Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 28,634, Nathan Bassett, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Bassett, Nathan
S. 28634
CONTENTS

mailed without review
August 8, 1935.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mrs. A. P. Wyman Route 3 Skowhegan, Maine
BA-J/ady Am Nathan Bassett S.28634
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter relative to soldiers of the Revolutionary War.
Revolutionary War data furnished by this office are obtained from claims made to the United States for pension and bounty land based upon military service of soldiers in that war.
A careful search of the records fails to show such a claim on file on account of the services of James Ridpath, John Ridpath, Matthew Mayhew, John S. Shattuck or John Shattuck, or Samuel Pepper, all spellings of the names searched.
The data contained herein are obtained from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for pension, S.28634, based upon the military service of Nathan Bassett in that war.
Nathan Bassett was born August 15, 1751 on Martha's Vineyard, Town of Chilmark, Dukes County, Massachusetts. The names of his parents are not shown.
Nathan Bassett enlisted October 9, 1775, served two months as drummer under Captain Nathan Smith and Major Barachiah Bassett (his brother) in the Massachusetts troops and was stationed on Martha's Vineyard. He enlisted the last of 1775 or first of January 1776, served twelve months as private and drummer under Captain Nathan Smith, Major Barachiah Bassett and Colonel Jacobs in the Massachusetts troops and guarded the sea coast. His name was borne on the military rolls as Nathan Bassett, Junior. One Fortunatus Bassett, was second lieutenant under said Captain Smith, no relationship to soldier stated.

The soldier, Nathan Bassett moved from Martha's Vineyard about April 1794 to Florida, New York.
He was allowed pension on his application executed November 3, 1836 while a resident of Florida, Montgomery County, New York.
There are no family data except the above reference to soldier's brother.
Very truly yours
Date of death not on A.B.
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

State of New York Montgomery County ss. On this Third _____ day of November 1836 personally appeared before John Hana one of the Judges of the Montgomery County Courts in and for the State of New York
Nathan Bapett junior a resident of the town of Florida in the County of Montgomery aforesaid & State of New York aged Eighty five years, who being 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 th 1832
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers and served as herein stated: That on the 9 th day of October 1775 he enlisted in the Company of Captain Nathan Smith who was under the Command of Major Barriehiah Bapett a Brother of the appli- cant for the term of two months from the day of enlistment before mentioned. The applicant went into service under Cap- tain Smith and served regularly for the period of two months as Drummer to the said Company. Captain Smith was stationed during the service herein stated at the town of Chilmark on the west end of Martha's Vineyard Island about one mile from Gay Head in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and was Captain of a Company of Militia of said Commonwealth under the Command of Major Bapett, who had the charge of about 300 men in the public service: That Major Bapett acted as Colonel under a Major's Commission as the applicant understood. That during the two months service under Captain Smith before related; the Company was employed in guarding the sea coast, watching the British Vessels that came in from sea, and prevent- ing them from landing. The applicant further states

That some time in the latter part of the year 1775 or the fore part of January 1776 the particular day he cannot now remember, he again enlisted in Captain Smith's Company under the command of Major Basset for the period of twelve months, and served the whole term of twelve months without any loss of time either as Drummer to the Company or as a private, except when absent from duty on furlough which the applicant considers part of the time of Service. That the principle employment in this latter service was like the former, guarding the Sea Coast and watching the British Vessels which were hovering along the Coast; And during which time the applicant was under the command of Captain Smith, The Americans took three British Vessels as prizes which were libelled and sold.
The first Vessel was taken by Captain Smith with a draft of men from his Company among whom was the applicant. It was a Sloop of about 100 Tons burthen; Captain Smith went out from the Town of Tisbury in a small Sloop supposed that he had about 30 men well armed and came near the British Sloop which lay at anchor in Nones Hole Harbor and Captain Smith came near the Sloop and hailed her to strike her colors or he would sink her. Captain Smith then left his own Sloop and with six men got into the small Boat and Boarded the British Sloop. She having struck her colors, and took her as prize. She was loaded with Black Tea and he also took nine men the only persons on Board as prisoners, and they were sent on, Prisoners to head quarters at Boston. The second Vessel taken by Captain Smith was a British Ship of about 500 Tons burthen from New York to Halifax; She had but little cargo which consisted chiefly of Porter; She was Ballast with about 1500 Bushels of Salt and

got aground on the Nantucket Shoals. Captain Smith went out from a place called Old Town (now Edgartown) in a small Sloop with about 30 men and exchanged several shots; The British kept up a fire by Swivel Guns until the Captain of the Ship was shot through the thigh, and then surrendered; Captain Smith took the ship's crew consisting of 12 or 15 men as near as the applicant can recollect, the principal part of whom were sent to head quarters at Boston. And some of the prisoners taken were Americans who had been forced into the British Service and were discharged. The applicant was stationed on shore until Captain Smith had boarded the Vessel to keep guard: and was then ordered out with others of the Company to assist in towing the vessel into Old Town Harbor. After wards the ship was moved to New Bedford, was libelled and condemned.
The Third Vessel taken by the Americans was a Privateer which came into New York. where the hands principally left her, as the applicant, from report of the hands taken in her, informed the Americans. This Privateer came on to the Vineyard and anchored in Old Town Harbor. And about 40 men went out in two small Boats. The one commanded by Captain Smith & the other by Major Babb. and took the Privateer, which was commanded by George Hazard a Refugee. She fired several times on the American Boats, but they ran along side of her and boarded the Privateer & took her; she was run into New Bedford Seized & condemned. Her cargo consisted chiefly of goods and some Spanish Hides dressed into Leather. The applicant was stationed on shore with a part of Captain Smith's Company while the Privateer was taken.

And then the applicant went out in another Boat and helped tow her in as before related.
The Officers in Captain Smiths Company were as follows - Jeremiah Mantar was first Lieuten- ant. Fortunatus Babbitt was Second Lieutenant, and Jesse Luce Ensign; the applicant, then Beniah Horton was Colonel of three Companies of Militia during the Service of the applicant, but he had no command over Captain Smiths Company.
The Applicant further States that the whole time of his enlistment was 14 months during which time he actually served in the Company aforesaid; That he Received no written discharge from the Service: He was born on the 15 th day of August 1751 and has a Record of his age in his possession: and was a Native of Martha's Vineyard in the County of Dukes, in the town of Chilmark and State of Massachusetts. He left Martha's Vineyard about 42 years last April and came to Florida in Montgomery County and State of New York, where he has since resided And the Applicant 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
before me John Hand,
a Judge of the Montgomery County Court

New-York N. 31. 10.
31/80
Wathan  Basset, J.
Montg y in the State of N. York who was a Musician & pri t in the comp y command d by Captain Smith of the Reg t command d by Col. Jacobs in the Mass. state for Troops -
12 mos. 1 day musician & pri.
Inscribed on the Roll of New-York (Alb y ) at the rate of 42 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 day of Au- gust 1837 and sent to Horatio Fish, Esq. Fultonville, Mont y Co.
Arrears to the 4th of March, '37 $ 253.98 Pemi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept. " 21.16
$ 275.14
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by S. A. Elliot Clerk, Book E 2 Vol. 4 Page 6.
Pension Agent, Albany, Sept. 5, 1837. (correct name)

State of New York § County of Montgomery §
I John Hand a Judge of the County Courts of the County above named - resident in the Town of Glen in said County - before whom the aforegoing and hereto annexed declaration was sworn to by Nathan Basset Junior - do hereby Certify that the said Nathan Basset Junior is a person of truth and veracity and that his Statements are entitled to Credit - and that by reason of old age and bodily infirmities he is unable to attend the County Courts of said County - and I the said Judge do hereby declare my Opinion after the investigation of the said 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 foregoing and hereto annexed contains the original proceedings before me in the matter of the Application of said Nathan Basset Junior for a pension
John Hand a Judge of the Montgomery County Courts

State of New York
Montgomery County
Clerk's Office
ss:
I, George D. Ferguson, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County aforesaid, do hereby certify that John Haind before whom the foregoing application of Nathan Basset, Jr. purports to have been sworn, was on the date thereof a Judge of the County Courts of the County of Montgomery County aforesaid: and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing & verify believe that the name of said Judge subscribed to said application & also to the foregoing certificate of bodily infirmary of said Applicant is the proper hand writing of said Judge.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this 23 d . November 1836.
Geo: D. Ferguson

28 634 Rev INVALID.
1935 Aug. 8. Hist. to Mrs. A. P. Wyman, A.N.Y.
File No. 28,634
Nathan Bassett Jr.
Musician Rev War
Act: June 7 th 82 nd
Index:—Vol. 9 , Page 94
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Nathan Bapett
9 Oct 75. enlisted - 9 mo. Nathan Smith Mayr Bapett (sic also?) 2 mo Decm last 75 or beginng of 76. enlisted " " 12 " part 1.
Stephen B. Hill
Letter 8 Aug. 1835
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]

Holmes Hole Aug. 8-1836
M c N c Basset
Sir I wrote you some time since stating the reason of delay - which I presume you have receiv d before this - I have not settled with the Justice - the Clerk I am charges 25 c I shall charge you nothing for my trouble as it has been but little - I presume the cash inclos d in yours will be sufficient
I should like to hear from you in some future time to know how you succeed in your pension business
Respectfully yours
Stephen Knapp

Auriesville 28 th Nov. 1838
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Sir
I enclose papers in behalf of Nathan Basset junior for a Paving. Should there be any objectionable defects in the papers I should be glad to be informed thereof at as early a day as may be convenient.
Very Respectfully your
Obed Servt
Howland Fish
N.B Address Auriesville Post-Office Montgomery County N.Y.

State of New York Montgomery County ss
Henry Hillman of Broadalbin in the County aforesaid being duly sworn before J. Blair a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid makes oath and says that he has been acquaint- -ted with Nathan Bapett Junior for more than sixty years past and was acqu- -ainted with him and recollects the time when said Bapett enlisted in Capt. Nathan Smiths Company as a musician or drummer in which Company Jeremiah Manton was first Lieutenant and Fortunatus Bapett was second Lieutenant & Alpheus Lee was Ensign and that he said Bapett enlisted in said Company at Martha's Vineyard in the State of Massachusetts and further this deponent says that he was well acqu- -ainted with said Bapett when he enlisted in said Company and frequently saw him when paraded and on duty in said Company and that said Bapett was at that time known by the name of Nathan Bapett Junior when he enlisted and further this deponent states that said Bapett is a man that has always sustained a good morale character for truth and veracity and is to be believed under oath - and further this deponent saith & not
Henry Hillman Sworn & subscribed to this 18 th day July 1837.
Before me J. Blair Justice of the peace Montgomery County ss
J. J. Blair do certify that I have been personally acquainted with the above named Henry Hillman for a number of years and that he is a man of good official character for truth and veracity and is entitled to belief under oath J. Blair

State of New York Montgomery County Clerk's Office
Be it known that George D. Ferguson clerk of the County of Montgomery, do hereby certify that Joseph Blair before whom the within Affidavit purports to have been sworn, was on the date thereof a justice of the Peace in and for said County. And that I am well acquainted with his hand writing & truly believe that his name subscribed to the within affida- vit & certificate of character is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my Office this 29th July 1837.
Geo: D. Ferguson, Clerk
Henry Patterson
Affidavit

J. L. Edwards Esquire Consumption of Pensions Washington City

Falconville N.Y. 31 st July 1833
J. L. Edwards Esquire
Sir
your Letter to me under date of the 29 th of April
last in reference to the Pension claim of Nathan Basset t jun r . was duly Rec d . In which you are pleased to state as follows; "The papers in support of the claim of Nathan Basset t jun r . have been examined & placed on the files of this Office; The delay of making application, while the papers show that the Secretary of Massachusetts as far back as October 1833 furnished Record Evidence of the Nathaniel Basset t jun r . and his present signature with a few at the age of eighty five is well calculated to inspire a distrust of the claim. Unless direct & credible testimony be procured to prove his identity with the individual whose service is found on the Rolls & a satisfactory reason assigned for the delay he may not anticipate a favorable issue to his application". In answer to which Letter I must state that Nathan Basset t jun r . the applicant resides in the extreme borders of the town of Florida between 12 & 15 miles distant from me, and has been much afflicted with Rheumatism & other complaints accompanying old age during the past winter, for which reason he has been unable to call upon me personally in relation to his claim, and which is the sole cause of not making answer to your Letter above referred to until now. In regard to the delay in applying to the war department a few facts will satisfy the department, that the delay was beyond Mr. Basset t control. In the first place he employed Ebenezer Skiff Esquire of the town of Tisbury in Martha's Vineyard an aged Gentleman to prosecute his Pension claim: after obtaining the Certificate of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Mr. Basset t . was informed that two transcripts would be required in addition to the original Certificate to make out more time of service, than was to be found on the Secretary's Certificate, as it was supposed that the Certificate did not contain all the term of his service, as some of the papers belonging to the Office of Secretary of State had been lost or mislaid. For the reasons assigned, Ebenezer Skiff, Basset t agent & attorney attempted to procure the affidavit of Nathan Clifford residing in Tisbury, and Skiff being an aged man, became infirm, and sickened & finally died without procuring the affidavit. Basset t was then obliged to appoint another Attorney, and did appoint Stephen Skiff Esquire to transact his business, and the war department will find an abundant excuse for the delay by reference to the correspondence between Stephen Skiff and the applicant. Some of the Letters I herewith enclose, which will prima facie

prove the identity of Mr. Bapsett, as well, I have that he was unable to procure Nathan Clifford's affidavit until some time after the 7 th of July 1836. As to the remaining difficulty, that in making out the papers for Mr. Bapsett, he subscribed his name Nathan Bapsett Jew?; There is no pretence that at this late day that Mr. Bapsett writes his name with a Jew?, or that he was corresponded with as such: But it was thought by Mr. Bapsett & myself, the most expedient at the time of making his declaration to describe him as Nathan Bapsett Jew?. because he was so returned to the Secretaries Office, and was so called at the time of the Service. It was thought by me at the time, that the War Department would take the exception, that the Jew? to Bapsett's name, if left off, would show a discrepancy, & that they would then require an explanation. The addition of Jew?. Therefore is my own fault, if it may be so considered; and am free so to testify, if the Department still should have doubts. For a further explanation I have caused Mr. Bapsett to procure the affidavit of Henry Hillman now residing in Broadalbin in the County of Mont- gomery, who has known Mr. Bapsett personally more than sixty years, and identifies him to be the man. This Affidavit is herewith enclosed. It is to be hoped these proofs & explanation will satisfy, and that Mr. Bapsett will be no longer delayed from the full enjoyment of his Pension. He has made every effort to procure it for years past, and has become quite discouraged. He sustains the reputation of a very worthy citizen & proof to any extent can be obtained upon that head. From the long delay, I feel authorized to ask the War Department to give Mr. Bapsett's claim a prompt attention, and if any further explanation is found to be necessary a Note to that effect will be readily received, and duly replied to.
Very Respectfully Nathanael Fish

Eugastown Md Sep 18
18 3 4
Mr. Nathan Basset Florida
County of Montgomery
To be left at Minaville P.O. }
S. New York

Chatham Sept. 14 th 1833
Mr. Nathan Bassett
Sir There has a letter from you and to Ebenezer Skiff Esq r of this place, come into my hands. I would state to you that said Skiff is not living. It appears by said letter that you with the deposition of Nathan Clifford respecting your service during the revolutionary war under Capt. Nathan Smith. Clifford is still living & in perfect mind & memory - although infirm as to traveling the way is yet open to have his Affidavit. But it will be attended with some little expense, as there is not any Justice of the peace very near, him, they will expect to be paid for their travel & time - Also the Clerk of the County living sixteen miles from this place there would would be some little expense in procuring his Certificate. However all this is surmountable - I will mention one other petitioner that is now living and served under Capt. Smith that is Malacher Luce of Tisbury - & I believe there are the only two now living with us that served under said Smith at the time you did - If you still wish for the affidavit & Certificate you will write me, I will see it forth coming -
Respectfully yours
Stephen Skiff
N.B. you may wish to know who Stephen Skiff is - I am the only son of Vinal Skiff whom I presume you once knew - he died six years ago last April -
Ebenezer Skiff died & left three sons, all capable men two of them are absent, & one lives upon the extreme part of Gay Head - is a light house keeper
Direct to Chatham P.O. Martha Vineyard

34/142
Nathan Barrett Bapett Jr N. York
Adm
Mucenas Ono 19d. 24.33
purah 5. 12 18 $42.33
Mass State Hoops
Col Jacob
Capt Smith
25. 25 25. 25
Howland Park Eng Fultonville Montg Co NY

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Dukes County ss
ss
I Nathan Clifford of Falmouth in said County being duly sworn say that he is twenty seven years of age that In the Spring Month of the year Eighteen Hundred twenty seven In the County of said he enlisted in Capt. Nathan Smith Company of Col. Benj. Russell's Regt of the Massachusetts Militia that was then well acquainted with Nathan Basset Jr Now of the town of Florida Montgomery County State of New York that said Basset was then a drummer in said Company and as this (deponent believes) remained in said Company in the United States some nine months or more in the capacity of a drummer as aforesaid and this deponent further says that the said Basset was always considered by him to be a man of truth and veracity
also the deponent further says that Jeremiah Manton and Fortinatus Basset Esq. was lieutenants in said Company
Nathan Clifford
Sworn and subscribed this
29 day of June 1836
Before Me John Thurbeck, Justice of the peace.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Dukes County ss
I John Hancock of the town of Chilmark In the County and Commonwealth aforesaid the Justice of the peace Before whom the above affidavit was executed and I here by certify that I am well acquainted with Nathan Clifford the deponent (that said Clifford is to the best of My knowledge) a Man of Truth and that his statement or evidence is entitled to full credit
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set My hand and seal
this 29 day of June 1836
John Hancock

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Dukes County ss
I Cornelius Marchant of Edgartown in the the County aforesaid Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the said County of Dukes County do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of John Hancock Esq. who subscribed the foregoing affidavit and certificate that his said signature is genuine - I do further certify that the said John Hancock was at the time the said affidavit and certificate bears date a Justice of the Peace and doing Business in his J. Capacity in said County.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Office Court - this the Eighteenth day of July in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty six.
Cornelius Marchant - Clerk. of the Court of Common Pleas for Dukes County.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, October 30 1833.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of "Nathan Basset jun", is borne on a "Pay Roll for Capt. Nathan Smith's Company stationed on Martha's Vineyard from the time of enlistment to the first of December 1775." He is there stated to have enlisted October 9. 1775; and is allowed for service one month, 25 days. — He is also borne on several Pay Rolls of the same Company, where he is allowed for service from January 15 1776 to November 21. 1776. — for four months and 24 days of which time he is allowed pay as a Drummer , and the residue of said time as a private Edward D Bangs. Secy

Linn's County ss
Benjamin Killman being sworn deposes & saith that Nathan Basset did in the year 1816 serve in the army of the United States in the Company commanded by Capt. Nathan Smith attached to the Brigade commanded by Col. Patrick Norton, and that said Nathan Basset served as drummer in the Company aforesaid Springfield, for the term of six months & further this deponent saith not Benjamin Killman
Affirmed before me This 1 st day of June 1833 Abram Hawn
Justice
I hereby certify that the above named Benjamin Killman is a man of truth & veracity also that he was at the time of making the above affirmation in the enjoyment of all his mental faculties -
Abram Hawn Justice

Clerks Office Lewis County
I Carlos P. Severy Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Abram Hearn Esq before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn was on the day of the date of the same a Justice of the peace in and for said County dwelling in said County Commonwealth and duly sworn and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice and rightly believe that his signature subscribed within is his own proper hand writing given under my hand and seal of said County this 4 th day of November 1838
Carlos P. Severy Clerk

Stephen Skett Letter 7 July 1836
Chilmark July 13 th 1836
Mr. Nathan Bassett Florida
Montgomery County
Inverness from Caglianaga.
N. York

Mr. Nathan Bapett
Chilmark July 7 th - 1836
Sir yours of the fourth of June last enclosing the 2 nd dollars, duly received, Owing to sickness I was not able to attend to your business in person, but immediately transfered the letters to John Hancock Esq r trusting he will be correct in his business as he has had the same to do for others who have obtain'd pensions Nathan Clifford's affidavit has been taken, and the reason why your papers does not accompany this is, the Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas is now absent from the Vineyard, soon as he returns (which will be in about three weeks) the affidavit will be sent you - Last winter while in Boston I was call'd upon to procure from the Secretary of the Commonwealth a certificate from the pay rolls of Capt Nathan Smith, for Capt James Look now living in New York City, while so doing I find Nathan Bapett's name as drummer - Thinking that certificate might be call'd for, I made arrangement for obtaining it by writing, I now give you my instructions Direct to Henry White Boston - in care of the Secretary of the Commonwealth inclosing 8 2 nd , he will send it to you - it appears by the pay list that one quarter is lost, how long Bapett serv'd I do not know, I could only find for Capt. Look seven months and fourteen days, I drop you this to inform you the cause of delay -
Respectfully Yours
Stephen Peabody

George Wm Crump Esq. Acting Commissioner of Pensions Washington City

Fultonville 2 nd Sept r 1837 State of New York
Geo. Wm. Brump Esq r .
Sir It was not discovered by me untill this moment that there is a mistake in filling up the enclosed Pension certificate of the Name of Nathan Bapett junior. It is written in the certificate " Nathaniel " whereas the true name is " Nathan ". The papers on file will prove the mistake; Please make the correction by erasing the word " Nathaniel ", and insert " Nathan " and return to me the Pension certificate so corrected.
very Respectfully
Lawland Fish

Route 3, Skowhegan, Maine.
July 29 th .
Veterans Administration Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen: —
I am trying to authenticate some Revolutionary War records and I should be glad for verification from your office if you can give it.
(1) I know there was a Nathan Bassett a drummer from Martha's Vineyard, Mass. who was in a Seacoast Co. station at that place. If you have any mention of his wife or family or his dates I could be sure

This was the Nathan Bassett I am seeking. There are however several soldiers of that name and number. I can prove which one he is, the in- formation will do me no good.
(2) Can you give me what information you have regarding a Samuel Pepper from Botetourt Co. of Virginia?
(3.) Can you find the name of a James or John Ridpath of Virginia?
(4.) Have you information as to family and dates of Matthew Mayhew of Chilmark, Mass. or of John S. Shattuck of Mass.?

I should be most grateful for any of this information you can give me?
Yours very truly,
Barrie B. Wyman (Mrs. A. P.)