Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 1563, Newbury Button, Conn

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn
Button, Newbury
YR. 1563
CONTENTS

Newbury Button Can't. Susp d Act 7. June 1882.
Thomas L. N. Beardsley Milford, New Haven County. Can't. filed Nov 30 1882.
Evans & Hart Washington City

Know all Persons by these Presents, that I
Edward Newbury Button, of the town of Bridgeport, County of Fairfield, State of Connecticut have made, constituted and appointed, and by these presents do make, constitute, and appoint P. G. Evans Esq of Washington City D. C.
my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name, place and stead, being son of Newbury Button late of North Haven New Haven County deceased, who applied for a pension under Act 7 th June 1832.
giving and granting unto my said attorney full power and authority to do and perform all and every act and thing whatsoever requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully, to all intents and purposes, as I might or could do if present, with full power of substitution and revocation, hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said attorney or his substitute shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Witness my hand this 25 th day of November in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty two
Edward Newbury Button
Acknowledged before me, this 25 th day of November 1852.
Sealed and delivered in presence of
G. W. Beardsley B. A. Beardsley
G. W. Beardsley Justice of the Peace

Newbury Station
2435-
PO

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
State of Connecticut, } ss. County of New-Haven, }
On this 6 th day of Aug t 1832 personally appeared, in open Court, before the County Court of New-Haven County now sitting, Newbury Butts a resident of North Haven in the County of New-Haven, and State of Connecticut, aged 66 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 was born in Stonington, New London County, State of Conn t . — That he was 66 years of age on the 1 st March 1832; That the Record of his birth  age is in a Family Bible which he has in possession. That he removed when a child to his uncle Simeon Butts who lived in Groton an adjoining town — That his said uncle Simeon Butts with whom he then lived, about the 20 th day of June of the year in which Fort Griswold was taken, was drafted as a soldier for three months, to go into said Fort — an arrangement was made with Col. Ledyard the Commander of the Fort by which I was taken as a substitute for my uncle. I was a fifer & performed duty as such — declarant was in the Fort when it was attacked by Gen d . Arnold. he recollects that the British were twice driven back. about Sunset Col. Ledyard gave declarant a letter & told him to run with it to the Canterbury troops then about half a mile to the north of

the Fort, I give it to the Col. - I did so - but the Fort was taken the great part of the garrison massacred about dusk next morning the Fort was evacuated by the British, & we went in & remained there - having saved out my uncle's time - I was a substitute for John Larkin of Voluntown for 3 months longer after which I went back to my uncle's, and staid about a week when I was sent for to the Fort by Capt Benadom Gallup, & enlisted under him as a Sife for one year - I then after serving the year out went home & staid 3 or 4 days when I went back & enlisted for another year - during this year (in August I think) news of peace was declared - my time was not expire, I would not be, till the 1 st of Jan y then next, I was staid & kept Garrison till that time when we were all paid off & discharged verbally - I went to Voluntown & remained there 4 years, when I removed to North Haven, in New Haven County where I have ever since lived, except at periods when I have been absent at sea which business I followed out of New Haven & New York for nearly 22 years - after I left the service in the Revolutionary war, I went to Voluntown & was chosen Sife in the militia as per Certificate enclosed - I know of no one now living who knows personally my service.

I Matthew Noyes of North Hanover  Danvers Clergyman, depose & say that 15 or 16 years ago I became acquainted with Newbury Button then living in North Hanover, but who formerly lived in Groton - formerly  formerly lived in Lyme. I was within hearing of the Council at the time Fort Griswold was taken. I know immediately afterwards of the events & circumstances of the storming of that Fort. At the time alluded to I had a conversation with Newbury Button & he gave then the same general account of the taking of the Fort & the massacre of the Garrison, & there were many infinite circumstances attending the transaction, which he related which corresponded with the facts which I myself knew to have existed. I was a piper myself in Fort Trumbull in this side of the river from Fort Griswold in the year 1776 with the militia that were called out in defense of it & I know well the events of the war in that vicinity - I have no doubt that Mr. Button served in Fort Griswold in the manner he has stated - it has always been so understood by me. I have always understood & believed he has sustained a fair character for truth & veracity & I have no doubt of the truth of his statement. Matthew Noyes I do hereby subscribe the foregoing as my true & full statement. Declarant He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to any pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State, except that of the State of Connecticut.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. Attest J. W. Beach Clerk Newbury Button
We, Matthew Noyes a Clergyman, residing in North Danvers in P. County, and Samuel Bartholomew residing in the same town hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Newbury Button who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration; that we believe him to be 66 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. Attest J. W. Beach Clerk Matthew Noyes Samd. Bartholomew
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 Matthew Noyes who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in North Danvers and that Samuel Bartholomew who has also signed the same, is a resident in the same town and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, J. W. Beach Clerk of the County Court of New Haven County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Newbury Button for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 6 th day of August 1832
J. W. Beach Clerk

State of Connecticut } County of New Haven }
On this 2 nd day of April A.D. 1834 personally in open Court before the County Court of New Haven County now sitting Newbury Button aged 68 years who being first duly sworn doth on his oath make the following Declaration in addition to and in explanation of his former declaration of the 6 th of August 1832 in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832
Declarant states, as a reason for not sending back to the Department the papers returned to him, for additional proof. That he has been confined by sickness, & has been too feeble from age & infirmity to attend to it until recently - that he is & has been poor & unable to procure the means of getting to New London a distance of about 40 miles until the present month. —
Declarant states, as correction of his former declaration as follows to wit 1 st That he entered the Service &c. on the 20 th June of the year previous to the year in which Fort Griswold was taken, to wit on the 20 th June 1780 - & not on the 20 th June of the same year as is there stated by mistake. —
2 nd That the Fort was taken a little after noon - and that "about dusk" the British went out of the Fort, but did not embark until during the night or next morning early - This is as he meant to be understood in his former declaration & the error is owing to the mistake of the Scribe. —
3 rd Declarant was enlisted not "undue" but by Capt Benadum Gallup a recruiting officer (who kept a Runder room for enlisting recruits at my house where I live) & declarant meant to be so understood. —

4 th The British were not "twice driven back" but once the British came with a Flag to summon the Fort to Surrender, which being refused they went back & once they were repulsed or driven back after they made the attack (at this time declarant was sent with the letter to the Col. as before stated)
Declarant states in addition to his former declaration, as follows - with respect to the time & length of his service, officers &c. 1 st time . That he entered the service of the United States in the Revolutionary war, at Fort Griswold, (in Groton, New London county) on the 20 th June 1780 - as a private in the capacity of a militia piper - as a substitute for his father who was drafted as a militia private for the term of three months - that he served the whole of said term of three months in said Fort Griswold, & was discharged verbally - during this time the fort was commanded by Capt. William Latham - Col W m Ledyard, was Commandant - 3 mo s
2 nd time - He entered the same service in the same fort in Sept 1780 in the capacity of a militia piper as a substitute for John Larkin who was drafted as a private of militia for the term of three months - he served during the whole of said term of three months & was verbally discharged - during this time the Fort was commanded by the same officers as before - Capt W m Latham - under Col. Ledyard Comm d 3 mo s

3 rd time Declarant States - That he was enlisted by Capt. Benadum Gallup - recruiting officer, as a private of artillery in the capacity of a fifer or musician - that he was enlisted for the term of one year, from the latter part of Dec r . 1780 - That he immediately entered the Service in the same Fort, and served out the full term of one year as fifer in the artillery at of same Fort - & was verbally discharged the last of Dec r . 1781. during this term of Service. The Fort was com- manded by Capt. W m Latham - under Col. Lee- -yard Comm d until it was taken by the Brit- -ish, under Genl. Arnold in Sept. 1781, when Col. Ledyard & most of the Garrison were mas- -sacred as stated in my former declaration - after the Battle, The Fort was commanded by Capt. W m Latham who survived, under Col. McLaughlin - or Madamig - who was Com- -mandant of the harbour at New London & was the Superior officer who took the place of Col. Ledyard - _____ 1. year
4 th time Declarant States - That he was again enlisted by the same Capt. Benadum Gallup on the 1 st of Jan y . 1782 for the term of one year - for the same Service & immediately entered the same Service in the same Fort Griswold, & performed duty as a private of artillery in the capacity of a fifer for the full

term of one year - as stated in my former declaration, after the news of peace arrived we staid & kept Garrison, until the 1 st of Feb part of Jan. 1783 - when I was verbally discharged with others - during this year the Fort was commanded by the aforesaid Capt. Wm. Latham, - under Col. Mr. Loring - Comd g of the Harbour at New London - 1 yr
Declarant states, that he cannot procure & there cannot be had, to the best of his knowledge & belief, any further proof of his services other than his declaration & the testimony hereto annexed. - he supposes  proposes to go to the place where the memorable  memorable event occurred - to procure the evidence of Mr. Larkin, who must with him be discharged at the same time with him - he has been long since dead - Capt. Latham, Gallup - a Lieutenant Perkins whom he knew - as well as Col. Loring, & Moulton - are dead - Declarant's relations who were then there are all dead - none survive who recollect him when a boy of 16 - except Joshua Baker whom affidavit is annexed.
Declarant was 68 years of age on the 1 st of March 1834 he still lives in North Haven in New Haven County.
Declarant has no documentary or other proof, nor can any other be procured, it having been all lost or destroyed. - except the evidence hereto annexed.
Newbeny Britton
Sworn to & subscribed in open court this 2 nd day of April 1834
Attest J. W. Deane Clerk

Act July 17, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
1563 am
P. O. Newbury Button
Service: _____
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18 .
Discharged: _____, 18 .
Application filed: _____, 18 .
Alleges: _____ _____ _____
Re-enlisted: _____ _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____ _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18 .

W o - 2435 - Suspended
Connecticut
Newbury Button
let John Beach
2 July 1834
1563
act. by me June 1832

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Newbury Button 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? no 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? no VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? no 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? XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? 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?  It does not appear that the best evidence has been 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? 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?  1 st , 3 d & 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, 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 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.

State of Connecticut } ss. County of New Haven }
Be it remembered that at a County Court held at New Haven within for New Haven County on the 3 rd Tuesday of March 1834 now in session on this 2 nd day of April 1834. The said Court in addition to their certificate to the pension papers of Newbury Dutton of the 6 th of August 1832 hereto annexed, hereby further certify that the deponent Joshua Baker whose affidavit is annexed is a person of credit and that in our opinion his statement is entitled to credit. We further certify that in our opinion the said Newbury Dutton was a Revolutionary Soldier as he states in the annexed supplemental declaration.
By order of Court Attest J. W. French Clerk
I J. W. French Clerk of the County Court of New Haven County do hereby certify that the foregoing annexed contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Newbury Dutton for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 2 nd day of April A.D. 1834 J. W. French Clerk

I Joshua Baker of Groton county of New London State of Connecticut aged eighty nine years before I say that I was one of the first that helped build fort Griswold in said Groton That I served three & a half years in said fort principally previous to the memorable Battle in 1781 I served under Capt. William Latham and others I recollect Mr. Newbury Button the identical person who has now applied to me for my Deposition that he was a fifer in the fort at the time I was there that he was quite young & small, That at the time he was an enlisted soldier. I do not know how long he served I believe him to be a man of truth & veracity & I believe him to be about sixty eight years old And further the Deponent saith not.
his Joshua X Baker Mark
State of Connecticut }
New London county } ss. Groton March 1 st . 1834
Personally appeared Joshua Baker signer of the foregoing Deposition & made solemn oath to the truth of the same Before me
Joseph Dursey Justice of Peace
I certify that the above named Joshua Baker the Deponent aforesaid is a credible man for truth & veracity
Joseph Dursey Justice of Peace
State of Connecticut } New London county } ss
I John D'Witt Clerk of the county courts in & for the New London county do hereby certify that Joseph Dursey esq before whom the above deposition of Joshua Baker was taken was at that time still a Justice of the peace in the said New London county & that his signature above I believe to be genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said county this 7 th day of March A D 1834
John D'Witt Clerk

These may Certify all whom it may concern That Newbury Button Late of Voluntown now Residing in north Haven was in the Year 1781 Duly Chosen a fifer in the 7 th Company in the 21 st Reg t of Miltia in this State & served as such
Certified for Samuel Robbins Capt. of said Company Newhaven October 22 nd A D 1795