Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 28648, John Blake, Mass.

SERVICE
Mass.
Blake, John
NUMBER
S. 28648
CONTENTS

186
Maine
See letter to Pensioner 29 Aug 1832.
John Blake
of Brewer in the State of Maine who was an Ensign in the company commanded by Captain Goodale - of the Regiment commanded by Colonel Reed - in the Mass T y line, for the term of 3 years from 1777 to 1780
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of Two hundred Forty Dollars per month, to commence on the 4 day of Mar 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 7 of August 1832 and sent to claimant
Arrears to 4th of March 1832 - $240 Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4 Sept 1832 - 1 20
$360
{ Revolutionary Claim, Acts March 18, 1818, and May 1, 1820. }
Act 7 June 1832
Recorded.
Book D Vol 1 Page 143
G.H.C.
Recorded Vol 1 page 49 Book D B.D.B.

John Mlake —
Private 4 Ensign Col. Recds Dept
1777 - 3 years

I John Blake of Bangor in the County of Penobscot Esqr do hereby testify & say, That I joined the Revolutionary army of the United States at Roxbury on the 19 th day of April 1775. in Capt. Ponds company & Col. Joseph Reed, Regt. as a sergeant in S d company. I continued in the same company & Regt. during the years 1775 & 1776. On the first day of January 1777. I received an Ensigns Commission (which is herewith inclosed) I continued in the same Regiment in S d service until the 14 th day of October 1780. When I received an honorable discharge signed by Rob t H. Harrison Sec y .
Owing to my advanced age, and misfortunes I am under reduced circumstances & stand in need of the assistance of the Government. I hereby relinquish all claim to any previous Pension for my S d services. — Witness my hand
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
PENOBSCOT, ss.
ON the 1 st day of April A. D. 1818, before me the subscriber, one of the Judges of the Third Eastern Circuit, of the Court of Common Pleas, in said Commonwealth, including the Counties of Hancock, Washington and Penobscot: Personally appeared John Blake who, being by me first duly sworn according to law, on his oath made the statement and declaration by him subscribed, and hereto annexed, 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 service of the United States, in the revolutionary war."
And thereupon, I the said Judge do certify that I am satisfied the said John did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in his said declaration, against the common enemy, and that he has made it appear to me, that he is in reduced circumstances, and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support.
Which proceedings and the testimony annexed, being all he has been able to produce, I now transmit to the Secretary, for the department of War, pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress.
IN testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my name and caused the seal of said Court to be hereto affixed N. Kimley Esquire, Judge of the Court as aforesaid.

I George Blake of Brewer in the County of Penobscot State of Maine make oath & say that in May 1829 I sold from my father John Blake of said Brewer a deed of a certain piece of land in said Brewer a copy of which has as I understand been sent on to the county at War - My father deigned the land conveyed to me by said deed for Eight Hundred & Seventy Dollars & I should think its utmost value at the time I bought it could not exceed Eleven Hundred Dollars - The consideration mentioned in said deed was I believe Fifteen Hundred Dollars though at the same time I would not have paid for it more than One thousand dollars if it had been offered for sale in the market - I paid my father for said land in this way & with - I paid to Sally B. Hayes the sum of Five Hundred Dollars & have given good security to John B. Hayes to pay him the sum of Six Hundred Dollars with interest annually so as to clear my father from his liability to pay them the amount of the several sums last aforesaid which he was as executor of their father's last will legally bound to pay for property by him received in that capacity & disposed of according to law - I had also labored for my father nearly four years after I became of age without receiving any pay therefore although it was agreed by my father that I should be paid - My father proposed that I should take the land & pay out said Eleven hundred dollars & interest & said that he could pay me in other way for my labor - This I acceded to though I have never considered that I received any pay for my labour - the land not being then nor at any time since worth more than I paid out therefore neither would it sell for any more at this time - It would not sell for a thousand dollars at this time -
George Blake
State of Maine
Penobscot Co.
August 26. 1830
Then personally appeared George Blake aforesaid & made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true Before me Thornton McGaw Just. Peace.

I Elias Blake of Brewer make oath & say that I am acquainted with the facts stated by George Blake in his foregoing affidavit & know them to be true. I should not think the land mentioned in said affidavit would sell for more than Eleven hundred Dollars at this time.
Elias Blake
State of Maine
August 26, 1880
Penobscot ss. Then personally appeared Elias Blake & made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed before me.
Thornton M c Gaw Justice of the Peace.

Last resolution -
County of Somerset, ss.
State of Maine.
On this Eighteenth day of June A.D. 1830 personally appeared in open Court, to wit, in the Superior Judicial Court now held at Bangor within and for the said County.

State of Maine.
County of Penobscot, ss.
On this Eighteenth day of June, A. D. 1830 personally appeared in open Court, to wit, in the Supreme Judicial Court now held at Bangor within and for the County of Penobscot, the same being a Court of record proceeding according to the course of the common law within a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount. John Blake resident in said County aged seventy seven, 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 Acts of Congress of the 18 th of March 1818 and the 1 st May 1820 that he the said Blake Enlisted for the term of Eight months in the 19 th day of April 1775 in the line of the State of Massachusetts in the company commanded by Capt. Oliver Pond in the Regiment commanded by Col. Joseph Reed, and that he continued to serve in said Corps until the expiration of said eight months; and that in January 1776 he enlisted in the same company commanded by the same Captain and belonging to the same Regiment commanded by said Reed, for the term of one year as Sergeant and continued to serve in said Corps until January 1777 - and that in June 1777 he was appointed and commissioned as Ensign in the company commanded by Capt. Nathan Goodale in Col. Rufus Putnam's Regiment in the Massachusetts line, and that he continued to serve in said Goodale's company until the 24 th of October 1780 when he was honorably discharged, being at that time a Lieutenant in said Putnam's Regiment, at the place where Major Andre was executed as a Spy.
And in pursuance of the act of the 1 st May 1820, I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18 th day of March 1818 - and that I have not since that time by gift, sale or in any other manner disposed of any property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby to diminish as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled an Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War, passed on the 18 th of March 1818 - and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities, contracts or debts due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed.
Schedule of John Blake's property.
June 18. 1830
  Sixty five acres of wild bog land valued at, - - - - - 25.00   One thousand acres of wild land which I offer for sale sale for one hundred Dollars & for which I gave twenty five dollars { 50.00   1 pair of 2 year of Steers - - - - - 15.00   90.00 
I have no household furniture that I can strictly call my own, but am permitted to use such merely as is necessary for my support.
I have no farming utensils. I have about sixty five Dollars due to me, and I owe upwards of Eight Hundred Dollars.
Jn o Blake.
That since the exhibition of my first Schedule, the following changes have been made in my property, to wit,

   Name of person to whom sold. Time of Sale. Amount of money or description of property received in return.     One hundred acres of Land sold to George Blake May 19. 1829. The nominal consideration in said deed was 1500 Dollars - that being the sum due to said George for his labour and expenses in supporting me & my family after he became of age, that being all I could pay said George therefor - the estimated and real value of said 100 acres being I think less than five hundred Dollars.   One pair of Oxen sold to John B. Hayes. 1822 Rec d payment by discharge of sixty five Dollars due said Hayes from me.   Two cows sold to said Hayes. 1822 Rec d payment by discharge of thirty Dollars part of the sum due from me to said Hayes.   Nine sheep sold to said Hayes 1822 Rec d payment by discharge of nine Dollars part of the sum due to said Hayes from me.   One mare & colt and 2 Swine and one yearling Bull all sold to said Hayes. 1822 Rec d payment by discharge of thirty eight Dollars part of the sum due from me to said Hayes - to wit, 23 dollars for the mare and colt, ten dollars for the Swine & five dollars for the bull. and after making to said Hayes all the above payments, I am still indebted to him in a sum which I am wholly unable to pay.   Debts due me one hundred & seven Dollars - I have collected and laid out that, and much more for my support from 1820 to 1830  
I also state that I am a farmer by occupation, but that I am unable to work by reason of my age, and having one of my arms broken - that my family consists only of my wife aged sixty nine, unable to work, & myself, and that I am wholly unable to support myself, and have no other means to rely on except the charity of my friends and the assistance of my country. J. N. Blake.
Sworn to and declared, on the Eighteenth day of June A. D. 1830. Before me Nathan Weston, Jr. a Justice of said Court.

I, Isaac Hodsdon, Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court for the County of Penobscot and State of Maine do hereby certify, that it appears to the satisfaction of the Court that the said John Blake did serve in the Revolutionary War as stated in the preceding declaration against the common enemy for the term of nine months under one Engagement. I also certify that the foregoing oath and the Schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the records of said Court; and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the two penty exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule is one hundred Dollars.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Supreme Judicial Court, this eighteenth day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty, and in the fifty third year of the Independence of the United States of America.
Isaac Hodsdon Clerk
I am personally acquainted with Gen. John Blake the applicant for above mentioned and believe him to have been a highly meritorious officer during the war of Revolution, and that he is now a gentleman of respectability and that his foregoing statement is to be relied upon as true June 10 th 1830 P. Sprague

See Blake's Discharge for the Name—
BLAKE, JOHN (MASS.) S. 28648

I hereby certify that Lieut John Blake of the 5 Massachusetts Regiment is discharged from further service in the Army at his request & solicitation.
By command
Robt. H. Harrison Genl
Headqrs Oct 24: 1780

Feb - Calvin Green & others

I, Calum Green of Brewer, testify and make affidavit that I live in the town of Brewer, and have lived there more than twenty years, within half of a mile of the Farm lately owned by Gen. John Blake, and by him sold & conveyed to his son George, as it is said, during all which time I have been well acquainted with said Farm. The lot is destitute of wood, the back part being low, flat & of a clay soil, producing nothing of value. I should not value it over thirteen hundred Dollars -
Calum Green
Penobscot ss. October 28 th 1830. Personally appeared the above named Calum Green and made oath to the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed before me
David D. Drown Esq. Comr Pleas.

I John Hilferty, depose & make affidavit, that I live in the town of Brewer, about one mile distant from the Farm lately owned by Gen. John Blake, & which is said he has sold & conveyed to his son George, from my knowledge of the Farm I should not value it over thirteen hundred Dollars - I think it of much less value on account of there being no wood on it.
John Hilferty
Pensylvania ss. October 30 th 1830.
Personally appeared the above named John Hilferty and made oath to the foregoing Affidavit by him submitted before me.
David D. Seaman Jus. Comm. Pleas.
State of Maine.
I have, upon inquiry, satisfied myself that the foregoing deponents, namely George Leonard, Calvin Green and John Hilferty are credible and disinterested witnesses, and from their testimony, I am of opinion that the fore farm by them described does not exceed in value the sum of fourteen hundred dollars.
Nathan Weston Jun. Inst. of S.J. court.

I George Leonard of Brewster testify and make affidavit, that I live in the town of Brewster, and have lived there twenty four years. I live on the the next but one lot adjoining the farm lately owned by Gen. John Blake and by him sold to his son George Blake, and have been well acquainted with that farm during that length of time and have been Selectman and assessor for many years. The farm consists of one hundred acres acres. The front part of the lot is good land, but back part is low, flat, clay soil, of little value, producing no wood, what is called burnt land - There is a large house, which is old, not valuable, a good Barn, I should think the whole to be worth fifteen hundred Dollars -
George Leonard
Penobscot ss. October 28 th 1830
Personally appeared the above named George Leonard and made oath to the foregoing Affidavit by him subscribed before me
David E. Drown Jus. Com. Pleas

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
IN CONGRESS
July 6, 1777
To John Blake Esq r
Greeting. We having
confidence in your Patriotism, Valor, Conduct and Fidelity, DO by these presents constitute and appoint you
an Ensign in the fifth Massachusetts Regiment in the Army of the United States take rank as such
January 1777 You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge every duty of an Ensign
by doing and performing all manner of things therein belonging to the said Ensign's charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under your command to be obedient to your orders
and commands given you in pursuance of the said Ensign's charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under your command to be obedient to your orders
and commands given you in pursuance of the said Ensign's charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under your command to be obedient to your orders
and commands given you in pursuance of the said Ensign's charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under your command to be obedient to your orders
and commands given you in pursuance of the said Ensign's charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under your command to be obedient to your orders
and commands given you in pursuance of the said Ensign's charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under your command to be obedient to your orders
Entered in the War Office and examined by the Board of War
John Milton Secretary of the Board of War
Witness his Excellency Sam l Huntington Esq r President of the Congress of the United States of America at Philadelphia the 11th day of May 1777 and in the fourth Year of Independence.
Sam l Huntington

22 Congress 1 Sep.
22 Congress 1 Sep.
Petition of John Blake, for pension on account of Revolutionary services
1831 Jan. 19 referred to Committee on Pensions
1832, Feb. 3 referred to the Committee on Pensions.
28,648
15336
M c Sprague

Olney Dec r 31. 18 o 50
Hon Peleg Sprague
Sir At the request of Gen. Blake I forward you his Petition for a Decision to which he says he expects you to attend. I believe it will be found that in substance he brings himself within the Provisions of the Law & that the Objection is merely formal. I have drawn up this Petition in haste & if it needs addition or amendment Gen Blake wishes you to add to or amend it that it will answer his Purpose.
Respectfully Yours
Morton M c Lean
P.S.
Enclose to you J. L. Edwards last letter the requisition of which except as to the written contract have been complied with & forwarded but no answer received.

John Blake John
CONG. MTN Hon. Peleg Sprague Member of Congress Washington
John Blake

To the Hon Senate & House of Representatives of the United States in Congress Assembled & State of Maine John Blake of Brewer in the County of Penobscot, respectfully represents - That believing himself to be Entitled to a Pension by the laws of the United States - he has made his declaration in the form prescribed by law & furnished all other documents required & duly attested in proper form to the Office of the Secretary at War where they now are - & to them he refers in support of this Petition - To the declaration & these Papers he has received for answer that a Pension cannot be allowed him because he cannot furnish a written instead of a verbal Contract which he alleges to have been made with his Son - This Your petitioner believes to be in substance & in fact the only objection to his receiving a Pension to which as an Officer of the revolutionary Army - he believes himself to be in every other respect fully entitled. He therefore prays that his declaration & the other papers to which he above refers may be examined & that a Pension may be allowed him - & as in duty bound will ever pray J. M c Blake

(Copy)
War Department
Pension Office
September 16. 1830
Sir,
In my letter to you of the 30 th of June last in relation to the case of John Blake, I informed you that as his land was conveyed to his son, partly in consideration of labor alleged to have been performed for the father, proof should be exhibited to shew that there was a written contract between the parties prior to the performance of the alleged labor. I also informed you that a more minute statement from the parties was necessary to shew precisely how much was due for labor, and how much for money paid for the father. Such evidence has not been produced. The papers lately sent are intended to shew that eleven hundred dollars were paid to Sally and John B. Hays for the father, but the affidavits being made by the parties interested in the case, are inadmissible. It must also be shewn that the land is worth no more than what it is alleged to be worth. The opinion of the Court before whom the declaration was made is wanted on this subject. The papers will remain on our files.
I am &c.
(Signed) J. L. Edwards
Thornton W. Gaw, Esq.
Bangor Maine

War Department Pension Office February 29, 1832
Sir,
In reply to your note of the 27 th inst t , I have to inform you that I wrote to you on that day respecting D. Barr, J. Clark, D. Wyman and S. Andrews. I presume that my letter reached you yesterday.
John Blake's name was dropt from the Pension List, under the act of May 1, 1820, on the 15 th July 1820. In 1830 he applied for a restoration to the Pension Roll. The letter to Thornton McGaw , Esq r , of the 4 th September 1830, a copy of which I now enclose, will shew what objection existed at that time to renewing his pension. The papers in support of his application for restoration were sent to you at the Senate Chamber on the 19 th of February 1831, and since that time no evidence in the case has been received here. It does not appear that he made any application during the continuance of the regulation of De-

December 1828, adopted by General Porter, I have the honor to be very respectfully Your Obl. Servt. J. L. Edwards
Hon. P. Sprague Senate U. States,

War Department
Pension Office
4 th September 1880
Sir,
In my letter to you of the 30 th of June last, in relation to the case of John Blake, I informed you that as his land was conveyed to his son partly in consideration of labor alleged to have been performed for the father, proof should be exhibited to show that there was a written contract between the parties prior to the performance of the alleged labor. I also informed you that a more minute statement from the parties was necessary to show precisely how much was due to the son for labor, and how much for money paid for the father. Such evidence has not been produced. The papers lately sent are intended to show that eleven hundred dollars were paid to Sally and John B. Hays for the father; but the affidavits being made by the parties interested in the case, are inadmissible. It must also be shown that the land is worth no more than what is alleged to be worth. The opinion of the court before whom the declaration was made is wanted on this subject. The papers will re-

main in our files.
I am, respectfully Your Obedt. Servt J. L. Edwards
Thaxter M c Graw, Esq. Bangor, Maine

War Department Pension Office
February 9. 1832
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 7 th instant I have to inform you that John Blake, of Maine, formerly a revolutionary pensioner, served three years on the continental establishment. His schedule of property was presented in July 1820. His effects were estimated to be worth $5.56. His name was dropped from the Roll on the 15 th July 1820. Sometime in 1830, Mr. Thornton M c Gaw made application for his restoration, the claim was not allowed. The papers containing the evidence in support of the claim were returned to you on the 19 th of February 1831. The letter from this Office to Mr. M c Gaw of the 4 th of September 1830, a copy of which is enclosed, will shew what was required at that time.
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully
Your Obet. Servt.
J. S. Edwards
Hon. P. Sprague Senate U. S.

Certificate of the Selectmen & Overseers of the Poor of Brewer

To all whom it may concern
We the subscribers Selectmen and Overseers of the Poor of the Town of Brewer Respectfully represent - that Gen- John Blake has long been an Inhabitant of this Town - that he has always been a Gentleman of correct habits and first respect- -ability - that we believe he was a very highly meritorious Officer of the Revolutionary Army and that he is now about seventy seven years old - his property almost all exhausted - and we believe him deserving his country's gratitude and assistance
Brewer June 18. 1830
George Leonard } Selectmen William Copeland } & Overseers } of the Poor } of Brewer
n m

Hon. Philip Freneau Washington City. D. C.
John Blake, Dec. 1831.

Brewer Dec r 12. 1831.
Dear Sir,
Relying upon the interest which you have ever manifested for my welfare, I am persuaded that you will see that the Revolutionary Pension Bill is introduced in the early part of this session; and that some of my former petitions are reconsidered if you think necessary.
Perhaps the new Congress may be more in favour of that Bill than the former one has been.
I should be happy to receive a few lines in answer, if the many important concerns which must necessarily engage your time will permit.
Accept my best wishes for your happiness
Your affectionate Friend,
J. M c Hake
Hon. Felix Sprague.

Brewer Sept 4. 1832.
Hon. Lewis Cass, Secretary of War Dear Sir Your letter of the 29. of Aug. is received I enclose to you the certificate you did me the favor to send me bearing date the 17th of Aug. as you desired me to do, in order to receive a certificate entitling me to the pay of a Lieutenant in the Revolutionary Army
I am Sir Yours very Respectfully J. H. Blake
P. S. Please direct your letter to Gen. John Blake. Brewer Penobscot County State of Maine

Brewer 13 Aug. 1832
Hon. Lewis Cass Sec. of War
Dear Sir
On the 14th. inst. I received your certificate that I was placed on the pension List agreeably to act of Congs. 3rd Feb. 1832. I am placed on the List as an Ensign, although I served in the army as a Lieut. nearly four years. The reason of your having placed me upon the List as an Ensign probably probably is because you may have found my name upon some of the ancient rolls as an Ensign. It is true I was an Ensign at the commencement of the War but I was promoted to the rank of Lieut. which I held nearly 4 years. I am therefore entitled to the pay of Lieut. having served in that capacity more than two years. The enclosed testimonials which I forward (one by the advice of Genl. Thomas) who has been appointed to examine the claims of applicants of this State will undoubtedly be satisfactory and you will send me a certificate as a Lieut. I feel myself under great obligations to you for the prompt manner in which my claims have been attended to.
Respectfully your Obedt. Servt. J. M. Hake

Pension Office 28th June 30.
Wm. Lloyd Hon. Frank H. Eaton Secretary at War (Washington City)
Pension

Bangor (Maine) June 21. 1830.
Sir I send enclosed the application of for John Blake for a pension to which is annexed a certificate written & signed by the Hon. Pelay Sprague member of Congress from this State. I have also enclosed a certificate made & signed by the overseers of the Poor of Ebenezer where said Blake resides - together with the original discharge given him at the close of the war by Gen Washington's order - You will also notice enclosed a certified copy of the deed mentioned in the Schedule - I have done all my power to make the application correct in point of form & think it is - but lest any defect might possibly exist I have thought best to send the above certificates & discharge by which I hope all objections may be obviated and that Mr Blake once the acquaintance & friend of Washington & Lafayette - now poor & trembling on the confines of the grave may live long enough to be cheered by the gratitude of his Country which is so generally & extensively believed to deserve -
Most respectfully Yours
Thornton McGaw

Banger August 26, 1880
Sir
In answer to a Communication rec d
from the War Department I enclose the the affidavits of Gen Blake & others by which it will appear that Eleven Hundred Dollars a part of the nominal consideration for the deed mentioned in Gen. Blake's last declaration was omitted in said declaration either by his mistake or mine I am inclined to think the latter — That these affidavits contain the real state of facts can be abundantly proved by the testimony of very many respectable witnesses — and we hope the affidavits themselves will be thought sufficient when it is considered that Genl Blake could have no motive to omit facts which can be shown beyond all doubt to exist — & that his very advanced age will be considered an excuse for a mistake made certainly against himself — (He states to me (& it can be fully shown but we hope will not be required) that he became indebted to John B. Hayes & Sally B. Hayes in the sum of Six Hundred Dollars to each in 1815 — & that the amount of these sums with interest was due from him to them when the land was sold — nearly all the interest still remains due — I have seen the last will & testament of Hayes appointing Gen. Blake Executor & have, since being informed of the facts, heard them corroborated from so many sources that I cannot for a moment doubt the affidavits made by Gen Blake & his two sons — one of whom is a Selectman of Brewer and the other a Justice of the Peace & both highly respectable men — I hope Sir that no mistake of mine will be instrumental in delaying a meritorious Officer from receiving a pension which all who know him think he ought to have received long ago.
Very respectfully
Your Ob t Servt.
Thornton McGaw

Page Nov 17, 1851
I have the opinion of the estate before which Gen John Blake made his declaration for a pension - as to the value of the land mentioned in his declaration as conveyed to his son - It will be seen that the court estimate it at a less sum than Gen Blake in his declaration - recollecting that in his declaration he omitted to state the sums paid by his son to Hayes as part of the consideration of the land - It would be estimated by many bills lower - as will be seen by referring to former affidavits & unquestionably one thousand dollars in cash would purchase the whole estate although its nominal value may be something more - Every one acquainted with sales of land in this section is aware of the great difference between the nominal & real value of land - That is between the price that is asked generally & the sum for which it can be obtained in cash - In many cases the difference is one half - It can be shown that Gen Blake's son has conveyed all of the very land to Hayes & his sister to pay them the amount owing from Gen Blake to them by which he is afforded a large sum - He found he could do no better with the land towards paying their debts - Under these circumstances with the proof - considering that in addition to the amount paid by Gen Blake for the land to unit the whole land itself - he has labored for his father & to support him nearly four years - it seems very evident that if any one has lost it must be Gen Blake's son & that fact cannot certainly go in any way to prevent his father from receiving a pension - We know that sufficient facts exist in the case & we hope & believe that we have furnished sufficient to justify Gen Blake's pension - If however we have omitted any which from what appears we can probably supply - Please to notify us of the fact - Very respectfully, Your Obt Servt Thornton McGaw

John Blake Aug 29. 1882 O.C
Recorded page 248 Vol: 7

War Department Pension Office
August 29, 1832
Sir,
Your letter of the 15 th inst containing in regard to  your statement of your services as a Lieut has been received. Upon a re-examination of your case it appears that you are entitled to full pay as a Lieutenant. If you will enclose to the Department the Certificate issued for you on the 7 th inst in which you are allowed pay as a Ensign a new one will be issued with the pay allowance as a Lieutenant noted thereon.
Mr. John Blake, Brewer, Maine.
C. V. ✓

Pension Office
Feb 5. 1846
Sir,
I herewith return Mr Hayer's letter, relative to the case of John Blake dec d . He was originally pensioned under the law of March 18. 1818, at $20 per month, the highest rate of pension allowed to an officer under that act. His name was dropped from the pension roll on account of the amount of his property under the law of May 1. 1820, and his pension was paid to the 4 th of March 1820, when it ceased. On the passage of the act of June 7. 1832 he was allowed a pension at the rate of $320 per annum, to commence on the 4 th March 1831. I enclose herewith a copy of a letter addressed to you on the 11 th of December last, from which you will perceive that he did not acquire any right to commutation, bounty land, or the benefits of the act of May 15. 1828, as he resigned before the close of the war.
Hon. H. Hamilton 1842

Hon. H. Hamlin
11. Dec. 1845

Pension Office 175
December 11. 1845
Dear Sir
I return the circular which you left here; and in reply to your enquiry I have to inform you that Lieut. John Blake, of the 5 th regiment Massachusetts continental line resigned on the 24 th October 1780. He received a pension of $ 320  320 per annum, under the act of June 7. 1832, and it was paid up to the day of his death. He never acquired by such service a right to half-pay, or commutation for five years full pay, nor any right to bounty land, or a pension under the act of May 15. 1828, as that pension, bounty land, and half-pay or commutation was never allowed by law to any one who resigned.
I have
Hon. H. Hamlin House of Reps

111
27 Cong 3 2 Sep 3
Geo. Hoke 24  22 Cong  1 Sep 3 Rel
Documents
in support of the claim of John Blake, to a pension. — — —
1831 Feb: 19 referred to Committee on Pensions
1832 Feb: 3 ref. to Committee on Pensions. —
land
Mr. Sprague

I Thornton M c Gaw made oath to me that in June A.D. 1880, I drew a declaration for a pension for Gen. John Blake of Brandy. That while drawing said declaration Gen Blake instructed me that he had paid considerable sums of money to John B. Hoagess & Sally B. Hoagess but owing to the great age of Gen Blake & the imperfect manner in which he states recent transactions I did not then receive the impression that any part of the sums so paid made part of the consideration for said deed and therefore told Gen Blake that it was not essential to mention the payment of such sums in his declaration - I have no doubt - that the omission happened in this way & that Gen Blake at the time intended that all his statements in regard to the value of the land & the consideration for the deed there made with reference to the sums & supposed that in fact they were taken into account
Thornton M c Gaw
Probstect Is.
August 26, 1880
Personally appeared Thornton M c Gaw & made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed,
Before me George Starnett Justice of the Peace

9,162
Maine
John Blake
of Bucks in the state of Maine who was an Ensign in the regiment commanded by Colonel Reed of the Infantry line, for the term of three years
inscribed on the Roll of the Dist of Maine at the rate of 20 Dollars per month, to commence on the 1 st of April, 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 th of July 1819 and sent to Ab. Kimball Esq. Hampden, Maine
Arrears to 4th of March 1819  222.58 Semi-ann. all'ce ending 1 st Sep r 1819  120.00 $342:58
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
See letter Thornton McGraw 1 Sept. 1830 & 4 Sept. 1830. Some papers sent to Hon. P. Sprague 19 Feb. 1831. see his receipt on file. See also letter to Hon. Sprague Feb. 29. 1832.
History of motion Feb 1 May 1820 - Notification sent 15 th July 1820 to Hon. Col. W. Bangs Maine

War Department,
PENSION OFFICE,
July 15 th 1820.
SIR,
You are hereby informed that the Secretary of War does not, on account of the amount of your property, consider you entitled to a Pension under the Acts of the 18th March, 1818, and 1st May, 1820; and has, therefore, directed your name to be stricken from the Pension List.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. Edwards
To Mr. John Blake, Brewer, Maine.

I John Blake of Brewer in the county of Penobscot and State of Maine under oath testify and say that I entered into the service of the United States as a sergeant in the revolutionary army in a company com- manded by Oliver Pond belonging to an regiment commanded by Col. Joseph Reed being the 11th Regt. Mass. Regt. the 11th on the 11th day of April AD 1775 When a citizen of Maine was in the State of Massachusetts and served under the same captain and the same Colonel till June 1776 I was then promoted to the office of an en- sign in the same regiment and served as such till the first part of the year 1777 I was then promoted to the office of lieutenant in a company commanded by Nathan Goodale in Col. Rufus Putnam's regiment which was the 5th Massachusetts Regiment I continued as a lieutenant in this regiment till Oct 24, 1780 and was then honorably discharged by a discharge signed by Robert H. Harrison Secretary to Gen. Washington which discharge I some years since forwarded to the Secretary of War, that I was on the pension roll un- der the act of March 18, 1818 and drew a pension under the same as lieutenant about two years until my name was struck therefrom on account of prop- erty as appearing by the within notice from the War Department signed by J. L. Edwards. My place of residence at this time is at Brewer in the county of Penobscot and State of Maine & was the same at the time I first applied for a pension under the act of March 18, 1818
J. M. Blake
State of Maine Penobscot - August 1. AD 1832 Then personally appeared John Blake above named and made oath to the truth of the above affi- davit by him subscribed
Before me George Stannett Justice of the Peace

I Park Holland of Orono in the county of Penobscot and State of Maine under oath to testify and say I am well acquainted with General John Blake of Brewer in the same county who signed and swore to the truth of the within affidavit in my presence this day. I knew him as a Lieutenant in Col. Rulif's Putnam regiment being 5th Mass. active regiment in the Uni- ted States Revolutionary Army about four years from 1777 to 1780 inclusive. I being a lieu- tenant and paymaster in the same regi- ment at the same time - I am now on the pension list under the act of March 1818 and am receiving a pension Lieutenant's pay - Park Holland
State of Maine Penobscot ss. Town of Ban- gor - On this first day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two before me George Stannett a Notary Public residing in Bangor by legal authority appointed commissioned and sworn personally appeared Park Holland and made oath that the above affidavit by him made and submitted is true according to his best knowledge and belief - And I the said Notary do further certify that the said Holland and Valio said Blake who swore to the truth of the foregoing affidavit before me as a justice of the peace are well known to me and I have no reason to doubt the truth of said affidavits by them made & sworn to in witness whereof I have here set my hand and affixed my Notarial seal the day and year aforesaid George Stannett Notary Public

N o 186

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 7th June 1832, John Blake of the state of Maine who was an Ensign in the Revolutionary  Army is entitled to receive two hundred and forty dollars, and  cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually, on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this seventh day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty Two
John R. Robb acting Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. }
J. L. Edwards

186
Maine
John Blake
Brewer in the State of Maine who was a Lieutenant in the company commanded by Captain Goodale of the reg t commanded by Col. Reed in the Mass s . time for two years, from 1778.
see letter to Hon. H. Hamlin Dec. 11. 1845 same Feb 5 '46
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 320 Dollars - Cents per an- to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 day of October 1832 and sent to Genl. John Blake Brewer, Maine
Arrears to 4th of March 1832 $320. - Pension allowance ending 4 Sep. 1832 160. - Died Jan. 25, 1842 $480. -
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by M c Alison Clerk, Book D , Vol. 1 Page 143 .

John Blake to George Blake Copy of the Deed mentioned in Gen Blake's Application for Pension

Know all men by these Presents, that I John Blake of Brewer in the county of Penobscot and State of Maine Esquire, in consideration of Fifteen hundred Dollars paid by George Blake of Brewer in the County and State aforesaid Esquire (the Receipt whereof, I do hereby acknowledge) do hereby give grant sell and convey into the said George Blake his heirs & assigns forever, a certain lot of Land lying and being in Brewer in the County of Penobscot, containing One hundred Acres more or less. Bounded as follows to wit, Westerly by Penobscot River forty rods, Southerly by Farm of Oliver Harrington Easterly by Land of Proprietors, Northerly by the Farm of Set Rider, said lot extending from the River, aforesaid four hundred rods, being the same formerly Occupied by Oliver Leonard Esq r now owned and Occupied by the aforesaid John Blake, with all the Buildings and Appurtenances to the same belonging. — — — — — We have and to hold the same to the said George Blake his heirs and assigns to their use and benefit forever. And I do covenant with the said George Blake his heirs and assigns, that I am lawfully seized in fee of the premises; that they are free of all incumbrances; that I have good right to sell and convey the same to the said George Blake, and that I will warrant and defend the same to the said George Blake his heirs and assigns forever, against the lawful claims and demands of all persons. In witness whereof, we the said John Blake and his wife Mary, in token of the relinquish- ment of her right of Dower, have hereunto set our hands and seals this Nineteenth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty Nine. — — — — — Jn s Blake (L.S.) Mary Blake (L.S.) Signed sealed and delivered in presence of.
Charles Blake Elias Blake John B. Hayward
Penobscot (ss) May 29 th 1829. the above named John Blake this day acknowledged the above instrument to be his free act and deed. before me George Leonard Justice of the Peace
Received January 29. 1830. and entered and examined by Chas. Rice Reg t
Penobscot (ss) copy from the Records for Deeds for said County Book 22 d page 86 th and examined by Chas. Rice Reg t

I John Blake of Brewer in the County of Penobscot & State of Maine make oath & say that I enlisted as Sergeant in Capt Oliver Pono Company in Col. Joseph Reeds regiment in the Massachusetts line in the Year of our Lord 1775 on the 19 th day of April for the term of Eight months & that I continued to serve in said Corps until the expiration of said Eight months & that in January 1776 I enlisted in the same Company again for the term of one year as Sergeant & continued to serve therein until January 1777 - that in January 1777 I was appointed & Commissioned as Ensign in the Company Commanded by Capt. Nathan Goodale in Col. Rufus Putnam's regiment in the Massachusetts line & that I continued to serve in said Goodale's Company until the 24 th of October 1780 when I was honorably discharged being at that time a Lieutenant in said Putnam's Regiment - at the place where Major Andre was Executed as a Spy - I further State that I have once been on the Pension Roll under the Act of March 18. 1818 & have been dropped therefrom on account of property - & that at the time of my first application I resided in said Brewer & have continued to reside there ever since - I have made application for a pension since the Year 1830 & forwarded my papers among which was my discharge formerly Col. R. H. Harrison but my application was rejected & my name removed from pension - I further State that during my said time of service I held a Lieutenants Commission from the first of the year 1777 till the time of my discharge & that during the last three years I acted & did the duty of Captain of a Company - the Captain Goodale having been taken prisoner & not exchanged until about the first of October 1780 - I refer to my former applications for a pension now on file for further particulars if any should be required J. Blake
Penobscott ss. July 12 th 1832.
Personally appeared the above named John Blake and made oath to the foregoing statement, that

same is just & true - before
David Perham Jus. of the Peace of the Superior Court of the State
State of Maine
Penobscot ss.
Clerk's Office of the Judicial Courts, July 12, 1822.
I Isaac Housden, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts in said County, hereby certify, that the Hon David Perham, is one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas, within and for said County, and that the above is his genuine signature. I also certify that I have, for many years been well acquainted with said Blake, and that the foregoing statement, is subscribed with his genuine signature, and that he is the same person who made a declaration for a pension, in the year 1818, a copy of which is left in this Office.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said Court this twelfth day of July A.D. 1822.
Isaac Housden Clerk

IN SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES.
MARCH 1, 1832.
Read, and ordered to be printed.
Mr. SPRAGUE made the following
REPORT:
The Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the petition of John Blake, report:
That the petitioner was a commissioned officer in the army of the revolution, and served about three years upon the continental establishment; that, upon compliance with the requisitions of the pension act of 1818, his name was placed upon the pension roll: and that, under the law of 1820, it was stricken off, by reason of the amount of property exhibited by his first schedule.
On the 18th of June, 1830, the petitioner made another declaration and schedule in the supreme judicial court of Maine, by which, and the opinion of the court thereon, it appeared that his whole property did not exceed one hundred dollars. This declaration, schedule, and accompanying evidence, was presented to the War Department some time in the year 1830.
It appears that a parcel of real estate mentioned in the first declaration had been, in the year 1829, conveyed by the petitioner to his son George Blake, partly in payment for labor performed, and partly in consideration of the discharge of debts due from the petitioner to certain of his creditors. By a letter from the Pension Office, it seems that his name was refused to be restored to the roll, principally because there was not a written contract for said labor made before its performance, and because the evidence of the payment of the debts came from the parties. The committee are satisfied that the conveyance was bona fide; that the petitioner was a meritorious officer; that his property does not exceed one hundred dollars; that he is unable to labor, by reason of age, and having one of his arms broken; that his wife, aged seventy years, is unable to support herself; and that he ought to have a pension, to commence on the        day of        , the time when his evidence was completed at the Pension Office; and they report a bill accordingly.

by - John Blake - Land -

I John Blake make oath & say that the Consideration for the deed given to my Son mentioned in my last declaration for a Pension was in Part this to wit - That my Son gave his security to Pay John B. Hayes the Sum of Six Hundred Dollars & to Sally B. Hayes the Sum of Five Hundred Dollars (I having Paid to the said Sally One Hundred Dollars in furniture) which Sums were justly & legally due to them from me as Executor of the last will & testament of their father & for property which I received & legally disposed of in my said Capacity of Executor - from the liability to Pay which Sums I was cleared by my said Sons becoming bound to Pay them the amount of the Sums aforesaid to wit Eleven Hundred Dollars - The residue of the Consideration for said deed was as stated in my said declaration - & it was my intention also to state this in the same declaration but it was omitted either through my forgetfulness or the mistake or misapprehension of the person who drew the declaration - J. M. Blake
State of Maine Penobscot Aug 26, 1880 Then the above named John Blake personally appeared & made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true Before me - Thornton McGaw Justice of the Peace

28 648
Rev INVALID.
File No. 28 648
John Blake Lieut. Col. Mass.
Act: June 18 1897
Index: —Vol. 9 , Page 42
[Arrangement of 1870.]
July 17, 1905 History to Mrs. Harold J. Wilson, Burlington, Iowa
1929. Jan. 25. Mrs. Florence T. Stearns adv. that their order did not claim all the rec. as given in Mass. S. & S. for one John Blake Hrenthauer. MMVF
1929. Jan. 31. Mrs. F. H. Stearns adv. cost of photos. MMVF
1929. Feb. 15. Photos to Mrs. Florence T. Stearns & Fin. Div. ntfld 9/10/29
1937. June 18 Mrs. Russell Hasling add cost of photos. MMVF
1937. Aug. 27. Mrs. Russell Has- ling add. cost of fewer number of pages of photos. MMVF
1937. Nov. 10. MMVF mailed to Mrs. Katherine Stearns & Fin. Div. ntfld 12/1/37

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED
To John Blake Esq r Greeting. We, Reposing special trust and confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct, and Fidelity, DO by these presents constitute and appoint you, to be an Ensign in the fifth Massachusetts Regiment in the Army of the United States, to take rank as such from the first day of January 1777. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of an Ensign by doing and performing all manner of things therein belonging. And we do strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers, under your command, to be obedient to your orders, as Ensign and you are to observe and follow such orders and directions, from time to time, as you shall receive from this or a future Congress of the United States, or Committee of Congress for that purpose appointed, a Committee of the States, or Commander in chief for the time being of the Army of the United States, or any other your Superior Officer, according to the rules and discipline of War, in pursuance of the trust reposed in you. This Commission to continue in force until revoked by this, or a future Congress, the Committee of Congress forementioned, or a Committee of the States.
Entered in the War Office and examined by the Board
Attest
John Carlton Secretary of the Board of War
Witness His Excellency Sam l Huntington Esq r President of the Congress of the United States of America at Philadelphia the 18 th day of May 1777, and in the fourth year of our Independence.
Sam l Huntington President

December 18, 1931.
BA-J/NMHT/ILL
Mrs. F. Garuthers 1077 South Gilpin Street Denver, Colorado.
Rej. B. L. — John Alexander
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter relative to Captain John Alexander, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
You are advised that it appears from the Revolutionary War records of this office that on March 19, 1864, one John Alexander, aged seventy-seven years, of Leavenworth, Kansas, executed and filed a power of attorney in order to obtain any bounty land that might have been due the heirs of John Alexander, a soldier of Virginia in the Revolutionary War.
He stated that he was the son of said John Alexander. He cited "Public Document No. 57, 28 th Congress, 1 st Session, House of Representatives, under head of Virginia Troops, War of the Revolution", as proof of his father's services.
He also stated that his father died in Tennessee about 1825, but he did not name the place, nor did he state where his father lived in Virginia.
No warrant for bounty land was ever issued because there was then no provision of law under which the children of a soldier of the Revolution were entitled to bounty land.
The Revolutionary War records of this office show no application for pension and no other for bounty land on account of the services of a John Alexander of Virginia.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Assistant to Administrator.

March 28, 1931
Hon. M. A. Romjue
Rev.& 1812 Wars Section MMAHF:MLB
House of Representatives
My dear Mr. Romjue:
Reference is made to your letter of March 19, with which you enclosed one, returned herewith, from Mr. R. C. Murphy, of Kahoka, Missouri, relative to one John Alexander, a soldier of the Revolution.
You are advised that it appears from the Revolutionary War records of this bureau that on March 19, 1864 one John Alexander, aged seventy-seven years, of Leavenworth, Kansas, executed and filed a power of attorney in order to obtain any bounty land that might have been due the heirs of John Alexander, a soldier of Virginia in the Revolutionary War.
He stated that he was the son of said John Alexander. He cited "Public Document No. 57, 28" Congress, 1" Session, House of Representatives, under head of Virginia Troops, War of the Revolution", as proof of his father's service.
He also stated that his father died in Tennessee about 1825, but did not name the place, nor did he state where his father lived in Virginia.
No warrant for bounty land was ever issued because there was then no provision of law under which the children of a soldier of the Revolution were entitled to bounty land.
The Revolutionary War records of this bureau show no application for pension and no other for bounty land on account of the services of a John Alexander of Virginia.
It is noted that Mr. Murphy stated he had made a previous request for information in regard to John Alexander.

Because of the great number of requests similar to Mr. Murphy's, and the lack of a clerical force available for the purpose, it has not been possible for the bureau to make prompt reply to each letters are being answered as rapidly as possible in order of receipt, and his of February 25, 1931 had not been reached.
Very truly yours
I searched every bank & land book in town, & register + all,
found no b.l. or record of
an application for same of J. A. of Va. line -
I went to Interior Lib. to find Cong. record of son's citation, but it gave no details of John Alexander's service -
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner
MURPHY

M. A. ROMJUE 1ST DIST. MISSOURI
Congress of the United States House of Representatives Washington, D. C.
March 19, 1931.
Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
Enclosed find letter from R. C. Murphy of Kahoka, Mo., which is fully explanatory. Am also enclosing copy of letter written to Mr. Murphy from the Adjutant General's Office of the War Department.
It will be very much appreciated if you will furnish me the information requested by Mr. Murphy, if it is possible to do so.
Thanking you for the many courtesies of the past, I remain,
Very truly yours,
MARomjue

Copy
War Department The Adjutant General's Office Washington
Feb. 13, 1931.
Respectfully returned to
R. C. Murphy, Kahoka, Mo.
The records of this office show that one John Alexander served in the Revolutionary War as a private and sergeant in Lieutenant Colonel Henry Lee's Legion, Continental Troops. The period of his service is not shown. His name appears on a Return dated Council Chamber August 25, 1783, of the officers, non-commissioned officers and privates of Lieut. Col. Lee's Legion, and considered as part of the quota of the State of Virginia. An undated list shows that he was granted 100 acres. His name also appears on a record under the heading: "A List of Soldiers of the Virginia Line on Continental Establishment who have received Certificates for the balance of their full pay Agreeable to an Act of Assembly passed November Session 1781," which shows that on October 22, 1787, the sum of L23 S3 D5 was received received by himself.
The collection of Revolutionary War records in this office is far from complete, and it is suggested as a possibility that additional information may be obtained from the Librarian, Virginia State Library, Richmond, or from the Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C., who is the custodian of the U. S. pension records.
It does not appear from the records of this office that a man named John Alexander served as a Captain in the above named organization.
C. H. Bridges, Major General,
The Adjutant General.

Denver Colo
Nov. 20, -1931
Veterans Bureau
Washington
D. C.
Gentlemen:
Will you give me the Revolutionary War record of Capt. John Alexander who enlisted in Va? I believe it was in Henry Co. He went to Ky. in 1805 He was not a pensioner. Your truly
Mrs. F. Ganthier
1077 So. Gilpin St
Denver
Colo.

Feb. 28, 1931 Recd. from Hon. M.A. Rongine
Kahoka, Mo.
Feb. 25, 1931
Adjutant Office, Pension Department, Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen: Will you please copy all history ,and service found in the Pension Department, Revolution War. of one John Alexander born Dec. 1741, died Oct 1830, married to Lucy Nunn who died July 15, 1815. Our record tells us he was Capt. in Brigade of Light Horse Harry Lee, Revolutionary War.
Family Chart also tells us his daughter Obedience Alexander ,married 11-1-1798 Peter Gearhart. That his father John Alexander married in Scotland Margret Glasson or Gleasson they came to America about 1740.
The above data may help you to more easily find this particular John Alexander among the many listed by the same name during this period of the Revolution.
Thanks in advance for this record,
Very truly,
R C. Murphy

November 10, 1937
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mrs. Katharine Hastings 230 East 50th Street New York City
JOHN BLAKE On S. 28648 BA-J/MMHF:MLB
Dear Madam:
You are furnished herewith, as requested, photostatic copies, negative and positive, of three pages of the originals thereof on file in Revolutionary War claim for pension, S. 28648, based upon service in the Revolutionary War of John Blake.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

BA-J/MLB No. 400
November 5, 1937 xxxx
REV. & 1812 WARS SECTION
XXXXXXXX
War & Navy, Branch 970
Rev. War claim for pension of John Blake,
File No. S. 28648
Actual      1 negative and 1 positive copy of each page, except the com- mission, of which make three nega- tive copies, one for official use.
$1.50
6 pages
XXXXXXXX
Kindly leave margin of 1 1/2 inches at top of each page and return papers in folder with corresponding name and number. The word "Omit" written in pencil on those pages which are not to be copied.
Chief, Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
1/21/38 I have been informed that the above is a list of the documents in the Rev. War claim for pension of John Blake, File No. S. 28648 and that the above is a list of the documents in the Rev. War claim for pension of John Blake, File No. S. 28648

October 14, 1937
XXXX XXXXXXXX
Mrs. Russell Hastings 230 East 50th Street New York City
JOHN BLAKE S. 28648 BA-J/MMHF:MLB
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you state that you are interested in no other record of John Blake than the one quoted by you in your letter of September 29, 1937, relative to his service, which statement dated July, 1820, you say, began: "To the Honorable J. C. Calhoun, Esq., Sect. at War at Washington: Agreeably to your statement of May 11, 1820, respecting pensioners, I beg leave to make to your honor a statement of some of the military services performed by myself during the War of the Revolution", etc. etc. You request to be informed if that document has been lost or mislaid as nothing else is of interest to you.
All papers in Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 28648, the one cited by you, seem to be intact; there is, however, no document which shows the quotation given by you.
As stated in letter to you August 27, 1937, the paper selected by this office for photos bears a signed statement of John Blake dated April 1, 1818, and is his statement relative to his service.
In view of the fact that only the paper which contains your quotation will be of interest to you, your $1.50 will be held until word is received from you that you do desire the copies of pages selected by this office, then, if you do not, your money will be refunded.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

August 27, 1937.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mrs. Russel Hastings 230 East 50 th Street New York City
BA-J/MMHF/ady John Blake S.28648
Dear Madam;
Reference is made to your letter in which you request to know the cost of negative and positive photostatic copies of a signed statement of John Blake (S.28648) Revolutionary War pensioner.
All papers of interest in the claim of John Blake for pension were enumerated in the count of pages and amount of cost in the report to you of June 18, 1937. There is no way for this office to determine which document would be of most interest to you.
Photostatic copies, negative and positive, of the application for pension of John Blake, dated April 1, 1818, and of his commission as ensign, will be furnished you for $1.50. Please make remittance as directed in office letter of June 18.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

June 18, 1937
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mrs. Russell Hastings 230 East 50th Street New York City
JOHN BLAKE S. 28648 BA-J/MLB
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letters in which you request to know the cost of photostatic copies of papers on file in the Revolutionary War pension claim based upon service of General John Blake of Massachusetts and Maine (1753-1842).
Photostatic copies of papers on file in Revolutionary War claim for pension, S. 28648, based upon service of John Blake, of Massachusetts, Ensign and Lieutenant (referred to also as General John Blake) will be furnished you at the rate of twenty-five cents a page. The number of pages to be copied is forty-six, making the cost $11.50.
Remittance should be made by money order drawn to the order of The Treasurer of the United States and mailed to the Veterans Administration, Arlington Building, Washington, D. C., upon receipt of which the copies will be made and mailed to you.
It may be stated that all papers in this claim will be examined and the data found in regard to service, residences, age, family, etc., of the above-named officer, incorporated in a report for you without charge. Such official reports furnished by this office have been accepted as authentic by various historical, patriotic and genealogical societies and possibly might be all you need in your research.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

Dec 28. 1848
John Blake.
Appl - 1. 1818. Brewer, me.
65.
res. Metham Mass at mil -
Appl - 19. 75 Sgt. ✓ 8mm
Jan 76 Sgt Capt Oliver Pond
Col. Jos. Reed 1yr
Jan 1 77 - Sns Capt Nathan Goodale
Col Rufus Putnam
March 80 Lieut 5mass
died Oct 24, 1780 -
bat K. D. Newton Inst Stillwater

230. East 50 th St. New York
My dear Mr. Heller,
Will you please send me the 1 April 1818 statement relative to his service, signed by John Blake, for which you have my cheque for 1.50.
Truly yours.
Katharine Hastings
(Mr. Russell Hastings)
27 Oct. 1937

Rev-1812
203
My dear Mr. Hiller.
May I have a neg- ative photostat please, of the application for pension of John Blake, Rev. War Pensioner (S-28648). It begins thus, I believe, and is dated July, 1820.
"To the Hon J. C. Calhoun, Req. Secretary at War at

Washington:            Agreeably to your statement of May 11, 1870, respecting pensioners. I beg leave to make to you honor a statement of some of the military services performed by myself during the War of the Revolution "etc etc".
I am puzzled by the difficulty you have had in selecting this document from the file. If it has been lost or mislaid. Will you please let me know, as nothing else is of interest to me. I do not wish to enter the D. A. R. through it. I merely want it as history. I am enclosing a cheque for 1.50 as you suggested.
Truly yours,
Katharine Hastings
(W m Russell Hastings)
29 Sept. 1937
enc ck 1.50 D. A. R.

My dear Mr. Wheeler,
Would you be so good as to let me know what the narrative alone in General Blake's papers (S. 28648), would cost, for a negative and positive photostat? I merely want his signed statement - rather lengthy it is, however, to present to the New York Historical Society in con.

nection with his masonic apron which I am giving him. Thanking you for your kind letter. I am,
Truly yours
Katharine Hastings
(Mrs. Russel Hastings)
3 July, 1937
New York

   ROUTED TO-  DATE      M. V. RUSSELL  JUN. 14 1937..                6     
Bureau of Archives Washington - D. C.
Gentlemen -
Will you please let me know at once what the cost would be of a negative photostat of the pension application of John Blake (1753-1842) a private, later ensign, of the Massachusetts Line? He was late in life Maj. Gen. John Blake of Maine.
A letter asking this same question sent to the Pension Bureau is still unanswered

and I would so very much appreciate your attention to
this-to me- urgent matter!
Truly yours,
Katharine Hastings
(Mrs Russell Hastings)
12 June, 1937
New York
RECEIVED JUN 14 9 11 AM '37 THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE MAIL ROOM

New York Bureau of Revolution and Pension Pencils etc.
Will you let me know please what the cost of a (photostat) negative would be of the statement by General John Blake of Maine of his services?
He was Ensign John Blake of the Massachusetts Line in the Revolution.
Truly yours
H. B. Hastings (Mr. Russell Hastings)

Providence, R.I. Nov. 5, 1928.
Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir;
Will you kindly inform me if the John Blake who claimed the Revolutionary record of John Blake of Wrentham, Mass. "Mass. Soldiers and Sailors of The Revolution." Vol. 2, page 131, and received a pension for that service, claimed all of that service as his?
My ancestor John Blake of Wrentham, Mass. born Feb. 8, 1748-9, married Jan. 10, 1771, and died May 31, 1813 in Wrentham, was also in the Revolutionary War and it is my opinion that part of that service at least belonged to him.
Thanking you in advance for the information, I am
Yours truly,
Mrs. Florence Kimball Stearns
Member of H. A. R.
34 Elmcrest Ave., Providence, R.I.

BLAKE &amp; WILSON
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
ROOMS 306, 307, 308 TAMA BUILDING
BURLINGTON, IOWA,
Department of Interior Pensions - Department of Interior Pensions -
NAVY JUL 3 1905 FILES.
Would you oblige me by letting me know if you can find the record of there being such an Officer in the Revolutionary Army as Henry Tibbetts. He lived in Maine, and I sup- pose enlisted there.
Also is there a John Blake (State of Maine) among the soldiers?
Any information you give me will be greatly appreciated. Enclose stamped & self addressed envelope.
Sincerely, Lucia Blake Wilson (Mrs. Harold J. Wilson)
June 29-1905

Mamm.
Mr. B. B.
Brewer
9162
Not mentioned
Bangor, Me

STATE OF MAINE.
COUNTY OF PENOBSCOT, ss. A Circuit Court of Common Pleas, begun & held at Bangor, within & for said County, on the fourth Tuesday of June A.D. 1820.
ON this twenty seven the day of June in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and twenty, personally appeared in open court, being a court of record within and for said County, and State of Maine, established by a law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, made and passed on the eleventh  twenty first day of June, A. D. 1811, and recognized by the Constitution of the State of Maine, John Blake aged, sixty seven years, resident in Brewer in said County of Penobscot, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary war as follows; viz t , as an Ensign in the Company commanded by Captain Vathan Goodale , in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Rufus Putnam , in the Massachusetts line, the first of January in the year 1777, until March 1780; when I received a Lieutenant's Commission, that was taken from me by a Corps of Refugees, and which last Commission I resigned on the 14 th of October 1780; and was thereupon discharged. All which will more fully appear by my original Declaration made on the first day of April A.D. 1810; on which declaration my Certificate of Pension, numbered 9162, was granted. I served at the battle of Long Island in 1776; and at the battle of Trenton in 1776; Also both battles preceding the capture of Burgoyne; and sundry other engagements.

AND I John Blake do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the eighteenth day of March one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War," passed on the eighteenth day of March one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me: nor have I any income, other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
(Signed) Jn o Blake Schedule of all the estate belonging to me the subscriber necessary bedding & cloathing excepted.
Schedule of the family residing with me John Blake , who am by occupation an Husbandman, which I am now unable to pursue by reason of the infirmities of years. My wife Mary, aged 50 years, who is very feeble Grandson John B. Hayes , aged 11 years Granddaughter Sally B. Hayes " " " } Orphans, & wholly dependent on me for support, and both of feeble health. (Signed) John Blake
said Court, that the total amount in value of the property enumerated in the schedule, is five hundred fifty six dollars and . cents.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this twenty seventh day of June A. D. 1820.
Thos. Cobb Clerk
of the said Court for the County of Penobscot.

AND I John Blake do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the eighteenth day of March one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War," passed on the eighteenth day of March one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me: nor have I any income, other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
(Signed) Jn. Blake Schedule of all the estate belonging to me the subscriber necessary bedding & cloathing excepted.
Real Estate. 20 acres improved land with house and barn.
Personal Estate. 1 pair oxen - 2 Cows - 9 sheep - 1 mare & colts - 2 Swine - 1 yearling Bull.
Farming utensils; a scanty supply for necessary use of my farm.
Household furniture; a small supply for my family -
Debts due to me, $107, one hundred seven dollars Debts owing by me $65, eight hundred sixtyfive cents .
(Signed) John Blake I swear to and declare on the twenty seventh day of June A.D. 1820, before the courts. Attest. Thos Cobb Clk.
I, THOMAS COBB, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Third Eastern Circuit, in the County of Penobscot and State of Maine, do hereby certify that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the records of the said Court: And I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is five hundred fifty six dollars and . cents.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this twenty seventh day of June A. D. 1820.
Thos. Cobb Clerk
of the said Court for the County of Penobscot.

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section NAHF/eel
January 25, 1929
Mrs. Florence Kimball Stearns 34 Elmorest Avenue Providence, Rhode Island
Madam:
I advise you relative to the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.28648, of John Blake of Wrentham, Massachusetts, that in the original papers on file in his application for pension he did not claim any service in Captain Samuel Cowell's Company, Colonel Benjamin Hawes' Massachusetts Regiment as shown on page 131, Volume 11, "Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors", credited to one John Blake of Wrentham.
The Revolutionary War records of this bureau fail to afford any information in regard to John Blake who was born February 8, 1748, or 1749, married January 10, 1771 and died May 31, 1813 in Wrentham, Massachusetts.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.
BLAKE, JOHN (MASS.) S 28648

All inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No. 29690
Requisition for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON
CHIEF, Division of Publications, Room G 137.
February 6, 1940.
Please furnish work specified below.
Bureau ordering Pension Deliver to Room No. 5033
(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE, EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)
Title and description of job photostatic copies of 3 pages from Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 28648 of John Blake, Mass. Troops.
No. of copies 1 of each Shall form be kept standing? _____ days
For further information see Mrs. M. M. H. Finch Room No. 5033 Phone No. 541
Approved: _____ Chief Clerk of Bureau. _____ Chief of Branch or Division XXXXX
NOTE: No order made "SPECIAL" unless statement showing necessity is written below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering
CHECK WORK DESIRED
Duplicate  Multigraph _____ single or double space? _____ Facsimile signature? _____  Mimeograph _____ one side or both sides? _____ Facsimile signature? _____  Folding _____ once or twice? _____  Assembling _____  Stapling _____ Once? _____ Twice? _____ Side? _____ End? _____  Electric typewriter _____ Fill in addresses? _____ Dated? _____  Addressograph from lists _____    Envelopes, size _____  _____  Cards, size _____  _____    Proof list _____  _____  Pay rolls _____  _____    Labels (submit sample) _____  _____  Corrections _____  _____    Fill in letters _____  _____  Tabulation sheets _____  _____  
  Photostat Size actual  Official use? _____  Repay? yes  $ .45    Blue Print _____ Size _____  Official use? _____  Repay? _____  $ _____  
Remarks _____ BLAKE, JOHN (MASS) S 28648 (OVER)

NOTE: Routine changes of addresses may be made on this blank without formal reference through or initialing of chiefs of branches or chief clerks of bureaus.
.....192 .
(Date)
INDICATE BY AN X IN PROPER SQUARE ACTION TO BE TAKEN.
Make new addressograph plate
Change present addressograph plate
Destroy present addressograph plate
On list.....
as follows:
Now reads            1 ..... 2 ..... 3 ..... 4 ..... 5 .....
Should read        1 ..... 2 ..... 3 ..... 4 ..... 5 .....
FOR USE OF DUPLICATING AND ADDRESSING SECTION
ADDRESSOGRAPH
The above change was made ..... 192 .
Operator .....
MULTIGRAPH
Operator ..... Date ..... Type set by ..... Date .....
Remarks: .....
MIMEOGRAPH
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Providence, R.I. Jan. 28, 1929.
Mr. Winfield Scott Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir;
Your letter of the 25th. adviseing me that the Revolutionary War pension claim S.28648, of John Blake of Wrentham, Massachusetts, did not cover all of the service under that name in "Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors."
Will you send me a photostat copy of his original paper covering exact service record he claimed.
Will appreciate a prompt reply.
Yours truly,
Mrs. Florence Kimball Stearns
34 Elmcres Ave., Providence, R.I.
BLAKE, JOHN (MASS) S 28648

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section MMHF/eel
January 31, 1929
Mrs. Florence Kimball Stearns 34 Elmerest Avenue Providence, Rhode Island
Madam:
I advise you that photostatic copies of original papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim of John Blake, S. 28648, relative to his service will be furnished you upon request at the rate of fifteen cents a page with twenty-five cents extra for certification if that is desired.
The number of pages to be copied is three.
The proper amount should be forwarded to this bureau by money order drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Interior.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.
Soldier's affid. dated July 12, 1832 - 2 pages His wife - 1818 - 1 "
1 3/4 2 1/2 70
BLAKE, JOHN (MASS) S 28648

in to file to
M.O.# 20,895 - 70 cents FINANCE DIVISION BOOK-KEEPER'S DESK FEB 5 1929 BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Providence, R.I. Feb. 4, 1929
Mr. Winfield Scott Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir;
Enclosed find money order for seventy cents to cover cost of photostatic copy of original papers in Rev. War pension claim of John Blake of Wrentham, Mass. S. 28648 and certification of same, as per your letter of January 31st.
Yours truly,
Mrs. Florence Kimball Stearns
54 Elmcroft Ave., Providence, R.I.
Feb. 13 to file
BLAKE, JOHN (MASS) S. 28648