Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17368, Elisha Bushnell, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Bushnell, Elisha Lydia
W. 17368
CONTENTS

28.112
Connecticut
Elisha Durbinell of Saybrook in the State of Conn who was a fm in the Conn commanded by Captain _____ of the Regt commanded by Col Whiting in the Conn Troops line for
2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Conn at the rate of 80 Dollars _____ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 day of Feb 1834 and sent How N. Barber No. of 12
Arrears to the 4th of Sep 1834 $ 260 Semi-ant. allowance ending Nov 6. 74  40
$ 240
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by E. D. Russell Clerk Book 62 Vol. 13 Page 3

Connecticut - 35-7.
Lydia Bushnell, widow of Elisha Bushnell, who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 th June '32 and who died on the 8 th Jan. 1825 of Saybrook in the State of Connecticut who was a P vt in the Co ty commanded by Captain Coun , of the Reg t commanded by Whiting in the Conn. line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 80 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 th day of Sept r 1838, and sent to Hon. S. P. Hildreth Saybrook, Conn.
Arrears to the 4 th of Sept r $ 200.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 40.00
$ 240.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by R. Burdine Clerk Book A - Vol. 1 - Page 166

Rev. Mr. Canvells
Sir
I think the vitiating papers are correct - Please send the certificate to me.
H
Yours of Servt
Dec 16 1833
Sennett Hingham New Bedford - Connecticut
Corrected & returned Feb 10 th 1834 -
Sennett Hingham
That is Jan 1834

State of Connecticut, Mid dlesex County - } Probate Court of Saybrook in said County
On this tenth - day of Sept r 1839 - personally appeared, in open Court, before the Court of Probate in and for the County of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut, now sitting at Saybrook, in said County. the same being a Court of Record -
Mr. Oliver Bushnell - a resident of Saybrook - in the County of Middlesex - and State of Connecticut, aged seventy four - 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.
That he was born in Saybrook - County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut in Oct. 1758 - and that his birth is recorded in the Records of said Town, and that he has lived in said Town ever since -
That he enlisted in to, and did duty in the Shore Guard in the Spring of 1776 - came say the exact time - did duty in said Guard through the summer and was then discharged - had no written discharge - Lieut Chapman was Sargent, and commanded that part of the Guard to which the applicant belonged - During this summer the British ships were almost constantly in the Sound - The applicant could frequently see their Boats, passing and repassing in the night, as he was guarding on the Shore -
That in 1778 - he again enlisted in to said Guard and served therein through the summer in the same manner as the year 1776 above related - Was discharged when his time was out, but had no written discharge -
That in Oct. 1779 - he was drafted for six months - and served out the whole period at Horse Neck, and then discharged - does not recollect whether he had any written discharge - The Company in which he served was commanded by Capt. Smith of New Britain - The Lieutenant was from Middletown but the applicant cannot recollect his name - The name of the Ensign was Samuel Doty - of Saybrook They are all dead - The Regiment was commanded by Col. Meigs of Horse Neck - The applicant does not recollect the names of the other Officers, That

The said Regiment remained about Rose Neck the whole time - Col. Whiteny's Regiment of Horse, were there at the same time. The British Army, were then in New York, and frequent skirmishing took place between said Regiment, and the British Troops. The object of stationing the Regiment there, was to prevent the British from scouring the country that way -
In the Spring of A.D. 1780. he again enlisted in the Shore Guard, for six months, and served out the full time of his said enlistment. Capt. John Shipman commanded, he thinks. Was discharged at the expiration of the time but never received written discharge -
The applicant says, that he never applied for a pension, before now -
That in June 1779 Elisha Bushnell
Elisha Bushnell

Moses Cheever of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut, deposeth and saith that he is 74 years of age. That he is, and from his youth up hath been well acquainted with Abner Brushnell of said Saybrook, who hath signed the annexed application for a pension. And that he knows that said Brushnell belonged to the Shore Guard in said Saybrook in the Revolutionary War, two or three seasons - and the deponent saw him a number of times on duty there in said Guard. And probably has been on guard with him many times, but does not recollect. And the deponent further saith, that he hath always understood and supposed, that said Brushnell served at and about Horse Neck, sometime in the Revolutionary War.
And further the deponent saith not - Sworn and subscribed in open court of Probate before me, this 10th day of Sept: 1852 - Litchfield County Moses Cheever - said to be the person described in the annexed application - Same: Joseph D. Litchfield
Oliver Cheever of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut deposeth and saith, that he is 70 years of age. That from his youth up he hath been well acquainted with Abner Brushnell who hath signed the annexed application for a pension. That he knows that said Brushnell served in the Shore Guard in said Saybrook two or three seasons during the Revolutionary War. And that the deponent saw said Brushnell a number of times. The deponent saith, that he recollects that said Brushnell was drafted, and went away in to the Army, and the deponent then understood and ever since hath, that said Brushnell served in the Army in and near Horse Neck, and the deponent well recollects, about his then said Brushnell returning home from the Army - but he cannot say how long he was absent. It was a considerable length of time. The deponent has no reason to doubt what the said Brushnell says, about it, and presumes that it is all true.
And further the deponent saith not. Sworn and subscribed before me in open court of Probate this tenth day of Sept: 1852. And I certify that Oliver Cheever
I am well acquainted with the said Oliver Cheever, and that he is a credible witness - Joseph D. Litchfield Judge of Probate.

The said Discher Bushnell hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Before me Samuel Haskins Judge of Probate
Elisha Bushnell
We, Fred Wm. Rotch a clergyman, residing in the town of Seybrook and George Pratt residing in the same, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Discher Bushnell who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 74 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.
Before me Samuel Haskins Judge of Probate
Fred. Wm. Rotch Geo. Pratt
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 Rev. Fred Wm. Rotch who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the town of Seybrook — and that Rev. Geo. Pratt — who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Seybrook — and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Samuel Haskins Judge of Probate for the District of Seybrook in the State of Connecticut .
I, Richard P. Williams Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Seybrook State of Connecticut do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Discher Bushnell — for a Pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of this tenth day of September 183 2
Office,
Richard P. Williams Clerk.

State of Connecticut
Middlesex County ss.
On this Eighth of September One Thousand Eight hundred and thirty Eight personally appeared before the Court of Probate in and for the Probate District of Saybrook in said State, Lydia Buelnell a resident of the Town of Saybrook within said Probate District of Saybrook County of Middlesex and State aforesaid - aged seventy seven 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 — That she is the widow of Elisha Buelnell late of said Saybrook deceased - that she has always understood and barely believes that said Elisha Buelnell served as a soldier in the Revolutionary Army more than two years - that said Elisha Buelnell in 1834 was placed on the pension list at the rate of Eighty dollars per annum under the act of Congress she believes of 1832, and that he so continued until the time of his death. She further declares that she was married to the said Elisha Buelnell by the Rev'd F. W. Hotchkiss pastor of the first Church in said Saybrook, after the expiration of the last term of said series of the said Elisha Buelnell deceased, and before the first day of January 1794 - to wit - on the thirteenth day of July One Thousand Seven hundred and Eighty Eight - that her husband the aforesaid Elisha Buelnell died at said Saybrook on the 8th day of January, 1835, and that she has remained a widow ever since that time - all of which will more fully appear by the proof herewith annexed, and the papers and proofs of the said Elisha Buelnell, on which his said pension was granted, now on file in the pension office to which she refers - Her maiden name was Lydia Chalker. Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me. Obadiah Spencer Judge of Probate Lydia Buelnell

An extract from the records of the first Congregational Church in the Town of Saybrook Connecticut - viz -
"Mr. Elisha Bushnell and Lydia D of "Abraham Chalker Saybrook July thir- teenth Seventeen hundred and eighty" "Eight"
I Frederick Wm Hotchkiss pastor of the first Congregational Church in Saybrook in the State of Connecticut do hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the record of said Church now in my possession, with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows - "July 13 - 1788"
Fred. Wm Hotchkiss
I Frederick Wm Hotchkiss above named depose and say that I am pastor of the first Congregational Church in Saybrook, and keeper of the records of said Church, and that the above is a true extract from said records with the exception above mentioned as certified by me - and is found among the records of Marriages, and is a record of the marriage of the said Elisha & Lydia Bushnell. The letter "D" in the record, next after the word "Lydia" stands for daughter - And I further depose and say that the said Elisha Bushnell died within the limits of my parish January 8. 1835 and that I attended his funeral. His widow, the said Lydia Bushnell has ever since remained unmarried, and is, I am told, now making application for a pension - She is a member of the Church over which I am pastor, and I have well known her ever since she was married in Oct 1788.
I now before me this 8th day of September, A. D. 1838 - Obadiah Spence Judge of Probate
Fred. Wm Hotchkiss

I certify that I am personally acquainted with the within named Rev. Joel H. Whitcomb, and that he is a credible witness - Saybrook Conn. Sept. 8. 1858
Adahiah Spencer Judge of Probate
[Faint mirrored text from the reverse side of the page, likely bleed-through from the original document.]
[Faint mirrored text from the reverse side of the page, likely bleed-through from the original document.]

Extract from the Record of "Marriages, Births and Deaths," of the Town of Saybrook, in the county of Middlesex and state of Connecticut Vol one page four—
"Elisha Bushnell was married to Lydia Chalker July thirteenth One Thousand seven hundred and eighty Eight— The said Lydia was born May ninth one thousand seven hundred and sixty one"
I Obadiah Spencer, clerk of the Town of Saybrook in the county of Middlesex and state of Connecticut, and keeper of the records of said Town, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true copy of said Record now in my office with the exception of the dates, which are expressed on the said Record in fair legible figures as follows— "July 13 th 1788" and "May 9 th 1761"
Obadiah Spencer Town clerk
I Obadiah Spencer above named depose and say, that I hold the Office of Town Clerk of the Town of Saybrook aforesaid in the county and state aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Town of Saybrook, with the exception above named as certified by me
Obadiah Spencer Town clerk
Sworn before me this 11 th day of September 1838
Selden M Pratt Justice of Peace
I certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Obadiah Spencer, and that he is a credible witness—
Saybrook September 11 th 1838
Selden M Pratt Justice of Peace

1932
Elisha Bushnell Genl.
Return this returned
2 years pinned
$80
Hor W. Barker
S. Ingham
Corrected

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those 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 Elisha Dushnell C.T.
   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.     1776 enr d - Done duty as a as a private Guerra under Sergeant Chapman all summer 74 born and entered the service and still lives in Middlesex C.T.   1778 " enr d duty as above   1779 enr d - 6 Genl Smith Col Mead frequent skirmishes Horse N.Y. two surviving wit- nesses testify generally and Certificate of Chapman and a Citizen   1780 enr d - 6 Shipmen as a guard  
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 do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the Court of the application of said Court in the matter 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 hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with and C. D. residing in (the same) 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 he has signed the...
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 _____, 19____ proof in his power. This is the only _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (1) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following ( m ) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the 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 _____; 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 [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.

Nov 30.
Eliza Bushnell
19312

I Amos Watson of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut do hereby say - that I am 77 years of age next month. That I served in the State Guard in the year 1777 at said Saybrook in a company commanded by John Shipman, which said company was stationed at the Saybrook Fort for the term of six months. And I further say that I am well acquainted with Mr. Elizer Beebe who has signed the within application for a pension - and that I well recollect that he served in said Guard as a common soldier during all of said time. The same was constant, and uninterrupted. The troops were raised by the State - then raised from the State - and were State Troops - and further the Governor Smith not
Ambrose Watrous
Sworn and subscribed This 28 th day of January 1834 before me in open Court of Probate in and for the District of Saybrook
Samuel Dingham Judge of Probate
And I certify that I am well acquainted with the said Ambrose Watrous, and that he is a credible witness -
Samuel Dingham Judge of Probate

Comptroller's Office October 3 rd 1833.
I Elisha Phelps, Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Connecticut, do certify, that it appears by the journal of the Council of Safety that on the 17 th of February 1779, John Shipman was appointed Lieutenant Com d of a guard at Saybrook; the 3 rd
That on the 18 th 19 th February 1780 it was "resolved " that Lieut. John Shipman J d of Saybrook commander " of the fort & guards at that place be allowed and " receive the same pay as Captain de la
No roll of this guard has been found; & no evidence how long it was in service has been discovered. E. Phelps
I further certify, that John Shipman J d was by the Council of Safety on the 2 nd day of March 1780 appointed Capt. of the fort at Saybrook &c., & can find no roll of his company. E. Phelps
de C. Bushnell

State of Connecticut Middlesex County ss 2 Probate District of Saybrook in S. County On this 10 th day of December 1883 personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Probate held at Saybrook in said for the Probate District of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut. The same being a Court of record now sitting - Oliver Bushnell of said Saybrook, who being under the annexed application for a pension, and being first duly sworn, doth on his oath depose, and say -
II - That as regards the first term of service mentioned by him in his said application - to wit - that in 1876 - he thinks he was under a mistake as to the year - he now thinks it was 1877 - From old age and the con- sequent loss of memory he is unable to state the precise day on which he enlisted or on which he was discharged but according to the best of his recollection and belief he enlisted on the 1 st of April & was discharged on the 1 st of Nov r 1877 - making seven months - The Guard was at that time commanded by Capt. John Ship- man, and was stationed in the Fort. The company was divided in to parties - under the command of Sergeants - The Fort was held open - Sergeant Sam Chapman - A member of said Company had the command of that part of said Company in which the applicant served - They were stationed along the Northern Shore of the Sound, in day and every night - The order, and countersign, always came from the Fort. The said Guard were State troops - and the service was a constant service -
III - That as regards the second term of service in said application mentioned - to wit - in 1878 - From old age and the consequent loss of memory he is unable to state the exact day on which he enlisted, or on which he was discharged - but according to the best of his recollection and belief he enlisted on the 1 st of April and was discharged on the 1 st of Nov r of 1878 - He says he served in the same manner as in 1877 & under the same officers - He says he is certain

That he served through the rooms season of both years, and he thinks for a period to Nov. in each year as before stated.
That as regards the third Term of Service to wit - in 1779 - he says, that from old age, and consequent loss of memory, he is unable to swear positively to the day on which he enlisted, or in all or on which he was discharged, but, that according to the best of his recollection and belief, he joined the Army the first of September - and was dismissed the first of March. He says he is certain that he served six months , in the manner as stated in his said application.
That as regards the last Term - to wit - in 1780 - he says, that from old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he is unable to swear to the day on which he enlisted, or on which he was discharged, but, according to the best of his recollection & belief, he enlisted on the 1 st of April and served until the 1 st of October. The Regiment, he says, was commanded by Capt. John Shipman - and stationed in the Fort. He says the Troops were State Troops. Capt. Shipman was appointed by the State - the rations were drawn from the State. The Troops were paid by the State. And the service was a constant service.
1- Term of Service in Guard in 1777 - 7 Months. 2- Term of " " " " 1778 - 7 Months 3- Term of " " - at Newbern 1779 - 6 Months 4- Term of " " - Guard - 1780 - 6 Months.
Makeing in all 26 Months. for which the said Elisha Bushnell claims a pension -
And the said Applicant further saith, that he

the said John Shipman commenced said Opus and Fort in 1779 & 1780 - which Certificate is herewith annexed - A like Certificate attached to the Petition of Deborah Ingelheim in right of her late Husband James Ingelheim avers - proves that said Shipman, was also appointed to the same commenced in 1777 -
Subscribed, and sworn to the above years above written -
Before me -
Elisha Bushnell
Samuel Ingelheim Judge of Probate

I Richard P Williams Clerk of the Court of Probate in in the District of Saybrook, State of Connecticut, do hereby certify that the within and foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the supplemental appli- =cation of Elizer Bushnell for a pension —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this tenth day of December 1833 —
Richd P Williams Clerk —

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 17368
Lydia Bushnell
Wid. of
Elisha Bushnell
Priv. Rev. war
Act: July 7, 1838
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 104
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Samuel Ingham of Saybrook in the State of Connecticut do hereby say that I acted as the agent of Mr. Elias Bushnell late of said Saybrook now deceased in obtain- ing his pension in 1834, and as such was at his house and saw his wife Mrs. Lydia Bushnell. And I further say that Lydia Bushnell named in the accompanying papers and who is now making application for a pension, is the same person above refer- red to, or named, and is the widow of the said Elias Bushnell. She has not married since his death.
And further I say not.
Samuel Ingham
State of Connecticut
Middlesex County ss. & Saybrook Sept. 9. 1838.
Personally appeared Samuel Ingham and made solemn oath that the above deposition by him subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth. And I further certify that I am well acquainted with the said Samuel Ingham and that he is a credible witness.
Justice of Peace
Obediah Spencer Judge of Probate
I certify that Obediah Spencer before whom the foregoing deposition of Lydia Bushnell was made, and before whom the foregoing deposition of Rev. Isaac W m Hotchkiss & Samuel Ingham was taken, and by whom the foregoing certificate was made, is and at all times during the year last past has been Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Saybrook, and law clerk

records thereof, and that the name of said Obediah Spencer Esq. affixed to the foregoing certificate is in his own proper hand writing.
Gary Brooks Esq.
Sept. 8. Th. 1838
Samuel Hughes M.C.
I certify that Solomon Mr Paule Esq. whose name in his own proper hand writing is affixed to the certificate annexed to the foregoing deposition of Obediah Spencer Esq. is, and at all times since more than one year last past hath been a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut.
Gary Brooks Esq.
Sept. 8. 1838
Samuel Hughes M.C.
(Faint mirrored text from the reverse side of the page)
(Faint mirrored text from the reverse side of the page, continuing the certification and signature block)

1118 Lydia Bushnell
born abt 7 July 38.
5 years -
admitted 2 years pri 80 ft
no deduction died in 1895
Hon. J. Ingham Saybrook Ct.
Henry W. Spencer Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Saybrook and State of Connecticut, do hereby certify that the within contains the proceedings of said Court in the case of the ap- plication of Mrs. Lydia Bushnell for a pension with the resources in said case - Given under my hand and the seal of said Court this 11 th day of September A.D. 1838
Henry W. Spencer Clerk

I Henry W. Spencer clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Saybrook and State of Connecticut, do hereby certify that the within contains the proceedings of said Court in the case of the ap- plication of Mrs. Lydia Bushnell for a pension, with the evidence in said case -
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court this 11 th day of September A. D. 1838
Henry W. Spencer clerk
1118
Lydia Bushnell
Leon
act 7 July 38.
2 years -
adml
2 years per
80
no deduction
died in 1835
Hon. J. Ingraham
Saybrook Ct.

I David Buell of Killingworth in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut aged Seventy two in August 1833 Depose and say That I entered the service of the United States in the month of August 1779 for seven months, and served at Horse neck on the lines until the first of March 1780 in the Regt. commanded by Col Matthew Mead and Maj r Tyler and in the Company commanded by Capt Stanton and march d to Stamford and was discharged in said March 1780 And according to my best recollection and belief Elisha Bushnell Who was then and who now is an inhabitant of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex and State aforesaid, served in said Col. Matthew Meads Regt. and in the company commanded by Capt James Smith and served during the aforesaid term that I served; Said Elisha Bushnell is now present and is about twenty five years of age David Buell
State of Connecticut County of Middlesex ss Killingworth January 16 th 1834 Be it remem- bered that on the day aforesaid David Buell who hath subscribed the foregoing deposition, appeared before me, and after being examined and cautioned to speak the whole truth, made solemn oath to the same deposition. And I certify that the said David Buell is a credible person
George Carter Justice of the Peace

I Ezra Kelsey of Hillingworth in the county of Middlesex and state of Connecticut aged seventy two years Depose and say That I entered the service of the United States in the month of August 1779 for seven months, and served at Horse neck on the lines until the first of March 1780 in the Regt. commanded by Col. Matthew Mead and Maj. Tyler and in the company commanded by Capt. Stanton - and march d to Stamford and was discharged in March 1780. And according to my best recollection and belief Elisha Bushnell who was then and who now is an inhabitant of Saybrook in the county of Middlesex and state aforesaid, served in the said Col. Matthew Meads Regt. and in the company commanded by Capt. James Smith and served during the aforesaid term that I served; said Elisha Bushnell is now present and is about seventy five years of age
Ezra Kelsey
State of Connecticut county of Middlesex ss Hillingworth January 18 th 1834 Be it remembered that on the day aforesaid Ezra Kelsey who hath subscribed the foregoing deposition, appeared before me and after being examined and cautioned to speak the truth made solemn oath to the same deposition And I certify that the said Ezra Kelsey is a credible person
George Carter Justice of the Peace

These Depositions of David Buell & Ezra Halsey, are attached to the annexed application of Elisha Buwell by me this 20 th Feby 1834 -
David Ingham Surrey of Probate