Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 952, Isaiah Blodget, Mass. Privateer

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass. Privateer
Blodget, Isaiah
R. 952
CONTENTS
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Isaac H. Dyer 28.306
Dear Sam.
Want to be paid at Buffalo.
A. H. Hall agt Buffalo N.Y.

State of New York County of Erie ss.
On this 27 th day of August in the year 1833. personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Common Pleas now sitting at Buffalo in said County Isaac Hodget a resident of Wales in the County of Erie aforesaid aged 69 and upwards, 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 and served as hereinafter stated: and this deponent further says that he was born in the Town of Westford in Middlesex County in Massachusetts in the year 1764: He has a record of his age at home in his bible: he was living in the Town of Westford aforesaid when he entered the service of the United States and continued to make it his home then during the War, and until some years after when he removed into the Town of New Ipswich in the State of New Hampshire (the name of the County he cannot recollect) and from there into the State of Vermont in County of Bennington in the Town of Brattleborough and then into the Town of Caledon (now Sturges) in Ontario County in the State of New York: and then to the town of Wales in Erie County of said aforesaid where he has resided ever since and where he now resides.
And this deponent further says that in the year 1780 he volunteered into the Militia of the State of Massachusetts where he then lived, that he went to Rhode Island and joined his Company and Regiment; he served in Captain Zachariah Wright's Company in Colonel Hovey's Regiment; that he cannot recollect the name of the General: that one Coburn was Lieutenant of the Company; one John Patch was ordinary Sergeant; that one Jesse Miner was ordinary Corporal, and one Converse was another Corporal: that the sign of the Company was one Paul Blood; that he cannot recollect any more of the officers names which belonged to the Company; that he joined his Company about the

first of July as near as he can recollect and his time was out about the first of October; that he was out in the service and actually engaged during this time of service the full term of three months and was not engaged in any civil pursuit during the time: that he was employed during the time in standing guard and guarding the Country and working on the fort at Forts  Hills : that there were some continental regiments on the Island at the time; but he cannot recollect the names of any of them or the persons who commanded them: that he thinks there was no other militia regiments stationed there when he was at this time: but thinks they were at New Port: that he was not in any battle during this time: that he was dismissed about the first of October, as aforesaid by his Captain by the order of his Colonel; that he did not receive any written discharge: that he served all of this time of three months at Forts  Hill as aforesaid:
And this deponent further says that in the year 1781. he enlisted as a volunteer under Captain Parker as a Marine to go a privateering, and joined the Company at Cape Ann when the vessel then lay: that John  Parker was Captain of the vessel; that the ship was called the "Tiger": that Captain Parker was Captain of the Marine: that one Parker was Lieutenant of the Marine: and one Samuel  Sayton was Ensign: that he does not recollect any more of the officers belonging to the Marine: that the sailing Master belonging to the Ship was Gabsent or Gabsone ; that the Boatswain's mate's name was Moses  Dresser ; that the Boatswain's Mate was Pompeking : that he does now recollect the names of any more of the officers belonging to the Ship: that after he joined his Company they sailed to the northward on a cruise, and crossed the Gulf of St Lawrence and went to what was called the Assom  Banks : that they captured a Brig off Nal-  efan belonging to the British: that they manned it with some of their men and sent it to Boston, but before

Some of their men and sent it to Boston, but upon
it arrived at Boston Harbor it was retaken and carried to New-York: that soon after they arrived at Grand Banks they were captured by a British Frigate  Ship carrying about 36 guns called the Deane that he cannot recollect the name of the commander of the Frigate: that they carried them to St. Johns Harbor on the banks of New-Fundland, where they remained about three weeks and were then exchanged and he returned home: that he joined his Company about the last of October  September first of August and returned home about the last of October or first of September  November : that when he started he enlisted as a volunteer for three months and served the time out in the manner above mentioned: that he was engaged in the service as aforesaid during this term the full term of three months and was not engaged in any civil pursuit during the time: that he never received a written discharge for any of his services: that he was not in any battle more than what are above mentioned: that he served both of the above mentioned terms of service in the capacity of a private soldier.
And this deponent further say that he has made considerable and extensive inquiries and search, but has not been able to hear of or find any person by whom he can prove any part of services; and does not know of any such persons living: that he has no other or documentary than what is herewith annexed: and does not know of any more: and he further say that he cannot procure the attendance of clergymen at the Court to make the affidavits required by the war department without great trouble expense trouble and inconvenience: &c.
And he further say that I have Knight of Wales a Magistrate in said town; and I have Sprague of Aurora both with whom he is well acquainted and live near the him, and who he offers as well witness who can testify to his character for truth and veracity and their belief as to his being a soldier of the Revolution and serving as he states — that the said Sprague lives at this time in the town adjoining where this

where this defendant lives, and the distance of about 6 miles from this defendant; that he has been acquainted with said Osborn for nearly twenty years.

We, Elan Vigil of Wales in the county of Lin and Deane Sprague residing in the town of Aurora and Coun- ty of Lin and Isaiah Stodget residing in the same place, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Isaiah Stodget who has sub- scribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration; that we believe him to be 69 years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Subscribed and Sworn this 27th day of August 183 3
Noah P. Sprague Clerk of Fine Com. Pleas
Elan Vigil
Deane Sprague
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutiona- ry Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them, that Elan Vigil who has signed the preceding certificate is a Magistrate resident in the town of Wales and county of Lin and that Deane Sprague who has signed the same, is a resident of the town of Aurora and county of Lin credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Noah P. Sprague, Clerk of the said Court of Common Pleas, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the mat- ter of the application of Isaiah Stodget for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 27th day of August 183 3
Noah P. Sprague Clerk

He hereby relinquishes every claim, whatever, to a Pension, or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State,
Sworn and subscribed this 27 th day of August 1833
North P. Sprague Clerk of our Co. P. H. C.
Isaiah his X Flodger mark
never any more of the officers names which belonged to the Company; that he joined his Company about the

Amended Declaration
State of New York Erie County
Isaiah Blodgett of Wales in said County of Erie being duly sworn deposes & says that he is the same person who made the annexed declaration that he served as stated in said declaration during the Revolutionary War that he served for three months under Capt. Zachariah Wright in Col. Howes Regiment as a private soldier - that the term of enlistment or of volunteering was three months which he served out & was dismissed by his Capt. at the end of the term -
That he also served for the full period of three months as stated in said Declaration in 1781 - That he enlisted at Westford in the County of Middlesex Massachusetts (where he lived) both the first & second times that he entered the service - that the second last time he entered for the term of three months to serve as a Marine (not as a sailor) on board of the small ship Tiger of 24 guns which was then new - that the Tiger was afterwards taken by a British Frigate of 36 guns as stated in the annexed declaration and that they were taken prisoners & exchanged as stated in said annexed declaration - that he was actually out on board the said vessel called the Tiger & detained as a prisoner & in getting back in all until the expiration of the full period of three months - that after he got on board the Tiger the sailors on board were thought not to be numerous enough to man the Tiger and some of the marines among whom was this deponent were made to do the duty of common sailors which this deponent commenced doing immediately on going on board the ship.
Sworn to me this 18th Day of December AD 1833 at the same was by me carefully read to Deponent who appeared perfectly to understand the same
Isaiah his X Blodgett mark
Nathan F. Hall Com. of Berdsford Erie Co.

State of New York
This being Clerk's Office for I Noah P. Sprague Clerk of said County do hereby certify that on the Nathan K. Hale Esq. whose name is subscribed to the Rural of the within affidavit was at the time of taking said affidavit a Commissioner of Deeds in and for said County duly Commissioned  Elected and sworn and acting at such time further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Commissioner and truly believe the signature of Nathan K. Hale subscribed thereto is genuine In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 22 d Feb y . 1834
Noah P. Sprague Clerk
By John Ricord Deputy
The word "Elected" erased & the word "Commissioned" substituted before signing J. Ricord Dep

28.306 Isaiah Blagden
Enkito Bang? Dec. 26. 1833/2.
Wants to be paid at Buff. to agency N.Y.
Hon. M. C. Miller Hon. M. Fillmore N. H. Hall Buffalo New York

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Nov. 7 1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, showing the Service of Isaiah Blouyer
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     1780 — 3 — Priv. Cot Home 69 Tradition only   June 1781 — 3 — Marine Capt Wright Capt Putnam 70   + Name of Ship not mentioned It is mentioned both in my and Capt. Deane's and is the Tiger. Perhaps it is not very plainly written in the original  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
+ Name of the Ship undecipherable

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops. 2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers. 3. Persons employed in the Naval Service. 4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1852.
 State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }  On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers: 
 [Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.] 
He hereby relinquishes every claim (if) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____ Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
A. B.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid. en will follow the certificate of the
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.] said Court do hereby declare:
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B., who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the [blank] and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank] and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this                      day of                      &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (1) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following ( m ) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Act 7. June 1832 Isaiah Blodgett
Suspended Rejected
See letter to Hon. M. Fillmore W. R.
7. March 1834
952

Ed Bangs Art. Hitter in Can of Naiali Rooft

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Feb y 12 th 1834.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Isaiah Blodget, as a private, is borne on a Pay Roll of Capt. Zaccheus Wright's Company, in Colonel Cyprian Hovey's Regt. where he is allowed from July 27 th to October 30 th 1780, for services and travel, three Months and nine days. — m d 3-9 Isaiah Blodget claims for services on board the Tiger, Capt. John Tucker commander, in 1781, — But the roll he describes is not found in this Office. Edward D. Bangs Leg

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
SECRETARY'S OFFICE,
Jan'y 7th 1834.
SIR,
I HAVE received your letter requesting me to examine the rolls in this office for evidence of the services of
Isaiah Blodgett
in the Revolutionary War. Thousands of similar applications have been made; and they are daily presented in such numbers, that it is impossible for me or my clerks personally to attend to them, without neglecting the usual business of the office. I therefore found it necessary to establish a rule (of which public notice was given) requiring that examinations should be made by the applicants themselves, or their friends or agents. They are allowed free access to the rolls and records, and every facility in my power to afford. If they discover any evidence of the services claimed, they are furnished with blanks for the purpose of preparing certificates for my signature. These certificates are compared by me or one of the clerks with the rolls pointed out to us, and, if true, they are signed by me. This is cheerfully done without any charge. Nothing has ever been asked or received for these services by any one connected with the office. I believe this is all that can be reasonably required of me; and all that can be done without neglecting my incumbent duties.
There are two gentlemen (Messrs. HOMER and WHITE) who, for some time past have been constantly employed in assisting the old soldiers, and who expect a trifling remuneration for their trouble in making the search and preparing the necessary certificate. As, for the reasons already stated, I cannot myself attend to the case stated by you, I shall place it in the hands of these gentlemen for investigation, and request them to communicate to you the result.
The rolls in this office, though numerous, are very defective, irregular, and incomplete, a fact of which the War Department at Washington is well informed. It is therefore always uncertain whether the services claimed, although they may have been faithfully rendered, can be proved by our records. In a majority of cases, a part only of the service can be shown from the existing rolls. Whatever evidence can be discovered, will be furnished to you at a small charge by the gentlemen whom I have mentioned.
White
The $2 enclosed have been paid over to Messrs. Homer & White.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
Edward D. Dyer
Millard Fillmore Esq.

Ex'r.
INVALID.
Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
Joshua Blodgett P. O. _____
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____