Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 14,364, Lewis Bruce, Mass. Navy.

SERVICE
Mass. Navy.
Bruce, Lewis Hannah
NUMBER _____
W. 14,364 B. L. Wt. 13,024-160-55-
CONTENTS

Act March 3/55-
ap 3/55-
104724
Nannah Bruce with
Louis Bruce Pri
Private
May 2nd
No 1302 Duplicat Rev war
Rev Perisimus
Cedar No 25-75-
Map Feb 45- 2595-
Ad. 160 acs Decr 19/55-
Dodge
11/11/55
S. M. Knight
Present

July 25/60, Caneat- filed, fraud in the assignment — D.D.D. Warrant filed
Let to Part Master Lynn, Mass.
Aug. 4/60. Let to Same — D.D.D.
Apr. 22/61- Let to James Gregory & Son of Marblehead Mass. Heirs at law must apply for duplicate — D.P.O.
March 16/64 Warrant cancelled, fraudulently assigned in North Carolina March 18/56.
Warrant died at Lynn Mass March 24/56
" " Letter to Com'y G Office notice of issue of Duplicate R.H. Returning cancelled Wt
March 16/64 Warrant cancelled fraudulently assigned in North Carolina March 18/56 P.M. same
Vol. 100-35.

3625.
Massachusetts Roll -
Lewis Bruce, 14
Private, Hague Brigade - 9 months in the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.
inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of Eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 18 th of April 1818 -
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 th of October 1818 - and sent to Samuel Putnam Esq r . Judge Salem -
  Arrears to 4th of September 1818 -  36:53    Semi-annual allowance ending 14 th March 1819  48:    49/365 32     7/30 - 4:53  $ 84:53  
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Continued
Lynn, Essex County,

Letts J. C. Stickney Mar 10 1837
Resignation sent October 18 1820 to Richard Tucker Salem, Massachusetts

X
Reported Dec. 22/48
2575 Massachusetts Hannah Bruce widow of Lewis Bruce who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private (Hannan)
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 36 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 day of Dec. 1848. and sent to Hon. D. P. King W of R
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 7 Vol. 2

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Be it remembered, That Lewis Bruce of Lynn in the County of Essex in the Commonwealth aforesaid, doth make upon oath the following DECLARATION , to wit,
That the Declarant enlisted in July 1780 as a private for the term of six months in Capt Palmer's Company in Col Wesson's Regiment in General Larned's Brigade and faithfully served out the whole of said six months and was honorably discharged at West Point. That the Declarant entered at Boston in June 1782 a waistman on the gun deck on board the continental Frigate called the Flague commanded by Com. Manly, sailed in August, cruised off Bermudas about 6 weeks, then off St. Martins, St Kitts, St Thomas, and near British Channel and Martinique, arrived about the last of March 1783 at Boston, and was there honorably discharged.
That the Declarant had a Cer- tificate of Discharge from the army but has since lost it. That he never received a Certifi- cate of Discharge from the Navy. —
That he is in the fifty seventh year of his age
That the Declarant is infirm; that from his reduced circumstances in life he is now in need of assistance from his country for support; and that he hereby relinquishes his claim to every pension heretofore allowed him by the laws of the United States.
Lewis Bruce

3625
Lewis Bruce
Oct 1818
Con d Sep 25 '20
Residence must be
State of
Conn
Ques
Residence must be
State of
Conn
Residence must be
on this day of the year...
any exhibited in the above in example is...

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
ESSEX, ss.
At the Circuit Court of Common Pleas of the Middle Circuit, begun and holden at Salem, within and for the County of Essex, on the third Monday of June, A. D. 1820.
Present, Hon. SAMUEL DANA, Chief Justice.
Hon. WILLIAM WETMORE, and
Hon. STEPHEN MINOT, Associate Justices.
In open Court here, being a Court of Record for said Circuit, proceeding according to the course of the common law, with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, keeping a record of its proceedings, and having the power of fine and imprisonment, Lewis Bruce resident in in said Circuit, who is named in Pension Certificate No. 3625 now in his possession, of which the following is a true copy, to wit,
WAR DEPARTMENT.....REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 18th March, 1818, Lewis Bruce late a private in the Army of the Revolution, is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the Massachusetts Agency, at the rate of eight dollars per month, to commence on the eighteenth day of April one thousand eight hundred and eighteen. Given at the War Office of the United States, this fourteenth day of October one thousand eight hundred and eighteen. L. S. J. C. CALHOUN, Secretary of War.
appears, and exhibits to the Court here a Schedule, subscribed by him, as follows, to wit,
SCHEDULE,
containing his whole estate and income, his necessary clothing and bedding excepted, to wit,
Table with 2 columns: Item, Amount. Rows: 6 old chairs ($1.50), 2 old tables ($1.00), 1 iron pot 2 kettles ($1.75).
Said Bruce's occupation is that of a laborer. he works but a small part of the time being weak & feeble, has a wife and one child to support -
Table with 2 columns: Item, Amount. Rows: Annual income from work is 10.00, Total 14.25.
He owes about 30 or 40 dollars - he has no demand against any persons -
Said Bruce served as a private in

The revolutionary army, as much as two or three years a part of the time belonged to Capt. Palmer's Company in Col. Wesson's Regiment - said Bruce is sixty years of age - and also in the navy -
Lewis Bruce
Sworn to & declared before Wm Wetmore Judge within named

and at the same time he produces to the Court here the following Oath, taken and subscribed by him, before the Hon. Wm Wetmore a Judge of said Court as aforesaid, to wit,
I, Lewis Bruce do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the eighteenth day of March one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war," passed on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property, or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income, other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed. So help me GOD.
Lewis Bruce
Essex, ss. C. C. C. P. June, Term, A. D. 1820.
Then the abovenamed Lewis Bruce took and subscribed the aforesaid Oath before me
Wm Wetmore Judge of said Court.
I, ICHABOD TUCKER, Clerk of the Court aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing Oath, and Schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule is
forty dollars twenty five cents
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, at Salem, in said County of Essex, on this 17th day of July A. D.
1820
Attr.
Ichabod Tucker, Clk

Declaration.
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of congress, of the 7 th July, 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows."
State of Massachusetts, } ss: County of Essex, }
On this eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty eight, personally appeared before the Honourable David Cummins, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas, for the State of Massachusetts, Hannah Bruce, a resident of Lynn, in the County of Essex, and State aforesaid, aged seventy six years, who, first being 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 Lewis Bruce, late of said Lynn, deceased, who, according to her best knowledge and

belief, was a private soldier in the Massachusetts Line of the Continental Army of the Revolution - that he enlisted in said Army sometime in the year 1778, and remained in said Army most of the time until about the close of the year 1782, when he enlisted for nine months in the Naval Service of the United States, under Captain Manly, and remained in the last mentioned Service until the end of the war - that at the time of his enlisting in said Army he lived in the town of Woburn, in the County of Middlesex, and State aforesaid; that she often heard her husband, the aforesaid Lewis Bruce, say he was in the Army at West Point, at Morristown, New York, and in New Jersey, and mention the names of the Company, Regiment, and officers, in and under which and whom he served, but she has forgotten them all, except Captain Reed, of Woburn aforesaid, under whom he once enlisted -; that he received a pension of eight dollars per month, from the War Department of the United States, for several years before he died; that she has no documentary evidence in support of her claim, except that hereto annexed, the Pension Certificate of said Lewis Bruce, her husband, having been lost. She further declares that she was mar-

ried to the said Lewis Bruce, by Rev. Mr. Roby, at the dwelling house of said Roby, in Lynn aforesaid, (in the West Parish, now called Saugus,) on the First day of April, in the year seventeen hundred and eighty four; that her husband, the aforesaid Lewis Bruce died at Lynn aforesaid on the First day of July, eighteen hundred and twenty eight; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz: at the time above stated.
Hannah her X mark Bruce
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before me, the said Hannah Bruce by reason of her advanced age and bodily infirmity being unable to attend court.
David Cummins J. P. C.C.P.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Essex ss. Lynn Aug th 10. 1838
" The Genealogy of Lewis Bruce
Sally their Daughter- Born June 10. 1784 Lewis their Son Born May 3 d . 1786 Hannah their Daughter Born Nov 13. 1788 William their Son Born July 14. 1791 Lot their Son Born October 7. 1793 Harriet their Son Born April 1- 1796 George their Son Born Sep r 13. 1798 Mary their Daughter Born Nov. 29- 1801 Hannah Died Oct r 18 th 1805 Lot their Son Died Sep r 25 th 1813 1828 July 1 st Lewis Bruce Died "
I Thomas Bowler of Lynn in the County of Essex and State of Massachusetts depose and say that I am Clerk of said Town of Lynn, that I have the custody of the Records of said Town, and that the above transcript is a true copy of said Records. I further testify that there is no Record, either of the day, month, or year of the marriage of the above named Lewis Bruce, and the probability is, that no legal return was made of the marriage, by the officiating Clergyman. I have no doubt of the fact of the marriage of the above named Lewis Bruce, as I was well acquainted with the family more than twenty years, and it appears from the Records that their first Child was Born on the Tenth day of June in the year of our Lord seventeen hundred and eighty four. I further testify that Hannah the widow of said Bruce has not been married since his Decease. Thomas Bowler Town Clerk of Lynn

Essex ss. August 10th. A.D. 1838, When per- sonally appeared the within named Thomas Bowler, and made oath, that the within Depo- sition by him subscribed, is true, before me; and I certify that he is a disinterested and cred- ible witness.
Aaron Sumner.
"Justice of the Peace."

State of Massachusetts, County of Essex, . . . } 55.
On this 2 nd
day of
March, A. D. one thousand eight hundred and sixty-four, personally appeared before me, William F. Johnson, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, Sally Richardson, of Lynn in the said County of Essex, widow, aged Seventy Nine years, who, being duly sworn according to law declares that she is one of four children of Hannah Bruce, late of said Lynn, widow, deceased, intestate, namely, Harriet Johnson, widow; Mary B. Johnson, wife of Jacob J. Johnson, Shoe Manufacturer, and all of said Lynn; Lewis Bruce of Portsmouth in the County of Rockingham and State of New Hampshire, gentleman, and your Declarant. That her said mother was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, and was also an applicant for Bounty Land under the provisions of the act of Congress, approved March 3 rd 1855, and died on the twenty-fourth day of March, A. D. 1856, at the age of ninety-four years; that she made said application on the twentieth of April, 1855, as the widow of her late father, Lewis Bruce, who was pensioned on the 14 th of October, 1818, at the rate of ninety-six dollars per annum, for his services as a mariner in the Navy of the Revolution, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved on the 18 th of March of that year.
That a Land Warrant of 160 acres, numbered 13024, was issued in favor of her said mother on her said application and was sent to S. M. Knight, then of Washington, D. C. on the 22 nd of December, 1855, but was never received by her in her lifetime, nor by any of her heirs; and neither she, her said mother, nor any of her heirs ever sold, assigned, or parted with her right, or their right to the said Warrant; that said S. M. Knight, late of said City of Washington, removed or went to parts unknown several years ago, as will appear by the affidavit of Joseph T. Stevens Esq. of, or then doing business in said

Washington, hereto annexed; and therefore he the said Knight is not accessible to give his affidavit as to the non-receipt of said Warrant by him.
That her said Mother continued a widow at the time of her decease and had not intermarried since the decease of her said husband, Declarants father, said Lewis Bruce, who died on the first day of July, 1828, and that in the year 1861, Declarant, in behalf of herself and the other named heirs of her said mother, requested James Gregory & Son to investigate the matter of the Land Warrant so as aforesaid due her said mother and never received by either her or her heirs, and that the result of their investigations was given in a letter from the Hon. Commission of Pensions, dated the 22 d of November of the said year 1861, from the contents of which letter most of the particulars of the issue of said Warrant as hereon given were named, and from which letter the following true extracts are taken:—
"Said Warrant has been returned located in the name of an assignee and the assignment thereof purports to have been executed by the Warrantee on the 18 th day of March, 1856, before J. W. Peck, Justice of the Peace for the County of Yancey and State of North Carolina."
"Entertaining no doubt that the aforesaid assignment was false and forged, the said Warrant will be cancelled. — But before a duplicate thereof can be granted, it is necessary that the heirs at law make an application therefor, setting forth the facts as to the death of the Warrantee and the date thereof."
She further declares that it is the wish and desire of a majority of the children of her said mother, to wit, all who reside in the State of Massachusetts — as named on the Certificate of the Probate Court hereto annexed — that she, the Declarant, may prosecute the claim of all said named children, in right of their said deceased mother, to a new Certificate on Land Warrant of the like tenor to that which was issued in her name and never received, and in lieu thereof, under the provisions of the Act of Congress, entitled an act to authorize the re-issue of Land Warrants in certain cases and for other purposes, approved June 23 d 1860.

And she hereby appoints James Gregory & Son, aforesaid, of Marblehead in the County of Essex and State of Massachusetts, her lawfull Attorneys to present and prosecute this the claim of all the heirs of her said Mother, and prays that any Certificate that may issue thereon may be sent to their care and custody for the use and benefit of said heirs; and she declares that no re-issue of said Land Warrant has ever been received by said heirs, and that no other application has ever been made therefor for said re-issue.
Sally Richardson
We the subscribers, George Richardson and Martha S. Richardson both residents of Lynn in the County of Essex and State of Massachusetts upon our oaths declare that the foregoing Declaration was signed and acknowledged by said Sally Richardson in our presence; that we well know from our own personal knowledge that she the said Sally is one of the four children, only, who are the only heirs at law of Hannah Bruce, late of said Lynn, widow of Lewis Bruce, deceased, to whom it is understood a Land Warrant was issued under the Act of March 3 d 1855, and never received by her or her heirs at law - whose names and places of residence are all correctly given in the foregoing Declaration, and that we have no interest in the prosecution of this claim.
George Richardson Martha S. Richardson
The foregoing Declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year first above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
Wm F. Johnson
Justice of the Peace.

Hannah Bruce, Act. 3 2 / 4 March 1855.
S. M. Knight. Present
164434

State of Massachusetts } County of Essex } ss.
On this twentieth day of April 185 5 , before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace duly authorized by law to administer oaths within and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Hannah Bruce aged 93 years, a resident of Syracuse County of Essex in the State of Massachusetts who made oath in due form of law, that she is the identical Hannah Bruce to whom, under the provisions of the Act of 2nd February 1848 a pension of Twenty Six dollars per annum has been allowed for the services of her late husband Lewis Bruce a private of the Revolutionary war, and late of Syracuse Essex County, State of Massachusetts . She further states that her Pension Certificate, under the aforesaid Act of 2nd February 1848 is numbered 2575 , bears date the fifteenth day of January 185 7 , and is made payable at the Boston Agency. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtain- ing the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the Act of 3d March, 1855, never having received or known herself entitled, or made application, under any previous act of Congress. In evidence of her marriage and proof of service of her said husband, she respectfully refers to the proofs heretofore adduced, now on file in the Pension Office, and upon which her annuity as aforesaid was granted.
That, since being placed on the list of Revolutionary Pensioners, she has not intermarried, but continues the widow of the said Lewis Bruce .
She appoints as her attorney for the within specified purpose, and with power of substitution, S. M. KNIGHT , of Washington City, D. C.
11 Hannah X Bruce her mark
Attest: B. F. Mudge Martha S Richardson
SWORN TO, SUBSCRIBED AND ACKNOWLEDGED before me, the day and year above written, and I hereby certify that I know the aforesaid Hannah Bruce to be the identical person she alleges herself to be—a Pen- sioner of the United States, and at the date of the execution of this declaration a widow; and that I am not interested in her claim as Agent, Attorney, or otherwise.
12 B. F. Mudge J. Peace.
(For Notes, see opposite page.)
1. Wm 1855

State of Massachusetts } ss. County of Essex }
On this twentieth day of April 185 5 before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, authorized by law to administer oaths within and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared 13  Sarah Richardson and 13  Martha S. Richardson  both residents of 14  Lynn County of Essex , in the State of Massachusetts known to me as credible persons, who made oath, in due form of law, that 1  Hannah Bruce who in their presence has sworn and subscribed to the foregoing declaration, is, to their personal knowledge, the identical person to whom, under the provisions of the Act of 3  2nd Feb. 1848 a pension of 4  Ninety Six dollars per annum has been granted for the services of her late husband 5  Lewis Bruce deceased, a 6  private of the Revolutionary war.
That since being placed on the roll of Pensioners, she, the said 1  Hannah Bruce has not intermarried, but remains, and now is, a widow: That they have known her for over thirty years, and derive their knowledge of the facts herein named from the following circumstances, to wit: 15  That they knew her to live with said Lewis Bruce before his death as his wife, that they have known her ever since that time, and have known her to receive pension money as his widow,
They further state that they are disinterested witnesses.
16  Sarah Richardson Martha S. Richardson
Sworn to, and subscribed before me, the day and year above written.
12  B. F. Mundy J. P.
State of Massachusetts } ss. County of Essex }
I Hereby Certify , That B. F. Mundy Esq., before whom the foregoing Declaration, Power of Attorney, and Affidavits were made and acknowledged, and who has thereunto subscribed his name, was at the time of so doing an authorized Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, and that his signature thereto is genuine. I further certify, that in the within application I am not interested as Agent, Attorney, or otherwise.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of of Common Pleas  the Court for the County aforesaid, this Twenty first day of April 185 5 .
Albion , Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas.
NOTES.
1. Insert the widow's full name. 2. Give the Post Office address. 3. Insert the title of the Act under which her Revolutionary Pension was granted. 4. State the amount in dollars and cents. 5. Insert the full name of her late husband. 6. State what rank he held. 7. Give the name of the County in which he lived at the time of his death. 8. Insert the registry number of her Pension Certificate. 9. Give its date. 10. State where made payable. 11. Widow's signature in full. 12. Magistrate's signature. 13. Insert the witnesses' full names. 14. Give their Post Office address. 15. Here give a statement of the facts and circumstances from which the foregoing testimony is adduced, or from which the witnesses knowledge is derived. 16. Witnesses' signature.

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 14 364  own
Hannah Brace
Widow of
Lewis Brace
Princeton New Jersey
Act: Feb 22 d 48
Index:—Vol. a , Page 87
[Arrangement of 1870.]

commissioners in War department at Washington
minn. ot
in hast

25-10-18 to the Commission The President was in the Department of Commerce at Washington in fact

Adkins Application - for re-issue of Bounty Land Warrant
No 13,024
for 160 acres - As of 3 rd March 1855.
Hannah Bruce Wid of Lewis Bruce.
Original Warrant on file with Court of Pensions.
Care of J. J. Stevens Present

Mrs Hannah Bruce. Revolutionary Pensioner (or Heirs) Syria Essex Co. Mass.

✓ 18.024
Declaration made in Mass Appointment N.C.
Supposed to Vaughn
Wed Aug

Massachusetts
Hannah Bruce
widow of Lewis Bruce who was a Private & Seaman in the Mass line
For 6 mo Private 9 " Seaman
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 56 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28th day of Oct. 1843 and sent to Jonathan Tuttle Lynn Mass.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book 4 Vol. 1 Page 36.

234 Massachusetts
Hannah Bruce widow of Lewis Bruce decd
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1818 and who died on the 1 st July 1828 of Essex Co in the State of Mass.
who was a Mr Seaman in the Company commanded by Captain _____ of the Regt. commanded by Col Wilson in the Mass. a line for 6 months Private } 9 " Seaman }
Inscribed on the Roll of a Mass. P. at the rate of 56 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 th day of Sept. 1838 and Legal Interest Summies Lynn Mass
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1838 $140.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar '39. 28.00
$168.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded, by W. H. Addison Clerk Book A Vol. 15 Page 70

2575 Massachusetts Hannah Bruce widow of Lewis Bruce
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private Seaman
one from S. F.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 Dollars —————
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
1 July 1848
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 day of Jan'y 1857
and sent to
J. M. Thayer Boston Mass
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 8 Vol. 2
Let Sally Richardson Apr 28/56 same June 23/836

Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
I James Garamo of Lynn in the county of Essex, make affidavit, that at Lewis Bruce, now of Lynn aforesaid, enlisted as a private soldier for the continental army, for the term of six months, on the 16 th or 17 th of July 1780 at Woburn in the county of Middlesex - that he was mustered at Concord & marched to Springfield, where an officer of the army, (I think Capt. Prehard) took charge of said Bruce & many others & marched them to West-Point where that these troops were ordered into the ranks of the continental army - that said Bruce was placed in one of the Massachusetts regiments under the command of Colo. Weston, in Brigadier General Learned's Brigade - that said Bruce served in said regiment the term of his enlistment, & was discharged on the 16 th or 17 th of January 1781. was witnessed by I have a perfect recollection of the foregoing facts.
James Garamo
Essex ss. Lynn April 18. 1818. Sworn to before
J. C. G. Gardner J. Pease

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
I, Enoch Stocker, of South Reading in the county of Middlesex, do testify and say; That I served as a mariner in the naval service of the United States, in the War of the Revolution, on board the Frigate, rated at 36 guns, formerly called the Deane Frigate, then called the Hogue Frigate, and at that time commanded by Capt. John Manly in which I enlisted during the whole of her cruise from Boston, about the middle of June, A.D. 1782, to the West-India Islands, English Channel, &c. back to said Boston, about the first of April, A.D. 1783, and that the time I served in said Frigate, as aforesaid, from the time of my enlistment, which was some little time before we sailed, to the time of my discharge at her return, was at least nine months and sixteen days; and that the news of Peace was not known to said Frigate until her return to Boston. And I well know that Lewis Bruce of Lynn in the County of Essex, enlisted as a mariner, on board the same Frigate, at the same time, I did; and did serve, as such, on board the same Frigate until her return, and was discharged from the same, when I was. We both enlisted for the cruise. Enoch his  X Stocker. mark.
Middlesex, ss. April 15, 1818. Then the above-named Enoch Stocker of sound mind and memory, though from lameness unable to travel any considerable distance, personally appeared, and made oath that the above affidavit, by him subscribed in my presence, is true; and I think that full faith and credence may be given to the same.
Before me, Wm. Nichols, Justice of the Peace.
(Signature)

Lewis Bruce
> Lynn, Essex Co., Mass. U.S.
1842
May Sep
Admitted

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Essex ss: Sept. 26. 1818 I Samuel Putnam the judge within named further certify that Enoch Stocker and James Gardner Esq s are credible and disinterested wit- nesses; and that the said Lewis Bruce is in indigent circumstances, and needs the as- sistance of his country for support
S. Putnam Jut S. J. Court of Mass s . }

Essex 13
Committee of Mass. 5
I Certify that James Gardner of Lynn Esq. is a magistrate of the County of Essex, duly authorized to take deposition - and his signature to the annexed dep t I know to be genuine - And I do verily believe that W m Nichols Esq. is a magistrate of the County of Middlesex duly authorized to take deposition & that his signature annexed is genuine -
S. Putnam Just S. J. Court of Mass. } }

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Witnesseth: On this seventeenth day of April A. D. 1818 the said Lewis Bruce came before me Samuel Putnam, a Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court of said State and made upon Oath the aforesaid declaration by him subscribed: and, I having no reason to doubt the genuineness of the annexed affidavits of James Gardner Esq r a Justice of the Peace in said County and of said Enoch Stocker, and it appearing to my satisfaction that the said Lewis Bruce did serve in the Revolutionary War as stated in his aforesaid declaration, I hereby certify the testimony in the case and the proceedings had thereon to the Secretary of the Department of War.
Given under my hand, this seventeenth day of April A. D. 1818 and the said said Court.
S. Putnam Just S. J. Court of Mass s }
I Ichabod Tucker, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts of said Commonwealth in and for said County do hereby certify that the Hon. Samuel Putnam is a Justice of the Court aforesaid, that the above signature is his proper hand, and that the seal affixed hereunto is the seal of said Court.
Attest Ichabod Tucker, Clerk

Lewis Bruce
Syracuse, Essex Co., Mass.
1840
May 20th
Admitted
Essex ss. Commonwealth of Massachusetts
I, Ichabod Tucker Clerk of all the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth aforesaid in and for the County aforesaid hereby certify to all to whom these presents may concern that the aforesaid Samuel Putnam is a Judge of the Supreme Judicial Court as aforesaid that the seal hereto affixed is the seal of said Court and the signature aforesaid is his proper hand
Attest. Ichabod Tucker Clerk

Hannah Bruce
Wid of Lewis
Mass
Ad 7 July 1838
Marrd 1784
Died 1828
hms Col Nipon $20. pr
9.. Truman 36
pa am - 36
Aaron Sumner Esq Syracuse Mass

War Department,
PENSION OFFICE,
Sept r 25-1820.
3625
SIR,
You are hereby informed that the schedule of your property has been examined; and the Secretary of War has directed your name to be continued on the Pension Roll.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. Edwards
To Mr. Lewis Bruce
Exec o Mass
[Handwritten initials or mark]

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Essex ss. July 24th. A.D. 1838, Then personally appeared Hannah Bruce, of Lynn, in the County of Essex and Commonwealth aforesaid, and made oath that the within Document was the property of her late husband, and that he received a Pension from the Government of the United States, pursuant thereto; before me: and I certify that she is a credible affiant.
Aaron Lummus.
Justice of the Peace

Lewis Bruce.
Pension Document.

I, Elizabeth Roby, of Saugus, in the County of Essex, and commonwealth of Massachusetts, daughter of Reverend Joseph Roby, late of said Saugus, deceased, aged about 70 years, on oath depose and say - that I knew Lewis Bruce and Hannah Batts, formerly of Saugus aforesaid, previous to their marriage - that I believe they were lawfully joined in marriage by my father, the said Joseph Roby, who was the minister of Lynn West Parish, now the aforesaid Saugus, for about fifty years - that I presume I was present at the marriage of the aforesaid Lewis and Hannah, although from my age and infirmities I do not recollect the particulars - but I know it was always understood and believed in Saugus, that the said Lewis and Hannah were lawfully married, as aforesaid.
Elizabeth Roby
Essex ss. August 9 th . A.D. 1838. Then personally appeared the above named Elizabeth Roby and made oath that the above deposition, by her subscribed is true: and I certify that she is a credible witness.
Baron Lymanus
Justice of the Peace.

I, Sally Richardson, of Lynn, in the county of Essex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged fifty four years, daughter of Lewis and Hannah Bruce, of Lynn aforesaid, on oath depose and say - that I lived with my parents, the said Lewis and Hannah, until the twenty third year of my age, and since that time have often visited my parents - that I do not recollect ever seeing a Family Record in my father's house, either in the Family Bible or any other book, and believe there was none in existence - that with my father's family I sat under the ministry of Rev. Joseph Roby, of Lynn West Parish, now called Saugus, from my childhood until my marriage - that it was always understood and believed in our family and neighbourhood, that my parents were joined in marriage by the said Roby, early in the year seventeen hundred and eighty four - that my father, the said Lewis Bruce, died in Lynn aforesaid, July 1, 1828, - that since the death of my father, my mother, the said Hannah Bruce, has not been married, but has remained, and is now the widow of said Lewis Bruce - that for several years before my father's death, he was a pensioner, at the rate of eight per month, in consequence of services in the War of the Revolution.
Sally Richardson
Essex ss. August 10th. A.D. 1838. Then personally appeared the above named Sally Richardson, and made oath that the above Deposition by her subscribed is true, before me: and I certify that she is a credible witness.
Aaron Lummus Justice of the Peace.

I, Susan Batts, of Saugus, in the county of Essex, and commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged sixty five years, on oath depose and say, that I lived next door neighbour to Hannah Batts, the of Lynn, West Parish, now incorporated as a town by the name of Saugus - that sometime in the month of of April, seventeen hundred and eighty four, the said Hannah was married by Rev. Mr. Roby to Lewis Bruce, who had been, as it was believed and never doubted in our town, a soldier in the army of the Revolution - said marriage took place at the dwellinghouse of said Roby - that I afterwards married a brother of the said Hannah, and have a distinct knowledge and recollection of the above facts, as they were at the time of the marriage of said Hannah understood and believed in the family and neighbourhood, though I was not present at the marriage of said Hannah - that the fact and legality of the marriage of said Hannah were never doubted in our family or neighbourhood - That said Lewis died at Lynn, in the county & commonwealth aforesaid about ten years ago, and since his death the said Hannah hath remained, and is now his widow.
Susan Batts
Essex ss. August 9th, A.D. 1838. Then personally appeared the above named Susan Batts, and made oath to the truth of the above deposition, by her subscribed, before me: and I certify that she is a credible and disinterested witness.
Baron Lummus Justice of the Peace.

I, Thomas Hitchings, of Saugus, in the county of Es- sex, and commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged seventy five years, on oath depose and say, that I knew Lewis Bruce and Hannah Batts, of Saugus, aforesaid, in April, seventeen hundred and eighty four, and believe they were lawfully joined in mar- riage about that time, by Reverend Joseph Roby, of Lynn West Parish, as it was then called, but now called Saugus, as aforesaid - that about ten years after the death of said Roby, a large lot of his papers, consist- ing of his sermons, marriage certificates, and mar- riage records, besides other of his papers, were found in a book case belonging to a social library, of which, I was at that time president, and said papers were burnt in my presence - that the fact or the le- gality of the marriage of said Lewis and Hannah, as aforesaid, I believe was never doubted - that all the family of said Roby are now dead, except his daugh- -ter Elizabeth, unless his son Thomas may be living somewhere out of this commonwealth.
Thomas Hitchings
Essex ss. August 9th. A.D. 1838. Then personally ap- peared the above-named Thomas Hitchings and made oath that the above deposition by him subscribed is true, before me: and I certify that he is a credible witness.
Aaron Lummus
Justice of the Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
I, Moses Sawyer, of Saugus, in the county of Essex, and Commonwealth aforesaid, clergyman, on oath depose and say, that I have custody of the Parish Records of said Saugus, formerly the West Parish of Lynn, containing an account of the marriages solemnized by Reverend Joseph Roby, formerly pastor of said parish, and that said records contain no account of the Marriage of Lewis Bruce and Hannah Batts. I further depose and say that said Records are in a shattered state, and large portions of them appear to be wanting, as about one half of the leaves in the book containing said Records have been cut out, or torn out, but when, and by whom, I know not.
Moses Sawyer { Minister of Saugus.
Essex ss. August 20th. A.D. 1838. Then personally appeared the above named Moses Sawyer, and made oath that the above deposition is true, before me: and I certify that he is a credible witness.
Aaron Lummus Justice of the Peace.

Hannah Breen
Wid p Lewis
Maps
Ad 7 July 1898
March 17 84
Bred 1878.
time Col Wilson $20. per
9 .. human 36.
pa am - .56
Aaron Lummis Esq Lynn Mass

2990
July 24, 1843. L.
Bl. March 28/43. L.
me map
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.

Lyons 21 st July 1843
Hon. J. L. Edwards,
Sir, The subscribers of the enclosed declarations did not preserve duplicates of the proofs furnished the department previously to their obtaining certificates, under the act of July 7 th 1838 and as those certificates have been returned and are now in possession of the department they are unable to say in what "regiment, corps or vessel" their husbands served or the rank which two of them held without incurring expense which they would gladly avoid; and as the department has said that "if the widow has obtained the benefits of the laws of July 7 th 1838, she is entitled to the provisions of the law of March 3 rd 1843," and as that fact can not be reasonably doubted, it is respectfully believed that the department will spare  save them any further trouble or expense.
With unfeigned respect your obt. Servt.
Jas D. Tuttle

29.88
Hannah Bruce
$56 per ann.
Jonathan Tuttle
Syracuse
Massachusetts

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 3 rd of March, 1843, granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have received pensions under the act of July 7 th 1838.
State of Massachusetts ss.
On this 19 th day of July 1843 personally appeared before the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace for the County of Essex, Hannah Bruce, a resident of Lynn in said County aged eighty one years who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3 rd of March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. — That she is the widow of Lewis Bruce, formerly of said Lynn, who served his Country in the war of the Revolution and was subsequently a pensioner of the United States and that she also received an annual pension of fifty six dollars under the act of Congress of July 7 th 1838 during the time that act was in force as will fully appear by reference to documents in the Pension Office at Washington particularly to those returned by the agent for paying pensions in Boston. She further declares that she is still a widow
witness Martha S Richardson
Hannah Bruce mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me Jno. Tuttle Justice of Peace
I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the declarant, above named Jno. Tuttle Jus Peace Lynn July 19 th 1843

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, July 21 st 1843
I hereby Certify, That, at the date of the attestation hereto annexed, Jonathan Tuttle was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Essex.
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Geo A Dole Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Hannah Bruce } Power to E. C. Stickney. } attorney
[Faint mirrored text from the reverse side of the page]
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE UNITED STATES FOR THE DISTRICT OF...
100
[Faint mirrored text from the reverse side of the page]

Power of Attorney.
KNOW ALL MEN, That I, Hannah Bruce of Lynn, widow have made, constituted, and appointed, and do hereby make constitute and appoint J. L. Stickney of Lynn to be my true and lawful Attorney, for me — and in my — name and stead to obtain from the War Department at Washington copies of any and all papers which may be necessary or useful to enable me the said Hannah to prove my claim to a bounty in land or money from the Government of the State of Massachusetts — viz. copies of the evidence or proof of services rendered in the War of the Revolution by my late husband Lewis Bruce , who was a pensioner at the time of his decease Feb 1828 . Whereby Giving and Granting to my — said Attorney, full power and authority to do, transact, and determine all matters, things and business, relating to, and touching the premises as fully and effectually as I the said constituent could or might do, if personally present; with power to substitute one Attorney, or more, under him, and the same at his pleasure to revoke. HEREBY RATIFYING and CONFIRMING whatever my said Attorney or his substitute or substitutes shall and may By virtue hereof, do in the premises..
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF I —have hereunto set my hand and seal this 20 th day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty Seven .
SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED IN THE PRESENCE OF
Thomas L. Baron Chas. Merrill
Hannah X Bruce Mark
Commonwealth of Massachusetts } ss. 20 Jan'y. 1837 Essex County } Then the said Hannah Bruce acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be her free act & deed.
before me Geo. Johnson { Jus Pac

Jan 20
Levi Bruce
Oct 1878
Copy Papers
15-gram
J. Edwards Somerville New Bedford Washington D.C.

Lynn Ms. 20 Jany 1837
Edw. Edwards Esq
Sir. Herin I forward Power of Atty from Mrs Hannah Bruce, authorizing me on her behalf to request copy of evidence on the files of the Pension Office - in the case of her late husband Lewis Bruce, a Pensioner under the Law of 1818. Her object is to obtain a bounty from this Commonwealth, & an authenticated copy of the testimony of his services, furnished at the time of his petition for a pension, may enable her to obtain it. Please cause such a copy to be forwarded to me as her attorney duly authorized.
Yr Respectful Servt
E. C. Stickney

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, March 3 1863.
I Hereby Certify, That at the date of the attestation hereto annexed
Wm F. Johnson
Justice of the Peace for the County of Essex, in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
I believe the foregoing to be a true and correct copy of the original now on file in my office.
In Testimony of which, I have hereunto affixed the SEAL OF THE COMMONWEALTH the date above written.
Oliver Warner
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

H. Bruce
aa
2503
Hon. S. L. King W. R.

DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of 2d February, 1848, entitled, "An act making further provision for surviving Widows and Soldiers of the Revolution."
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, } ss. Essex COUNTY, }
On this fourteenth day of September 1848, personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the county aforesaid,
Hannah Bruce a resident of Lynn in the county of Essex aforesaid aged Eighty Five years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 2d February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Lewis Bruce who was a resident of Lynn and who was a private and seaman in the War of the Revolution and is the identical person who drew a pension under the Act of 17th June, 1844, on account of the Revolutionary service of her late husband aforesaid, at the rate of fifty six dollars and cents per annum.
She further declares that she is still a widow.
Hannah X Bruce her mark [seal]
Sworn to and subscribed on the day } Before me, and year above written, }
In presence of B. F. Mudge Justice of the Peace. J.arkin. Johnne
I Certify, That the declarant is personally known to me, a widow and a pensioner, as she declares.
B. F. Mudge Justice of the Peace.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, } ss. Essex COUNTY, }
I, Ebenezer Stillaber Clerk of the Common Pleas Court, of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that B. F. Mudge is a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; and that his signature, above written, is genuine.
Given under my hand, and the Seal of said Court, this fourteenth day of September 1848.
E. Stillaber CLERK.

Hannah Bruce
Payment to be made at Boston by
Franklin Havenley
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of Massachusetts
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 2d, 1848, Page 7. Vol. 2.
L. J. Shilbrey Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2d, 1848, Hannah Bruce widow of Lewis Bruce , who was a Private in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Fifty Six . dollars and  cents per annum, commencing on the 4th of March, 1848, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the War Office of the United States this 22 d day of December one thousand eight hundred and Forty Eight .
W. L. Marcy.
Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned.
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
ESSEX, ss.
I, JOHN PRINCE, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, within and for the County of Essex, do certify, that Hon. David Cummins is Judge of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said County. That Aaron Lummus of Lynn
Esquire , is a Justice of the Peace, within and for said County, and that their signatures hereon are genuine.
WITNESS MY HAND, and the Seal of said Court of Common Pleas, at Salem this 21 st day of August A. D. 1838
John Prince
Clerk.

And to pgh dedg f80 Comg 1 July 1848
J. M. Thayer Boston Mass

Boston Mass. Oct 30/1854
Sir,
I enclose the application of Hannah Bruce of Mass, and Maria Campbell of N. H. for an increase of pensions under the Resolutions of July 1 st 1848.
Very Respectfully Your obedient Servt. J. W. Hayden
Comm. of Pensions.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, October 28 th 1850.
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Thomas B. Newhall was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Essex
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and qualified; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
J. B. Calhoun
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

ON this 24 th day of October 18 50 , before the Subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared Hannah Bruce  Lewis Bruce who was a soldier in the War of the Revolution; that she is now receiving a pension from the United States, at the rate of fifty six dollars per annum, under the Act of 2 nd February 1848 ; that her husband drew a pension at the rate of ninety six dollars per annum ; that she asks for an increase of her present pension, to which she may be found entitled under any and all of the Acts and Resolutions of Congress, which are applicable to her case; that she is a resident of Lynn in said County, and is a widow, and is eighty seven years of age.
Witness,
Keenotty Johnson
Sworn and subscribed this twenty fourth day of October 18 50
Before me,
Hannah Bruce mark
Thos. Newhall Justice Peace.
I CERTIFY, That I am personally acquainted with the above named declarant, and that she is the same person she represents herself to be in the foregoing affidavit.
Thos. Newhall Justice of the Peace.

Levi Prince Mass. for Ad 1878 when paid
Due 1 July 1828
AH

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D. C.

1. As to the revolutionary service of Lewis Bruce. This appears from the widow's Declaration - the document from the Pension Office - and depositions of Sally Richardson, & Susan Batts. 2. As to the Fact and Legality of the Marriage . No evidence can be had from any Family, Parish or Town Records: but Sally Richardson, a daughter, never saw any Family Records; Moses Sawyer says the Parish Records are in a shattered state, and \frac{1}{2} of the book where this Marriage should appear, has been cut or torn out; Thomas Hitchings says a large lot of Rev. Mr. Roby's papers, among which were marriage Records and certificates, were burnt in his presence, 10 years after Roby's death. The Marriage is not in the Records of the town of Lynn; but a regular Record of the births of all their children, appears there. The testimony of Thomas Hitchings, Susan Batts, Elizabeth Roby, and Thomas Bowler, bears also upon the fact and legality of the marriage. 3. The Fact of Hannah Bruce's being the widow of said soldier. This appears from the Declaration - and the depositions of Thomas Bowler, Sally Richardson, and Susan Batts.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Essex, ss.
Probate Court.
I, George F. Choate, Judge of the Probate Court for said county, hereby certify, — That at a Probate Court held at Salem, in and for said county, on the first Tuesday of November A.D. 1863, satisfactory evidence was produced to me, that Hannah Bruce, late of Lynn, in said county, widow, deceased, intestate, was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, at the rate of ninety six dollars per annum; that she was also an applicant for Bounty Land under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved March 3 d . 1855, and that a Land Warrant, for one hundred and sixty acres of land was issued in her favor from the office of the Commissioner of Pensions of the Department of the Interior, but that it was never received by her or any of her heirs; that she died on the twenty fourth day of March, A.D. 1856, leaving four children and no more herself surviving, who are her only heirs at law, namely: Sally Richardson, widow, Harriet Johnson, widow, Mary B. Johnson, wife of Jacob T. Johnson, all of said Lynn, and Lewis Bruce, of Portsmouth, in the county of Rockingham and state of New Hampshire, gentleman, who are all still living and of adult age, and that it is the wish and desire of a majority of said named children, to wit, all who reside in this commonwealth, that said Sally Richardson might prosecute the claim of all said children, in right of their said deceased parent, to "a new certificate or warrant" of the like tenor to that which was issued in her favor and never received, and in lieu thereof, "under the provisions of the Act of Congress, entitled "An act to authorise the re-issue of Land Warrants in certain cases and for other purposes" Approved June 23 d . 1860.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of said Probate Court to be affixed, this third day of November, A.D. 1863.
Geo. F. Choate
Judge of said Probate Court

District of Columbia } ss. City & County of Washington }
On this eleventh day of April A.D. 1863. Personally appeared before me Joseph S. Stevens, to me well known as a credible witness, who being duly sworn declares, That he was formerly acquainted with one D. M. Knight, who acted as an Agent for Claims in said City of Washington, that he has heard from good authority that said Knight left & removed from said City three or four years ago, that to the best of his knowledge & belief he is not now in this district or vicinity, & that his whereabouts are to him unknown.
J. S. Stevens
Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year first above written, and I certify that I have no interest in the claim for Bounty Land of the heirs of Hannah Bance dec'd, late of Lynn Essex County Mass.
before me,
Edgar H. Bates , Justice of the Peace.

Kind Sir
since I wrote the note March 13 th by the request of my mother she has since died it was her wish to her last moments for me to send direct to washinton to the commission of the revolution war department to see if they would send her more money for her pension would not pay her expenses mother was sick 13 weeks all through this cold hard winter no one but myself and daughter to take care of her her expenses have amounted to more than I can pay unless I can have little more money I cannot pay her expenses I hope that you as a company will look with pity on the long suffering of my poor mother and let it be said of her she had received pension pay to pay all her expenses I am place in a situation where I have done all I could as a daughter I have done all that lies in my power I would do more if I could but necessity compell me to write to inform you of the facts I presume that you have already heard from Benjamin T. Mudge mother gave him the paper you sent and requested him to write and inform you also her weekly land money she has not had she was very anxious to have it before she died she was blind week before she left us I had to feed her like a child

Mother died 24 March Monday eve 9 o'clock at the advance age of 94 she was a good kind mother an industrious diligent hard working woman she bound shoes untill she was 84 then her eyesight failed since then she has not been able to do no work I have stated the case of my mother in facts you will find me correct in writing now if you will just send me money sufficient to pay her expenses I shall receive it very thankful I hope you will be rewarded in this life and in the life to come God will reward you two fold I should not have written this but I wanted you to have the particular concerning her affairs Benjamin F Mudge S
Martha S Richardson her Granddaughter has always sign her pension papers so you will see I am correct I hope you will notice this and think I have done right in writing to you
please direct your letter to Mrs Sally Richardson
Yours truly at the house of the late Hannah Bruce Rev Pension Boston st

March 11 15 1856
Sir
I will commence this note with my Mother X and Signature my poor old mother is very sick & confined to her bed she is so feeble she can scarcely speak a loud word she cannot see to feed herself she will be 94 years if she lives to see 11 of June several months ago mother received a letter from Washington stating if mother was in want of more pension money she could have some addition made to her pension she is now in want of more money 76 dollars will not support her as things are now she has always lived with me & I have been willing to take all the care of her alas comes a change my husband died a short time ago & left me pennyles without a cent I always have had plenty to do with & one of the best of husbands since he died I have had a hard time to get along comfortable well my poor old mother wishes me to write see if she cannot have a little more money sent the letter she received was put into the hands of Benjamin S. Mudge as we have not heard from it I have taken the liberty to write to Washington to have the particulars sent

My mother would like to have it sent as soon as you can make it convenient I should not have written this letter if it had not been sent to mother I hope you will take notice of pity my poor mother if I was able to support her I would do so willingly & with pleasure my health is not good & I am growing old I have only one daughter her health is delicate she helps me all she can I hope you will send it soon for I wish to take good care of my mother while she lives I am writing this letter in the room at the bed side of my poor mother she has made her mark as I have stated so that you may know it by her pension papers If you answer this please to send and or direct your letter to Symmes
Mrs Sally Richardson
I have written this by the last request of my poor mother
Symmes at the house of Widow Hammar Bruce Rev pensioner
I have sent the exdcllph - that was sent Boston stt to mother some time ago so that you may know the handwriting that it is correct the papers B F Nudge has sent back to Washington

Green Bay Wis. June 9 1856
Sir
I received your letter the 2 of June It was mislaid or I should have answered it before you stated in your letter that her children are entitled to the arrears of her pension from the 4 th to the 24 of last March amounting to the sum five dollar and thirty three cents, I am the oldest child out of of 4 I have had my mother with me in her old age to take care of Her other three children are comfortable of my mother made application for her bounty lands 1 year ago 1855 also my mother received a letter from Washington March 29 1855 stating that she was entitled to 160 acre of lands her addition claim, to be paid to her claimant The letter she received was sign Samuel M c Knight my mother expected her claim long before she died I cannot tell why such a letter should be sent unless something of importance concerned her now I cannot precise why she can not obtain it you also stated if my mother applied for bounty lands before her death it is possible the law may grant it & give her lands warrant I have good person knowledge  person knowledge that she applied before her death also her pension paper and the letter Benjamin F Dudge has in his care if you will please to answer this letter and tell me why I cannot obtain her lands which she left to my care before her death

My mother did not have money sufficient to pay me her Board she said before she died if she could get her County money it would do her for me some good I am a poor widow 73 years old I have to work hard to get a livelihood the past winter has been hard for me my mother was a great care for me it was her last request I should have it I hope her request will be granted I do not wish to have what is not right I hope it will come alright at last
Please direct your letter to the Widow Sally Richardson at the house of the late Hannah Bruce Boston St Yours Mass

13024. 160
Lewis Bruce (B...) Lynn Aug 2 1868
Dear Sir
I find on examination of the record of deaths of the city of Lynn that Hannah Bruce widow of Lewis Bruce died on the 24 of March 1857 and not 1857 as I wrote you on the 31 of July
Yours most Respectfully G. B. Nether C. M. Lynn Mass.
G. W. C. Whitney Lynn

13024. 1 Mo
Lewis Bruce
Wed

Post office
Lynn Mass Aug 14/68
Dear Sir
Yours of the 4. th came to hand in time. I called on Mrs Richardson but could not get much information she is quite old and does not know much about the business. She says the old Lady never rec d the land warrant that the assignment to her was made by the old Lady making her mark to a writing drawn up for that purpose and sent to your department some time in March 1856. This was to let the department know her intention if the warrant should come after her death. This document you will find on file at your office if it was de finac d an examin the contents.
B. F. Mudge has done the business for the old Lady but did not get the warrant for her. The no s of the warrant they know nothing about as they never had it in their possession and that being the fact could not have

sold it to any one.
I think now as you do that the whole transaction is fraudulent for they all agree that the old lady never could write her name.
Yours Most Respectfully G. B. Wheeler P. M.
Geo. C. Whiting Conn.

Pension Office 25. July 1860.
Sir
The land Warrant N o 13,024 for 160 Ams. having issued under the Act of March 1855, in the name of Hannah Bruce Aged about one hundred years, a resident of your town, widow of Lewis Bruce a Revolutionary Soldier, - Shall I trouble you to inform me if Mrs. Bruce is now living, or if she be dead, will you please state the date of her death.
The declaration on which said Warrant was granted was ex- ecuted before B. F. Mudge. Jus of Peace.
The said Warrant is now on our files, and the assignment thereof is evidently fraudulent.
Will you please therefore give me as full information as you can in relation to this matter at an early day and return this letter with your reply.
Post Master Very Respectfully
Lynn Mass.
(Vol 29 page 228)
Mr. Abiding Court

Post office Lynn Mass July 31 1860
Dear Sir
Yours of the 25 th came to hand yesterday. I have gathered all the information I could on this subject, Mrs Hannah Bruce widow of Lewis Bruce, departed this life on the 24 day of March, 1857 aged 94 years. This information I obtained from Mrs Richardson a daughter of the widow Bruce. Mrs Richardson says the land warrant was assigned to her about two weeks before her mother's death, but never being able to write made her mark. If there is any thing coming to the family I have no doubt it should be given to Mrs Richardson, the old lady lived with her for the last twenty years of her life and

must have been a great deal of trouble, and some expense. I am of the opinion the assignment is not fraudulent but genuine. Miss Martha S Richardson says she is willing to make oath that the assignment was made by Mrs Bruce about two weeks before her death.
Yours Most Respectfully G. B. Usher P. M.
G. W. C. Whitney Conni

Washington.
Apl. 27 th 1855.
Hon S. P. Waldo. Court of Pensions } Sir:
I have the honor to enclose herewith the applications of Mrs. Johnson. Hannah Bruce. Gen Smith and Samuel Roberts, for Bounty Land under Act 3 d March 1855.
Very respectfully Your obt Servt, L. M. Knight

We, the undersigned, hereby empower & request J. T. Stevens, Esq. of Washington D.C. to in our behalf, to take charge of & prosecute the claim of the Heirs of Hannah Bruce (late of Lynn Mass) for a reissue of Bounty Land Warrant, hereby authorizing him to sign all necessary papers & perform all necessary acts to that end.
James Gregory & Son
Marblehead Mass March 8 th 1864.

13.024 - 1600
Revolution
Harkness
July 16 1860

Marblehead, Massachusetts, October 17 th , 1861.
Hon. Joseph H. Barrett, Commissioner of Pensions, Washington D.C. —
Sir:
We duly received your favor of so long ago as the 20 th . of August last, relative to the case of the heirs of Hannah Bruce, late of Lynn in this County of Essex, deceased, and in reply thereto we would respectfully observe - that our junior partner was solicited by the heirs to investigate the case, they alleging that their late mother applied for the benefit of the B. Land Act of March 3 rd '55, through Benjamin F. Mudge Esq. in '55 or '56, they seem to think: that Mudge was then a resident of said Lynn and now resides in Nantucket, and that they have reason to think that a Warrant was issued in favor of their said mother, and which they fear was clandestinely disposed after their mother had deceased, - they knowing that the recovery of the Warrant (if ever issued) was never reported to them and that consequently they never received any benefit from it.
Mrs. Bruce was the widow of Lewis Bruce , who was pensioned on the 14 th . of October, 1818, under the Act of the 18 th . of March of that year for services as a mariner of the Revolution , at the rate of $96, per annum, and he died on the 1 st of July, 1823, and the widow claimed Bounty Land through her said husband's services in the Revolution.
I believe the above answers all your Honor's inquiries, and the writer will add that the absence of his son and junior partner in the west at the date of the receipt of your favor & his still continued absence has caused the delay that has occurred.
With great respect your Honor's servt.
James Gregory, Son.