Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 23778, James Calkins, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Calkins, James Esther
W. 23778
CONTENTS

27210 Massachusetts
James Calkins of Hampshire in the State of Mass who was a private in the Compy. commanded by Captain Calkin of the Regt. commanded by Colo Sattenstallin the Mass line for 18 Months private
6 th mile
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass at the rate of 60 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 th day of Mar. 1834 — and sent to. Richard D. Morris Esq r Springfield Mass
Arrears to the 4th of Mar: 1834 $130 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 th Sep 1. 30
$210
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by George Taylor Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 2 Page 14
63 Hampden

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Hampden SS.
On this ninth day of January in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and thirtyfour Personally appeared before me Oliver B Morris Esquire Judge of the Court of Probate within and for the County of Hampden and Commonwealth of Massachusetts James Calkins a resident of Milbraham in the County of Hampden and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged Eighty three Years, Who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7. 1832. That he entered the Service of the United States under the following named Officers, and served as herein stated. That he resided in New London Connecticut in the Year 1775 and that in the Month of April eight same Year immediately after the battle of Lexington he was drafted out as a Minute Man in a Company of Connecticut Militia under the Command of Capt Jonathan Calkins Lieut Samuel Babbe and Ensign Thomas Allen. That he was ordered to be constantly in readiness to March when the Alarm Gun should be fired, That said Company were called out almost every day for drill and exercise and frequently marched to different points on the coast in the vicinity of New London as the Enemy shipping appeared on the Coast, that he was almost every day under arms until the Month of August 1776 in the same Company and was in readiness to March to whatever quarter he was directed. That he does not recollect that he was more than once drafted during this period but thinks that he served under the first direction. That he is unable to tell to what Regiment he belonged or who was the Commander of the Regiment. That during this service he under understood that he was bound to go when called for then and that he always went when required, that the Alarm Guns were frequently fired and sometimes two or three times in a day, that he was frequently gone from home two or three days at a time on excursions and was constantly doing more or less duty as the occasion required during the whole of the above period, Capt Calkins Company were kept in constant readiness for the defence of New London and vicinity and every Member was required to observe the movements of the shipping when it came into the vicinity of New London and give notice thereof

15 months
immediately. That said Applicant was enabled at some periods of the time to do some work on the farm which he then occupied but was necessarily absent on duty a great portion of the time. That he has no distinct recollection of any other company being on duty at that time or that any commander of a Regiment was there. That he is enabled to fix the time of his being called into the service as it was about three or four weeks before the birth of his second child who was born on the 16 th of May 1775. That he served as before stated at this time according to the best of his recollection about fifteen months. and that he does not know of any person living who was out in said service with him or who can testify to his service.
3 months
That in the latter part of August or the first part of September in the Year 1776 the said Applicant volunteered in a company commanded by Capt. Coonstock and marched immediately for New York. That the company staid at New Haven a week or ten days. The Regiment the said Applicant believes was commanded by Col. Saltonstall and that Lieut. Col. Sly was an Officer in the Regiment. That from New Haven they were marched through Fairfield to East Chester where they made a halt of two or three days. That they were then marched to West Chester and worked on a temporary fort building there about half a mile as he thinks North of Fort Independence about a mile or more from Kings bridge. That he there saw Gen. Washington. That they remained at West Chester a short time and were then ordered to White Plains where they remained on duty a while the said Applicant cannot recollect how long. That while at White Plains there was an action between the British & American troops. That the said Applicant was taken sick at White Plains and was sent to a place the name of which he does not recollect a little to the North of White Plains where he remained until the latter part of November when he was discharged being unable to perform duty and that he returned home as fast as he was able to get along. That he served three months on this tour of duty. That he received a written discharge which is lost or mislaid and he is unable to find it. That he has no documentary evidence of his service. That he has sent to the Office of the

Comptroller of the State of Heads Connecticut for credit but has not been able to procure any evidence of service but a document from the Comptroller which is annexed herunto - That he is known to the Rev. Alvin Bennett John Carpenter Stephen Hovey and Thomas Bliss all of Milbroham who can testify as to his reputation and their belief in his service and he has procured and annexed herunto the deposition of the Rev. Alvin Bennett & John Carpenter and that he does not know of any person living who can testify positively to his service That he was born in New London Connecticut in the year 1750 where he resided until the year 1779 when he removed to Milbroham Mass. where he now resides - that he does not know of any record of his birth - That he served as a private soldier during the whole of said service - that service remained a commission - That owing to his extreme old age and consequent loss of memory he is unable to state with precision the full particulars of the length of his service but believes that he served in the whole as above stated one year & six months for which he claims a pension - He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
James Calkins
And I Oliver B Morris Judge of the Court of Probate aforesaid do hereby declare my 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 that by reason of bodily infirmity he is unable to attend the court. - And I further certify that Alvin Bennett who has signed a certificate annexed is a clergyman resident in the Town of Wilbraham  Hampden and that John Carpenter who has also signed a certificate annexed is a resident in the Town of Milbroham and is a credible person and that their statements are entitled to credit
Oliver B Morris Judge of the Court of Probate
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Hampshire ss
I Justin William Clarke of the Court of Probate, the same being a court of Record within and for said County of

Hampden do hereby certify that the Hon. Oliver B. Morris is the Judge of said Court and that his name subscribed to the proce- eding declaration of his opinion & of his doings in the matter of the application of James Calhoun for a Pension, is his proper hand writing & genuine signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Hampden this tenth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hun- dred and thirty four
Justin Willard Clerk
James Calhoun Declaration for a pension

Massachusetts 823
Esther Calkins widow of James Calkins decd.
Conn. who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 8th March 1837 of Housatonic in the State of Ill who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Calkins of the Regt. commanded by Col. Saltonstall in the Ct. line for 18 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass. at the rate of 80 Dollars — Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836 8th March 1837
Certificate of Pension issued the 31 st day of Oct. 1838 and sent Henry Morris Springfield Mass.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1838 $120.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4th Mar. 39, 50.00
$170.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by N. Addison Clerk Book 4 Vol. 1 st Page 79

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampden County 38
On this thirtieth day of August in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred & thirty eight personally appeared before Oliver B. Morris Esq. Judge of the Court of Probate for said County of Hampden Esther Calkins a resident of Wilbraham in said County 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 7. 1838, entitled "An Act granting Half pay and pensions to certain widows" That she is the widow of James Calkins dec d who was a private in the war of the Revolution and served as stated in the declaration of the said James made under the Act of Congress passed June 7. 1832, to which and the accompanying evidence on the files of the Pension Office, said Esther refers for a particular statement & proof of the services of said James; That said James was pensioned under said last mentioned Act of Congress according to the annexed certificate.
She further declares that she was married to the said James Calkins on the nineteenth day of August in the year seventeen hundred & eighty four - That her husband the aforesaid James Calkins died on the eighth day of March in the year eighteen hundred & thirty seven; That she was not married when prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred & ninety four, viz: at the time above stated. her Esther Calkins mark
Subscribed & sworn to the day & year first above written before me, and I certify that the said Esther Calkins being unable to write her name made her mark in my presence, and that by reason of bodily infirmity she is unable to attend the Court Oliver Morris Judge of the Court of Probate for said County

Hampden ss August 31 st 1830 And now I the said Judge after an investigation of the matter do declare my opinion that the said James Galkins deceased was a soldier of the Revolution as stated in the foregoing declaration, that on the nineteenth day of August in the year of our Lord seventeen hundred and eighty four he was married to the said Esther Galkins, that he died on the eighth day of March eighteen hundred and thirty none leaving the said Esther his widow, that she has not again been married, and now is the widow of the said James Galkins deceased.
In testimony whereof I do hereunto subscribe my name and cause the seal of said Court to be affixed this 31 st day of August A.D. 1830.
Nathan Merrill Judge of the Court of Probate for said County

I, Nathan Minter of Springfield in the County of Hampden & Commonwealth of Massachusetts do hereby affirm and say that I married a grand daughter of James Calkins late of Milbraham dec d ; That the said James died in the early part of March in the year eighteen hundred & thirty seven, and that since his decease, his widow, Esther Calk- ins has remained unmarried. Nathan Minter
Hampden ss August 31 1830 I hereby subscribe and swear to before me, and I certify that the said Nathan Minter is a credible witness. Nason Merrill Judge of the court of Probate for said county

"Mr James Calkins & Miss Esther Cadwell junior both of Wilbraham intend marriage; are lawfully published the seventeenth of July seventeen hundred and eighty four."
The above is a true copy of the record with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair, legible figures as follows, "17 July 1784"
Luther Brewer } Town Clerk of Wilbraham
I Luther Brewer above named depose & say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in Wilbraham in the County of Hampden and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said town with the exception above named as certified by me.
I further depose and say that I find no record of the actual marriage of the said James Calkins and Esther Cadwell, but only the record of their publishment of intentions of marriage as above certified.
Luther Brewer
Hampden August 30 th 1830 Subscribed and sworn to before me
Nathan Morris Judge of the Court of Probate for said County

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Hampshire } S. S.
I Justin Willard Clerk of the Probate Court within & for said County do hereby certify that the Hon. Oliver B. Morris before whom the foregoing declaration of Esther Lakin was made & sworn to also before whom the foregoing depositions of Luther Brown and of Ithamar Minton were severally verified, is the Judge of said Court and that his signature subscribed to the several certificates thereof is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Probate at Springfield this Twentieth day of August A.D. 1838
Justin Willard Clerk

1160
Calkins
admitted
Pa. 18 th June 60.
Waps City June 32

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 23778
Esther Calkins Wid of James Calkins Brn Gown Line
Act July 7th 1898
Index: Vol A , Page 121
[Arrangement of 1870.]

J L Edwards Esq Barnes of Parsons

Springfield Mass ts Feb y 7. 1834
Sir
Herewith enclosed I return you the declaration of James Calkins having made an additional declaration in the Manner prescribed. I believe that I have drawn it up in form comprehending all that you require in the lease, and it is attached to the original declaration under the Seal of the Court with the Clerk's Certificate. Mr Calkins is a very legal man and tells his story with great simplicity of manner, and I am fully convinced from a knowledge I have of his character that he would not utter a word that he did not fully believe true and that he would much rather fall short than to exceed. - I am fully persuaded that he served in the Revolution One Year and Six Months and for his sake I hope that his claim may meet with a favorable reception and be acted upon as an
I am very respectfully Yours &c
Richard D. Morris

James Calkins, Mass. Act of June 1832 to what time p d ? Pen: Office
p d the 4 March 1837 JH
Oct 30. 1838

29247
James Calkins Hampshire Co
Admitted 18 th Novate Capt Calkins Colo Salinatal e
please return this paper
Richard D Morris Esq Springfield Mass

WAR DEPARTMENT,
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 Jam s Caulkin
   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.              
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this                      day of                      personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of                      in the county of                      and State, Territory or District of                      aged (c)                      years, who being first 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 enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)                      , with                      and served in the                      (e) regiment of the                      line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) 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 in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I                      of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of                      for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of                      &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the                      and C. D. residing in (the same)                      , who has hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with                      , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 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 days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
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 A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the                      and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the                      and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I,                      Clerk of the Court of                      do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this                      day of                      &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
in consequence of infirmity, old age & consequent loss of memory — It will be required that the

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 _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state 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 affix 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.
The notes from [a] to [i] 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.
[k] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
silvan should take the oath as prescribed between the braces ( ) The length of service as stated is very vague and indefinite

James Calkins Additional Declaration
Richard D Morris Springfield Mass'tts

Additional declaration of James Calkins
I James Calkins of Milbraham do make this additional declaration to a former declaration by me made in order to obtain a pension under the Act of Congress passed June 7. 1832. That in the month of April 1775 near the last of the month I was drafted as a minute man at New London Connecticut, in the Connecticut Militia and immediately entered upon service. That the officers of the company as mentioned in my former declaration were Capt. Jonathan Calkins, Lieut. Samuel Beebe & Ensign Thomas Minor, I have an impression the company were in Col. Saltonstall's Regiment and that he commanded, but cannot positively say. The company to which I belonged were kept as a guard in readiness for the protection of New London and its vicinity and the coast along the sea shore, and were almost every day called out for drift excursions and guard, and sometimes were gone two or three days at a time on the coast. And that we performed this duty until the first of August 1776 when we were verbally discharged. The company to which I belonged were quartered at their respective homes when not out on duty of performing guard duty - We were always in constant readiness and assembled at a particular place upon the firing of a gun - All the men of the company resided in New London. Some portion of the company were kept constantly on the lookout and on guard. I have some recollection that other troops came to New London and staid a short period when we were supposed to be in great danger. I have always supposed that I served fifteen months at this period.
I further say that about the last of August or first of September in the year 1776 I volunteered in Captain Comstock's company of Connecticut Militia and marched to the vicinity of New York & White Plains & and was discharged and came home about the first of December following having served three months.

as is particularly set forth in my former declaration I very well recollect that Col or Maj Ely belonged to the same Regiment but I cannot say who commanded but have an impression that Col Saltonstall did That in my former declaration I have as fully set forth my service as I am enabled to do at this time
That in consequence of infirmity, old age and consequent loss of Memory I cannot swear positively as to the precise length of my service - but according to the best of my recollection I served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the following grades - For One Year and three Months I served as a private at New Bedford & vicinity in Capt Jonathan Calkins Company For three Months I served as a private in Capt Converse's Company Near New York & at White Plains &c Making in the whole One Year and Six Months and for such service I claim a pension
James Calkins
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampden County ss. On the fifth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty four personally appeared before me the subscriber a justice of the Peace within and for the county of Hampden, James Calkins above named and made oath to the truth of the foregoing additional Declaration by him subscribed.
Before me Richard D Morris Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts ss. County of Hampshire ss.
I Justin Willard Clerk of the Court of Probate, the same being a Court of Record within & for said County do hereby certify that Richard D Morris Esq. before whom the preceding additional Declaration of James Calkins was sworn and subscribed, is a Justice of the Peace within & for said County and that the name Richard D Morris subscribed to the preceding certificate thereof, is his proper hand writing & genuine signature. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Springfield this sixth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty four.
Justin Willard Clerk do

29247 James Watkins
Declaration for a Pension Springfield Mass
Richard D Morris Esq Springfield Mass

Comptrollers Office Dec r 17 th 1833
I Elisha Phelps, Comptroller of the public accounts of the State of Connecticut do certify that it appears by the journal of the Council of Safety, that among other regiments, the third regiment of the militia were, by that board, ordered on the first day of September 1776 to march to New London and embark for Long Island; and on the 5 th day of September aforesaid, said third regiment with others were ordered to march towards New York; that on the books of the Pay Table, under date February 28 th 1777, there is charged to "Capt. Nathaniel Comstock 3 rd Regt. Milicia," to cash advanced by O. Ellsworth

" D r for your company £33, 0, 0. The account of Capt. Nathaniel Bomslock was settled on the 2 nd day of June 1784, & the amount thereof was included in a charge to the United States, for the expenses of the 3 rd Reg t of militia in 1776 per Major John D r .
No roll of Capt. Bomslock's company has been found, or of the 3 rd Reg t of militia, or evidence showing how long they were in service.
That under date August 7 th 1775 the Council of Safety ordered the commanders of the 3 rd 8 th 20 th 7 th & 2 nd Reg t s to detach one fourth of their men & have them equipped & ready to march, & ordered one additional company to New London.
In the above order of the 7 th of August 1775 the Council of Safety say, viz t "and" " said fourth part to hold themselves in readiness as minute men to march at the shortest

„ notice to any place attached, or in danger of „ being attacked by sea or land, & the same to „ sueor and defend &c.
I do not find any roll of Col. Jonathan Balkins company in 1775, or evidence showing how long it was in service, or that he then commanded a company. The expence of the militia was generally often charged in gross, & the names of the Captains were not mentioned.
E. Phelps

I John Carpenter of Milbraham in the County of Hampshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with James Calhins of Milbraham aforesaid that he resides in my neighborhood that I believe him to be Eighty Three 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 I concur in that opinion.
John Carpenter
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Hampshire ss. On the Twentieth day of December in the Year of our Lord One Thousand eight hundred and thirty three personally appeared before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace within & for the County of Hampshire John Carpenter the aforesaid deponent and made solemn oaths to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed; And I hereby certify that the aforesaid deponent is a resident of Milbraham and is a credible witness and that his statement is entitled to full credit Richard D Morris Justice of the Peace
I Alvin Bennett a clergyman residing in the Town of Milbraham in the County of Hampshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts hereby certify that I am well acquainted with James Calhins of Milbraham that he is a Member of the Church over which I preside that I believe him to be Eighty three 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 I concur in that opinion
Alvin Bennett
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Hampshire ss. On the Twentieth day of December in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three personally appeared before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace within and for the County of Hampshire Alvin Bennett the aforesaid deponent and made solemn oaths to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed; And I hereby certify that the aforesaid Alvin Bennett is a clergyman residing in Milbraham and that he is a credible witness and that his statement is entitled to full credit.
Richard D. Morris Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Hampden S.S.
I Justin Willard Clerk of the Court of Probate, the same being a Court of Record within & for said County do hereby certify that Richard D. Morris before whom the preceding certificates depositions of John Carpenter and Alvin Bennett were normally executed is a Justice of the Peace within & for said County and that his name subscribed to the preceding certificates thereof is his genuine signature & proper hand writing.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Springfield this tenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty four four.
Justin Willard Clerk

James L. Edwards Esq. Commr of Pensions Washington D. C.

Springfield Mass. Sept. 3 d 1838
Sir
The accompanying declaration of Esther Calkins is forwarded by
Your obt servt
Henry Morris
James L. Edwards Esq

I Titus Annisdon of Wilbraham in the County of Hampden and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Depose and say that I have been personally acquainted with Mr James Calkins from a boy, that I was present at his marriage with Ester Caldwell; the ceremony was solemnized by the late Revd Mr Baldwin of Palmer in said County sometime in the month of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred eighty four I was then twenty one years old Further the Deponent saith not Titus Annisdon
Wilbraham August 15-1888
Then personally appeared Titus Annisdon and made oath to the truth of the above Deposition by him subscribed before me
Lesse W Rice justice of the peace
I hereby certify that Mr Titus Annisdon's character for truth and veracity is good Lesse W Rice
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Hampden ss. I Justin Willard Clerk of the Probate Court within & for said County do hereby certify that Lem W. Rice Esq before whom the foregoing depositions of Dea Caldwell & of Titus Annisdon were severally executed in a justice of the Peace within & for said County & was on the 15 th day of August next and that his signature subscribed to the several certificates of said depositions is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Probate Court at Springfield this thirtieth day of August AD 1888
Justin Willard Clerk

I Daniel Caldwell of Willbraham in the County of Hampden and Commonwealth of Massachu- setts Depose and say, that I have from a boy been personally acquainted with Mr James Calkins late of said Willbraham deceased that I was present at his Marriage with Oster Caldwell the ceremony was solemn- ized by the late Revd Mr Baldwin of Pohke in said County some time in the month of August in the year of our Lord and Master one thousand seven hundred and eighty four I was then nineteen years of age Further the deponent saith not
Daniel Caldwell
Willbraham August 15 1838
Then personally appeared Daniel Caldwell and made oath to the truth of the above depositions by him subscribed before me
Jesse W. Rice justice of the peace
I hereby certify that Mr Daniel Caldwell's character for truth and veracity is good Jesse W. Rice

Payments to be made at Boston Mass by Pres t Commonwealth Bank Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of
Massachusetts
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book E. Vol. 2
Page 14 by
George Taylor Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, James Calkins of the State of Massachusetts who was a private in the war of the Revolution
is entitled to receive — Sixty — dollars and _____ cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this Eighth day of March one thousand eight hundred and thirty=four
L. D. Bishop Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. }
J. S. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.