Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 15340, Benjamin Bowen, Conn. R.I.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn. R.I.
Bowen, Benjamin
S. 15340
carded
CONTENTS

N o 18352 Vermont.
Benjamin Bowen
of Bennington Co., in the State of Vermont who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Green of the Reg t commanded by Col. Gordon on the R. Island Troops time for 13 months
aw
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 43 Dollars 33 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 day of August 1833 and sent to Mr. Haswell Bennington Vt
  Arrears to the 4th of March 1833  86.66    Semi-ant. allowance ending 4. Sep. 1833  21.66    Died     May 3, 1833  $108:32  
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, Book E. Vol. 3 Page 53

The within deposition of Dinah Bacon was taken and sealed up by Joel Kimney justice of the peace

Benjamin Bowers Declaration
205/8
W. Haswell

STATE OF VERMONT, } ss. County of Bennington. }
On this 22 d day of August A. D. 1832 personally appeared in open court, before the Hon. the Court of Probate for the District of Bennington, now sitting, Benjamin Bowen, a resident of Shaftsbury in the County of Bennington and State of Vermont aged 70 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.—That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
That he entered the service of his country in March 1777, at West Greenwich, R. I. as a substitute for George Matteson, who was drafted, and served one month under Capt. Green, at East Greenwich, in the regiment commanded by Col. Thomas Gordon.
That in August 1777, he again went as a substitute for same Matteson, from West Greenwich to Warwick, under Capt. Green, Col. Gordon, and General Spencer, who was sometimes called Granny Spencer, and served one month. That in July, 1778, at Coventry R.I. he was drafted, for one month, marched to Newport, and served his time out under Capt. Wm. Bennett, was dismissed a few days before the battle at Newport.
That in July 1779, at Preston, Connecticut, he enlisted as a volunteer under Capt. Wiley, marched to New London, C. was stationed there for the purpose of guarding the shores and building forts, served nine months (as he thinks in Col. Wells' regiment) and was dismissed and returned home.
That in Sept. or October 1780, as he thinks, he volunteered for one month at East Greenwich, R.I. and served his time out there under Capt. Weeks. — He has no documentary evidence, and knows of no person living, whose testimony he can procure, who can testify to his service, except his twin brother * James Bowen, and Dinah Bacon of Sunderland.
* See James Bowen's Declaration.

That he was hired by George Matteson, who was obliged to go, or hire a man for nine months, went and offered himself as a substitute, that the Capt. would not release Matteson, unless the said Benjamin Bowen, would enlist, and he did enlist as stated above, and served his time out, as a volunteer, — That his twin brother James Bowen was with him the whole of the first three months named in this declaration.

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.
In answer to the interrogatories propounded by the Court the applicant declares,
1st. That he was born at West Greenwich, R.I. Feb. 18, 1762.
2d. That he has no record of his age.
3d. That he lived in West Greenwich when called into service,
4th. That he was a substitute two months, drafted two months, and a volunteer nine months
5th. That among the regular officers who were with the troops where he served, he recollects none, except those named in the declaration
6th. That he never received a written discharge
7th. That he is known to Rev. Isaiah Matteson residing in Shaftsbury , and Daniel Huling residing in same Shaftsbury who can testify as to his character for veracity, and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution.
Benjamin Bowen
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Wm Haswell, Register
We, Isaiah Matteson , a Clergyman residing in the town of Shaftsbury and Daniel Huling , residing in same Shaftsbury hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Bowen who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 70 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.
Isaiah Matteson
Daniel Huling
Sworn, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Wm Haswell, Register
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 Isaiah Matteson who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman resident in the town of Shaftsbury and that Daniel Huling who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Shaftsbury and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
S. D. Sanfothe Judge
I, WILLIAM HASWELL, Register of the Court of Probate for the District of Bennington, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Benjamin Bowen for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 22 d day of August
A. D. 1832
Wm Haswell

Dinah Bacon of Sunderland in the County of Benning and State of Vermont of Lawful age being duly sworn
Do depose testify and say that I am personally acquainted with Benjamin Bower of Shaftsbury in the County of Bennington and State of Vermont. That my Father brought him up from a child and in or about the year 1799 My Father hired the said Benjamin to go into the revolutionary service at New London for the term of nine months. and that the said Benjamin Bower of Shaftsbury is the identical man, and further I say not
Dinah Bacon
State of Vermont — Bennington County ss — Sunderland July the 26 th A.D. 1832 — Then Dinah Bacon of Sunderland in the County of Bennington personally appearing, and after being carefully examined and duly cautioned made solemn oath that the fore-going deposition by her subscribed contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
Before Joel Kenney justice of the peace
I certify that Dinah Bacon is a credible witness. Joel Kenney Justice of the Peace.
STATE OF VERMONT,
To all to whom these presents shall come.
GREETING.
Given under my hand and seal this 26 th day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two and of the Independence of the United States the fifty six.

State of Vermont — Bennington County ss — Sunderland July the 26 th A.D. 1832 — Then Dinah Bacon of Sunderland in the County of Bennington personally appearing, and after being carefully examined, and duly cautioned made solemn oath that the fore-going deposition by her subscribed contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Before Joel Kinney justice of the peace
I certify that Dinah Bacon is a credible witness. Joel Kinney Justice of the Peace.
STATE OF VERMONT,
To all to whom these presents shall come.
GREETING.
I certify That Joel Kinney Esq r . whose signature ap- pears to the foregoing Deposition, was at the date thereof & still is a Justice of the peace in & for the County of Bennington, duly qualified by Law to administer Oaths &c — & that I believe his signature to be genuine —
In Testimony Whereof I, HENRY ROBINSON Clerk of the County Court within, and for the County of Bennington have hereunto Subscribed my name, I have caused the Seal of the Said County Court to be af- fixed.
Done at Manchester, in the County of Bennington this 30 th day of August A. D. 1832 and of the Independence of the United States, the Fifty Seventh —
Henry Robinson Clk

20,618
Benjamin Bowen
✓
Adm c
13 mts
43.59
M m Asa H. Haswell Bennington Vermont

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
June 5 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 subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew 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, shewing the Service of Benjamin Bowen of Bennington County Vt.
   Period when the service was rendered Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     2nd Mar. 1777 1 Private Capt Green Col Sisson thru R.I. & Connec. West Greenwich Revolutionary   " Aug 1777 1 " " Gen Spencer None R. Island Evidence   2nd July 1778 1 " Bennett Col Wells Living Will   20th 1779 9 Wiley Wells aged 70 years Depos   20th 1780 1 Weeks Papers, no authentication  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

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 considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
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, according to law, 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 (f) 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.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of 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) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , 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 day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
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 and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the 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 (l) 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 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 enquiry 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 the 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.

July 22, 1932
Benjamin Bowen-S.15340
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
RA-J/EEL OW
Mrs. Scott C. Hanna 3421 Irving Avenue South Minneapolis, Minnesota
Dear Madam:
The data furnished herein are obtained from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for pension, S.15340, based upon the military service of Benjamin Bowen in that war.
Benjamin Bowen was born February 18, 1762, at West Greenwich, Rhode Island.
While residing at West Greenwich, Rhode Island, he enlisted and served as a private with the Rhode Island Troops as follows: from March, 1777, one month in Captain Green's Company, Colonel Thomas Gorton's Regiment; from August, 1777, one month in same company and regiment under General Spencer; from July, 1778, in Captain William Bennett's Company and was discharged a few days before the battle at Newport.
In July, 1779, he volunteered at Preston, Connecticut, served nine months in Captain Wiley's Company, Colonel Wells' Connecticut Regiment and was stationed at New London guarding the shores and building forts.
He volunteered in September or October, 1780, at East Greenwich, Rhode Island, and served one month in Captain Weeks' Rhode Island Company.
Pension was allowed on his application executed August 22, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Shaftsbury, Bennington County, Vermont.
He died May 3, 1833.
It is not stated that soldier was ever married.
Trans RB

The soldier's twin brother, James Bowen, served with him during the first three months of his service.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator.
See her correspondence under letter H in misc. files
On this day she was also fug. hist. of James Bowen S 15754

pl h.D.
FREE.
Hon. James J. Edwards
Com. of Pensions
Washington City

15340 INVALID.
File No. 15340
Benjamin B. ...
Pr. Rev. ...
Act: June 7 th 82
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 45
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Feby 27/96. Nisby to Mrs C. A. Rosse 1932. July 22 to Mrs Scott L. Hanna Ed. See her cor. under letter H. in misc files.

O. W. & N. Division.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
F. S. M. E. C.
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C., February 27, 1896.
Madam:
In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of --- Benjamin Bowen --- a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE. CAPTAIN. COLONEL. See Supplemental statement.
Battles engaged in, None mentioned.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, West Greenwich, R. I.
Date of application for pension, August 22, 1832.
Residence at date of application, Shaftsbury, Vt.
Age at date of application, Born at West Greenwich, R.I., Feb. 18, 1762.
Remarks: His application for pension was allowed.
Very respectfully,
Mrs. C. A. Russell

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
Supplement.
(Benjamin Bowen)
March, 1777, he served one month at East Greenwich, as a substitute for George Matteson, under the command of Capt. Green, in Col. Thomas Gordon's regiment; August, 1777, he again went out as a substitute for Matteson, and served one month at Warwick, under Capt. Green and Col. Gordon; in July, 1778, was drafted and served one month at Newport, as a private in Capt. William Bennet's company --- was dismissed a few days before the battle; in July, 1779, he volunteered as a private under Capt. Wiley, and marched to New London, where he was stationed, under Col. Wells, for about nine months; in September, or October, 1780, he volunteered and served one month at East Greenwich, under the command of Capt. Weeks. No other details of his services are given.

July 22, 1932
BA-J/10117
Mrs. Scott C. Hanna 3421 Irving Avenue South Minneapolis, Minnesota
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your correspondence in regard to soldiers of the Revolutionary War.
This office has no clerical force assigned to genealogical work for remuneration for service from persons seeking such data.
Information given by this office in regard to Revolutionary War soldiers is obtained from pension and bounty land claims made to the United States and is furnished without charge; the clerical force available for furnishing such data is limited at the present time, however, the record of two pensioners whose names you listed previously are furnished herewith, those of Benjamin Bowen, S.15340 and James Bowen, S. 15754.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator.
See under corres. under letter H in Miss. files which prompted this letter

Rec. kept for correspondence under "H" in misc. files VETERANS ADMINISTRATION WASHINGTON
May 4, 1932
IN REPLY REFER TO:
BA-J/MCHF:MLB
YOUR FILE REFERENCE:
Mrs. Scott C. Hanna 3421 Irving Avenue South Minneapolis, Minnesota
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the records in detail of about sixteen pensioners of the Revolutionary War.
Requests which contain large numbers of names of Revolutionary War soldiers to be searched and reported upon come in daily from many persons.
It is not possible with the present limited clerical force available for furnishing such data for this office to comply with each request which requires such a vast amount of research and time.
If you are interested in the record of a particular Revolutionary War ancestor and will designate that one, his record will be furnished you, if it is on file.
If you desire to call at this office and collect data from the papers on file in the claims listed in your letter, they will be drawn from the files for your examination.
Very truly yours
A. D. Hiller
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator