Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 1316, Jonathan Brown, Continental. New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental New York
Brown, Jonathan
R 1316
CONTENTS
of Sullivan Co. N.Y.

I find no other papers for this claim.
S. C. A.
They were sent to June 29, 1911,
How A. B. Nevins Dec. 30 1840 - see letter in claim

Sir
438 Jan off Dec. 30, '45
In reply to your en- -quiry respecting the case of Jonathan Brown I have the honor to inform you that he claimed to have served 18 mos in Capt. Brown's Company of Lamb's Regt as Drummer and twenty months as conductor. of Ordnance. Capt. Brown's rolls are full & numerous & shew that he was not the drummer at the period al- -leged or at any other time. This is con- -cluded & is still further confirmed by the age of claimant. He may have been with this Capt. who was his father & he may have participated at that tender age in beating the drum while the Regt was in Cantonment or garrison. But as the muster & pay rolls do not bear his name he is clearly mistaken in supposing that he was under soldier's obligations and constituted an integral part of that military corps of regulars. The other service in the Staff of the Ordnance Dept. has not been sustained by record or documentary evidence of the Commission as the established rules of the Dept. required & his age would warrant the

Dept in enforcing As this claim is not likely to be adjusted by any administrative rules, which it would be safe to adopt, I have enclosed you the papers No 1 to 5 inclusive with a view of enabling you to submit his case to Congress for a special act of relief — Please acknowledge the receipt
Hon. A. C. McLaughlin 30 Dec. 1845
For A. B. Nevins H. R.

Ploomerburgh Jany 13 th 1842
Sir
Jonathan Brown having applied for a pension his claim has been rejected on the account of his age his Father raised a company of artillery in the year 1775 and he went with his Father and learned to drum he was then in his 13 th year he served in the 1776 he was then in his 14 th year and in the year 1777 he was still in his Father's company and done the duty of a drummer in Col. Lamb's Regiment at Fort Montgomery and served until the 6 th day of Oct. 1777 when the fort was taken, he was then nearly 16 years old, about nine months of his service at Fort Montgomery has been proved by Nathan Bullard and William Bthonnon respectable witnesses and old soldiers of the Revolution who served in the same regiment the said Jonathan in the year of 1778 received an appointment through the influence of his father of Conductor of Ordnance stores under Colonel John Ruddy and continued to serve in that capacity nearly two years & ranked as Lieutenant and drew the same pay and two rations per day, after the war his accounts were audited and allowed by Colonel William Durr and a balance of about three hundred dollars was found due him for back pay and rations which has been proven by Genl. Delavan who was present at the settlement of the accounts of said Jonathan Brown. Genl. Delavan was a man of good standing and character and his affidavit ought to have as much weight as a certificate of the Comptroller of the State All the Judges of the Court of the County of Sullivan and several of the Attorneys of the Bar of said County and one or two of the Clergymen of the vicinity of Mr. Jonathan Brown have certified to his credibility. Mr. Brown's character has been so well established
M c Kinley Jany 13 th 42

that his own declaration in connection with the other proof ought to place his claim beyond all manner of doubt. Mr Brown ought to receive a pay certificate for nine months at least as a drummer in his father's company at Fortmougomery in 1777 that service was proven agreeable to the requirements of the established rules of the pension department, if he had rendered no service as a soldier I think he would not have been entitled to back pay and rations, In the time of the war of the Revolution it was extremely difficult to raise an army, they did take in some that were very young, I believe still younger than Mr Brown was, I think it not at all extraordinary that Mr Brown should have been received as a drummer in his 16 th year when it was so difficult to raise an army during the war of the Revolution
Yours respectfully
J. L. Edwards Esq
J. O'Dunning

Jan 19. 1842
My
Jonathan Brown
Bloomington January 16
J. H. Edward Esqr.
Washington City D.C.
Free
out clo nd

Feb 25 1842 Feb 22
May
Jonathan Brown
XXXX
J. B. Edwards Esq. Commission of Pensions City Washington

Fishkill Landing February 22 nd , 1842
Sir
At the request of Mr Jonathan Brown an applicant for a pension under the act of June 7 th 1832, I am induced to ask a favor in his behalf, that you would have the goodness once more to examine his papers in person.
Mr Brown alleges that some mistake has occurred, by the objection raised in your letter, "that the Rolls of Capt Brown's do not support his Statement. By reference, to Mr Brown's Declaration, you will find that he does not claim to have been Enlisted in his Father's Company, he was Young about fourteen years old when his Father raised his Company in 1776 And he went with the consent of his Father to play the Drum, And that Obadiah Hill was the regular Enlisted Drummer for the Company. If it should appear on the Rolls of Capt Brown's Company that Hill was the Drummer, it would then corroborate Mr Brown's Statement. Two credible witnesses testify to his Services as Drummer in his Father's Company in 1777. One witness William Buchanan was a Member of Capt Mosey's Company in the same Regiment which gave them a very good opportunity of being acquainted, And as to his Services as a Conductor how reasonable Natural and Consistent is his Statement, Through the influence of his Father Capt Brown who was intimate with Col. Poudacook he got the appointment as Conductor of Ordnance And our witness Mr Grew testifies that he knew Jonathan Brown when he had charge of the Military Stores at Fishkill, And by a personal interview with Mr Brown in the Month of November last he is fully Satisfied in identifying him to be the same Man

And then that respectable witness, Genl. D. Stran whose Statement is too strong to be doubted, He Swears positively that Jonathan Brown was paid by Col. Dyer for Services and back Rations about $300, which is as conclusive evidence of Service, a stronger than the Certificate of the Comptroller of the State, of Money paid for Services rendered, the Comptroller gives a Certificate from the Entries made by another person, but Genl. D. Stran was present and eye witness to the fact of Payment made to Mr Brown.
The Evidence of Genl. D. Stran leaves no room to doubt that Mr Brown rendered Services or he could not receive pay, nor can it be presumed, that he acted as a clerk or he would not have been entitled to Rations,
Mr Brown is now supported in the poor House of Sullivan County, and possesses no means of his own nor no friends to assist him in pursuing the search for any further proof, and hopes that you will give his claim a full and fair Examination upon the proof now on file, and if consistent with your duty, grant him such relief as you may feel yourself justified in, and that his country which he has faithfully served, will do him the justice to restore him to Society, and that he may not be compelled to live and die a pauper,
Very Respectfully
Your Obedt Servt
O. Brady
J. S. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions

Sir
Rev: H Sept 9.
141 H
I have the honor to inform you that the additional evidence  statement in the case of Jonathan Brown has been examined & filed with the other papers. The alleged service as drummer in his father's company when he was but 13 years old is not borne out by the rolls and is therefore disallowed. & with respect to his appointment as Conductor of ordnance at the age of 15, he shows that his alleged appointment was was one which Col. Ruddick could not confer. His statement is that he was paid by Col. Ruddick which is very conclusive that he was employed by that officer who was not authorized to confer a Staff appointment. It is very apparent that he has no claim to a pension.
In the case of Leah Roosa dec? the testimony of Genl. Belknap respecting the 8mo  service service of 76 has not been adduced as required. & it is therefore inferred that the grade

asserted in the declaration is abandoned & a certificate asked upon the terms indicated in my letter to Mr. Armstrong - Accordingly a certificate for 12 mo. as Lien (160$ instead of 180$ as erroneously made out in her former certificate) and 8 mo. as private is herewith enclosed -
Hon: J. G. Stanton Q
Gen J. G. Stanton H. R.

55,093
Jonathan Brown N.Y. Act J. June '32
1816

House of Representatives August 28, 1871
Sir
Herewith enclosed I send you a further declaration of Jonathan Brown who claims a pension, and also your note giving Mr Armstrong instructions in the matter dated July 23. 1871.
Your early examination & decision in this case will confer a favor on
Yours very Respectfully D. L. Childs
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comm. of Pensions

S. Spencer
27. Aug. 1860
HL
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page, likely from the letter 'To the Hon.ble' James M. Smith.]
35
Handwritten Chinese characters, possibly a name or a short note, written vertically.
1872
Handwritten Chinese characters, possibly bleed-through from the reverse side of the page.
Handwritten Japanese text in cursive script, likely Kuzushiji, running vertically down the page.

Pension Office 27. August 1840
311
Sir The papers of Jonathan Brown an applicant for a pension under the act of June 7. 1832 have been examined and filed - It is alleged that the claimant entered the Company of Capt Jonathan Brown as a Drummer in 1776 and continued to serve therein about 18 months viz until after the capture of Fort Montgomery that he was afterwards appointed Conductor of Ordnance &c - He served in that capacity 18 months - The rolls of Capt Brown's Company in this office do not confirm that his statement as to his service in 1777  1776 and there is any no evidence of his service as a Conductor of Ordnance. The claim cannot be allowed upon the proof on file
E
Sylvester Spencer Esq New York

Rev. H.
July 28 th 41.
Sir
The certificate of the Compt. in the case of Leah Rosa dec d . has been filed with the other papers. The deposition of Genl. Belknap to which you refer to shew that Claimants late husband was a Lieut. in Capt Belknap's Company of Rangers in 76 is not among her papers. If his testimony to that point is adduced it will be satisfactory to establish that term.
In the case of Jonathan Brown a claim is asserted that for service in his father's Company as Drummer from some time in 76 to some period late in 78, or fore part of 79 when he rec d the appointment of Conductor of Ordnance Stores to some period of 1780. This recital is altogether too indefinite for the adjustment of a prorata pension. He should state the terms of his enlistment & whether there was any interval between his service as musician & conductor. The rolls of his father's Company for the Spring of '78 (embracing part of the term of his allige service as Drummer do not bear his name.

He should also state whether he rec d a comm n from whom? In what series consisted his or whether he was stationed at any other place in 79-80 than at Fishkill & Westpoint? And what was his pay —
H. Armstrong July 23. 41 G.H.
G.H.
H. Armstrong Esq. Newburgh N.Y.

Hon. John Van Buren Aug. 26. 44 O.C.
[Faint mirrored handwriting from the reverse side of the page]
[Faint mirrored handwriting from the reverse side of the page]

Penna Office Aug 25. 1841
Sir,
The letter of Mr. Nevin respecting the claim of John Brown of Sullivan Co. is here-with returned. The claim has not been allowed. Enclosed you will find a copy of a letter addressed to S. Spencer Esq. dated Aug 27. 1840 on the subject.
I have the honor
Hon. M c Van Buren H. R.
June 7 1832 35093

1316
REJECTED
P. O. Joseph Brown Jonathan
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: List of rejected claims printed in 1852, shows cause
Re-enlisted: of rejection as follows: His age precludes a service and the rolls refuse all aid or mention.
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contr.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

N. York
Jonathan Brown
let. to S. Spencer 27. Aug. 1840
" " H. Armstrong July 22. 1841
" " Hon. J. Van Buren Aug 24 '41
" " " J. G. Clinton Sept 4 '41
" " " Beatty March 4 1842
" " " Hon. John Van Buren
June 8. 1842
Set June 1832

Letter to H. H. Saylor 14 Sep. 1840 to Hon. A. C. McLean 30 Dec. 1845
Jonathan Dyer Ms. A. 9. 2. 13. 46

O Beatty March 4 th 1842

Sir
Genl H Toby March 11/82
In reply to yours of 22 inst in the case of Jonathan Brown of Sullivan County I have to remark that at the instance of the Hon J. Van Buren at one time & of Hon J. G. Clinton at another since the last presentation of evidence his case has recd "a full & fair examination" - It is unnecessary to go over all the correspondence in this case but you will be apprised of the decision of the Dept. by an extract of my letter of 9 Sept last relating to his case. To this I would add that his claim carries upon its essential features abundant evidence to justify its rejection. He was not capable of contracting & fulfilling as a soldier obligations nor a fit subject of military punishments at that tender age. Much less was he a suitable depositary of an Officers trust.
Yr. Obedt Servt Fitchkill Landing N.Y.

J. W. Edwards Esq.
Dear Sir
Will you have the kindness to enable me to give the information asked for by Gen. Know in the enclosed letter
I have added some queries to the foot of the letter. If you can communicate "any other particulars" please add them
Very Resp y Your ob dt Serv t John Rankin
June 5. 1842 H. of Rep

Rev. John Van Rensselaer
June 8 th 1842
Dear Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars has been paid into the hands of the Treasurer of the Conference at New York on the policy of the late Rev. John Van Rensselaer. The amount is now in the hands of the Treasurer and will be paid over to you as soon as the same is received by him.
Yours sincerely, John H. Van Rensselaer

95 P. M. June 8 th 42
Sir
I have the honor to return you the letter of W. Niven respecting the case of Jonathan Brown and in reply thereto would inform you that the case of Jonathan Brown of the Town of Thompson County of Sullivan was rejected in, 1840 and the grounds assigned to his allo since that time his case has been repeatedly re-examined repeatedly one time at your instance & at another at the instance of your colleague Mr Clayton. The last communication was made to Mr Beatty on 4 March last.
Hon John Van Buren W. R.

Decm 9 1843
NY.
Adeline
Princeton Penn
Oct 17 June 1832
Dear J. L. Edwards Comm Penn

(Washington City)
Dec. 9 1843
Dear Sir
Encl you will find additional proof in the case of John Brown of NY a claimant under the act of June 1832 Mr Brown resides in Sullivan CO
NYork
I am Respectfully H. H. Smith
Att. Jas L Edwards

H. H. Sylvester
14. Sep - 1844

Sir
Pen off Sep. 14. 44
232
In the case of Jonathan Brown who claims for service in Capt Brown's company of Col. Lamb's Regt. & as conductor of ordinance — The character of the service could not have been military or his name would appear upon some one of the several rolls of that company and of the Regt. — A claim founded upon a specified service in a corps of which there are rolls, cannot be sustained by the opinion of respectable neighbors & his tradition in the neighborhood — Evidence direct & timely can alone rebut the presumption which thus arises from the silence of the records — H. H. Sykes in E. P. Charlestown N.H.

Hall of Rep.
Dec 23. 1845
Sir
Will You inform me what action, if any, has been had in the case of Jonathan Brown of Sullivan County N.Y. applying for a pension
Your early answer is also requested, as to the 2 questions proposed at Your Office, a week or two since, in writing -
Yrs afft gent.
A C. McLean