Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 15333, Oliver Burnham, Conn. Continental

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Conn.
Burnham, Oliver
S. 15-333
Continental
Caroled
CONTENTS

30,361 Connecticut
Oliver Burnham of Hartford in the State of Connecticut who was a Sergeant in the Comp y commanded by Captain Mills of the Reg t commanded by Col. Riley in the Conn t & Continental line for 6 months Sergeant 18 months private * Burnham
W.W.H. Jan. 3, 07.
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 90 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 th day of Jan y 1836 and sent to S. H. Pensions Hartford Conn t
Arrears to the 4th of March 1836 $457.10 Semi-ant. allowance ending 1/1/36 45.00 $495.10
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Dan Boyd Clerk, Book E 2 Vol. 3 Page 5

State of Connecticut } set Hartford. County of Hartford }
On this 29 th day of September A.D. 1835 personally appeared in open Court before the Probate Court for the District of Hartford in the State aforesaid Oliver Burnham a resident of Cornwall in said State of Connecticut aged Seventy four 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. At About the middle or latter part of November 1775 he enlisted at Farmington (now called Berlin) in said County of Hartford, as a private soldier into the Company of foot commanded by Captain Amasa Mills of Farmington (now Farmington), one Coles was lieutenant, Samuel Richards of Farmington was Ensign, in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Samuel Wyllys - one Pitnam was Lt. Col. - in General Sheldons Brigade after wards in Genl. Samuel Parsons' Brigade - then moved from Berlin to Roxbury Mass. - remained until about March 1776 then from Boston to New York - went on to Long Island, was in the battle at Flatbush in August, returned to New York - was in the battle at Harlem Heights (Col. Knowlton then commanded) then killed, was shot down within a yard of the Affiant, continued with the troops until about 16 th November

1776 when he was taken prisoner at Fort Washington put on board of a British Ship (called The Dutton) & thence (being taken sick) was sent to the Hospital at the Metho- dist Meeting House in New York, remained there two or 3 weeks & then was permitted to leave out of the Hospital, remained until the middle of February 1777 as a prisoner, when he took "Scotch leave", escaped - & returned home to his father's house in Cornwall Count - For this tour of service, being about 15 months, he was paid at Hartford, Count, at the Pay Table Office. He recollects no person now alive who served with him in this tour excepting Samuel Richards of Farmington, whose memory is very much impaired by infirmities.
2 o In the Spring of 1777 the precise day & month he does not now recollect, he again entered the service as a private in a Company of foot under Captain Edward Rogers of Cornwall. Lt. Roger Moore of Salisbury - Pritchard of Derby 2 d Lieut. Rescoe of Sharon Ensign - in Colonel Rogers Ennis Regiment of State Troops - marched to Horseneck, remained thence to other places viz Peekskill, Fishkill, Crumpond, East Chester & at Mamaroneck until January 1778 & was discharged at the latter place - returned home to Cornwall having served six months at least.
John Dean of Cornwall served at the same time & is now a pensioner under the Act of June 7. 1832 in the Connecticut Agency.
3 o In the Spring of 1780. (day & month not recollected) he again entered the service as a Sergeant in a Company of foot under Captain Nathan Chapman of Bethlehem, Hubbell of New Fairfield Lieutenant - in Colonel Bezaleel Beebe's Regiment of State Troops. marched to Horseneck - thence to East Chester & different places in the State of New York - and in a Skirmish with the British at Rye, St. York was wounded & placed in the Hospital at Stamford during the remainder of the campaign.

I was discharged in January 1781. This service was at least six months.
Joshua Lovell of Sharon droved  in the same regt  for a short time in Captain Bradley's company. The deponent declares that he now draws a pension as an invalid on the roll of the Connecticut Agency.
The deponent further declares that he was born in Cornwall, Connecticut on the 11 th day of November 1760. That his age is recorded in the Town Records of Cornwall. That he lived at said Cornwall when he was called into service & has always resided there. That he was never drafted, or press as a public tribute, but always enlisted as a volunteer. The names of such officers as he recollects are stated in the above declaration.
He never rec d a written discharge.
He rec d a disbursement as a sergeant in Capt. Chap- man's Company in Col d Beecher's reg t which he has at- tended forward, if it is not mislaid.
Swear to the above contents } Rev. Mr. Burnham This 29 th day of Sept. 1835 }
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter; and putting the interrogatories presented by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And that Samuel H. Parsons of Hartford a credible person appeared & made oath that he is well acquainted with said Oliver Burnham & knows that he is an invalid pensioner on the roll of the Connecticut Agency & that he

Sustain a high character as a gentleman of veracity & the respectability in the neighborhood in which he resides. That I and Oliver Burnham represented the Town of Cornwall in the State Legislature as he has understood, more than thirty  years - I enjoyed the perfect confidence of his constituents.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said Probate Court & subscribed my name this 29 th day of September 1835.
Thomas H. Seymour Judge
State of Connecticut. ss: Hartford October 1 st 1835.
I hereby certify, that I have for many years past been personally acquainted with Oliver Burn- ham Esquire of Cornwall in Connecticut, an applicant for a pension under the Act of Congress 1832 June 7 th , & know him to be a gentleman of respectability & every unexceptionable character.
Ch. Parsons.

Burnham, Oliver
His name appears on a list of applicants for invalid pension returned by the District Court for the District of Connecticut submitted to the House of Representatives by the Secretary of War on March 2, 1795 and printed in the American State Papers Class 9, page 167.
Rank; Sergeant
Reg't; Colonel Beebee's, Capt. Chapman's Company.
Disability; Dislocated his ankle while in pursuit of the enemy.
When disabled; 1780.
Residence; Cornwall.
To what pension entitled; One-fourth.
Remarks; Military.
Evidence complete.

8 December 4, 1931
BA-J/MCS
Miss Jessie Burnham 3423 Lime Street Riverside, California
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter of November 7, 1931, requesting information in regard to soldiers of the Revolution and War of 1812.
The data contained herein are obtained from papers on file in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 15333, based upon the military service of Oliver Burnham.
He was born November 11, 1760, at Cornwall, Connecticut.
While residing there he enlisted and served with the Connecticut troops as follows: from sometime in November, 1775, as private in Captain Amasa Mills' Company in Colonel Samuel Wylllys' Regiment, was in the battles of Flatbush and Harlem Heights, was taken prisoner at Fort Washington and held on the prison ship "Dutton", was taken sick and placed in hospital in a Methodist Meeting House in New York and after remaining there two or three weeks was permitted to live out of the hospital, he remained until the middle of February, 1777, as a prisoner, when he took "Scotch Leave" and escaped; in 1777 served as private six months in Captain Edward Rogers' Company in Colonel Roger Enos' Regiment; he was appointed second sergeant July 28, 1780, served six months in Captain Nathan Chapman's Company in Colonel Bezaleel Beebe's Regiment and was wounded in the right ankle in a skirmish at Rye, New York.
He was allowed pension from September 4, 1794, on account of disability resulting from the above mentioned wound.

It is stated that he represented the town of Cornwall in the State Legislature for several months.
There are no family data in the papers of this pension claim.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER

February 13, 1931
Rev.& 1812 Wars Section AWF:MLB
Mrs. Clinton W. Taylor Greene, New York
Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 15333, that Oliver Burnham was born November 11, 1760 at Cornwall, Connecticut.
While residing at said Cornwall, he enlisted and served with the Connecticut troops, as follows:
From in November, 1775 as private in Captain Amasa Mills' company, Colonel Samuel Wylllys' regiment, was in the battles of Flatbush and Harlem Heights, was taken prisoner at Fort Washington, held on prison ship "Dutton", was taken sick and put in hospital in a Methodist Church in New York, in February, 1777 made his escape on "Scotch leave"; in 1777, as private six months in Captain Edward Rogers' company, Colonel Roger Enos' regiment; he was appointed second sergeant July 28, 1780, served six months in Captain Nathan Chapman's company, Colonel Bezaleel Beebe's regiment and was wounded in the right ankle in a skirmish at Rye, New York.
He was allowed pension from September 4, 1794, on account of disability resulting from the above mentioned wound.
It is stated that he represented the town of Cornwall in the State Legislature, for several sessions.
There are no family data.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner

In rep.
for a statement of the mil
Rev. and 1812 Wars Section.
find below
aug
August 28, 1928.
Mr. Charles R. Hale 33 Capitol Avenue Hartford, Conn.
Sir:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 15333, it appears that Oliver Burnham was born November 11, 1760 at Cornwall, Connecticut.
While residing at said Cornwall, he enlisted and served with the Connecticut Troops, as follows-
From in November 1775 as a private in Captain Amasa Mills' Company, Colonel Samuel Wylllys' Regiment, he was in the battles of Flatbush and Harlem Heights, and was taken prisoner at Fort Washington, held on prison ship "Dutton" was taken sick and put in hospital in a Methodist Church in New York, in February 1777 he made his escape on "Scotch leave"; in 1777 as private six months in Captain Edward Rogers' Company, Colonel Roger Enos' Regiment; he was appointed second sergeant, July 28, 1780 and served six months in Captain Nathan Chapman's Company, Colonel Bezalel Beebe's Regiment, he was wounded in the right ankle in a skirmish at Rye, New York.
Doubtless Data
He was allowed pension from September 4, 1794, on
2-
account of disability resulting from the above mentioned wound.
It is stated that he represented the town of Cornwall in the State Legislature, for several sessions.
no further data
*****

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Oliver Burnham a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. S. File 15,333  re en 03/18/94
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Nov. 75 15 mos. Pvt. Amasa Mills taken Pris. at Ft. Wash. Dutton Hosp. in Methodist church until Feby 77 when he escaped on "Scotch leave" Samuel Wyllys confined on prison ship in N.Y. Conn.   Spring 77 6 mos. to Feby 78 Pri. Edward Rogers Roger Ennis   July 28, 80 6 mos. 2nd Ser. g. Nathan Chapman sustained inj. of rt. ankle while in line of duty for which he recd an invalid pens. from Sept 4, 1794 Bezaleel Beebe  
Battles engaged in, Flatbush, Harlem Hgts. Wd. in skir. at Rye. Residence of soldier at enlistment, Cornwall, Conn. Date of application for service pension, Sept. 29, 1835. Allowed Residence at date of application, Cornwall, Conn. Age at date of application, at Cornwall, Conn. Nov. 11, 1760 Remarks: No data as to family.
It is stated that he represented the town of Cornwall in the State Leg. for 30 sessions

"Nott" Riverside, California, November 7, 1931.
Director of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:-
also 1812 no old War 1. — What information can you give me concerning the Revolutionary War service of Wolcott Burnham , of Cornwall, Conn.? He afterwards lived at Lincoln, Vermont. Born, Apr. 19, 1762; married Hannah Sturdevant in 1784; died at Lincoln, Vermont, in 1849 (or in 1843, — probably on Jan. 24, 1849.) 2. — What information can you give me concerning the Revolutionary War record of the Hon. Oliver Burnham , of Cornwall, Conn.? Born Nov. 11, 1760; died Apr. 30, 1846?; married Oct. 17, 1787 Sarah Rogers. 3. — What information can you give me concerning the service of Oliver W. Burnham , of Lincoln, Vermont, in the War of 1812? He was born Aug. 9, 1794; died Jan. 21, 1860; married Oct. 19, 1817, to Tryphena McCumber. He had an ironworks at Lincoln, Vermont, where metal parts for ships used in the Battle on Lake Champlain are said to have been forged. His home was very near Lake Champlain; — but I understand that he served in the War of 1812 only 8 days, and that previously to the battle of Lake Champlain. Why? 4. — Have you any record that the above Wolcott Burnham fought in the War of 1812? no Old War 5. — Have you any record that a man by the name of AMOS GILL was killed during the war of 1812? He died in August, 1813.
Yours respectfully,
Jessie Burnham
Address — Miss Jessie Burnham, 3423 Lime Street, Riverside, Calif.
"the V." may have been either for "ward" or for

born '68. 11 Nov.
Nov. 75 Capt. Amasa Pills Col. Wyllys. Taken prisoner & escaped middle of Feby 77.
Spring 77. " Rogers Col. Ennis 6 mo.
" 80 Chapman Beebe 6 mo. Sergt.
6 mo. Sergt.
18. private.

Pension increased to $8 per mo. com. 15 July 1890 new certificate issued 16 July 1890 are sent to S. H. Parsons Esq. Hartford, Ct.
File 19921
Connecticut
Oliver Burnham Sergeant
Captain Chapman's company of the Reg't Commanded by Col. Beebe
Ratio of disability, born & continental Date of discharge, Time of closing testimony,
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at two dollars per month, to commence on the 24 April 1816.
Certificate of pension issued the 30 of Sep 1826 and sent to Samuel H. Parsons Esq. Hartford, Conn.
Arrears to 4th Semi-ann. all'ce ending
Act of the

27
Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sirs: —
Can you give me any information concerning the Military Service of Oliver A. Burnham of Cornwall, Litchfield County, Connecticut? He was a soldier of the American Revolution.
Yours respectfully,
Clara B. Taylor (Mrs. Clinton H. Taylor)
Greene N. Y. Jan. 28, 1931

HEADQUARTERS COMMANDERY-IN-CHIEF SONS OF UNION VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR
COMMITTEE ON MARKING GRAVES CHARLES R. HALE, CHAIRMAN 33 CAPITOL AVENUE HARTFORD, CONN.
Aug. 25- 1928
Chief Clerk Pension Department Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
Please send me Revolutionary War records of:
Libble, Israel ✓ Whitcomb, Hiram ✓ Burnham, Oliver ✓ Hart. Titus ✓
Hart. Elias ✓ All of Cornwall, Connecticut We wish to get headstones for these veterans
Yours very Truly
Chas. R. Hale

VIENNA, KARL SCHWEIGHOFERGASSE
BERLIN, FRANZSTRASSE, N o 16
PARIS, 30 RUE DU F. B. G. POISSONNIERE.
LONDON, 9 NEW BROAD ST., E.C.
On w Bloomingdale Bros.
Retailers, Importers,
Lexington to Third Ave., 59 th to 60 th St.
TELEPHONE 5300 PLAZA
New York, 7/10/07 190
Dictated by _____
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:-
Will you kindly furnish the writer with the pension record of Oliver Burnham, who served from Connecticut during the war of the Revolution?
It may help you to know that Oliver Burnham lived at Cream Hill, Cornwall, Litchfield, Conn. in 1840 and the writer is under the impression was a pensioner at that date.
Thanking you in anticipation, I beg to remain,
Yours very truly,
W m Wallace Burnham

15.333 ✓ INVALID.
1907 July 16. Hist. to William Wallace Burnham - C 1928 Aug 28. Tombstone Data to Chas R. Hall 1931 Feb 13. Hist. to Mrs. Clinton W. Taylor 1931 Dec. 8. Hist. to Miss Jessie Burn- ham. U.C.S.
File No. 15.333
Oliver Burnham
Pri's Sergt Rev War
Act: June 7 th 82
Index: - Vol. 1 , Page 53
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Hartford Sept 26 th 1826
Sir.
Therewith return the papers of Oliver Burnham, with evidence of his identity, I trust goodness to direct your reply to me at this place.
With great respect
I am Sir Your obedient servant
Samuel H. Parsons
J. L. Edwards Esq. War Department Washington

N o 33307
Connecticut
Oliver Burnham
Suspended
Let to S t Parsons 29 Oct 1835 Let to the same 30 Nov 1835

Hartford July 12. 1830
Sir:
Herewith enclose the application of Oliver Burnham for an increase of his pension. The documents enclosed consist of a Commission from the United States Judge - the Certificate of two examining Surgeons - & original pension certificate.
Have the goodness to goodness to direct your reply to me at this place.
Very respectfully
I am Sir, your obedient Servant Samuel H. Parsons
J. Edwards Esq. Pension Office War Department

93.307
Oliver Brumham
Conne
Reco
adm d
6 mo sergt. $30
  18 " pri-  60         $60  
Saml. H. Parsons Esq. Hartford Conn

Hartford January 22. 1836.
Sir, In compliance with your suggestion under date of November 30 th relative to the application of Oliver Burnham Esq for a pension under the Act of 7 th June 1832 I now enclose a certificate from the Comptroller supplemental to the one dated October 2 nd 1835.
Also a letter from Samuel Richards Esq of Farmington who was an Ensign in Captain Amasa Mills' Company in 1770.
I would also refer to the Affidavits of Burnt Jennings & John Dean, the one forwarded October 14 th & the other November 14 th .
Also to a clause in the Comptroller's certificate of October 2 nd stating a charge to the United States under date of 12 th April 1781 in favor of Oliver Burnham (a private of Westlys reg t in 1770) - for losses & while a prisoner
Also an entry of $433. 8.3 for the services of Captain Edward Rogers's Company - Enn s Battalion in 1777 -
It is hoped that the above mentioned evidence taken in connection with the unexceptionable character of Mr Burnham will be deemed sufficient to establish his claim to a full pension as set forth in his declaration forwarded to your office the 14 th of October last.

Your early attention to this claim will oblige Mr Burnham & your obed Servant
Samuel H. Parsons
J. L. Edwards Esqr Commissioner of Pensions Washington

In case of pension.
It is hereby Certified that Oliver Burnham, formerly a Sergeant of Captain Chapman's Company of Infantry, in the regiment commanded by Colonel Beebe, who it appears by the accompanying certificate was placed on the pension roll at the rate of two dollars per month, on account, as he states, of having received a wound in his right ankle (which occasioned severe pain in walking and became more troublesome as he advanced in age) while in the line of his duty, and in the said Service, on or about the middle of August 1780 in Westchester in the State of New York, marching on a crossway in the night to destroy the stores of the enemy, is not only still disabled in consequence of the said injury, but in my opinion is entitled to a full pension, being totally disabled from obtaining his subsistence by manual labor.
Sworn to before me this 23 rd day of June A.D. 1830 George Wheaton Justice of the peace
John Gathorne Physician Burnett B. North Surgeon

Oliver Burnham Jugram - etc St. Paul, Aug. 2
Gonn. Oliver Burnham. S. J. 15.333.

1 Benedict Beebe Esq r Lieut. Col d Command g Of the second Battallion of Foot in the service of the State of Connecticut
To Oliver Burnham Greeting
By virtue of the Power and Authority to me given by the General Assembly of this State. I do by these Presents Reposing special trust and confidence in your courage fidelity skill and good conduct. Constitute and Appoint you the said Oliver Burnham to be the first Sergeant in the seventh Company of 3 d Battallion raised for the Defense of this State you are therefore Carefully and Diligently to discharge the Duty of Sergeant in said Company and you are to be obeyed as such — you are to Observe such Orders and directions, as you shall from time to time receive from me or other of your Superior Officers according to the Rules and Discipline of War — In pursuance of the trust Reposed in you for which this shall be your Sufficient Warrant — Given Under my hand at Greenwich —
July the 28 th 1780 In the 5 th year of the Independence of the United States of
Benedict Beebe
Amirsen

Increase of Pension.
United States of America, State of Connecticut.
To Doctors John Calhoun and Burnt B. North of Plymouth in the County of Litchfield and District and State of Connecticut.
Pursuant to an Act of Congress of the United States, passed the 4th day of Feb y 1822 entitled an act to revive and continue in force 'An act to provide for persons who were disabled by known wounds received in the Revolutionary war, and for other purposes' you are hereby appointed and authorized to examine Oliver Burnham who is inscribed on the Pension List of the United States, and is claimant for an increase of pension, conformably to the 5th section of the Act of the 10th April, 1806, recited as aforesaid; and you are to report, in writing, and on oath or affirmation, your opinion of the nature of his disability and in what degree it prevents him from obtaining a subsistence by manual labor; and in your proceedings in the premises you are to be regulated and governed by said act.
Given under my hand and seal, at New Haven
this 19 th June AD 1830
Min d Bristol Judge of the United States Dis ct Court for the State of Conn

We do hereby certify that the Bearer Mr. Oliver Dunnham of Cornwall in Litchfield County is the same Oliver Dunnham whose affidavits in support of his claim to an Invalid Pension was taken before us as Commissioners, who we understand is placed on the Pension list of the United States - Litchfield Dec r 26. 1796.
Ex d & approved for W m Imlay Benj. as Salmas John Allen. W m H Imlay

State of Connecticut County of Hartford ss. Hartford.
On this tenth day of August A.D. 1826 before me the Subscriber a Notary Public duly commissioned and sworn, residing in said Hartford, personally appeared Oliver Brownham an invalid pensioner of the United States, residing in Cornwall in the County of Litchfield and State aforesaid, and made Oath that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the Company commanded by Captain Chapman in the regiment commanded by Colonel Beebe, in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the Pension roll of the State of Connecticut at the first session of the fourth Congress, that the evidence in support of his claim was taken by Benjamin Talmage and John Allen Esquires Commissioners for the County of Litchfield, appointed by the Judge of the District of Connecticut in pursuance of an Act passed at the second session of the second Congress, entitled an act to regulate the claims to

Invalid pension: but that he has never received from the Hon. Secretary of War, a formal Certificate and now wishes to obtain one.
The said Bournham further represents that arrears of pension are now due him from March 4 1823. as may appear by the report of Undclaimed Pensions made by the Agent on the first day of July 1825. and he would therefore respectfully request that the Agent for paying pensions in Connecticut may be authorised to pay him the arrearages now due him from that period, on the production of proper vouchers substantia- ting his identity.
Sworn & subscribed to Oliver Bournham before me this 20 th day of August A.D. 1826.
With my hand & official Seal Samuel Holden Parsons Notary Public

I, Thomas Day, Secretary of the State of Connecticut, and keeper of the Seal thereof, do hereby certify and make known, That Samuel H. Parsons Esq. whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate, in his proper hand-writing to me well known, is, and for more than one year last past, has been, a Notary Public within and for the county of Hartford in said State, duly appointed, commissioned and qualified; that the Seal annexed to said certificate is his genuine Seal of Office; and that full faith and credit are due to his acts and attestations in said capacity.
In faith whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of said State at the city of Hartford, the eleventh day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-six.
Thomas Day
State of Connecticut } ss: Cornwall County of Litchfield }
On this 22 nd day of September, 1826, before me the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace for the County of Litchfield personally, George Wheaton Esquire and Doct r Joseph North, both known to me as credible & respectable persons and made oath that they well know Oliver Burnham named in the preceding affidavit and that he is a pensioner of the United States.
William Kellogg Justice of the Peace

Thomas Day, Secretary of the State of Connecticut and keeper of the Seal thereof, do hereby certify and make known to whom it doth or may concern, That William Kellogg Esq. whose name is subscribed, in his proper hand-writing, to the within certificate, is, and for more than one year last past has been, a Justice of the Peace within and for the county of Litch- field in said State, duly appointed commissioned and qualified; and that full faith and credit may and ought to be given to his official acts and attestations.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said State, at the City of Hartford, the twenty-sixth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-six.
Thomas Day

Farmington Jan. 19 th 1836
W Samuel H Parsons,
Sir Yours of the 11 th inst. is received: I have omitted answering it for a few days to try to recollect more particularly respecting Oliver Bunnham's service in the rev. army.
I served as ensign - thro' the year 1776 - in Capt. Amasa Mills' Co. - Col Samuel Wyllys' regiment. receiving my appointment in Nov. '75. I repaired to Connecticut and from that time until the next February continued on the recruiting service; I enlisted several belonging to New Britain, now Berlin - and marched with them in the month of February to Roxbury, and was in the detachment which went on & occupied the heights of Dorchester, March 4 th and in April 1776 marched with the regiment from Boston to New York - serving in that regiment to the end of that year. I have a very strong impression on my mind that said Bunnham was one of those recruits , and that I recollect him as being a very active & enterprising youth : I will recollect the unfortunate day of the battles on Long Island & Harlem heights &c, and have little doubt that what Bunnham states is correct: those recruits enlisted to serve from the first of January 1776 to the end of the year; but altho' I have those strong impressions on my mind - that he did enlist at the close of '75 to serve one year from Jan. 1. 1776 - I cannot so clearly recollect them as to warrant me in making a solemn oath thereto, sixty years having elapsed since those occurrences: I can clearly testify to this qualified statement . respectfully Yours Samuel Richards.

I Burritt Jennings of Cornwall in the County of Litchfield and State of Connecticut aged Seventy seven years Testify and say that I was personally acquainted with Oliver Burnham Esqr of the aforesaid town County and State during the Revolutionary War in the year 1776 and during that year I know that the said Burnham was a Soldier in the Army and often see him in New York and Harlem North of New York, the Reg t I do not certain remember but believe it was Col e Willis Reg t and I have been acquainted with the said Burnham for the last thirty four years and I further say that from the Uniform the said Burnham wore at the time I knew him in the Army I always supposed he belonged to the year service and I further say that the said Burnhams character for truth is good
Burritt Jennings
Litchfield County & Cornwall State of Connecticut
Be it known that on the 5 th day of November 1835 Burritt Jennings the above deponent personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the peace for the County aforesaid and made Oath to the truth of the Facts stated in the above affidavit by him subscribed, and I certify that the said Burritt Jennings is personally known to me as a creditable witness. George Wheaton Justice of peace

Hartford October 14. 1835
Sir, Therewith forward an application for a pension under act of 7 June 1832 in favor of Oliver Burnham Esq. of Stonewall, who states that he served 21 months as a private & 6 months as a sergeant. From November 1775 to November 1770 as a private in Captain Amasa Mills, company in Colonel Samuel Mylly's regt. when he was taken prisoner at Fort Washington and detained as a prisoner of war until the middle of February 1777, amounting to 15 months. It appears from his bills recd. that he recd for wages & hope while a prisoner £13.5.4.
He also served in 1777. Six months in Captain Edward Rogers' company Col. Roger Ennis' regt. This service is proved by the Affidavit of John Dean a fellow soldier in the same company & a pensioner under the act of June 7. 1832. It also appears from the Comptroller's certificate that Captain Rogers was credited £1433.8.3. for wages paid his company for services in 1777. in Col. Ennis' Batt n .
The next service was six months as a Sergeant in Captain Nathan Chapman's company in Colonel Beebe's regt.
This service is proved by the Affidavit of Joshua Lovell who served as a private in the same regiment - and by a warrant issued by Colonel Beebe in July 1780.

Mr Burnham is well known here as a gentleman of unexceptionable character & the fullest confidence is placed in his statements.
I am Sir
J. L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington
Very respectfully Your obedient servant Samuel H. Parsons

Hardford Nov 14. 1835
Sir, Therewith return the affidavits of Joshua Lovell and John Dean, having caused the official character & signatures of the magistrates to be duly authenticated by the Secretary of State agreeably to your instructions of 29 th Ult o . —
I also enclose the Affidavit of Burnet Jennings (a pensioner under Act of '32), relative to Oliver Burnham's service in 1770; As this Affidavit was taken before George Wheaton whose official character was authenticated in the case of Dean, I suppose another certificate superfluous.
Mr B would have made an earlier application, had he not supposed that under the Direction of the Act of '32, he required an assignment of the invalid pension, but being lately informed that his impression was erroneous, he deems it proper first to prefer the present claim under the Act of 7 th June 1832, inasmuch as, his pecuniary means,

are small & his disability & the infirmites of age prevent his obtaining a support by manual labor.
Mr Burnham sustains a high character for veracity, he will however make exertions to obtain further testimony if required.
I am Sir very respectfully Your obed Servant Samuel H Parsons
L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington

Comptroller's Office Hartford Connecticut January 21. 1836.
I certify that on application for Oliver M c Burnham I have examined the Books and Papers of the late Pay Table Office of this state and in addition to my certificate of 2 d Oct r 1835, Certify:—
That there are no Pay Rolls remaining of Captain Amasa Wells Company. And also, that by the Receipts of "E Haskell, Com r ." it appears that the original Pay Rolls & other Vouchers of Service of Connecticut Troops were delivered him for the Gen l Government, in 1788.
Gideon Welles Compt r

Comptrollers Office Hartford Connecticut October 2 d 1835
I certify that on application of Oliver Burnham I have examined the books and papers remaining in this office relating to Revolutionary services, and find as follows: —
An account in payable acct. books with Capt. Amasa Mills, and a charge against the United States March 31. 1779 as follows "To order in Great. P. Cap. Amasa Mills transporting baggage for his Co. Col. Enos Regt. £21." Also, "War 2 d To order in Great. P. Cap. Amasa Mills for payroll for his Co. Col. Enos Regt. 7849 £1780. 6. 2."
In account with Cap. Nathan Chapman, from Jan d 18 to July 5. 1781 who is cred d at last date "By acct. rend d £2087. 16. 0½ Lawfer money."
An account with "Cap. Edward Rogers (Gays Regt.)" who is cred d March 1 st 1777 — ("Late Col. Gays Regt.") — "By his acct. rend d for his Co. viz, Wages &c. &c £580." — And Jan d 17. '78 is this entry: — "Cap. Edward Rogers, Enos Batt. '77. C d By acct. rend d for his Co. — Wages, &c. £1433. 8. 3." —
In Harkells Receipts, in an account against the United States "for sundry expenditures for Wages, Hospital Expense, lost baggage &c. of Prisoners taken by the Enemy," is this entry: —
"Date" "Bills & Acco ts " "Remarks" "Wages" Am t p o in State Bills "1781. Apr. 12" "Oliver Burnham" "Wyllys pgt 76" "£6. 13. 4" "Lopes £6. 12. 0 £13. 5. 4."
Gilson Wells Compt r

I John Dean of Cornwall in Litchfield County and State of Connecticut aged 77 years, and a pensioner on the Roll of the Connecticut Agency under the Act of June 7, 1832. Do testify & say that I served as a private in Captain Edward Rogers Company of foot in 1777 in Colonel Roger Ennis's regiment of State troops. That Oliver Burnham of said Cornwall who is an invalid pensioner on the Roll of the Connecticut Agency served at least six months in the same company I know him well & that he is a very respectable & credible person - he was a private in said Company - Sworn to & subscribed } John Dean  The day & year above written the 3 rd day of October A.D. 1835
Before me - George Wheaton Justice of peace
I certify that John Dean the above named deponent is a credible person & has been sworn under the act of 7 th June 1832 George Wheaton Justice of peace
The word Agency was interlined before signed and the erasure of date was made before signed George Wheaton Justice of the peace

I Johna Lovele of Shescon in the County of Litchfield and State of Connecticut do testify and say, that I am well acquainted with Oliver Burnham Esq. of Cornwall an invalid pensioner on the Role of the Connecticut Army, and know that he served as a Sergeant in Captain Chapman's Company of foot in Colonel Beecher's Regiment. - I was a private in Captain MacColl's Company in the same Regiment at that time, but always understood and believed that said Burnham was a member of Captain Chapman's Company as above & so forth until it was discharged in January 1781.
The said Burnham sustains a highly respectable character and his statements can be relied on -
Given under my hand this 2 d day of October 1835
Chas. F. Sedgwick Justice of the Peace
I am well acquainted with Johna Lovele

above named and that him the a credible witness
Chas. F. Sedgwick Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont "ss" At the office of the Secretary of State, in Hartford in said State, November 3 rd AD 1835
I hereby certify that the afore- -said Charles F. Doolittle and George Sher- -aton Esqrs are Justices of the Peace within and for the County of Litchfield in this State as appears from the records in this Office, and being acquainted with the handwriting of each, I fully believe their signatures to be genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereto affixed the seal of this State, and signed the same with my own proper hand Royal Wilkinson Secretary of the State of Vermont