Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 21,672, Eseck Brown, R.I.

SERVICE
NUMBER
R.I.
Brown, Essek
S. 21,672
CONTENTS
[Faint handwritten text, possibly: "of the ... at ... Providence ..."]

Rhode Island 31.17
Eseck Brown
Providence Co. in the State of R. Island who was a Priv. Cav., in the
by Captain [blank] of the Regt. by Col. Slack in the R. I. militia line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of R. Island at the rate of 100 Dollars — Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 3. day of March 1837 and sent to Jonah [blank] South Scituate, R. I.
Arrears to the 4th of March '37 600.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 6. Sep. " 50.00 $650.00
{ Revolutionary Era { Act June 7, 1832
Recorded by D. Brown Book E, Vol. 2, Page 138

State of Rhode Island } County of Providence } Js.
On this 3 rd day of September 1834 person- ally appeared, before me, Josiah Wetts, one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Providence, and State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. Beck Brown a res- ident of Gloucester in the County of Providence, aged 79 years who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the ben- efit 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 - He states that he was born in said Gloucester on the first day of November 1755 - and that he has a record of his age in the family bible - that he was living in said Gloucester when called into said Service and has lived in the same town ever since - He also states that in the course of the year 1775 he entered into a company of Cavalry commanded by Col. Benjamin Stack that he did service in said Company from that time till 1780 This company was called the "Capitain General's Cavalry", and assisted the Militia in guarding the Shore of the Narragansett Bay and in carrying

despatches for the Continental and State officers He also states that by reason of its age, infirmity and the consequent loss of his memory, he cannot state precisely the length of his service in said war; but can and does state that he did as much as two months active service in said company in said war in 1775 Stationed mostly at Providence, and as much as three months active service in said company in said war in 1776 Stationed mostly at Providence and at Howland's Ferry; and as much as six months active service in said company in said war in 1777  Stationed at Providence and at different places on the east of the Bay; and as much as six months active service in said company in said war, in 1778 and as much as six months active service in said company in said war in 1779 Stationed mostly at said Providence; Point Judith for the whole of which time the said company was commanded either by Col. Slack or by Col. Norton - and he also states, that from 1777 to 1780 said company was under a contract made with General Spencer, to turn out and do duty upon a minute's warning with their days provision under the Continental officers, which contract this declarant states he all that time held sacred and inviolable - He also states

that as much as six months of said service towards the last of the term, he was one of the Sergeants of said company and did duty as such, and that the rest of said service he did as a private - He also states that he knew Genl. West, Spence, Tuckman, Washington Lafayette & Cornell - and the Regiments of Col. Brown, and West Topham; and moreover that he is the son of said Col. Chad Brown - He states that he never had any written dis- charge - and that Richard Aldrich, Augustus Wilson Andrew Waterman and Richard Bingham, are his present neighbours and can testify as to his character for truth and veracity and their liking of his services as a soldier of the revolution - He humbly relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pen- sion roll of the agency of any State - Jleck Brown
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year forementioned Josiah Westcott a justice of the Court of Common Pleas in the County of Pownal.

I Caleb Remington of Johnston in the county of Providence and State of Rhode Island aged 86 years and being engaged according to Law do testify and say, that during the revolutionary war, I was acquainted with Esau Brown of Gloucester in said county, he was the son of Col. Esau Brown and served in the company of horses called "The Cap- tains Grenadiers Cavalry". I joined said company in 1776 and think that said Esau was then in said company; He assisted said company in guarding the shores of the Narrows and Bay - carrying dispatches for the officers of the continental army, and the petition in 1777 this company agreed with General Spencer to obey the orders of the continental officers, and to always turn out at a minute's warning with three days provisions; this contract was in force and conforming till January 1780 - in 1776 this company did at least three months service in said war under Col. Slack, in 1777 said company did as much as six months active service in said war , in 1778 said company did as much as six months service in said company in said war; in 1779 said company did as much as six months active service in said company in said war and said Esau Brown was according to my best recollection, was all that time, a member of the same, and duly performed duty therein including his own horse and equipage - and was by force of said contract a minute man from some time in the year 1777 to the time of

January 1780 Said Beck Brown contains a good Character for truth and veracity so far as my knowledge extends - I was the first Sergeant in said company from the day I joined said company till January 1780 and I believe that said Beck Brown was during a considerable portion of said time one of the other Sergeants called Remington
State of Rhode Island } County of Providence } S. August 15 th 1834
Then personally came, Caleb Remington, signer of the foregoing Deposition, and made oath to the truth of the same; I further certify that said Remington is a credible person and that his statement is entitled to credit. Before me. Jonah Titus, Just. Peace

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., _____, 19____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Edward Brown a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1775- armed at Pkt. & Sgt. various times until 1781. in the Capt Generals Cavalry Co. under Benjamin Slack Manton R.I.  
Battles engaged in, was in General Sullivan's Expedition Residence of soldier at enlistment, Gloucester R.I. Date of application for pension, Sept. 3, 1834 He cl. was allowed of Residence at date of application, Gloucester Providence Co. R.I. Age at date of application, born Nov. 1, 1755 in Gloucester R.I.
Remarks: He was the son of Colonel Edward Brown There is no other data on file as to his family.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

I Daniel Angell of Providence in the county of Providence aged 35 years and being duly engaged according to Law do hereby and say, that I am at this time the Col. of the troop of horse in said county of Providence called the "Capitains General Cavalliers;" that I have in my possession and keeping, as such Colonel, some of the old records of said company, in rather a shrunken state; that it appears from said records that Esck Brown was one of the first members of said company, the charter of which was granted in 1775 it also from said records appears that it was the practice when a member left said company to make the circumstances upon said records, whether he was dismissed on his own request, or for other cause - I further state that I have examined said records down to July 1780 and do not find that said Esck Brown had upon his own request, or for any other cause, up to that time, been dismissed or discharged from said company, I therefore conclude and believe, that said Brown did continue a regular member of said company during all the intervening time.
O. Daniel Angell

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Providence ss.
December 27 1834 There
Daniel Angell, signer of the foregoing deposition personally appeared and made solemn oath to the facts stated therein I further certify that he is a credible person and that his statement is en- titled to credit - Before me -
Jonah T. H. Just. Peace
State of Rhode Island &c
Providence ss I Dexter Randall Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within & for the county of Providence, hereby certify that Jonah T. H. before whom the foregoing affidavit was sworn, is a justice of the peace within the County of Providence in said County and is duly authorized by law to administer oaths & depositions, and that the above signature purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof I hereto set my hand and affix the Seal of said Court at Providence this twentieth day of January A.D. 1835
Dexter Randall
NOTARY PUBLIC

I Jeremiah Manton of Johnston in the County of Providence aged 78 years and being engaged according to Law do testify and say: That in 1776 I joined The Company of horse under Col. Brigs. Slack called the Captain General's Cavalry, this Company was raised under a Charter granted by the General Assembly of Rhode Island: At the time when I joined said Company Esau Brown of Glouster was a member of it, he is the son of Col. Esau Brown, late of said Glouster deceased, and is now about 79 years of age. I have a perfect recollection of said Esau and of his services in said Company, but do not know what year he left said Company but think it was not till 1780 or at least as late in the revolution as that - Said Esau served in this Company of horse in the revolution from the time I joined the company till he went out as above stated, in 1776 he served as much as three months under Col. Slack, from March in 1778 - I cannot say but think he was one of the first members of said Company, in 1777 he did as much as six months active service in said Company in said war - In 1778, he did as much as six months active service in said

War in the company aforesaid -
in 1779 he the said Beck did as much as six months active service in said company in said war; He found his own horse and equipage - Moreover, said company, were from 1777 to 1780 under a contract with General Spencer and the continental officers to turn out and do service in said war at a minute's warning with three days
provision, which contract the whole company assented to where made and ever after held the same sacred and inviolable - His character for truth and veracity is good, and I have known him, the said Beck Brown ever since the days of the revolution
Jeremiah Manton
State of Rhode Island } County of Providence } S c August 15 th
1834 Then personally came Jeremiah Manton, Signer of the foregoing Deposition and made oath to the truth of the facts therein stated - I further certify that said Manton is a credible person and that his statement is entitled to credit
Before me Jonah Tabor, Just. Peace

Enk Brann
R.I.
32.027.
Admit a private Cavalry 2 years $100 per ann. R.I. Militia Col. Slack - Capt.
Enk Brann Yonal Regt Eng So. Scituate R.I.

State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations.
PROVIDENCE, SC.
Decker Randall I WILLIAM R. WATSON , Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, within and for the county of Providence in the State of Rhode-Island, do hereby certify, that James Metcalf is a Judge of the court of Common Pleas afore- said, which court is a Court of Record; that the signature to the annexed documents purporting to be his, is in the proper hand writing of the said Metcalf and that full faith and credit are due to the official attestations of the said Metcalf
In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court, at Providence this Sixteenth day of September in the year of our Lord 183 4
Decker Randall Clerk

State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations.
Providence sc.
Dexter Randall
I, XXXXXXXXXXXX , Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County of Providence, in said State, do hereby certify that Sarah Titus is a Justice of the Peace for the town of Scituate in said county and State:—that he is by the laws of said State, authorised to administer oaths and take depositions: and that the signatures to the annexed documents purporting to be his, are in the proper hand writing of said Titus
In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand and affix the Seal of said Court, at Providence, this Twelfth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty- four
Dexter Randall. Clerk

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations.
In General Assembly March session A D 1778.
Whereas Benjamin Root, Daniel Manton, Edward Turner, Caleb Harris and William Potter, commissioned officers of the Troop of Horse, preferred a petition and represented unto this assembly, that influenced by the purest motives of regard and love for the safety, honor and happiness of their country, at a time when invaded by a numerous and powerful enemy in the year 1775, they, with others now belonging to the said troop, formed the design of establishing a troop of horse for the defence of the country: That this assembly granted them a charter, with the powers and privileges therein contained: That in consequence thereof, and that they might not be unworthy of the favours therein granted, they have been at a very great expence in keeping suitable horses and military equipage, always ready at a moment's warning to go upon immediate duty: That they have always performed every thing required of them by their charter, not doubting but that the privileges and honors therein contained would be full preserved upon them: That their horses which are the best in the country, have been in the service of the public in going Expresses &c at only two shillings per day expence to the State: That in the late intended expedition upon Rhode Island, one half the said troop was on duty: That the use of their horses and necessary expences have always exceeded their wages: And that notwithstanding the privileges in their charter, doubts have arisen whether they are entitled to the same payment as officers of foot of the same rank in the militia; upon which account payment for their services in the said expedition hath been delayed: And thereupon they prayed this assembly to take the premises into

consideration, and to order that such of them as have been in the service of the State at any time heretofore, and have not been paid, be allowed and paid the same wages as have been allowed to officers of the same rank in the militia regiments of Foot, which they conceive themselves clearly entitled to by their charter.
And the premises being duly considered, It is voted and resolved, That Col. Christopher Lippitt, Gideon Comstock Esq. and Major Sylvester Gurney, be and they are hereby appointed a committee, to take into consideration the foregoing petition; and that they make report thereof to this assembly, at the next session.
True copy - witness - Henry Bowen Searcy.
In General Assembly June session A 1778.
Whereas Gideon Comstock and Christopher Lippitt Esqrs. two of the committee who were appointed to examine what allowance should be made to the troop of horse for their service, presented unto this assembly the following report and account, to wit:
Agreeable to appointment have taken the petition of the officers of the troop of horse into consideration, and report our opinion as follows: That the commissioned officers ought to be allowed the same wages from time to time, as are allowed the Alarm and Militia officers of equal commissions, doing duty at the same time, and the same number of rations as are allowed the several Militia officers with whom they respectively rank.
And your committee are of opinion, that the same bounties, wages and rations, ought to be allowed the non commissioned officers & privates, as are allowed the non commissioned officers and privates of the Alarm List and Militia: That they be allowed for the service of their horses, the same per day as the privates, and as to rations for their horses and going expenses, that they be allowed the same as are allowed in the Continental Army. Submitted by your humble Servants.
Gideon Comstock Christopher Lippitt } Com te

And the said Report being duly considered, It is voted and Resolved, That the same be and hereby is accepted. True copy - witness Henry Bowen Secy.
BY HIS EXCELLENCY,
John Brown Francis,
Governor, Captain-General and Commander in Chief of the State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations.
BE IT KNOWN, that the name " HENRY BOWEN " to the afore-written attestation subscribed, is the proper hand writing of Henry Bowen, Esquire, who, at the time of subscribing the same, was Secretary of the State aforesaid, duly elected and qualified according to law: Wherefore unto his said attestation, full faith and credit are to be rendered.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of said State to be affixed at Provi- dence, this twenty second
day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty- four and of Independence the fifty- ninth
John Brown Francis
BY HIS EXCELLENCY'S COMMAND.
Henry Bowen Secy.

Grace Church Rectory Ravenna, O. Nov. 28 th 1919
The U. S. Commissioner of Pensions.
Dear Sir:-
Can you inform me as to whether my Great-Grandfather Col. Chad Brown - or his son, Ezek Brown (my Great Grandfather) either of them served in the Revolutionary War or received a pension for service. They resided in Providence R. I. or near there. Very sincerely yours. Josephine Brown (Whitney) Forbes.

Revolutions
21672
INVALID.
1919 Dec. 12 Hist. to Josephine Crown Forbes.
File No. 21,672
Black Brown
Rev. Rev. War
Act: June 7 th 82 nd
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 57
[Arrangement of 1870.]

We Benjamin D. Medbury and Charles H. Stearn residing in said Gloucester hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Esau Brown who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration: that we believe him to be 79 years of age: that he is reported and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion - Benjamin D. Medbury Charles H. Stearn
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid - Joseph Westcott a justice of the Court of Common Pleas in the County of Princeton
And I the said justice do hereby declare my opin- ion, 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 I further certify that it appears to me, that said applicant, by reason of bodily infirmity is unable to attend the court in person for the purpose of making his declaration; and I further certify, that there is no clergyman residing in the immediate vicinity of said applicant; and I further certify that it appears to me that

5 Benjamin D. Medbury and Charles H. Stearns who have signed the preceding Certificate are residents in said Town of Gloucester, and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit - I, the said justice do further certify, that that the foregoing contains the original proceedings before me, in the matter of the application of Esau Brown for a pension - In testimony whereof I the said justice of said Court of Common Pleas being a court of record have hereunto set my hand this third day of September in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight-hundred and thirty four;
Joseph Westcott as justice of the Court of Common Pleas in the County of Providence
Seven Pages, of five half sheets & the Depositions of Calib Root and Jeremiah Manton annexed. Joseph Westcott J.P. C.C. Pleas County of Providence

To J. L. Edwards Esq, Commissioner of Pensions.
Esq Brown of Glouster in the county of Providence and State of Rhode Island respectfully represents that in the year 1834 I made an application for a pension under the act of June 7 1832 which application was not at that time allowed; feeling that I have been treated with less favor by my country, than those who served in the revolution with me - I am led to enquire after the cause - and the letters this day come to my house and read to me the letters which you sent to him in relation to my pension - It seems from them, that I did not state my service with sufficient precision and accuracy in my original declaration; I did not then, neither can I now, state all my service in the revolution as it actually took place; but do still remember some portion of it - I joined the company of Cavalry called the Captain Greenah Cavalry, early in the war of the revolution, this was all the company of horse at that time, in the north part of this state Said company was commanded when I joined it by Col Benjamin Slack and after commanded by Col Norton - In 1777 said company passed a vote tendering their services to H. H. Genl Schuyler or Schuyler which was accepted by him; after which time

as well as before, said conspiracy did a great deal of Service - he further states that he has thought over the terms of Service, which he performed in said war, and sets down the following as being according to his best knowledge and belief, and says that those he did do and thinks he did others not particularly mentioned -
Specifications of Service.
1. In October 1776 I was a member of said company and was ordered to Brown Hill on the east side of the bay, where we were stationed five weeks, and from there we were called to Prince Frederick where we were stationed two months, we were at this place I think when the enemy landed, we were not called from October to January 1777 three months and seven days at least for which I was paid and received rations - 2. In 1777 in the Spring as early as May we were called out and ordered to Bristol, and there divided into detachments and stationed at different points along the shore, to guard and protect it - and also for the purpose of carrying express, and often moved from place to place, but were kept out on this way until after the Spring and Expedition in October and November four months at least for which I received pay and drawn rations - 3. In 1778 I was called out in said company in the Spring as early as April to Warren where we remained a while and then went to Bristol where we remained guarding the shore until June, when I

had been to go home to get pay, but before paying was done, I was called out in Rhode Island expedition in the latter part of July and I served there from till the last of October - say from eight to two months and from July to October two months and over, at least four months, in all, three years for which I draw pay & rations -
In June 1778 we were again called out and went to a place I think called Hickford, and were there divided into small detachments, and served until after the enemy left Rhode Island, I served four months at least for which I draw pay and rations - In 1780 we were in the winter called to Providence and stationed there, from January to
April, three months at least and a half at least, and draw pay and rations - About the time this service, expected an express from General Washington, was received as I was told, stating it was expected the enemy would again come to Rhode Island, a Regiment of French troops was also stationed there at Providence, on account of which services we were ordered to Rhode Island and divided into detachments, I was stationed at Newport two months, and then on the Island out of town six weeks longer; - In 1781 in March
we were again called to Newport & served until June, two months at least - I further say that I served my country with fidelity in the war of the revolution - I asked a pension because the law of 1832 gave one to others as well as me, I ask it now, for the same reason, and also be- cause a delay on the part of my government is
2 2 4. 3 1/2 2 1-12 2 16 72 10 12 27 09

considered by my friends as a denial of that service being rendered - I am now 82 years of age and do not expect long to stay in this world of affliction - I also will add that I will remain here of being in Providence on duty in said company at various times each here for days, for I cannot tell the number now years - and I often went on express into Providence, when at other parts of duty -
Esau Brown
State of Rhode Island } County of Providence } ss May 9 th 1837
Esau Brown made oath to the truth of the facts above by him stated. I further certify that he is a credible person, whose statements are entitled to credit. Done before me -
Joseph Viteri Just Peace
State of Rhode Island &c -
Providence ss - To Deister Randall Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Providence being a County of Record. do hereby certify that Sarah Totten had before whom the foregoing affidavits was sworn to as a true and just within the terms of statute in such behalf That he is by law duly authorized and qualified to take depositions, administer oaths & that his signature above written is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 13 th day of July A.D. 1837
Deister Randall
23