Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 23,714, Sarson Butler, Mass. Navy

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Mass.
Butler, Sarsone
No. 23,714
Navy
Susan
.....
CONTENTS

Maine - 31,542
Sarah Butler -
of Somerset in the State of Maine who was a widow in the Campy commanded by Captain Pease of the Reg't commanded by Major Providence in the line for 7 months
Enrolled on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 23 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10th day of Dec 18, and sent to Mrs. Allen Norridgewock, Me.
Arrears to the 14th of Sept - $174 97 Semi-ann. allowance ending 11 66 $186 63
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by R. Burdick Clerk, Book 8 - Vol. 1 - Page 5.

4586
Name
Susan Butler
widow of Simon Butler
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Marine
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of $3 Dollars 33.
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 day of Mch 1849 and sent to
Geo. W. Morton Augusta Me
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 2 Vol. 1,

3 d Declaration of Sarson Butler of Maine
In order to obtain a pension under the act of June 7, 1832 -
Wm Allen Jr Madu
Notary Public Concord

State of Maine } County of Somerset } ss. On this nineteenth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared before the Honorable Drummond Hornsby the Judge of the Court of Probate in and for said county at a special Probate Court held at his residence in Norway in said county. Isaac Butler a resident of Newberry and in said county aged seventy six years, who being first duly sworn, according to law doth on his oath make the following supplementary declaration to an original declaration made by him before the Supreme Judicial Court of said county on the first Tuesday of June A.D. 1836 and forwarded to the War Department in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 wherein a decision of the war department has been suspended till he could obtain some record evidence of the time of the sailing or arrival of the ship of War Providence Capt. Rathburn on board of which this declarant has alleged that he served ac- cording the best of his recollection from the last of March 1778 to the last of October 1778 a period of at least seven months as set forth in his said declaration. That he has within ten days past made a journey to Boston and examined the files of old newspapers with the assistance of Benjamin Russell Esq who was a long time one of the principal Editors in Boston and in a bound volume of a old newspaper called the Continental Journal printed in Boston by John Gill Sept 17, 1778 he found the following paragraph, "On Friday

last returned into port the privateer Providence commanded by Capt Rothburn" And this declarant alleges that he was at that time in the service of the United States as a Marine on board of that identical vessel and continued to serve till the last of October 1778 that he shipped at Edgartown as he has before stated in March 1778 which he  was  his  first  first confi- dent was in the year 1778 - which one of  the  one of he asks leave to have corrected in his former declarations, as the same was made from memory only, in the first place; but now from other facts which have come to his recol- lection as well as the public Journal above mentioned - He also declares that on two occasions he was called out and did duty in the militia at Holmes Hole in the year 1779 under Capt Smith. Michael Davis Lieut. Jas Shaw 2 d Lieut. in the whole as much as six months, which service was not inserted in his former declaration.
For proof of all which he refers to the papers annexed and to those on file in the War department. He also declares that Wendell Davis an applicant for a pension served on board the same vessel with him the same time; that said Davis is still living but is now too infirm to attend court as a witness - That the annexed paper marked A was written in his presence & delivered to him by Benjamin Russell Esq r  Larson Butler

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year first aforesaid
D. Farnsworth Judge of Probate
I William Allen N. of lawful age depose and say, that as agent of the above named Garrison Butler and in accord- ance with the directions from the War Department in his case, I gave him the letter hereunto annexed marked "B," with instructions to proceed to Boston and search for evidence of the arrival of the vessel on board of which he served that said Butler this day returned with the document hereunto annexed marked "A," and the other accompanying evidence received: That I have entire confidence in the veracity of said Butler and have no doubt that he served as he has stated on board the ship of war Providence at least six months. I have known him forty five years, William Allen N.
Subscribed and sworn to the day and year first aforesaid before me by the above named Allen who is a credible witness D. Farnsworth Judge

State of Maine, Somerset County ss Ollan Santelle Register of the Court of Probate said county do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Sarson
Butler for a pension In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of said Court of Probate this twentieth day of July A.D. 1887 O. Santelle S. Register
3 Declaration of Sarson Butler of Maine In order to obtain a pension under the act of June 7. 1882
Wm Allen Jr. Administrator Machias County

Sarson Butler's app n for Pension for 7 months service as a Marine on board ship of War Providence in 1778 — From March 31 to Oct. 31 Capt. M o Rathburn commander
Claim supported by the testimony of Wendell Davis a marine who served at same time and affidavit of David Davis filed in Wendell Davis' application
References to be made to the applicant at Kennebec (me) care of W m Allen Jr.

State of Maine } ss. On this Eighth day of June County of Somerset } ss. In this Eighth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty six, personally appeared in open court before the Supreme Judicial Court now sitting at Bridg- water within and for the county of Somerset and State of Maine, Larsen Buller, new assistant of New Vineyard in said county of Somerset aged seventy four 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, and makes answer to the interrogatories propounded by the war department, as follows
1 That he was born at Edgarton in Dukes county in Massachusetts on the Thirteenth day of October 1761
2 That there is a record in a family bible which was kept by his father in his life time, now in possession of one of his brothers, and he presumes that his birth is also on the town records of Edgarton
3 That he was living at said Edgarton when he was called into the service of the United States as herein stated and that for more than forty years past he has resided in said New- Vineyard and Hallowell in the State of Maine and that he now resides in said New Vineyard
4 That he entered the naval service of the United States as a volunteer under Capt John P. Root  Root and served as a marine seven months on board the public armed sloop of war Providence afterwards renamed and renamed the myriam boys  Howes  Howes into 1st Lieutenant
John Stranton 2 d Lieutenant — Webster boatswain
5 That according to the best of his recollection he entered said service and shipped on board said sloop of war on the last day of March A D 1778 for a summer cruise; and sailed in said vessel soon after he shipped for the coast of Nova Scotia, and served as a marine and part of the time employed in the storage as cook for the term of seven months chased a number of vessels; had a severe engagement with an English ship in which several of their men were wounded and that night coming on the vessels were parted. That they made a prize of an English Brig loaded with provisions bound to Halifax put a prize master on board and ordered her for Boston but she was afterwards retaken

by the enemy and carried to Halifax; That they cruised off Halifax the most of the time; broke their bowsprit and sprung their mast in a gale wind went into Port Roseau now called Shelburne an enemys port where they captured several boats and small vessels, stationed a guard to protect themselves and repaired and procured new stores and arrived at Boston after the expiration of the seven months, when he was verbally discharged by Capt Rathburn, that he never had any written discharge and has no documentary evidence of his service: But Wendell Davis who served with him on board the same vessel, is here in Court and can testify as to the above service Capt David Davis can also testify as to his entering said service; and all his acquaintance can testify as to their belief of his service as above stated.
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; That he never made but one application for a pension before which was two years ago; which was rejected by the War Department for some infirmity or want of evidence: That he has been unable to attend Court with his evidence since, till the present time.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid in Open Court Attest Joshua Gould, Clerk
I Wendell Davis now resident in Industry in the county of Somerset State of Maine, depose on oath and say that I have well known the above named Saron Butler from my infancy: That I was born and brought up within half a mile of him That I am nearly seventy five years old; and I know that he served as he stated seven months on board the public armed sloop of war Providence in the service of the United States in the summer and fall of 1778 I entered on board said Sloop of war at the same time and served seven months and was discharged at Boston at the same time that said Butler was; and I have been well acquainted with him ever since. Wendell Davis Somerset ss. Supreme Judicial Court at Halloweck Jan. 1836 Subscribed and sworn to in Open Court Mrs. Joshua Gould Clerk

I William Allan to of lawful age depose and say that I have been well acquainted with the above named Wendell Davis for more than forty years; that he has ever been considered a man of strict integrity and inviolable veracity and that I have no doubt of the truth of his deposition.
William Allan to
Sworn to and subscribed in open Court the day and year aforesaid
Joshua Gould Clerk
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department; that the above named applicant was in the Marine service of the United States in the Revolutionary War and served as he states, and the Court further certifies that Wendell Davis and William Allan to who have signed the preceding certificates are credible persons and that their statements are entitled to credit.
Nathan Weston
C. Justice S.P. Court
I Joshua Gould Clerk of all the Judicial Courts in the county of Somerset, State of Maine do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Wendell Davis  Swenson Bates for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this eighth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty six.
Joshua Gould, Clerk

"Garrison Butler, son of Elijah Butler, and Jane Kelly, his wife, was born in Edgarton, Martha's Vineyard, October 13, 1761. Married Susanna, daughters of Levi Young of the same place - came to this town March 1811. Died June 20. 1842.
Their children are
Henry Young, born November 25. 1783. Jane Kelly, born. died Susan & Garrison (twins) born, March 21. 1790 Mary, born, September 21. 1792. Phebe Young, born February 28. 1794. Deborah, born December 12. 1796. Elisha, born August 11. 1799. Amelia & Nathan (twins) born October 8. 1801 Hannah, born August 11. 1805. Shepard N. born September 2. 1808. "
Town Clerks Office, Hallowell, Kennebec County, Maine, April 12 1844. This certifies that the above is a transcript from the Register of Families kept by the Clerks of the Town of Hallowell; that the original is in the hand-writing of John Dewale, who, it appears by the Town Records was Clerk of the said town from 1802 to 1820 inclusive - excepting the words "Died June 20. 1842" in the fourth line, which words are in the handwriting of the undersigned who was in 1842 & has been since to the present time Town Clerk. Justin E. Smith, Town Clerk of Hallowell.

State of Maine,
Hennington County, S. S. On this twelfth day of April 1844 personally appeared, before me, a Justice of the Peace within and for said County of Hennington. Justin E. Smith, who is to my knowledge town clerk of Hallowell, and made oath to the truth of the within certificate by him subscribed
Geo. W. Morton , Justice of the Peace

State of Maine
Kennebec ss-
I the subscriber Clerk of the pred. courts for Kennebec County hereby certify that Erastus Bartlett & George W. Merlan Esqrs were Justices of the Peace for said County, & that the signatures hereto affixed purporting to be theirs are genuine.
Witness my hand & the seal of the Sup. Jud. Court this twelfth day of April Anno Domini 1844.
A. R. Nichols

Marine On Sloop of War Providence WIDOW, &c.
File No. 23714
Susan Butler wid of Garson Butler Marine Reserve
Act Feb 2 d 1848.
Index : Vol A , Page 106
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Rep?
9149
Maine
Susan Dutton
widow of Varson Dutton who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 20th June 1842 of Kennebec in the State of Maine who was a Marine in the Comp y . commanded by Captain Peck of the Ship  commanded by U.S. Hoop Providence the line for 7 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Portland Me. at the rate of 23 Dollars 33 1 / 3 . Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8th day of April 1845 and sent to Genl. Morton, Augusta, Me
Total amount, $ 116.65
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Thos Rumphin Clerk, Book D Vol. 1 Page 1

Joint Reso: of Congress of Dec 7 23. 1845. Rep. Rev. d (N o 44)
6192 Maine
Susan Butler widow of Barron Butler who was a Marine in the Rev. War
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 23 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 day of September 1844 and sent to J. W. Morton Esq Augusta Maine
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 Page 1

Impended claire
Larson Butler
let Rb Rose
26 July 1834
Same 18 Sept. 1834
William Abben pa. June 15 36
In let. to same. Sept. 5, 1837

Certificate of Myra Russell, of Boston.

" 4 " I Rufus Davis of Edgartown in the County of Dukes County State of Massachusetts do testify and say. That I was personally acquainted with Serson Butler and Windel Davis when residents of Edgartown aforesaid and now residing in the County of Somerset State of Maine. That I was knowing to their shipping on board the Sloop Providence a continental armed Vessel commanded by John Rothbrun in the Spring or first part of the Summer of 1778 and sailed on a cruise of six months or more and returned in the fall to Boston and returned home to Edgartown on a furlough without any discharge. In the Spring of 1779 the deponent saith that the said Butler and Davis volunteered with the Militia when the British Squadron came into Holmes-hole and in the fall of the same year they were called out again in like manner when the same fleet returned again said fleet was commanded by Col. George Serson and Rufus Davis making in the whole eighteen months or more
Dukes County ss Commonwealth of Massachusetts
July 8th 18378 Then and there personally appeared the above named Rufus Davis who after being duly cautioned and sworn made oath to the truth of the above Deposition and signed the same with his hand before me . I further certify that the said Rufus Davis is a person of credit and his Testimony I believe to be true
Thomas Durham Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Dukes County

Dukes County ss. Commonwealth of Massachusetts I Cornelius Marchant Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the aforesaid County (King a Court of record) do hereby certify that Thomas Dunham is a Justice of the peace within and for said County, and that the signature of the within Certificate is his proper signature and is his hand writing. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Affixed the seal of said Court this 8 th day of July in the year of our Lord one thou- eight hundred and thirty seven. ———
Cornelius Marchant Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for Dukes County.

"B"
Worridgecock June 23. 1887
Capt Larson Butler
Sir
The War Office requires some record evidence of the time of sailing or arrival of the sloop of war, Providence, before they will allow your claim You can find it in some old file of newspapers in some library in Boston, or in Harvard College. A full list of all the old papers was formerly kept by Isaac Thomas in Worcester. — Maj Benjamin Russell of Boston can direct you where to find full lists as he has had a list for a long time. Whenever you can find this vessel reported in any old paper

you must get a deposition from the person in whose custody you find it stating the fact; the date of the paper; by whom printed, name, and all the particulars. & send to me and I will have the same laid before the proper officers to support your claim.
Yours in haste Wm Lloyd
P.S. I sent to the Secretary's Office Boston but could find no record of the Providence .
{ May Russell No 12 } Lincoln Street Boston

"A" . To whom it may concern, W. O. Smith.
I certify, that on the request of Captain Sanson Butler, of the town of New Vineyard, in the State of Maine, I have examined the Boston Journals published during the Revolutionary War, and find in the Boston Continental Journal , published by John Gill, of September 17. "1778. the following paragraph:—
"On Friday last returned into port, the privateer Providence , commanded by Capt. Rathburn.—On the 7 th ult. Capt. R. fell in with about 30 sail of British transports, of all forces, with Scotch troops on board; one of which he engaged for some time, having about 200 soldiers on board, but quitte her!"
Benjamin Russell.
Boston, 11 th July, 1837.

1083 Susan Butler,
m82a42
Geo. W. Morton Augusta, Maine

DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th July, 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows." And An Act to Amend the same Approved August 23, 1842
STATE OF MAINE.
Wenatchee
County, ss.
On this 26 th day of June A. D., 18 43 personally appeared before the Judge of the Court of Probate for said County, in Open Court, it being a Court of Record, at a regular Session of said Court, Susan Butler a resident of Wayne in the County of Wenatchee and State of Maine, aged Seventy eight years, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed July 7th, 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows;" That she is the And widow of An Act to Amend the same Approved August 23, 1842. That she is the widow of Sanson Butler , a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, under the Act of June 7, 1832, upon the Maine Roll - that he rec d his pension at the Maine Agency up to the 4 th March 1842, that she rec d the pension from that time to the 20 th June 1842, the time of his decease, as his widow, at the same Agency. She refers for proof in support of her claim to a pension, to the evidence furnished by her husband, at the time of his application for a pension under said act, of his services, & is in possession of the War Department.
She further declares, that she was married to the said Sanson Butler on the fourth (as she thinks) day of June in the year seventeen hundred and eighty two; that her husband, the aforesaid Sanson Butler died on the twentieth day of June 1842 at Hallowell, Me ; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety-four, viz. at the time above stated, that her maiden name was Susan Young , that she was married to her said husband Sanson Butler , at Holmes Hole (Martha's Vineyard) Mass s by the Rev d Mr. Thaxter , - & that she has remained unmarried ever since the decease of her said husband.
Susan Butler Mark
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before me
William Brewster Judge of the Court of Probate Wenatchee County.

STATE OF MAINE.
Wernham County ss.
I the subscriber Register of Probate for said County hereby CERTIFY, That the Hon William Emmons before whom the proceedings were had, is the Judge of the Court of Probate in said County I also CERTIFY, That the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Judge in the matter of the application of Susan Butler for a pension.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the said Court, this twenty sixth day of June A. D., 1843
Francis Davis

I Elijah Butler , of Hallowell, in the County of Kennebec & State of Maine — aged seventy years & upwards, a brother of the late Saron Butler a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States upon the Roll of the Maine Agency, do upon Oath declare that, I distinctly remember, while a small boy at Martha's Vineyard, the circumstance of the reputed Marriage of my said brother Saron , to Susan Young ; I remember seeing persons going to the wedding, and upon their return of hearing it stated that they were married at the time of which I speak. — I never heard a doubt expressed of their having then been legally married; nor do I, myself entertain the least doubt that they were then married; — the time I am unable to state precisely, but it must have been about sixty years ago. — I am now, as above stated, over seventy years of age, & was at that time nine or ten years of age, being at the time so young that I was left at home, at the time of the marriage, in consequence of the trouble of carrying me thither, to the wedding. — They always lived together as husband & wife till the time of his decease on the 20 th of June 1842, and brought up a large family (thirteen) Children. — She has remained unmarried even since his decease. — Elijah Butler
State of Maine
Wennebec County ss }
June 26 th 1843 Subscribed & sworn to this day, before me, and I certify that the above named Elijah Butler , is a worthy, intelligent person, whose statement is entitled to full credit. —
Ebenezer D. Dettell Justice of the Peace

Susan Butler under joint resolution of 23 d Jan'y: 1845 & act of July 7 th : 1838 -
Adjudic $23.33. per ann. from 11 March 1836 to 4 March, 1841
Maine
Augusta
husband died 20 June 1842 Geo. W. Norton
May 1841 Michels 1st
6
Geo. W. Norton Augusta Maine.

Declaration, In order to obtain the benefits of the resolution of Congress of the 23 d January 1845.
Whereas the Act of the 30 th April 1844 prohibited me from drawing a pension for the same period during which my husband was a pensioner. I now make the following statement under Oath, to obtain the benefits of the resolution above named. I am the widow of Parson Butler who was a Seaman in the War of the Revolution. I have drawn a pension under the Act of Congress of March 3 d 1843 at the rate of twenty three dollars and thirty three cents per annum from the 4 th day of March 1843 to the 4 th day of March 1844, and now ask for the Amount due me from the 4 th day of March 1836 to the 4 th day of March 1841.
Witness
Beryn Tamsen
for Susan X Butler mark
State of claim
Wernber County, S.S. Sworn to and subscribed before me on this thirteenth day of March in the year 1845 at Wayne in the County of Wernber and State of Maine.
P. H. Vanine Justice of the Peace.
I certify that the declarant is personally known to me, and that she is the same individual she represents herself to be in the foregoing affidavit.
P. H. Vanine Justice of the Peace

State of Maine 3 County of Penobscot
I William M. Stratten, Clerk of the Judicial Courts within and for said County of Penobscot, do hereby certify, that Russell W. Warren is a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Penobscot in the State of Maine and that the signatures within, purporting to be his, are genuine.
Witness my hand, and the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court of Maine, this fifteenth day of March A. D. 1845.
Wm M. Stratten

Susan Butler
Geo W. Morton Augusta Maine

DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of February 2, 1848, entitled "An Act Making further provisions for the Surviving Widows of the Soldiers of the Revolution."
STATE OF MAINE,
COUNTY OF Kennebec } ss.
On this 30 th day of September A. D. 1848 personally appeared, before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace, in the County of Kennebec and State of Maine, Susan Butler a resident of Wayne in the County of Kennebec aged Eighty three years, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed on the second of February, 1848, granting Pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of Sarson Butler who was a Mariner during the Revolutionary War; that she was pensioned as the widow of the said Sarson Butler at the rate of Twenty three dollars and thirty three cents per annum, under the Act of June 17, 1844, which was paid to her at the Agency in Portland, in the State of Maine. She further declares that she is still a widow.
WITNESS:
Isaac Bowles Benjamin Lamson
Susan X Butler mark.
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written,
BEFORE ME,
Isaac Bowles Justice of the Peace.
I certify that the declarant is personally known to me, and that she is the same individual who drew a pension as stated by her in the foregoing declaration.
Isaac Bowles Justice of the Peace.
STATE OF MAINE,
KENNEBEC COUNTY, } ss.
I, William M. Stratton Clerk in the Courts of Kennebec County, certify that Isaac Bowles is a Magistrate as above, and that the above signatures, purporting to be his, are genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court of Maine, and subscribed my name this 12 th day of February in the year 1849.
W. M. Stratton
Clerk of the Courts of Kennebec County.

Sarson Butler July 26
Me advised Oct 1832
Rev. James L. Edwards
Cons. of Johnson
Washington (6.4)
Rev. Solomon
Free
Free

Wadsworth July 2 nd 1837 Col d James L. Edwards Comm r of Pensions —
Sir,
Enclosed is Sason Butler's supplementary declaration in order to obtain a pension — I applied at the Secretary's Office in Boston agreeably to your suggestion but could find no record evidence of his service; being informed by the Secretary that all the papers in that office relating to Revolutionary services have been sent to Washington — Capt Butler being very solicitous to obtain his pension, & which he considered himself justly entitled and being in tolerable health I advised him about a month ago to make a journey himself to Boston and if possible obtain some evidence of the sailing or arrival of the vessel in which he sailed, and refered him to Mess r Russell of Boston; who was certificate he obtained, but neglected to have it verified by oath &c. I have however enclosed it as the Journal refered to may be in the War department. —
If the evidence of his service as a marine should not be deemed sufficient — I think I have it my power to supply the deficiency but it will occasion time & expense, which he is utterly unable to pay. I therefore hope that his claim as well as that of Wendell Davis who served during the same time and whose application is on file, may be admitted without any further testimony — Davis is so infirm that he is unable to testify so as to be depended upon.
I am Sir, your ob t Serv t Wm Allen Jr

Augusta, Maine
Feb. 12 th 1849
Sir,
I herewith enclose a declaration of Mrs Susan Butler, executed by her in order to be presented under the Act of Feb 2. 1848. I would respectfully request you to allow her claim, if satisfactory, and send me as her agent a certificate for her.
Very Respectfully
Yr Ob't Serv't
Geo W. Morton
James L Edwards Esq Commr of Pensions Washington City.

Augusta, Maine
Feb. 12 th 1849
Sir,
I herewith enclose a declaration of Mrs Susan Butler, executed by her in order to be presumed under the Act of Feb 2. 1848. I would respectfully request you to allow her claim, if satisfactory, and send me as her agent a certificate for her.
Very Respectfully
Yr Ob't Servt
Geo W. Morton
James L Edwards Esq Commr of Pensions Washington City.

Maine July 24
Rev. Clancey,
Rev. J. J. Richards, (Comm. of Tensions) Washington, D.C.

Augusta, Me. July 18 th . 1834.
Sir,
The enclosed Declaration of Parson Butler, was returned to me, by you, under date of the 10 th . inst. for explanation as to the age of the applicant when he served, as he alleged, as a Mariner , on board the Providence. He has now amended his declaration, by declaring (as he stated before verbally) that he served all the time as a Marine. I presume that his claim will therefore now be admitted, & would respectfully request that it may receive an early attention.
I am, Sir, very respectfully,
Your Obedt. Servt. Robert C. Vose by Mr. Mearns
Col. J. L. Edwards. Comm ee of Pensions,

10813
6398
act '43
Susan Buttr
Widow of Susan Maine
act 7 July 1838
Rejected, husb. died 1842
March 1843
adm? 7 March, Maine $23 33 per ann
Geo W Morton
Augusta
Maine

Pension Office September 10 1844
Sir,
The case of

Augusta, Maine
April 12. 1844
Sir
I herewith enclose papers in order to have the claim of Mrs. Susan Butler, widow of the late Garrison Butler also to a pension, under the Act of July 7. 1838 allowed, if satisfactory. Please allow her claim and send me, for her a certificate
Very respectfully
Your Obedt Servt
Geo. W. Morton
James L. Edwards Esq Commr of Pensions City of Washington
D.C.

2 Feb 1848 Mr Co G
16 Feb 1849 Col B 6102
EXP
James P. Edwards Esq.
Comr of Pensions Washington City DC.

Additional Declaration of Sarson Butler under Act of June 7, 1832,
Original Declaration & papers now on file in the War Department.
See letter to R. C. Rose July 24, 1834. —
admd Ymo Maine $23.33
Wm Allen Jr Norridgewock Me

I Parson Butler of New Vineyard, Somerset County, Maine, an applicant for a pension under the Act of Congress of June 7, 1832, in addition to my declaration now on file in the War Department, do further on oath declare, That when I enlisted on board the Sloop Providence, as stated in my said declaration, it was for the cruise; that John Peck Hathbone, Esq., was commander, one Howes 1 st Lieutenant, & John Scramston (or as called on board Jack Scramston,) was 2 d D r . That we sailed from Edgarton in the Vineyard, cruised off Halifax &c., & in June or July 1776, went into Shelburne, Nova Scotia to refit having lost our bowsprit & sprung our mast. That at that place we procured a new mast, & new bowsprit, & again sailed on our cruise, & after cruising until last of October or first of November of the same year returned to Boston, & was discharged. That I served as a Marine, & we sailed from Edgarton in March 1776. That as I have before stated I know of no other evidence I can furnish of my service as declared, than the deposition 77

Wendel Davis who also served as a Marine with me at the same time. I further declare that for about forty years I have been master of a vessel, that for my service on board the Hlop of War Providence I believe myself justly entitled to a pension. Saml Nutter
State of Maine.
Kennebec, p: Subscribed & sworn to this 30 th day of August A.D. 1854.
Before me, Wm Ward Justice Peace.
State of Maine, Kennebec, p:
I John A. Chandler, clerk of the Judicial courts for said county, hereby certify that William Ward, J. is a Magistrate as above, that the above signature purporting to be his is genuine.
Witness my hand & the seal of the Supreme Judicial court of said State this 30 th day of August 1854.
J A Chandler

Declaration.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
STATE OF MAINE, } ss. KENNEBEC COUNTY, }
ON this third day of June A. D. 1834 personally appeared in open Court before the Hon. Nathan Weston, Jun'r, a Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, of said State, Sarson Butler a resident of New Vineyard in the County of Somerset and State of Maine, aged seventy two 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 7, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army Navy of the United States in the year with Captain  and served in Col.  regiment of  the  line of troops under the following named officers:
at Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, in March 1776, as a Mariner. For a cruise on board the U.S. Sloop of War Providence, John Peck Rathbone, Esq. commander. That he sailed in said Sloop of War Providence, which cruised off Halifax & other places during the summer of that year, & returned to Boston the last of October or first of November of the same year, when & where he was verbally discharged, after having served at least seven months. That during said cruise they fought an English ship, which they afterwards learned by a prize they took had five hundred soldiers on board, for five hours, but she escaped in a fog. That in a gale of wind they lost one of their masts & their bowsprit, & refitted at Shelburne, Nova Scotia.
That he was born at Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, in the year 1761, where he presumes his age was recorded, & where his home was during his service. That in 1793, he removed to Hallowell, Maine, where & at said New Vineyard he has ever since lived. That he enlisted & was discharged as he
That he was placed on the Maine roll under the Act of Congress of March 18, 1818, and that his pension certificate is numbered _____ and dropped therefrom on account of his property. That at that time he resided in _____ in the County of _____ and State of Maine, and now resides in
has stated. That Wendell Davis who served with him will testify to his services. That any of his neighbors will testify to his character for veracity & their belief of his services.
He hereby relinquishes every claim 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, except as aforesaid.
Sarson Butler
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid, before me
Nathan Weston
Not S. P. C.
And the said Court Judge does hereby declare his opinion that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states.
Nathan Weston

State of Maine.
KENNEBEC, ss.—I, JOHN A. CHANDLER, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts held within and for the County of Kennebec, hereby certify that the Hon. NATHAN WESTON, Judge , before whom the within proceedings was had, is a Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court of said State; I also certify that the within contains the original proceedings of the said Court Judge, in the matter of the application of Garson Butler for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the said Court, this 3 d .
day of June
A. D. 1834, J. A. Chandler
I Wendell Davis of New Vineyard, Somerset County, Maine, aged twenty two years upwards, do upon oath testify & say, that I well know Garson Butler of the same New Vineyard; that having served at the same time, I well know that said Garson Butler, served as a mariner on board the U.S. Sloop of War Providence, commanded by John Peck Rathbone Esq., from March 1776, to the last of October or the first of November of the same year, in the manner he has within stated. I was myself a mariner on board the same vessel during the whole of the period above mentioned.
Wendell Davis
State of Maine.
Kennebec, ss:—
Supreme Judicial Court, at Augusta, June term 1834. Subscribed & sworn to in open court, this third day of June 1834, the deponent being a credible witness,
Before me,
Nathan Weston
Just S. J. C.
Garson Butler
31. 477
Mariner
U.S. Sloop of War Providence
7 months.
Proof Wendell Davis a
credible witness. Additional Declaration,
I Garson Butler, by whom the within declaration was made, do further or oath declare, that at the time the same was made, I stated explicitly that my service on board the Providence for the period within mentioned was as a Marine , but presume that through inadvertency the service was stated as in the capacity of a Mariner , as it was supposed to be immaterial in which capacity the service was stated to have been performed. Wendell Davis who has testified to my service was also a Marine with me, & stated when he gave evidence to be an immateriel variation I was therefore suffered to pass. I further declare that I know of no other person than said Davis (now living) who served with me, & cannot without much trouble & expense procure evidence from those who were then my neighbors of their knowledge of my having been absent at the period when my service is stated to have been performed.
State of Maine.
Kennebec, ss:—
Garson Butler
Sworn & subscribed to this 18 th day of July A.D. 1834.
Before me,
Nathan Weston
Just S. J. C.
R. C. Noyes,
Augusta.
me,

Sept 15. Me. Rev. Sarsa Butler Oct 1832. Newbedford (Mass) under act of June 7, 1832
Rev. Sarsa Butler
Secretary of Mass Washington City Dist. Columbia

2 o Supplementary Declaration of Larsen Butler, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7 th June 1832 — State of Maine County of Somerset ss. On this Eighth day of of September, Eighteen hundred and thirty eight personally appeared before the Honorable Drummond Farnsworth Judge of Probate in and for the county aforesaid at a Probate Court held at the Courthouse in Bridgewater in said county Capt. Larsen Butler a resident of New Bedford, in the county of Bristol and State of Maine aged seventy six 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 7 th 1832; That he enlisted & shipped on board of the United States Ship of war Providence in the year one hundred and seventy eight, and served on board said Ship of war under the command of Capt. John Peck Rathbone at least seven  seven months and a half. That he has heretofore made declarations of his said service which he now refuses to, in the War department. That for want of sufficient evidence his claim has hitherto been rejected; but being confident of the justness of his claim he has made three journeys to Boston to examine the records and to obtain the particular dates; and from these he is now able to state with more confidence & certainty than heretofore the time of his enlistment & discharge; and is confident that he shipped as early as the first day of March Seventeen hundred & seventy eight, if not before; that they crossed the tropic and secured the West India Islands cruised along the coast of Nova Scotia and in a severe battle with a large ship which was closed by night & by a severe storm without capturing her. that they captured a Brig from Glasgow bound to Halifax which was afterwards retaken; that he arrived in Boston

on the fifteenth of September Seventeen hundred and seventy-eight and was not discharged till after the thirteenth of October; as he well recollects that he celebrated his birth day which was the thirteenth day of October on board the Providence; That he was born at Martha's Vineyard on the thirteenth day of October 1761 as appears by the record of his birth in his father's old bible; That he stepped on board the Providence as above stated at Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard, when that vessel arrived from a cruise at Bermuda from the Island of New Providence where she had captured the fort at that Island — That he was verbally discharged the latter part of October being confident that he served more than seven months on board the Providence on the above cruise — He also states that he afterwards volunteered in the military in the spring of the year Seventeen hundred and seventy-nine under Capt Benjamin Smith at Edgartown and was kept on duty guarding the whole island against the British vessels which often attacked and ravaged the Island of Martha's Vineyard during the most of that season but was not constantly on duty but served at least one third part of the time for six months — 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 any agency in any State — Sonson Butler
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid and I do hereby declare that in my opinion the above named Sonson Butler was a boy & indeed served as he has declared on board the United States Sloop of War Providence at least six months as he has declared and that he also performed military service as he has declared; that he is a credible witness D. Harnsworthy Judge

State of Maine } County of Somerset } ss
I the subscriber Register of Probate in and for the county of Somerset hereby certify that Honorable Drummond Hansworth before whom the proceedings were had is Judge of Probate in and for the county aforesaid. I also certify that this sheet with the six sheets or pieces of paper annexed contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the second supplementary application of the said Larson Butler for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court of Probate at Norridgewock this eighth day of September AD 1838
L. Lunt Register
Norridgewock Sept 8. 1838
The Com d of Pensions is requested to make returns to me when the within case is exam d
William H Allen Jr

War Department, Pension Office, September 5, 1837.
Sir,
The additional statement, and evidence in the case of Tarson Butler have been examined and filed with the other papers.
The evidence taken from the Boston Journal of 1778 would appear to prove that the Providence was a privateer. It is known, however, as a matter of history, that Capt. J. Peck Rathbun did command the "New Providence", a continental sloop of twelve guns, in 1778, and it is probable that the newspapers of the day may furnish more specific information of her service in 1778, so as to enable the Department to ascertain its length with satisfactory precision.
No decision can be made upon the alleged militia service until a statement is furnished of the period, length, & grade of each term, with the full name of the commanding officer of the company, so that the rolls may be examined.
I am, respectfully, your ob t . serv t .
Wm. Allen, Jr. Esq. Norridgewock, Maine.
J. L. Edwards

To Hon Joel R Poinsett, Secretary of War, Washington

Boston, Aug. 22. 1838
Joel R. Poinsett Esq.
Secretary of War
Your Honor, Captain Larson Butler of Maine, who is an applicant for a Pension for services as a boy and Marine on board the United States Sloop of War Providence, commanded by Capt. Rathborne for six months and more of the year 1778, having informed me that the Department required that to the documents before presented by the Petitioner, there should be added, evidence of the sailing of said Sloop in 1778 of War and having applied to me, as a relict of the Revolution, to furnish information in the case, I respectfully state, that the newspapers and journals of 1778, record, that on the 27 th January 1778, the United States Sloop of War Providence, under Capt. Rathborne, made a descent on the British island of New Providence, captured Fort Nassau, with its garrison, cannon, and 300 muskets, and

made many prizes of British vessels in port; and on the 29 th embarked for the United States, after having destroyed some of the prizes, and sending others for the United States. For more details of particulars of this brilliant and timely exploit, I beg leave to refer the Department to Clark's Naval History of the War of the Revolution published in 1814, by M c Carey in Philadelphia. I have no recollection of the exact time of the arrival of the Providence from Bermuda, but think it highly probable that it must have been before the middle of February 1778, and that she would be likely to make Martha's Vineyard , as her first port. And Mr. Butler, your patetion deposes, that he joined the Providence at this port, in the said month, and deposes further, that he sailed in said ship of war, from the Vineyard, on a long cruise; and that after crossing the Tra- verse, and leaving the West India Seas, they

hoped the coast of Nova Scotia, and arrived in Boston, on the 17 th September, 1778; and that he was honorably discharged from service in October following; and is confident that he served to and after the 13 th of that month, as he recalled, having celebrated the day as his birth day, on board the Providence. It is well known that the Providence Sloop of War was in Boston in the fall and winter of 1778-9, and the Cer- tificate of the Secretary of State of Massachusetts, which accompanies this note affords ample evidence that this gallant Sloop of War was one of the vessels lost in the disastrous Expedition to Penobscot, of 1779.
Having some knowledge of the character of your petitioner, for integrity and truth, I feel satisfied that he has a fair claim to the generous bounty of his grateful country. Most respectfully, I am, very humbly, Sir, B. Russell. Please excuse all defects.

"War Office 14 July 1779
List of the Ships of War, Armed Vessels & Trans- ports in the expedition to Penobscot Vig.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretary's Office June 15. 1838.
I hereby certify that in a List of Vessels with the above caption remaining in this office, there appear the name of the Sloop Providence of 12 Guns Commanded by Hoysted Hacker, in testimony of which I have affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth on the date above mentioned.
John P. Bigelow Secy of the Com th

I Rufus Davis of Edgartown in the County of Dukes County State of Massachusetts, do testify & say that I was personally acquainted with Sason Butler and Wendell Davis, both then residents of Edgartown aforesaid and now residing in the County of Somerset State of Maine, that I was knowing to their shipping on board the Schooner a continental armed vessel commonly called John Nathaniel in the Spring or first part of the summer of 1778, and sailed on a cruise of six months or more, and returned to Boston in the fall, and then came home to Edgar- town on a furlough without any discharge, and in the Spring of 1779, the deponent saith that the said Butler and Davis volunteered with the Militia when the British Separation came into Nohantucket and in the fall of the same year they were called out again in Nohantucket, when the same fleet returned again, said fleet was com- manded by Col. George Leonard Rufus Davis on the whole sixteen months or more.
Dukes County ss Commonwealth of Massachusetts July 31st 1837 { Then and there personally appeared the above named Rufus Davis, who after being duly examined and sworn made oath to the truth of the above Deposition and signed the same with his hand before me. I further certify that the said Rufus Davis is a person of credit and his testimony I believe to be true.
Thomas Durdham (Justice of the Peace within & for the County of Dukes County)

Dukes County ss Commonwealth of Massachusetts I Cornelius Marchant Clerk of the Court of Com- mon Pleas within and the County aforesaid (being a Court of record) do hereby certify that Thomas Drinkham is a Justice of the peace within and for said County of Dukes County and that the signature of the within certificate is his proper signature and is his hand writing. In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 8 th day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven.
Cornelius Marchant Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for Dukes County.

Daniel Collins now of Industry but in the revolutionary war I lived at Sherborn Massachusetts, do testify & say, that in the year 1777, went to Philadelphia and thru shipyard on board the Ship Alfred com- modore Hopkins at which time the sloop Providence was attached to the same fleet and was in the continental service, and she continued in the service, under different commanders, among whom was one Capt. Brothburn ————— Daniel Collins
Industry April 19. 1837. Now the above named Daniel Collins, affirmed and gave oath to this Deposition by him subscribed Before me J. W. H. Jr. Jus. Peace

Sept 17 1778 In the Continental Journal printed in Boston by John Gill is found
"On Saturday last returned into port the Providence Capt. Nathburn &c on the 7th ult fell in with a fleet of 80 sail of transports of all sorts with scattered troops on board."
Henry Butler
Norway work
Main

I Eleazer Homer of Boston in the County of Suffolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged seventy seven depose and say That I have been well acquainted with Sason Butler (the person named in the annexed certificate) for the last twenty years and know him to be a man of respectability whose statements I believe entitled to unqualified belief
Eleazer Homer
Suffolk ss Boston August 22 1838 Then the above named Eleazer Homer made oath to the truth of the above certificate by him subscribed Before me Hugh Montgomery Justice of the Peace