War claim of Rory Bunce, File No.
W.18673.
Actual
4 positive copies only
Uncertified
$5.40.....9 pages
XX
Kindly leave margin of 1 1/2 in. at top of each page and return papers in each case in folder with corresponding name and number. The word "omit" written in pencil on those pages which are not to be copied.
Chief, Rev. 41812 Wars Section.
Positives taken from her order of April 9. For list of pages see order of March 2, 1931.
See order in Silas Nash, W. 608.

April 9, 1931.
Bureau of Pensions. Rev.&1812 Wars Section.
541
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Rev. War claim for pension of Rory Bunce, File No. W.18673.
Actual 1 of 7 pages and 2 of 1 page.
Remitter: Miss Cora C. Curry, 1420 Girard Street, N. W., Washington, D. C.
Mail to: Remitter:
$1.35.....8 pages
xxx
Kindly leave margin of 1 1/2 in. at top of each page and return papers in each case in folder with corresponding name and number. The word "omit" written in pencil on those pages which are not to be copied.
Chief, Rev.&1812 Wars Section.
for Rev. War claim for pension of Rory Bunce, File No. W.18673. April 9, 1931. Chief, Rev. War Section.

Remitter:
Miss Cora C. Curry 1420 Girard St. N.W.
Washington, D. C.
Mail to remitter:
Bunce
cash - $3 45
Mail to:
Mrs Dan Pyle -
1273 Woodward Avenue South Bend.
Indiana
Nash
April 9, 1931.
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
Please furnish photostatic copies of fourteen pages from Revolutionary War claim of Silas Nash, W.608 and eight pages, one page copied twice, from Revolutionary War pension claim of Rory Bunce, W.18673, uncertified.
Very truly yours,
Received payment $5.45 April 9, 1931.
[Handwritten signature: E. A. Elfoung]

Rev.&1812 Wars Section. Bureau of Pensions.
March 3, 1931.
541
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Rev. War claim for pension of Rory Bunce, File No. W.18873.
Actual 1 of each page
Remitter; Miss Cora C. Curry, 1420 Girard Street, N. W., Washington, D. C.
Mail to: Mrs. Dan Pyle, 1273 Woodward Avenue, South Bend, Indiana.
XXX
$1.30.....8 pages
Kindly leave margin of 1 1/2 in. at top of each page and return papers in each case in folder with corresponding name and number.
The word "Remit" written in pencil on these pages which are not to be copied.
Chief, Rev.&1812 Wars Section
Handwritten notes and scribbles at the bottom of the page, including dates like 10-12-49 and names like "John" and "Bunce".

List to Mrs. Dan Pyle: Simcon Bunce's Appl. June 19-1846. _____ 2 pages Family record _____ 1 " Mabel Skinner's affid. July 10-1846. _____ 2 " John Barnard's affid. July 10-1846. _____ 2 " War Dept. Wid. Pension Cef., Jan. 12-1847. _____ 1 " (Unk. duplicate) 
Washington, D. C. 1430 G Street, N. W. Remitted: Miss Cora C. Child
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX BROWN & COMPANY 1430 G STREET, N. W.

March 2, 1931.
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
Please furnish uncertified photostatic copies of eight pages from Revolutionary War pension claim of Rory Bunce, W.18673.
Very truly yours,
Remitter -
Miss Cora C. Curry 1420 Girard St. N.W. Washington, D.C.
Send to -
Mrs Dan Pyle 1273 Woodward Avenue South Bend Indiana
Received payment - March 2 - 1931. $1.20 - L.L. Lersch.
Rev.&1812 Wars Section.

Ruth Wyllys Chapter Hartford, Connecticut
101 Elm Street, August 11, 1921.
Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
Will you please send me at your earliest convenience what information you can regarding the following,- Connecticut.
Seth Baker, Sea Service. S.F. 23106
Silas Nash, Hannah Tyree former wid. of. W. 608. BLWt. 28545-160-55.
Bunce, - Rory. wid. Elizabeth. W. 18673.
Also kindly let me know the charges, and oblige,
Very truly yours,
(Miss) May Francis , Registrar Ruth Wyllys Chapter.

Rev Sec
Monmouth, Ill. June 27, 1921.
Commissioner of Pensions Pension Bureau, War Dept. Washington D.C.
Sir
I am Registrar of the Mildred Warner Washington, Heart of Oak Chapter. Daughters of the American Revolution, of this city.
Two ladies of Whittier, Calif. have applied to me for membership in my chapter, and have authorized me to seek everywhere for data concerning their soldier ancestors. They are descendants of Silas Nash and Rora Bunce, both from Connecticut.
Silas Nash was a pensioner. He lived during his last years in Nashville, Chautauqua Co., N.Y. and was buried in the cemetery there.
In behalf of the two applicants, mentioned before, I am asking you to send me, for the purpose of providing them with official confirmation of the soldier's service, a copy of the pension record of Silas Nash, of Conn. died in New York.
Was Capt. Rora Bunce a pensioner? He was born in Hartford, Conn. 1758, died in New Marlboro, Mass.
The Regent of my chapter is Miss Sarah D. Gibson, 203 So. Fourth St. She is out of the city at present but has instructed me to use her name, when ever necessary. Very truly-
Mrs Helen Rye Rapp, Registrar.
304- So. Main St.