Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 23,674, John Briggs, R. I.

SERVICE
R. J.
Briggs, John Mary
NUMBER _____
W. 23.674
CONTENTS

24.079 New York John Briggs
of Madison in the State of New York who was a Serg. of Artillery in the Corps. commanded by Captain Riggs — of the Regt. commanded by Col. Crary — in the Rh. Island line for 12 Months Sergt. 12 " private
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 100 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of Oct. 1833 and Scott J. Clark Woodfield
Arrears to the 4th of Sep. 33 $ 250 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Mths 50 $250
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by G. C. Miller Clerk, Book E. Vol. 4. Page 90.

Rep.
445
New York. Albany
Mary Briggs
Res. of John Briggs widow of John Briggs who was a private of Artillery in the Rhode Island line for 2 years.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 100. Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 th day of June 1843. and sent to
Joseph Clarke Brookfield New York.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1. Page 107.

State of New York County of Ulster Co. on this 23 rd Day of January 1883
Personally appeared before me Eliza Branda
one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Ulster and State of New York. John Briggs a resident of Brookfield County of Ulster and State of New York 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 th 1832 that his place of residence during the whole term of the Revolutionary War was in the town of Harnick County of Kent and State of Rhode Island
That he enlisted in the service of the United States at Providence in the State of Rhode Island the month of March 1777 for the term of fifteen months as a corporal under Captain Jeremiah Hays in a regiment commanded by Col. Nicholas Crary of the Rhode Island State Line. First William Sails and Ensign Robert Hall  Robert Woodworth Sergeant was attached to the same company with him Captain James Williams commanded a company attached to the same Regiment. Col. Crary commanded a regiment in the service at the same time. Major Boston was likewise in the same service he marched with the army from Providence aforesaid through Harnick and Bristol to New London Jersey where he was detached the principal part of the time in guarding the stores that while stationed at New London first he was detached with a company of men to attack a guard house on Rhode Island they took the guard after a skirmish but the alarm was given and the Americans were compelled to retreat and lose the money he continued in the service fifteen months previous to the expiration of the latter months the regiment returned to Providence where he was discharged in June 1778 after serving the full term of fifteen months but had no written discharge. General Greene on Corral commanded the Brigade in which he belonged that he served as a corporal the whole term of fifteen months, that in June 1778 the same day he was discharged as above stated he enlisted at Providence aforesaid for the term of one year in the service of the United States under Captain Gideon Slocum. Isaac Pitman Lieutenant in the Artillery Benjamin Sheldon Sergeant that this Regiment enlisted as a Sergeant and served as such for the above term of one year Col. Robert Elliott commanded the Regiment to which he belonged Col. Slocum commanded a Regiment at the same time that he marched with his company to Bristol where

They were stationed some time where at that place the British Concord above Bristol and moved down upon the morning a commenced firing while in the engagement he won the sack containing the cartridges which accidentally took fire and disabled him for nearly six months but continued in the service in the hospital until in August following the Army to which he belonged had an engagement with the British on Rhode Island but was finally compelled to retreat from said Island that from New London where he moved with the Army to Bristol in the State of Rhode Island where he was discharged in June 1779 after serving the full term of one year as a sergeant but had no written discharge. Genl Cornwall or Genl Cornwall commanded the Brigade to which he belonged, that in June 1780 he enlisted in the service of the United States the same day on which he was discharged as consigned for one year at Bristol in the State of Rhode Island in a company of artillery commanded by Captain Gideon Hascall Lieut Isaac Pitman Sergeant Benjamin Sheldon that he enlisted as a sergeant and served the full term of one year as sergeant the regiment to which he belonged was commanded by Lt Robert Elliott Col Stephen Thrift commanded a regiment at the same time that he was stationed at Bristol General and continued there and on Rhode Island in guarding the shores until June 1781. and was discharged on Rhode Island in June there was no Continental troops stationed with him during the campaign that he was born in Wormeck County of Kent and State of Rhode Island the 7th Day of November 1758 according to the best information he can obtain that he has no record of his age, that he lived in Wormeck County of Kent and State of Rhode Island when called into the service and lived there until the year 1788 he then moved to Oxford County of Connecticut and State of Connecticut where he lived about seven years he then moved to De- lancey County of Delaware and State of New York Six years he then moved to Schenectady County of Albany and State of New York where he lived about eight years he then moved into the town of Pownal County of Madison and State of New York where he now lives and has lived for the last twelve years.

that he wasted every time he went into the same Col Stephen Grier Cook & May Boston were with the trucks in which he saved that he never used a written discharge.
That Richard Phillips and Joseph Clark living in his neighbor- hood can testify as to his character on the release of his services as a soldier of the Revolution.
That he has no documentary evidence and knows of no person whom testimony he can procure who can testify to his services or any other facts except the affidavit of Caleb Aldrich which confirms his declaration and that said Aldrich who  this  deponent has him before him and several years.
he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension of the agency of any state.
Given and subscribed the 3 rd day John B. Briggs of January 1833
before me Eliza Randall a Judge of Madison County Courts
We Richard Phillips and Joseph Clark residing in the Town of Brookfield County of Madison and State of New York hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Briggs who has been present and seen to the above declaration and that we believe him to be seventy five years of age that he is respected and beloved in the neighborhood where he resides to have a full release of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Given and subscribed before the 3 rd day of January 1833
Richard Phillips Joseph Clark
Eliza Randall a Judge Madison County Courts

And the said Judge does hereby declare his opinion after the investigation of the matter and after listening to the introduction presented by the War Department that the above named Applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states out of the said place for the reason that it appears to him that Richard Phillips and Joseph Cook who have signed the foregoing certificate are residents of the town of Brookfield County of Madison and State of New York and that they are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit and that there is no clergyman residing in the neighborhood of the said John Briggs and that said John Briggs cannot from bodily infirmity attend the Court without endangering his health.
Given under my hand
the 3rd day of January 1833
Elisha Randall
Elisha Randall one of the Judges of Madison County Court
I further Certify that I am well acquainted with John Briggs the Applicant and that he sustains an unimpeachable character for Veracity
Elisha Randall Judge
State of New-York Madison County Clerk's Office
ss: I Andrew J. Sloan, Clerk of the said County, do Certify that Elisha Randall before whom the two preceding Affidavits purport to have been sworn, and also whose name appears to the preceding Certificate, was, at the dates of the same, a Judge of the County Courts in and for the said County. And that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the said Affidavits and Certificate to be his proper hand writing and signature - Witness my hand and Seal of Office this 14 th day of March 1833.
A. J. Sloan Clerk

State of New York Madison County
On this twentieth day of December one Thousand eight hundred and thirty eight personally appeared before Joseph Clark a Judge of Madison County Courts it being a Court of Pleas, Mary Briggs a resident of Branchfield County of Madison and State of New York aged Seventy five years who being first duly sworn according to law with an oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 9th 1838 entitled an act granting half pay or a pension to certain widows that she is the widow of John Briggs who was a private of Artillery in the Army of the Revolution and that he drew a pension of one hundred Dollars per Annum under the act of Congress of 1832 as will more fully appear by reference to the proof on file in the pension office until he died
She further declares that she was married to the said John Briggs on the 24th day of February Seventeen hundred and eighty two in Smithfield Providence County and State of Rhode Island by Reverend Mr. Mitchell that her name before she was married to said John Briggs was Mary Tucker that her husband the aforesaid John Briggs died on the Eleventh day of February eighteen hundred and thirty seven 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 years, at the time above stated that she was not then intermarried but still remains the widow of said John Briggs sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written before me
Mary Briggs
Joseph Clark Judge of Madison County Courts
I further certify that from bodily infirmity the above named Mary Briggs cannot attend Court and that she sustains a good character for truth & veracity and that no intimation was made as to her not intermarrying as made before signing Joseph Clark Judge of Madison County Courts

State of New York } Madison County } ss
On the 20th day of February 1838 before me come John Briggs of the town of Brookfield County of Madison and State of New York who being duly sworn says he is son to Mary Briggs the before named deponent that his Father John Briggs died on the eleventh day of February eighteen hundred and thirty, since at Brookfield informed that the said Mary Briggs his mother has not since intermarried but still remains the widow of said John Briggs deceased and that she resides with him in Brookfield aforesaid and has resided there ever since the death of her husband and that said Mary Briggs is the widow of John Briggs deceased I who was a notary public at the time and place above stated in her presence sworn and subscribed before me John Briggs On day and year aforesaid
Joseph Clark Judge of Madison County Courts I further certify that I have been well acquainted with the above named John Briggs for many years and that he is a credible person
Joseph Clark Judge of Madison County Courts
3664
House Rock
Washington 26 th Dec 1838
I certify that I am acquainted with Joseph Clark Esq before whom the above affidavit was taken and know him to be now a Judge of the Madison County Courts
Reuben Picken

John Briggs State of New York
on rolls of Col Crangs Regiment J. - J -
Rolls of Admitted Sergeant of Artillery 12 mos Corporal of Infantry 12 "
Joseph Clark J. M. Brooks Capt 4th Inf 21

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
May 17, 1833
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 subjoined 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 John V. Briggs  Madison County State of Ohio
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Enlisted 1777 1 3 Corporal Capt. Riggs Col. Crary Genl. Cornwallis 74 years Town of Marlinton Traditionary Evidence   Enlisted 1778 1 " " Sergt. artillery Capt. Mescot Col. Elliott County of Kent of a Witness for his general service   Enlisted 1780 1 " " Sergt. Capt. Mescot Col. Elliott State of Rhode Island Witness Not certified as Credible  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
please have the certificate payable at [illegible]

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 of the Court of do hereby certify (h) 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 (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 and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has 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 days 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 A. B. 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 &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, (l) 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.
As you will hence by reference that it is properly certified
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 Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a 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 _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which 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 in note [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.

I Anna Tucker of Smithfield County Providence and State of Rhode Island now 73 years of age on Cath do testify and say That I was well acquainted with John Briggs and Mary Tucker in the war of the Revolution the said Mary Tucker was my sister the said John Briggs was married to said Mary Tucker in the Winter of 1782 according to the best of my recollection by Elder Mitchel I was present and saw them married at my Mothers house in Smithfield State of Rhode Island
Anna Tucker
Providence So Smithfield November 10 th D 1838 Then came Before me Anna Tucker and made Cath to the truth of the above affidavit by her Subscribed in my presence I further Certify that said Anna Tucker is known to me and is a Competant and Credable Witness
Ephraim Sayles justice of the Peace

Mary Briggs. N.Y.
amt 7. July '38
100$ from March 30 to 11. Feb 37
H. M. A. L. Kosla H. R.

State of New York } Madison County }
Declaration in order to obtain a balance of pension under the law of Congress of 1838
Mary Briggs of Brookfield County of Madison and State of New York being duly sworn says she is eighty one years of age that she is the widow of John Briggs who was a pensioner under the laws of the United States of 1832 that her husband the above named John Briggs died on the eleventh day of February one Thousand eight hundred and thirty seven that she received a pension under the law of Congress of July 7th 1838 from the death of her husband to the fourth of March 1841 that she has not since intermarried but remains the widow of said John Briggs sworn and subscribed this 6th day of January 1843 before me Joseph Clark { Judge of Madison County Courts in open
Mary Briggs
I further certify that the above deponent sustains a good character for truth and veracity and from old age and infirmity cannot write her name and is unable to attend court that I know all the facts set forth by her having prepared her papers and her husband to enable such to obtain these certificates. Joseph Clark { Judge of Madison County Courts
State of New York } Madison County }
John Briggs being duly sworn says that he is the son of John and Mary Briggs that his father John Briggs was a pensioner of the United States under the law of Congress of 1832 at the rate of one hundred dollars per annum that his father died in Brookfield County of Madison and State of New York on the eleventh day of February one Thousand eight hundred and thirty seven that his mother the above named Mary Briggs drew a pension under the law of 1838 from the death of his father to the 4th of March 1841 and not since that his mother the above named Mary Briggs has not since intermarried but remains a widow and resides with deponent sworn and subscribed this 6th day of January 1843 before me Joseph Clark { Judge of Madison County Courts I further certify that the above named John Briggs sustains a good character for truth and veracity Joseph Clark { Judge of Madison County Courts
John Briggs

I certify that I am well acquainted with the within named Joseph Clark that he was at the time as is a Judge of the County Courts of Madison County New York, and that the within paper is in his hand writing and his signature genuine.
Jan'y. 16. 1843
A. Lawrence Root

Rev
WIDOW, &c
File No. 23674
Mary Briggs Widow of John Briggs Bin R. T. line
Act: Mar 3 rd 1843
Index:—Vol. A , Page 91
[Arrangement of 1870.]

✓ N. York Mary Briggs Lt. to Hon B. Bicknell 28 th Feb. 2 1839 }
Lt. to J. Clark 11. April 1839
Act July 1838

Albany N.Y.
John Briggs on who act 1832 to what time paid? at the rate of $100 per ann VL
John Harry Esq,
v #37.500 of 1 to 4 Sept 11 1856
Died 11 Feby. '87

New York - 2479
Mary Briggs - widow of John Briggs -
who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June '32 and who died on the 11 February 1837 - of Madison Co in the State of N. York who was a priv: arty: - in the company commanded by Captain Riggs - of the Regt - commanded by Col: Olney - in the R. Island - line for 2 years -
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 100 - Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. ending 11 February 1837 -
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 - day of January 1843 and sent to Hon: A. L. Forster - H. R. -
Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowances ending
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Clerk, Book A - Vol. 2. - Page 67 -
A new certificate was issued in this case under the opinion of the Attorney General of the D. of September 1842 - which was given in consequence of the resolution of Congress of the 16th August 1842
Rep. 27 Jan'y: 43.

Albany 2479
Let to J Clark June 3. 1839
Mary Briggs widow of John Briggs, decd.
who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June 1832, and who died on the 11 February 1837, of Madison Co in the State of N York - who was a priv Arty in the Co commanded by Captain Riggs of the regt commanded by Col Cray in the R. Island, line for 2 yrs
Enscribed on the Roll of Albany, at the rate of 100 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 11th day of Febt, 1837.
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of Aprl. 1839, & sent to J Clark, Esq. Albany, New York.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1839 $205.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sep '39 50.00 $255.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by D.M. Condy, Clerk, Book A. Vol. 2. Page 67.

418
Apr 18 1843
Westfield June 12
NY
Mar 3 1843
Mrs Briggs
James L. Richards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.
Free

Broomfield April 10th 1848
James L. Edwards Esq
Dear Sir
I inclose the testimony of Mary Briggs under the act of Congress Dated 8th March 1848. I am sure by all papers that you do not require a witness but I presume you will not reject on account of too much evidence I was informed by a member of Congress that the same evidence would be required as in the first application & I have learned that there will you have the goodness to send an Certificate to me Direct Joseph Clark Broomfield Madison County NY
Respectfully Yours Joseph Clark

Major Mason
Rev. James L. Edwards Commission of Pensions at Washington City D.C.

Senate Chamber Albany March 30 th 1839
Hon J L Edmonds
Dear Sir
I have two cases of applicants for widows pensions one Mary Briggs which I returned some time past corrected as required She is needy and very anxious for the return --- the other is the case of Nancy Maxson will you have the goodness to examine the above cases and send them to me as soon as consistent at this place sent to J. Clark Senate Albany
The above cases one from Ulster County N York
Respectfully yours Joseph Clark

Feb 13
In ab
Rev J. P. Johnson Esq
Courts of Asses- sments Washington —
Am B Bicknell H R

House Rep Washington Feb. 12 th 1839
Dear Sir
Enclosed papers are from Judge Clark - I wish you would have the good- -ness to examine them as soon as com- -ment - Please send the Certificate to me -
respectfully yours
J. L. Edwards Esq
B. B. Bicknell

Miss Thos J. Edwards all 22 at my Commission of Primary Hobbsburg City St

Senate Chamber Albany April 18 th 1869
Hon J L Edmonds
Sir Sir
Your note of the 11 th is before me inasmuch as I can say that the Papers in the case of Mary Poyggs were returned to me for correction in January immediately after I returned to Madison county & at first therefor I recited around last as it was difficult I made new papers & sent on my return to this city her papers & the papers of Mary Morrison on the return of Mr. Briswell I sent the original to your office which you will undoubtedly find --- The papers are all in your office & I trust are all right if so I wish the certificate sent to me from District Clerk Senate Albany NY
Respectfully yours
J Clark

Rev J. L. Edwards Free commission of Ministers Washington City (D.C.)
Brookfield N.Y. Mar 27

Brookfield N York May 27th 1889
Wm Lloyd Edwards
Dear Sir
Last fall I rent proof for Lucy Davis as a pension and included the certificate of her husband William Davis 3 who died the 15th of May last leaving a balance due the widow on his pension from the 4th March to the 15th May at 8 dollars per month I requested that the certificate might be returned her certificate for pence grows may was sent I believe about the first of Dec last if the proof is required I will a certificate sent for the balance up to the death of her husband if not return the original certificate that I may make the necessary proof - I likewise with the certificate made to sent for Mary Briggs widow of John Briggs all the proof has been forwarded required and the old lady is very weary & anxious for relief like were I sent in Dec last the papers of Mary Maxon widow of Clarke Maxon which I have never heard from since
Yours sincerely Judith Clarke
2479 May 27 1889 Lucy Davis Mary Briggs Addl deln Mar 2 Nancy Maxon

Mar. 12. 1839 N.Y.
add: decl:
Thos. Briggs. Mrs. L. Richards Commission of Pensions Washington City D.C.
5

Albany March 6 th 1839
Rev J. L. Edmonds.
Sir
Your note of Feb. 28 th to Mr. Bachman Name of Representation in the case of Mary Briggs was received last evening requiring her original declaration which is herewith enclosed. I exceedingly regret the delay of this case on account of the extreme necessity of the case - The original proof of her marriage I obtained at greater expense than any case I have had not being sufficient I procured the further proof at equal exorbitant expense which must be satisfactory a mere declaration being required I supposed all was correct from the instructions. & she has been anxiously looking for relief by 4 th of March - I therefore wish you would have the goodness to forward her certificate to me at this place as soon as correct and likewise the case of Mary Moore which was sent at the same time - I shall leave this city in about 10 days for Madison County on a short visit & hope to receive her certificate in season to take with me
very respectfully yours J. Clinton

State of New York Madison County } ss on this Thirtieth day of January one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine personally appeared before me Joseph Clark a Judge of Madison County Courts it being a court of Record Mary Briggs a resident of Brookfield County of Madison and State of New York aged Seventy five 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 provisions made by the act of congress passed July 7 th 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows that she is the widow of John Briggs who was a private of artillery in the Army of the Revolution and that he drew a pension of one hundred dollars per annum under the act of congress of 1832 as will more fully appear by reference to the proof on file in the pension office until he died. She further declares that she was married to the said John Briggs on the twenty fourth day of February seventeen hundred and eighty two in Smithfield County of Providence and State of Rhode Island by Reverend Mr. Mitchell that her name before she was married to said John Briggs was Mary Sucken that her husband the aforesaid John Briggs died on the Eleventh day of February eighteen hundred and thirty seven 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 years at the time above stated that she still remains the widow of said John Briggs. Mary Briggs Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written before me
Joseph Clark Judge of Madison County Courts I further certify that from bodily infirmity the above named Mary Briggs cannot attend court and that she sustains a good a good character for truth and veracity Joseph Clark & Judge of Madison County Courts

State of New York Madison County
on the 20th day of January 1839
John Briggs of the town of Brachfield County of Madison and State of New York come before me and being duly sworn says he is the son of Mary Briggs The within named deponent That his Father John Briggs Died in Brachfield County of Madison and State of New York on the eleventh day of February eighteen hundred and thirty seven that his father the deceased John Briggs was a pensioner of the United States at the time of his death and drew one hundred dollars per Annum under the Laws of Congress of 1832. That his mother the deceased Mary Briggs has not since intermarried but still remains the widow of said John Briggs and resides with this deponent and has resided with him ever since the death of his father
John Briggs
sworn and subscribed before me the day and year aforesaid
Joseph Clark Judge of Madison County Court
I further certify that I have been well acquainted with the above named John Briggs for many years and know him to be a man of truth & veracity
Joseph Clark Judge of Madison County Court
Hann Re.
Washington 12 th Feb 1839
I certify that I am well acquainted with Joseph Clark Esq. before whom the above and within affidavits were taken. That I know the said Clark is now a Judge of the Madison County Courts - That I am acquainted with his hand writing, and believe the signature of "Joseph Clark" to be his proper hand writing.
Remond Bicknell

2479
V
3664
Mary Briggs
NY July 38
Mary Briggs
Admitted
Admitted
Private of Artillery
2 years
Vol of No 42
J. Clark Esq Albany N.Y.
B. B. ...
H

State of Rhode Island &c.
Providence Jo. Clerk's office, Court of Common Pleas December 7 th A 1838
I, John W. Smith Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County of Providence in said State, being a Court of record do hereby certify, that Ephraim Sayles Esquire before whom the foregoing affida- vits were sworn, is a Justice of the Peace for the town of Smithfield; and is by law author- ized and qualified to administer oaths and take Depositions; and that his two foregoing signatures are genuine.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of our said Court at the City of Providence this Seventh day of December A 1838.
John W. Smith Clerk.

Chenango County ss Caleb Aldrich of the Town of Sherburne in the County of Chenango aforesaid being duly sworn deposes and saith that he is acquainted with John Briggs the person named and described in the annexed declaration and knows him to be the same person therein described and that he this deponent was a soldier in the service of the United States of America during the war of the Revolution and was acquainted with the said John Briggs during the war aforesaid and knows that the said John Briggs saved in the Revolutionary war as is stated in the annexed declaration of the said John Briggs and believing that the facts therein stated to be true and further this deponent saith not
Caleb Aldrich
Sworn this 24 th day of August 1818
Before me - Billy Lynde -
One of the judges of Chenango County Common Pleas -

These papers have been found since his first declination was made; & as he has no other proof and friends of no one living who can testify as to his services it is presumed the most favorable construction will be given to his declination at the time. This original declination was made he supposed that line was abandoned and found none except the although he could at that time have found all his services he is on old original own services soon released cannot be benefited
Joseph Clark
His Excellency Lewis P. Smith, Esq.

Town Clerk's Office, Smithfield. December 6th 1838.
I Thomas Mann Town Clerk of the Town of Smithfield do certify and say that I am the keeper of the records of marriage of said Town. And I further certify that I cannot find the marriage of John Briggs and Mary Tucker on record in said Town. And I also certify that for many years past as well before and during the war of the revolution as since many marriages have taken place in said town which have not been recorded in said office.
Thomas Mann Town Clerk
Providence sc. At Smithfield on this seventh day of Decem- ber A.D. 1838 personally appeared the above named Thom- as Mann who is now Town Clerk of the Town of Smithfield and was duly sworn to the truth of the above certificate by him subscribed. And I certify that the above signature "Thomas Mann" is in his proper hand writing and that full faith and credit are to be given to his signatures and attestations as Town Clerk as aforesaid.
Before me Ephraim Sayles justice of the Peace

I George Aldrich 3 d of Smithfield County of Providence and State of Rhode Island now 57 years of age on solemn Affirmation do depose and say that there was such a person as Reverend Mr. Mitchel Elder of a Baptist Church in Smithfield State of Rhode Island. Said Rev. Mr. Mitchel Died about forty years since said Church soon after his Death scattered and united themselves to other Churches. And not any Records of marriages to be found of any description and neither do I know of any Church Records of marriages in this State it not being customary
George Aldrich 3 d
Providence ss - Smithfield January 19 th A.D. 1939
Then personally came before me, George Aldrich 3 d Esq. and made Affirmation to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed in my presence and by me reduced to writing I further certify that the said George Aldrich 3 d is known to me and is a competent and credible Witness and full faith and credit be given his attestation
Ephraim Sayles Justice of the Peace

1841 D M
Hon. Joseph Clark Brookfield
Madison Co. N.Y.
To Joseph Clark Esq. J.P.M. and Senator at Albany N.Y.

Smithfield Jan'y 21 st - 1837
Dear Sir
I have received your letter of the 10 th Instant requesting further proof in case of Mrs Briggs I was surprised to find her claim rejected for so frivolous a thing but Sir I have attended to your request searched for records and have procured my affidavit to that effect I am sorry to make any additional expense for Mrs Briggs but I have been to considerable trouble and paid Page Sayles - Please forward Two Dollars to our post master
from your obedient servant
George Aldrich
To Joseph Clark Esq
Senator at Albany N.Y.

State of New York Madison County
Rhoda Briggs being under sworn says she is daughter in law of John & Mary Briggs aged forty one years That her father in law John Briggs was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of one hundred Dollars per annum at the time of his death. That he died on the eleventh day of February 1837 That her mother in law has drawn a pension of one hundred Dollars per annum under the act of congress of 1838 for five years That she has not since intermarried but remains the widow of said John Briggs and resides with this deponent sworn and subscribed this sixth day of April 1840 before me Rhoda Briggs
Joseph Clark Judge of Madison County, Second I further certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Rhoda Briggs and that she sustains a good character for truth and morality Joseph Clark Judge of Madison County, Second
State of New York
Clerk's Office Madison County S d I, William Fairchild, clerk of said county do certify that the Hon. Joseph Clark whose name is subscribed to the within and above deposition purporting to have been taken before him close on the day of the date of the same a judge of the courts in and for said county duly appointed and qualified, and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name, subscribed to the same to be his own proper hand writing and sig- nature. Witness my hand and official seal this tenth day of April 1843 William Fairchild Clerk
418

State of New York
Madison County,
on this sixth day of April
one thousand eight hundred and forty three
Personally appeared before the subscriber a judge of Madison County Court, I being a Court of Record Mary Briggs a resident of Oneida County of Madison and State of New York aged eighty one years who being first duly sworn according to law with me then as she make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary war that she is the widow of John Briggs who was a private of artillery in the revolutionary war and a pensioner under the act of Congress of 1832 at the rate of one hundred dollars per annum. That her husband the above named John Briggs died on the eleventh day of February one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven that she has drawn a pension under the act of Congress of 1838 for five years at the rate of one hundred dollars per annum that she has not since intermarried but remains the widow of said John Briggs.
Sworn and subscribed on the day
Mary X Briggs
And you above written before me
month
Joseph Clark, Judge of Madison County Court
I further certify that the above named Mary Briggs is known to me to be a good and credible person for truth and veracity that from old age and infirmity she cannot attend court in person but I have been well acquainted with her Joseph Clark Judge of Madison County Court for more than twenty years

State of New York } Madison County }
Personally appeared before me the under signed a Judge of Madison County Courts James Curtis Deyo who being duly sworn deposes and saith that he has been well acquainted with Caleb Aldrich whose affidavit accompanies a declaration of John Briggs made before Gilly Dymond one of the Judges of Chenango Common Pleas on the 25th day of August 1886 which affidavit is attached to a declaration made by the said John Briggs before Elmer Brondale one of the Judges of Madison County Courts on the third day of January 1888 and attached by a ribon under the Seal of Madison Madison County Courts as certified by its Clerk Deyo at the date of the 14th of March 1888 in which affidavit the said Aldrich states that he was privy to the issues of the said John Briggs in the cause of the Replevin Action having been privily acquainted with the said Caleb Aldrich for more than twenty years he has always known him to have been a man of excellent character never having heard any thing said against him as to truth & veracity and recently before his statement entitled to full credit but the said Aldrich said nearly three years past and for the past that he has been acquainted with John Briggs who has like wise made his declaration of revery as a part of the replevin action which declaration is attached as upon which that I believe him to be a man of truth and veracity & believe his declaration entitled to full credit and further saith not.
James Curtis
sworn and subscribed Given on the 14th day of March 1888 before me
Joseph Clark Secretary of Madison County Court
I further certify that James Curtis the above report is a true copy of the first respectability & unimpeachable character for truth & veracity Given on the 14th day of March 1888
Joseph Clark Judge of Madison County Court

State of New York } ss: } Andrew S. Sloan clerk of the County of Madison } said County do certify that Joseph
Clark before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn and also whose name is subscribed to the within certificate was at the date of the same one of the Judges of the County Courts in and for the said County. and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit and certificate to be his proper hand writing and signature — Witness my hand and seal of office this 20th day of June 1833.
A. S. Sloan - Clerk
E. Barnard. Dep. Ctk

John Briggs private
Columbia, Chenango County, New-York. Col: Crary's regiment Rhode-Island line March 1777, to June 1778.
24. Aug. 1, 1818.
rec'd
Not on the continued establishment
24 May 1819
Tilly Lynde, judge, Sherburne, Chenango County, New-York.

State of New York Chautauqua County ss Joshua King and Daniel Alba being duly sworn severally Saith that they know the above named applicant John Briggs to believe him to be a man of truth & veracity, that they the said deponents are not interested directly nor indirectly in said application & that they know said John Briggs to be in diligent circumstances at the present time & further said deponents Saith not
Joshua King Daniel Alba
Sworn before me this 27 th day of August 1878 hereby certify the same under the seal of the Court of Common Pleas of Chautauqua County Gilly Lynde and of the Judges of said Court

State of New York Clerks Office Chenango County
August 28th 1818
I hereby certify that the within named Billy Lynch Esquire is a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County and that the within Signature as subscribed by him I know to be his free writing
W. G. Bright

Chenango County On the 24 th - day of August in the Year One Thousand Eight Hundred and Eighteen Before me the subscriber One of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Chenango aforesaid Personally appears John Briggs aged fifty Nine Years and Eight months resident in the Town of Columbia in the said County of Chenango, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval services of the United States in the revolutionary war" That the said John Briggs enlisted in the month of March in the Year One Thousand Seven Hundred and eighty seven at the Town of Columbia in the County of Chenango and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said service.
John Briggs
Sworn to and declared before me the day and year aforesaid Gilly Lynde Judge of Chenango County Pleas

Willy Lynde - one of the Judges of Chenango County Common Pleas as aforesaid do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said John Briggs did serve in the revolutionary war as stated in the preceding declaration against the common enemy, and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and held before me to the Secretary for the department

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Briggs, Jonathan GRADE Private LINE New York
WARRANT NUMBER 6796 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED Nov. 27, 1790 To — not shown —
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.