Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 12207, Asa Benjamin, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Benjamin, Asa
S. 12207
bearded
CONTENTS

9214  Connecticut
Isaac Dineen of Bridgeport in the State of Connecticut who was a private in the Connecticut by Captain Dineen of the Regt commanded by Col. Hemenway in the Connecticut line for State service 1814-1815
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 77 Dollars 18 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20. day of April 1831 and sent to Mrs. Dineen L. Dineen, Hartford Ct Arrears to the 14th of March 1831 157.30 Semi-annual allowance ending 28.28 189.58
{ Revolutionary Claim, } Act Jan. 7, 1832. }
Recorded by S. P. Hemenway Clerk, Book ( Vol. 3 Page 2

State of Connecticut, ss. County of Fairfield, }
Bridgeport
On this 25 th day of July 1832 personally appeared, in open Court, before
The Court of Probate in and for the District of Stratford
now sitting, Asa Benjamin ————— a resident of Bridgeport ————— in the County of Fairfield, and State of Connecticut aged sixty eight ————— years, who being first 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.
In the beginning of March 1779, I enlisted in the company of guards or State troops, stationed at Stratford point in the town of Stratford in said County where I then resided, commanded by Lieutenant Samuel Patterson, I think a part of the time by Capt. Ebenezer for nine months & served during that period faithfully in that company until I was discharged in December following & received my pay & rations from the State of Connecticut. —
About the 10 th of March 1780, I enlisted for the continental army in the company then commanded by Lieut. commandant Hall, who acted as Capt. (I believe was soon after appointed Capt. of said company) in Col. Heman Swift's Regiment in the Connecticut line, was inspected by Col. Dury at Danbury Feb 30 th & Mar 1 st & went on & joined the army at Nelson's Point, off  sit West Point before the army moved from its winter quarters. Soon afterwards (in a few days) we were marched down the North River opposite Stoney Point & crossed over into New Jersey under the command of General Washington & marched to Hackin-sack, Orange town, Pasaic falls &c, and well remember being present when the spy Major Andre, was hung at Tappan in Oct 1780 — I served through that campaign, nine months & until sometime in December when I was discharged at the highlands below West point & received a discharge signed by the S d Col. Heman Swift, but which I have since lost —
In the beginning of March 1781 I again enlisted for nine months in the company of guards, commanded by Capt. Robert Walker and served my term until December of the same year, when I was discharged but do not recollect having received any written discharge, and drew my pay & rations during that time from said State of Connecticut. I served as aforesaid in all two years & three months ; and in addition to my services above mentioned I served when about 13 or 14 years old as a drummer in the company of guards, raised & stationed in the town of Stratford —
I was born in 1763 and always resided in said town of Stratford until 1821, since which I have resided & now reside in said Bridgeport. I have no documentary evidence to prove my services, and witnesses which I can procure without great inconvenience, except Lewis Burden Esq. of Trumbull in said County, & my next

to the odds of the ... the within named ... in ... I say that in the ... before ... in this case ... to be understood that the ... one ... which ... I ... to ... ... condition - ... the nine months ... commencing in the month of March 1781. in ... (Capt. Robt. ...) was ... without ... in ... the ... 15 ... were ... and ... until ... ... before ...
Yours sincerely B. L. [unclear]
R. L. Nichols, Plank
250 500 1000 2000
With much pleasure I am sure you will be interested in the enclosed copy of my new book which is now out and is being sent to you by the author himself I am truly yours affectionately your friend and brother in law John D. Sleeper
Has Benjamin, Midy of us ( am, 2 found 3 North xxxxx No 1637-
Dear Mother, see p. 1
May 20th

5. The William and Mary College, which is the most ancient of the colleges in America, was founded in 1693. It was the first college in America to be founded by a royal charter. It was also the first college in America to be founded by a public act. It was the first college in America to be founded by a private act. It was the first college in America to be founded by a public act. It was the first college in America to be founded by a private act. It was the first college in America to be founded by a public act. It was the first college in America to be founded by a private act.
Asa Bangamin Richardson . (am, 21. Feb. 3. Shattuck Dr. Bang No 1637-
John Marshall 1755

I John Brooks of Bridport in said Probate District now in Court do testify that I have been well acquainted with Asa Benjamin the within named applicant for a pension for upwards of 60 years having always lived near & with us together. That I was present in March 1780 when he enlisted in the continental army for nine months in Col. Heman Swift Regiment & went immediately from Stratford I served nine months in said army as he has stated in the foregoing declaration, as I have always understood & merely believe. I knew when he went & when he returned. And that in the month of March 1781 the said Asa Benjamin enlisted & served nine months in the company of guards raised in the town of Stratford in said Probate District, commanded by Capt. Robert Walker, Lieut. John Benjamin and Ensign Ezra Brown which I well recollect, as I served with him during the same period under the same Capt. Robert Walker.
John Brooks see further
I Lewis Burton of Trimble in said Probate District now in Court do testify that I have been acquainted with Asa Benjamin the within applicant for a pension for about 60 years that I have read the foregoing declaration by him subscribed and know that he served in the war of the Revolution in the years 1779, 1780 & 1781 in all two years and three months, as he has stated in said declaration, as I served with him during each of those periods, first 9 months under Lieut. Saml. Patterson in the militia 2 d under Col. Heman Swift in the continental army 9 months, & 3 rd in Capt. Robert Walker's company of militia or guards in 1781 nine months.
Lewis Burton
The foregoing Depositions of John Brooks & Lewis Burton subscribed & sworn to in open Court before Simon Morehouse of the Court aforesaid they are the true & correct copies of the original proceedings in this application in my hand at the seal of said court.
R. S. Nichols Clerk

door neighbour Capt. John Brooks, both of whom knew of my said services, and whose Depositions are hereto annexed.
The second Indictment above stated lies in March 1770 was at Shalford Committee. I do not mean to state that Great Wall was the building which my Father John Benjamin afterwards Col. in the Militia had the order from the State & Society for the continued rent of. As my mother the said Great Wall had a better evidence than the two other who have sworn to my services (to wit) John, Mother & Grand Mother. I can prove my services by Mrs. King & my Father in Philadelphia. The said Asa Benjamin hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension as is given
or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Asa Benjamin R. L. Nichols Clerk
We, Smith Lundy, residing in the town of Bridgeton and Samuel Small, residing in the same, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Asa Benjamin who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 68 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood 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.
Smith Lundy Samuel Small R. L. Nichols Clerk
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 abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that
who has signed the preceding certificate, is a resident in the town of Bridgeton and that Samuel Small who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Bridgeton and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
William McKinstry R. L. Nichols Clerk
R. L. Nichols Clerk of said Court do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Asa Benjamin for a Pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of this 25 day of July 1832
I also certify that the Depositions of John Brooks & David Bruns are hereto annexed with Indictment & are a part of said proceedings & included in this certificate.
R. L. Nichols Clerk

State of Connecticut } ss (Bridgeport) County of Fairfield }
On this 26 th day of Nov r 1832 personally appeared in open court, before the Court of Probate in and for the District of Stratford now sitting Asa Benjamin a resident of Bridgeport in the County of Fairfield, and State of Connecticut; aged Sixty and years, who being first 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 th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers and served as herein stated. In the beginning of March 1779, I enlisted in the company of Guards or State troops, stationed at Stratford point in the town of Stratford in said County where I then resided commanded by Lieutenant Samuel Patterson for nine months I served during that period faithfully in that Company until I was discharged in December following and received my pay & rations from the State of Connecticut. About the 1 st of March 1780 I enlisted for the Continental Army in the Company then commanded by Lieut. Commandant Hall, who acted as Capt. & I believe was soon after appointed Capt. of said Company, in Col. Heman Swift's Regiment, in the Connecticut line, was inspected by Col. Dury at Danbury & as soon as ordered, went and joined the Army at Nelson's Point, opposite West Point, before the Army moved from its Winter quarters - soon afterwards (in a few days) we were marched down the North River opposite Stony Point, and crossed over into New Jersey under the command of General Washington and marched to Hackensack, Orange town, Papari fall, &c. and well remember being present when the Spy - Major Suddon was hung at Tappan in Oct. 1780 - I served through that campaign nine months until some time in December, when I was discharged at the High Lands below West Point, I received a discharge signed by the 1 st Col. Heman Swift, but which I have since lost, - In the beginning of March 1781 I again enlisted for nine months in the Company of Guards commanded by Capt. Robert Walker and served out my term until December of the same year when I was discharged, but do not recollect having received any

written discharge, and drew my pay and rations during that time, from said State of Connecticut, I served as aforesaid in all two years & three months, and in addition to my services above mentioned. I served when about 13 or 14 years old as a drummer in the Company of Guards, raised & stationed in the town of Stafford - I was born in 1763 and always resided in said town of Stafford until 1821 since which I have resided & now reside in said Bridgeport, I have no documentary evidence to prove my services, and no witnesses, which I can procure without, great inconvenience except Lewis Burton Esq. of Trumbull in said County & my next door neighbour Capt. John Brooks, both of whom know of my said services, and whose depositions are hereto annexed. The Second Enlistment, above stated was in March 1780 was at Stafford Connecticut, - I do not mean to state that Lieut. Hase was the Enlisting Officer - my Father John Benjamin, afterwards Col. in the Militia had the Orders from the State & Enlisted for the Continental Army under the Orders which my father had - I do not know of any Officer living under whom I served, or of any better evidence than the two witnesses who have sworn to my services (to wit) John Brooks & Lewis Burton. I can prove my services by Mrs. Mags my sister (in Philadelphia) but her testimony is of the same nature as is given above and herein, I have a record of my age on my father's bible which is in the possession of the Widow of my Brother Col. Aaron Benjamin late of Stratford Dist.

Rev War
12207 INVALID.
File No. 12207
Asa Benjamin Brn. Red War
Act: June 7 th 1832
Index:—Vol. 4 , Page 30
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Ms Benjamin
4.5.11 12 13 14 17
23 m o 5 dap !mvali $77.16
Stada
Don G. Poulton Fairfield with letter
35.

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Asa Benjamin which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Not correctly. He enlisted in Bristol Reg t 1 July 1780 and discharged 5 Dec r 1780 C V. Has he mentioned 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? He must prove his service in the guards to have been either continuous, or at certain intervals during his term of enlistment. VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?
No
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
No
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
The best evidence is not produced
XIV. If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? No
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
4 & Subsequent
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. 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, deposeh 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 the 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.
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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.
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end 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.
Note in further explanation of the 4 th objection The Applicant states ————— that He did enlist as He states in his Declaration in March 1780. That He did not join the Regiment until sometime afterward & probably not until July although He thought it was sooner. This explains why His name does not appear on the Rolls until July although He was an Enlisted Soldier in March & on the list in hand in which He joined the Regiment. The Applica- ant supposes He had explained this objection in His Declaration. [Signature]

R. Nichols, Clerk
should be little paged on the list of those that the most of the good and lovely society of the S. I. has ever had. I am sure that the nature of your business and the amount of time that you have to give to it will be a great help to you in the work of the Lord.