Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 25,281, Jonathan Britton, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Britton, Jonathan Beulah
W 25,281
CONTENTS

Reported J. P. Andeman Sept 27. 1844, Paper Copy by O. D. Root for Land Agent of me age 3 rd 1845
Maine 32.036
Jonathan Britton
of Cumberland Co. in the State of Maine who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Miller of the regt. commanded by Col. Nore in the line for 2 years.
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 80 Dollars ————— Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 th day of April 1843 and sent to Joseph Pope Portland, Maine
  Arrears to the 4th of March 1843  $960:00    Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept. "  40:00         $1000:00  
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. } { Act of 3. March 1843. }
Recorded by D Brown Clerk, Book C. Vol. 1. Page 6.

1214
Name
Beulah Britton widow of Jonathan Britton who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Reported
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of $0. Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17. day of August 1848. and sent to
Samuel P. Anderson Otisfield Maine
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 2 Vol. 1.

District of Maine 88.
On this 24 th day of October in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and forty five personally appeared before the Hon Ashur Ware judge of the U. S. for the District of Maine Beulah Brittain widow of Jonathan Brittain aged 80 years and upwards who upon oath makes the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the act of June 17 th 1844.
And this declarant states that her husband Jonathan Brittain was a soldier of the Revolution and that he was placed upon the pension list of the State of Maine by special act of legislation sometime in the year 1843 as she believes, at the rate of eighty dollars per annum, which pension commenced on the 4 th of March A.D. 1831. and continued to the time of his death, as will appear by the records of the pension office to which she refers.
And this declarant states that she was married to Jonathan Brittain by George Peabody Esq. on the 30 th day of September A.D. 1785. that her husband the said Jonathan Brittain died at Oldfield on the 26 th day of November

A.D. 1844 and that she has remained a widow ever since that time as will appear by the testimony hereto annexed about a year. Below X B. B. B. man
Signed & sworn to before me this 24th Oct. 1891
Asa Wren

Memoranda. The certificate of the Judge of Probate showing the time of the death of Jonathan Britain was obtained by me the subscriber and was filed at the Pension Agents office in Portland at the time the arrear of Jonathan Britain's pension was drawn. This officer also states that he attended the funeral of Jonathan Britain in Olifield and according to his best recollection he died on the 26 th day of November, 1844. Beulah Britain is now a widow.
Samuel P. Anderson
Cumbuland 55. October 22 nd 1875 Then appeared Samuel P. Anderson known to me to be a person of truth and veracity and made oath to the truth of the above memoranda by him subscribed
Before me. F. Bradford Justice of the Peace

Letter of Mr Pope relative to Pension under act of 1832
J. Colborne Bosc, Counsel of Pension.
Washington D.C.

Portland, Me., July 18. 1839.
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comm r of Pensions }
Sir, Agreeably to what I stated, when I had the pleasure of being introduced to you at Washington, I now forward the application of Mr Jon s Britton for a pension since the 1 st June 7. 1832. — with such evidence as you told me would be required relative to his having before applied for a pension, and also incorporating in his statement the particulars respecting his return to the service in Jan y 1781, shewing it to have been voluntary. — The manner in which he left it, tho' not justifiable in him, may yet be allowed some palliation by reason of the representation made to him by others relative to his orphan brother and sister, his father having died since he had left home. But as he returned and was received again as a soldier, and that fact appearing by proof from the records, that fault I think will be considered as healed. — Mr Andersen's deposition will prove his having before applied for a pension, and also that he sustains such a character as entitles his statement under oath to full credit. —
The deception practised upon him

by Jones, a subaltern officer, in causing him to leave the Army the second time, completely exonerates him from blame, as it was without any intention or design on his part to leave the service. — On finding afterwards that he had been deceived by Jones, and well supposing that he might be treated as a deserter, as Jones told him he would if he returned, he waited for the proclamation to deserters (which was usually made once a year) to return under a pardon. That pardon being soon after proclaimed, he did not return. — If that part of his Statement is true, he could not and would not have been judged guilty or deserving punishment, and of course could have incurred no forfeiture. — He has been uniform in that declaration ever since he left the service; to prove which I forward the affidavits of Enoch Spurr and Joseph Wight, who have often heard him speak of Jones' deception, when he had nothing to fear or expect which could induce him to state a falsehood. — He is now an old man, suffering under dropsical and other bodily complaints that are extremely painful, and of which there is no prospect of his ever being relieved — Under these circumstances he makes oath to the truth of his Statement. — In addition to Mr Andrews' deposing, the affidavits of all who know him, as to his respectability and creditability, could be produced if it were necessary. — I think therefore that the only question that can arise is whether or not, the old man is to be believed. —

The pension law under which his claim is presented, makes no exception, nor places any bar against his claim. And would not a law passed so long after, and intended for the present benefit of those now in the decline of life, who were engaged in the Revolutionary contest, be too harshly construed to raise by implication a forfeiture of its benefit, where no such forfeiture is expressed, and more especially where the offence, incurring such implied forfeiture, had not been knowingly committed. Mr Britton served more than four years, and suffered the hardships and privations which were common to the army in the places where he served.
It is now, Sir, for you to say whether or not he is entitled to that benefit from the pension law, which others are receiving, who served less, and suffered less, and are no more deserving.
I am Sir very respectfully Yours Joseph Pope
P.S. Please forward to me a certificate of pension for him, if his claim is allowed J.P.

See a Britten Engr
1780
1780
1780

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
MAINE DISTRICT SS.
At a Special District Court of the United States begun and holden at Portland, within and for said District, on the Twenty ninth day of September A. D. eighteen hundred and thirty- two before the Honorable ASHUR WARE, Judge of said Court.
On this Twenty ninth day of September aforesaid, personally appeared in open Court before said District Judge Jonathan Britton a resident of Otisfield in the county of Lincoln in said Maine District, aged Seventy one 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 War of the Revolution at Hanesborough in the County of Berkshire in the State of Massachusetts in February 1778 - in the Company commanded by Capt. Jer. Miller. marched to Valley Forge in Pennsylvania & then joined the first Massachusetts Regt commanded by Col. Jas. Vose. from Valley Forge he marched with the Army after the British ever took them at Newbern when the battle was fought. After that battle he was marched to Rhode Island & was in the engagement in that Island under Sullivan. then marched back to Providence & then wintered from Providence in the early summer of 1779 and marched to Redbank & then moved out the two years. That is, at Redbank & the vicinity when the duty of the Army called him. He was here in Massachusetts in Massachusetts in Jan y 30 th 1761 & moved to Otisfield in 1782 - when he has ever since resided.
That he has no record of his age same in the Army & he knows that was taken at Providence by his Lieutenant Eben t Williams.
he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on any pension roll of any agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the agency in the State of
on  Britton
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. Before
Asher Ware
U. S. Judge for the District of Maine.

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatives prescribed by the War Department) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states
I, John Nussey Clerk of the District Court of the United States for Maine District, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Jonathan Britton for a pension. And that John Melanson Esquire who took the annexed depositions of John H. Smith , Israel Buel & Jonathan Britton is a Justice of the Peace duly qualified & that his official attestations are entitled to full faith & credit
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this sixth day of November A. D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two
John Nussey
{ Clerk of the U. States District Court for Maine District.

Key  WIDOW, &c.
File No. 25281  Jan
Beulah Britton
Wid. of
Jonathan Britton
Prin. New Nat
Act: Feb 2 nd 1848.
Index:—Vol. A , Page 92
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Matthew Brittain me Reg. Act 1832.
These papers were on the file of the Pension Office when the claim was allowed by Special Act of Congress - not C. P. or land agent of man.

Maine
Jonathan Britton
See let. to Jos. Pope Aug. 27. 1839 to Rev. A. K. Parris Oct. 8. 1839 to Jos. Pope 14. Sep. 1841 " same 25 Sep 1841 " same " Oct 1841 ✓ " Rev. J. Norman Dec. 29. 41 " Wm W. P. Dufresne Jan 18. 1842.
Act 7 th June, 1832.

Maine.
Letter to H. Bradford July, 13, 48
Beulah Britton, widow of Jonathan Britton, who was a private, in the Massachusetts line,
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars or Cents per annum, to commence on the 18th day of March, 1844. 26th November, 1844.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of Dec: 1844 and sent to H. Bradford Portland Maine
[Act of JUNE 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book
1 - page 1

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
SECRETARY'S DEPARTMENT,
April 12 th 1820
BY THIS I CERTIFY, That it appears by public, official documents remaining in this Department, that Jonathan Britton served as a Soldier in Capt. Miller's Company, and Col. Vose's Regiment, (being one of the Regiments in the Massachusett's Line, and on the Continental Establishment,) in the American Army, in the War of the Revolution, from Feb. 10 th 1778 1779 to Sept. 30 th 1780, being two years and seven months & 20 days - enlisted for the war - deserted Sept. 30 th 1780, but returned & joined the regiment Jan'y. 1781
Wlden Bradford
Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

HR 628
IN SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES.
FEBRUARY 3, 1843.
Ordered to be printed.—To accompany bill H. R. 628.
Mr. BATES submitted the following
REPORT :
The Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 628) for the relief of Jonathan Britton, report :
The petitioner, now a citizen of the State of Maine, enlisted, at the age of sixteen, for three years, as a private soldier in the army of the Revolution. He served from the 10th of February, 1778, to the 30th of September, 1780, when, both his parents having died since his enlistment, leaving three other children younger than himself, the petitioner left the service and returned home, as he says, to see these survivors of his family, and to take some care of them in their destitute condition. In consequence, he was noted on the roll of the army as a deserter. The committee have uniformly acted upon the principle that desertion not only violates the contract of service and annuls the claim to wages, but forfeits the gratuity or bounty which the law has provided. But in the petitioner's case, it further appears, from the same roll of the army, that, after an absence of about three months, he " returned and joined the army ," and completed the term of his enlistment, and was paid for his services at the rate of forty shillings a month. What thus, on account of his youth, his bereft condition, or other cause, seems to have been forgiven him at the time, the committee do not think it would be right to revive and register against him now, in bar of his pension.
After three years of service, the petitioner enlisted again, during the war, and served until October, 1782. The regiment to which he belonged was then stationed at a place called Perie's bridge. In his declaration he states that two men were detached from each company to go to Danbury, in Connecticut, for some pipe-clay (an article used in the cleansing of muskets), and that Jeremiah Jones, a corporal, and himself were detached from his company for that purpose; that he then could neither read nor write; that, at Danbury, Jones told him he had a pass for them to go forty miles further for another object, and showed him a paper, which he said was to that effect. Some time after they left Danbury, Jones told him his purpose was to go home to the county of Berkshire, in Massachusetts, where they both belonged, and that he had no pass, and that he (the petitioner) must either go with him, or, if he returned to the army, be punished as a deserter. Finding himself in this situation, he concluded to go on, intending to return under the proclamation which General Washington usually issued in the fall of each year. He also states that the reason he did not immediately return was that he wished to carry with him proof of Jones's deception, either by his
Thomas Allen, print.

written acknowledgment, or something to show the fact, but this he could not procure. Peace came, there was no proclamation, and he never rejoined the army. These facts he states under oath, and further that he had no purpose to leave the service when, without fault on his part, he found himself in a situation in which he durst not return to it unless under the shield of a proclamation. When he could thus return, it was fully his purpose to do so, which purpose was defeated by the peace.
The rolls of the army furnish no note or other evidence of the petitioner's delinquency in this respect. His own voluntary statement is the only evidence against him. Upon a common rule of charity, therefore, as well as a known principle of law, his whole statement is to be received to exculpate, as well as to criminate him. Moreover, there are two witnesses, aged men, worthy of entire credit, who testify that, long before the passage of the pension laws, and before the present inducement to misrepresentation existed, the manner in which the petitioner had been deceived and decoyed from the army by Jones, was frequently and familiarly talked of and believed. The petitioner himself is a man of unquestionable respectability and character, having, for many years, filled the highest offices in the town in which he lives, and repeatedly represented it in the Legislature of his State. Independent of other ample testimony before the committee, it will be sufficient to refer to the statements of Albion K. Parris and John Anderson, late members of Congress, and gentlemen well known. Mr. Parris says he has been personally acquainted with the petitioner since 1803, and "does most fully certify that he believes him to be a man of honesty, and good reputation for truth and veracity; and that he should place the most implicit reliance upon any statement made by him, as well without, as with the sanction of an oath." Mr. Anderson says the petitioner has ever sustained the character of an honorable and strictly honest man. He has repeatedly been honored with responsible trusts by his fellow-townsmen in the State Legislature and in town affairs. "From my own knowledge of the man," he says, "I have entire belief in the truth of his statement."
The petitioner is now eighty years of age. From other cause than the usual infirmity of his years, he is disabled, and he is poor. He served in the continental army between four and five years. He was a good soldier, and fought in many important battles. It was undoubtedly his duty, when Jones disclosed to him the deception he had practised upon him, to have returned to the army. Yet it may well be believed that a youth of his age, not then twenty-one, might have been appalled at the danger of his own condition, and, through fear to encounter, might have been tempted to escape it in a wrong way. The committee find some apology for the act he committed in not returning, in the temptation to which he was wrongfully exposed in his youth, and in his desolate condition in the world; and some evidence in his long revolutionary service, in his good conduct since, and in his respectability of character now, that he was not a recreant and corrupt soldier, who had forfeited his claim to the bounty of his country. They, therefore, report the bill, without amendment, and recommend its passage.

see p. 100
Paper read to Hon. J.
Thomasa H. R.
Dec. 29. 1841

Maine
Jonathan Milton
rejected
(deserted)
Letter to Rev. Morse
Feb. 4. 1834
Mark

Bill 152
27th CONGRESS, 2d Session.
Rep. No. 106.
HO. OF REPS.
JONATHAN BRITTON.
[To accompany bill H. R. No. 152.]
————— FEBRUARY 9, 1842. —————
Mr. FORNANCE, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, made the following
REPORT :
The Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, to whom the petition of Jonathan Britton, of Otisfield, Cumberland county, State of Maine, was referred, report :
That, by the declaration of said Jonathan Britton, and some other papers, it appears that he served more than two years in the army of the Revolution; and that the War Department refused him a pension under the act of June 7, 1832, because it appeared from his papers that he had deserted.
The certificate of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts proves that Jonathan Britton was a private in Captain Miller's company, Colonel Vose's regiment, from the 10th February, 1778, to the 31st December, 1779, being 22 months 11 days; and that he served as a private from Lanesboro', in Vose's regiment, from January 1, 1780, to September 30, 1780, being 9 months: making, together, 2 years 7 months and 11 days. The certificate also states that he deserted on the said 30th September, 1780, and returned and joined the regiment in January, 1781. Whatever may have been the cause of his desertion on the 30th of September, 1780, the committee are of opinion that the act of June, 1832, was designed to allow pensions for services actually performed; and, as said Jonathan Britton served, beyond question, more than two years in the army of the Revolution, the committee recommend that he be allowed a pension under the act of June 7, 1832, and report the accompanying bill.

628
27th CONGRESS, 3d Session.
Rep. No. 7.
HO. OF REPS.
JONATHAN BRITTON.
[To accompany bill H. R. No. 628.]
DECEMBER 27, 1842.
Mr. FORNANCE, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, made the following
REPORT
The Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, to whom the petition of Jonathan Britton was referred, report:
That they examined his papers during the last session of Congress, and reported in favor of his claim. At that time there was before the committee a certificate from the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, bearing date May 23, 1839, from which it appeared that said Jonathan Britton had served more than two years in the war of the Revolution; that, after having served more than two years, he deserted, and after his desertion he returned, and joined his regiment. It was then the opinion of the committee that his length of service entitled him to a pension, and that his desertion should not deprive him of it; and if it should, that his returning to and joining his regiment again ought to remove every objection to his claim.
At this time, the committee have before them another certificate from the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, bearing date August 10, 1842. This certificate strangely differs from the former certificate in several particulars, but agrees as to the fact of the claimant serving more than two years, of his desertion, and of his subsequent return to his regiment. The committee therefore report a bill.

H R 152
IN SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES.
MARCH 22, 1842.
Ordered to be printed.—To accompany bill H. R. 152.
Mr. GRAHAM submitted the following
REPORT :
The Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill from the House of Representatives (No. 152), "for the relief of Jonathan Britton," report :
That the only question in the case is, whether a man, confessedly in a state of desertion, at the close of the war of the Revolution, can be allowed a pension. The committee have no hesitation in answering in the negative,, and submit a motion that the bill be indefinitely postponed.
Thomas Allen, print.

Satisfactory evidence must be produced, by the testimony, on oath, of two or more disinterested and credible witnesses, Certified as such, by the judge, proving that the applicant is the person noted on the rolls of Col. Vose's reg t by the name of John Britton , that, after desertion, he re-joined the regiment, and served in the same Q mo . in continuance afterwards.
Jonathan Britton of the name of Cumberland co. Maine 17. June, 1818.
Col. Vose's reg t Massachusetts line, Feb y . 1778 — 3 years.
A person of the name of John Britton appears on the rolls of Col. Vose's reg t . Massach ts line, as having re-enlisted in 1779, deserted in Sept r . 1780, and not afterwards joined the regiment.
R. C. Vose
Augusta Maine
The witness on this is not entitled to it.

11 Dec. 1832
Jas L. Edwards Esq Pension Department

Huron of Vaucluse Dec 2 18 th 1832
Sir. I have sent you the application of Jonathan Britton Esq r for a pension as it is the last case I have & has been delayed by overlooking his papers. I respectfully would urge its early examination. The testimony of Gen John R Smith who was a Captain in the Revolution is now a pensioner, fully proves the service - as does also a friend who was a private & is also a pensioner - Your early attention to this with the other cases I have submitted will confer a great favour
Very respectfully Sir, Yours obedient Servt John Anderson
Genl L. Edwards Esq r Pension Department.

FR. 628.
Jonathan Britton.
Lt to the Pope Mar 15 1843.

FREE
Yates
Hon. William P. Fessenden, U.S. Rep to Congress Washington, D.C.

Portland Dec. 27. 1842
Hon. William P. Fessenden
Dear Sir,
Your favor of the 20 th inst. I have recd. I have been to Boston and seen Mr. Bigelow & have procured another certificate of John Brittons service, carefully made which states all the service mentioned in the first certificate, and the last service stated in the second which was found on the rolls of Captain Cushing's Co. after the first certificate was made. — At the time I applied for the second certificate, I also requested one to be made of the service of one Samuel Doten, and I was present when minutes were taken from the rolls for the purpose of making out from them the service of Britton and Doten both. — The service of Doten commenced in March 1777. — and the only way that the error in Brittons 2 d Certificate can be accounted for is that in making the two certificates from the minutes, the commencement of Dotens service was erroneously put in the certificate for Britton, and the whole of Brittons service in 1780 — and his mark of desertion in Sept. of that year were accidentally omitted. — I got a new certificate I recollect for Doten because the first was wrong. —
Mr Bigelow will not give any certificate as to errors, without seeing the erroneous paper — but he does not hesitate to say that any former certificate of Brittons service signed by him

varying from the one I now forward dated Dec. 26, 1842 (except as to the additional service in Capt. Burhings Co) is erroneous, because it does not agree with the rolls - and it was to the date of his desertion in Sept. 1780 - which was omitted to be inserted in the 2 d certificate, that reference should have been made in saying "that at the last date he is marked as deserted."
I think the Hon. Committee will be satisfied that the certificate I now forward is a correct one - and that no evidence exists on the rolls that Button ever deserted more than once, as marked in Sept. 1780 - and that he returned to the army and served as stated in the certificate. There is therefore no evidence as to the manner of his leaving the army in 1782, but what is derived from his own story, which candor would require should be wholly taken together, or wholly rejected - His credibility is not only supported by the affidavits of his principal townsmen, but also by the affidavit or certificate of Hon. A. K. Paris, who was long known him, and which I gave you before you last left Portland. The erroneous certificate I should like to have returned, or cancelled and not to accompany the papers to the Senate - I hope the Hon. Committee will report all the facts stated in the new certificate - and also that Button's own story as to the manner of his leaving the army is entitled to credit & belief if they should be of that opinion - I dare, would it be improper for you to confer a little with some of the Committee on the part of the Senate? - If that Committee report favorably I think the old man's claim will be allowed. -
Yours truly, Joseph Pope

I Israel Sweet of Portland in the County of Cumberland & State of Maine aged Seventy three years in oath declare that I was a soldier in the Revolutionary war for three years & served the whole time in Col Joseph Paine's Regt in Genl Glencoe's Brigade & in Capt George Smith's Company. I am well acquainted with Jonathan Britton of Otisfield & testify that said Britton was a soldier in the said Paine Regt, that said Britton joined said Regt at Valley Forge & then in the Spring of 1778 & was with us in all our movements while I remained in the Army & when I left the service at the end of my enlistment which was then the first of Jan y 1780 I left said Britton still in the service & how long he remained after that I do not know Israel Sweet
Cumberland ss. Oct 3 rd 1832 Subscribed & sworn to before me John Underwood Just Peace
I hereby certify that said Sweet is a credible witness for the Plaintiff Just Peace -

I John R. Smith of Portland in the County of Cumberland & State of Maine aged Seventy eight years in faith declare that in 1778 I was a captain in the war of the Revolution & was attached to Col. Wigglesworth's Reg't & was afterwards a captain in the corps of light artillery under Genl. Lafayette. I continued in the service until 1783. I am certain that Jonathan Butter was of Oldfield in said County was a soldier at Valley Forge in 1778 & was with the army under Sullivan at Rhode Island & went into winter quarters at Providence & here much larger he found & do not know as he never belonged to my company or Reg't he being in Genl. West's but from the circumstances related by said Butter & from his perfectly good character I have no doubt but he served more than two years. I further say that I have been well acquainted with said Butter since I left the Army, having lived several years in a neighboring town to him & have ever had an excellent character given him for truth, industry & good judgment & he has been a member of the Legislature of this State -
John R. Smith
Cumberland ss. Sept 29. Subscribed & sworn to, before me: Isaac Smith my commission expires June 1800 just peace.

I John Knight of Windham in the County Cumberland & State of Maine yeoman aged fifty nine years, testify and say that I was a soldier upwards of six years in the war of the American Revolution on the continental establishment, that I belonged to Col Hovey's Regi- ment No 1 st Massachusetts for my last three years, which were the last three years of the war Capt. Hitchcock was my first capt & Williams the last during those three years. I further testify that Jonathan Britton now of Otisfield in the afore- said County was with me in my company during those three years, & I saw him daily. He was was as good a soldier as ever took gun in hand. I further say that he was indiscriminately called John Jack & Jonathan during those three years. I further testify that he was the only soldier in our regiment by the name of Britton — I believe his name on the roll was John — and further your deponent saith not.
his John + Knight mark
Windham Jan'y 10 th 1821 - Cumberland ss Jan'y 10 th 1821
This may certify that John Knight the above deponent appeared before me & made oath to the truth of the facts contained in the above deposition & that he is a man of unimpeachable veracity and entitled to credit as a witness. in my opinion Howard Jus. Peace

State of Maine
Cumberland ss - I the subscriber Clerk of the Courts in said County, do hereby certify that Hezekiah Frost before whom the within deposition was taken & sworn to is a justice of the peace and was duly authorized to administer oaths in such cases at the time of taking the within deposition
In testimony whereof I do hereto subscribe my name and affix the seal of said Court this _____ day of February 1821

William Haines of North-Yarmouth in the State of Maine on oath declare, that I was a private in the company company commanded by Capt. Mitchell of the first Massachusetts Regiment commanded by Col. Joseph Vose of the army the Revolution in the year 1781. That Mr. Jonathan Britton of Otisfield in the County of Androscoggin was a private in the same company in the year 1780 & that he the said Britton rejoined said company & served in it the latter part of the year 1781 & the whole of 1782 and that he was the only man in said company of the name of Britton or to my knowledge in the Regiment.
Witness Jerh. Puley
William his  mark Haines mark
Concluded ss. January 30- 1821. Then the above named William Haines personally made oath to the truth of the above before me Jeremiah Perley Justice of the Peace

Enoch Spurr of Oldfield County of Cumberland State of Maine, aged Seventy eight Years do hereby and say that I have long been well acquainted with Jonathan Britton of Oldfield and was in the Revolutionary Army with him - and I further say that more than fifty years ago I heard said Britton state how he was deceived by Samuel Jones, a corporal, who went with him and others to Danbury after paper clay for the use of the Regiment by telling him he had a pass to go for a longer time & distance - and show him a writing purporting to be a pass - and in consequence of which he did return with said Jones to their homes. and that said pass or paper was a forgery and that said Britton has always been uniform in that statement. I have heard him speak of Jones having deceived him a great many times - before any pension law in favor of Revolutionary Soldiers was ever passed by Congress. -
Enoch Spurr
State of Maine
Cumberland County ss. July 5 th 1839. - Subscribed and sworn to before me - and I certify, that the said deponent is a credible and respectable witness - Joseph Pope, Jur. of the Peace

State of Maine Cumberland ss:
I Charles Cobb Clerk of all the Judicial Courts in said County certify, that Amos Nichols and Joseph Pope are Magistrates as appears within, and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine—
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the District Court for the Western District, this eighth day of July A.D. 1839.
Charles Cobb Clerk

I, Joseph Wight of Raymond in the County of Cumberland, State of Maine aged Eighty years, Depose and say, that I am well acquainted with Jonathan Britton of Otisfield, and have known him for fifty six years past. I have heard him speak often of the War of the Revolution - and that he & Corporal Jeremiah Jones were detached from their company to go to Danbury after pipe clay - and that he and said Jones left the Army and came home together - I had this conversation with him more than fifty years ago - and I have heard him speak hard of Jones, for he said he did not like him for lying - he said that he said Jones said he had a pass to go home - according to the best of my recollection - This was what I heard him say many years ago before any pension act was passed by Congress - Joseph Wight
State of Maine Cumberland ss. July 5th. 1839 - Subscribed & sworn to before me, and I certify that said Joseph Wight is a credible and respectable witness - Joseph Pope, Jus. of the Peace

Petition of Jonathan Brittain for a pension.
Dec. 14 1841 Ref d to the Committee on Rev. d Pensions
Feb. y 9 1842 - Bill N o 152
Dec r 12. 1842 Ref d to Comm ee  Rev. Pensions
Dec. 27 1842 Bill — N o 628
W. P. Fessenden 8 Rev Pen

To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled;
Jonathan Brittain of Otisfield in the State of Maine most respectfully begs leave to represent, That early in the War of the Revolution when about sixteen years of age, he enlisted for three years (being the first three years service so called,) and served the whole of the year 1778 and 1779. in the Company commanded by Capt: Miller and in Col: Vose's Regiment. In 1780 he was transferred to a company of light Infantry commanded by Capt: Cushing, and served in said Company till September of that year, when on hearing of the death of his father (his mother having died before), he did unadvisedly leave the army and went home to Lanesboro' to see how it fared with a young brother and sister for whom he felt anxious, and was absent two or three months; and then returned again to the army, and his youthful indiscretion was pardoned, and he was received into his Company, and served out the three years for which he had enlisted. That he afterwards enlisted again for during the war and served until into October of the year 1782. That in said month of October, a corporal of his Company named Jones, practised a deception upon him by means of a forged pass, leading him to believe that they were detached with others from the Regiment to go to Danbury

in Connecticut, after fipe day for the use of the Regiment, and that the pass permitted them to go forty miles farther, giving them an opportunity to visit their friends in Lanesboro'. That at that time he could not write or read writing, and supposing that the pass which Jones showed him was genuine, he went with him and was not undeceived until they had been many days absent, when on his proposing to return, Jones told him it was a forgery, and that it was his object to leave the army. — Your petitioner however intended to return under the expected proclamation of General Washington which he had been in the habit of issuing every fall; but but instead of that proclamation, peace was declared, and he did not return — That he served in the army nearly five years under both enlistments, and suffered all the priv- ations and hardships incident to soldiers in the army. And believing that his service under either of said enlistments, would entitle him to his pension of Eighty dollars per annum under the Act of Congress passed June 7. 1832, entitled an Act supplementary to "an act for the relief of certain surviving Officers & Soldiers of the Revolution", he has made application for the benefits of said Act, but the Commissioner of pensions has disallowed his claim, and informed him that his only resource is by petition to Congress. He is now old & infirm, and beside suffering from the common infirmities of age, is rendered almost helpless by a bad rupture of his body.
He therefore prays that the benefits of said Act of Congress may be extended to him. And as in duty bound will ever pray.
Jonathan Brethren

Pension Office September 14. 1841
Sir,
I have examined the statement of Mr. Jonathan Brillion, and find that he admits the fact of his having left the service in 1782, although his time was not out. Our records show it to have been in Sept. 1780. The time however is of no importance, so long as the fact itself exists. By that act he is precluded by the provisions of the law, from receiving a pension. His only resource will be by Petition to Congress.
I am respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
J L Edwards
Joseph Pope, Esq. Portland,

The following papers are with the Commissioner of pensions - viz:
1. Jonathan Brittain's declaration under the act June 7. 1832. for a pension. 2. A second declaration, as an amendment. 3. Certificate of the Secretary of War at Hartford, Ct. showing his release to the army after he left in Sept. 1780 - 4. A particular statement of Mr. Brittain respecting his birth, age, and his services in the army, which he omitted to sign, but signed the letter or envelop in which it was enclosed to me by himself. - 5. My written argument which was forwarded with the last mentioned statement - which several papers, I hope that the Committee will please to have the goodness to examine.
Joseph Pape -

34.867-
Jonathan Britton
Maine
Act d June '32

State of Maine - Cumberland County -
I, Jonathan Britton of Otisfield in the County and State aforesaid, having on the fourth day of July 1839 - before the Hon. Ezekiel Whitman, Judge of the Circuit Court of Maine, for the Western Circuit, made and subscribed my declaration for a pension under the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. - and having omitted in my said declaration to state the particular length of the several terms of time for which I enlisted, Do now state, as an amendment of my said declaration, That in January 1778, I enlisted in Capt. Jeremiah Millers Company and in Col. Joseph Vose Regiment for the term of three years - That he continued to serve in said Company till the last of Sept. r 1780 - when he left the Army as stated in his said declaration, and returned and joined the Army the first of January 1781, and served out the three years, for which he had enlisted - That in the year 1781. after his first term of service was completed he again enlisted for during the war and continued to serve in said Company till October 1782 - When he with others, was detached to go to Danbury after White Clay for the use of the Regiment - and left the service, as stated in his said declaration, by reason of a deception practised on him by Jeremiah Jones a corporal of his Company. That the particulars as he has before stated are true - That he did not knowingly desert nor was it his intention to leave the Army, nor should he have done it, had he not thought and believed that said Jones had a pass for them as he stated, and

which he afterward found to be a deception and forgery. — and that in consequence of his so leaving the Army he supposes he was marked as a deserter. — That it was his intention to return under the next proclamation of pardon, but peace being proclaimed he never returned. The reason he did not immediately return, beforehand he wished to carry with him proof of Jones deception, either by his written acknowledgement of it, or something to shew the truth of the facts he stated, but which he could not procure — nor can he now prove his said statement in any other way than by his own oath and the opinion of his neighbors, and acquaintances as to his character for truth and veracity. —
Jon a Britton
State of Maine —
Cumberland ss: Sept 1839. —
Subscribed and sworn to by the said Jonathan Britton
Bethel —
John Hancock Jus. of the Peace

We the Subscribers of Otisfield in the County of Cumberland - Maine - Neighbors and acquaint- ances of Jonathan Britton who has signed and sworn to the foregoing declaration, do testify and say that we have long been acquainted with said Jonathan Britton and that his character for truth and veracity is good and undoubted where he is known - and that we have full confidence and belief that the statement above made by him is true. -
Pilas Blake
Merrill Knight
Samuel P. Anderson
Levi Patch
Lyman Nutting
Hervey Newberry
Reuben Senson
Nathan Nutting Jr.
Otisfield Sept 20 th 1839
Subscribed and sworn to by the said, or above named individuals, who are all credible witnesses and to me well known; before me John Hascomb } Justice of the Peace

Revolutionary Claims.
[ B. ]
Form of a Power of Attorney.
Know all men by these presents, that I, Jonathan Britton of Otisfield in the county of Cumberland in the State of Maine do hereby constitute and appoint Robert G. Vose of Augusta, Maine my true and lawful attorney, with a power of substitution, for me, and in my name, to receive from the United States the amount of pay now due to me under the act, entitled "An act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Revolution," approved 15th May, 1828, as a Private in the first regiment of the Massachusetts line of the Army of the Revolution.
Witness my hand and seal, this twenty second day of November in the year eighteen hundred and thirty three
Sealed and delivered } in the presence of } Charles Washburn Lord Patch
Jonathan Britton
Before me, Charles Washburn a Justice of the Peace in the county of Cumberland in the State of Maine personally appeared, this day, Jonathan Britton whose name is subscribed to the foregoing power of attorney, and acknowledged the same to be his act and deed, and also declared that the same was not given by reason of any transfer, or of any attachment, levy, or seizure, by any legal process whatever, of the pay therein authorized to be received, but that the said pay is intended to enure wholly to his personal benefit.
Witness my hand, this twenty second day of November in the year eighteen hundred and thirty three
Charles Washburn. Just. Peace
I, M c Kim Vaughan Clerk of the Court of the county of Cumberland in the State of Maine do hereby certify that Charles Washburn before whom the foregoing power of attorney was acknowledged, is a Justice of the Peace.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the [ L. s. ] said Court, this twenty sixth day of November in the year 1833 . M c Kim Vaughan
[ C. ]
Form of Affidavit to be taken by Attorneys.
Before me, _____ a Justice of the Peace in the county of _____ in the _____ of _____ the attorney personally appeared this day, named in the foregoing power of attorney, and made oath that the same, or any part thereof, was not given to him, nor to the best of his knowledge and belief, to any other person, by reason of any transfer, or of any attachment, levy or seizure, by any legal process whatever, of the pay therein authorized to be received, but that the said pay is, to the best of his knowledge and belief, intended to enure wholly to the personal benefit of the person by whom the said power was executed.
Witness my hand, this _____ day of _____ in the year _____
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of the County of _____ in the State of _____ do hereby certify, that _____ before whom the foregoing affidavits were sworn, was, at the time, a Justice of the Peace, and duly empowered to administer oaths.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the [ L. s. ] said Court, this _____ day of _____

Revolutionary Claims.
[ A. ]
Form of a Declaration to be made by Officers.
For the purpose of obtaining the benefits of an act, entitled "An act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution," approved on the 15th of May, 1828.
Before me* Charles Washburn a Justice of the Peace, in and for the county of Cumberland in the State of Maine personally appeared, Jonathan Britton of Oldfield in the county of Cumberland in the State of Maine known to me as a person of good repute and entitled to credit, who first being duly sworn, does on his oath say,† that in February 1778, he enlisted as a private for three years in Capt. Miller's company in Col. Nourse's regiment of the Massachusetts line, served in said regiment until last of November or first of December 1779, when he reenlisted in the same company and regiment for ‡ during the war, that in the spring of 1780, he was transferred to the Light Infantry into Capt. Nathaniel Cushing's company, Col. Sheppard's regiment, under Lafayette, served up & down the Hudson river on Jersey side & wintered at West Point; in Spring of 1781, was marched by Lafayette South crossed the Nequehannah marched to Alexandria & Richmond, thence to James River, from thence was driven by Cornwallis to the interior, joined then Wayne & was in all the marches under Lafayette until capture of Cornwallis; that he was all this time in Capt. Hitchcock's company, that he was afterwards marched to West Point in December 1781. In spring of 1782, Capt. Hitchcock was killed in a duel & Capt. Timothy Remick took command of the company. That he served until October 1782 That he thinks he received a certificate for the reward of eighty dollars. That in consequence of his being possessed of property he did not finally prosecute his claim for a pension under the act of Congress of March 18. 1818.
And in testimony whereof he has hereunto annexed his Signature.
Witness my hand, this twenty second day of November in the year 1833.
* Charles Washburn
§ Jonathan Britton
* A Judge or Justice of the Peace, or other Magistrate duly empowered to administer oaths, as the case may be.
† An account of the applicant's service.
‡ Signature of Judge or Justice.
§ Signature of the Claimant.

NOTE. The Branch Bank of the U. S. most convenient to the claimants residence is at
The most convenient Post Office for the Claimant to receive his letters is at
Before me,* Charles Washburn a Justice of the Peace in the county of Cumberland in the State of Maine personally appeared, this day, Levi Patch and Charles Washburn of the said County, persons known to me as credible witnesses, who did severally make oath that Jonathan Britton by whom the foregoing declaration was subscribed, is† generally reputed & believed to have served in the Revolution, in manner as therein stated.
Witness my hand, this twenty second day of November in the year 1833.
Levi Patch Affiant.
Charles Washburn
Justice of the Peace.
Levi Patch Affiant.
I, Edm D. Vaughan Clerk of the Court of the County of Cumberland in the State of Maine before whom the foregoing affidavits were sworn, was at the time, a * Justice of the Peace and duly empowered to administer oaths; and I believe the signature annexed to the same and purporting to be his, to be genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the [ L. S. ] said Court, this twenty sixth day of November 1833.
Edm D. Vaughan
* A Judge or Justice of the Peace.
† Known to us to have served, if the fact be so, or otherwise, is generally reputed and believed to have served.
When the applicant is known to the witnesses to have served, they should state in what manner it is known to them.

Revolutionary Claims.
AN ACT for the relief of certain Surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution.
BE it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That each of the surviving Officers of the Army of the Revolution, in the Continental Line, who was entitled to half pay by the Resolve of October twenty-first, seventeen hundred and eighty, be authorized to receive, out of any money in the Treasury, not otherwise appropriated, the amount of his full pay in said line, according to his rank in the line, to begin on the third day of March, one thousand eight hundred and twenty-six, and to continue during his natural life: Provided , That, under this act, no Officer shall be entitled to receive a larger sum than the full pay of a Captain in said line.
SEC. 2. And be it further enacted , That, whenever any of said officers has received money of the United States, as a pensioner, since the third day of March, one thousand eight hundred and twenty-six, aforesaid, the sum so received shall be deducted from what said Officer would, otherwise, be entitled to, under the first section of this act; and every pension to which said Officer is now entitled, shall cease after the passage of this act.
SEC. 3. And be it further enacted , That every surviving Non-commissioned Officer Musician, or Private, in said Army, who enlisted therein for and during the war, and continued in its service until its termination, and thereby became entitled to receive a reward of eighty dollars, under a resolve of Congress, passed May fifteen, seventeen hundred and seventy-eight, shall be entitled to receive his full monthly pay in said service, out of any money in the Treasury, not otherwise appropriated; to begin on the third day of March, one thousand eight hundred and twenty-six, and to continue during his natural life: Provided , That no Non-commissioned Officer, Musician, or Private, in said Army, who is now on the Pension list of the United States, shall be entitled to the benefits of this act.
SEC. 4. And be it further enacted , That the pay allowed by this act shall, under the direction of the Secretary of the Treasury, be paid to the Officer or Soldier entitled thereto, or to their authorized Attorney, at such places and days as said Secretary may direct: and that no foreign Officer shall be entitled to said pay; nor shall any Officer or Soldier receive the same, until he furnish to said Secretary satisfactory evidence that he is entitled to the same, in conformity to the provisions of this act; and the pay allowed by this act shall not in any way be transferrable, or liable to attachment, levy, or seizure, by any legal process whatever, but shall enure wholly to the personal benefit of the Officer or Soldier entitled to the same by this act.
SEC. 5. And be it further enacted , That so much of said pay as accrued by the provisions of this act, before the third day of March, eighteen hundred and twenty-eight, shall be paid to the Officers and Soldiers entitled to the same, as soon as may be, in the manner and under the provisions before mentioned; and the pay which shall accrue after said day shall be paid semi-annually, in like manner, and under the same provisions.
Approved, May 15, 1828.
AN ACT to amend the act, entitled "An act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution."
BE it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the second section of the act, entitled "An act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution," approved the fifteenth of May, one thousand eight hundred and twenty-eight, shall not be construed to embrace Invalid Pensioners, and that the pensions of Invalid Soldiers, shall not be deducted from the amount receivable by them under the said act.
Approved, May 31, 1830.
AN ACT to amend an act, entitled "An act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution."
BE it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the third section of the act, entitled "An act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution," approved

the fifteenth day of May, one thousand eight hundred and twenty-eight, shall not be construed to embrace Invalid Pensioners; and that the pension of Invalid Soldiers shall not be deducted from the amount receivable by them under the said act.
Approved, July 14, 1832.
AN EXTRACT from the 4th section of the Act approved 7th June 1832, supplementary to the "Act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Revolution."
"In case of the death of any person embraced by the provisions of this act, or of the act to which it is supplementary, during the period intervening between the semi-annual payments directed to be made by said acts, the proportionate amount of pay which shall accrue between the last preceding semi-annual payment and the death of such person, shall be paid to his widow, or, if he leave no widow, to his children."
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
5th September, 1832.
The "Act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution," approved on the 15th day of May 1828, and the acts amending the same, (of which the foregoing is a copy) will be carried into effect under the following regulations.
Each Officer, Non-commissioned Officer, Musician, and Private, claiming, under the above-mentioned act, will transmit to the Secretary of the Treasury a declaration made upon oath before some Judge or Justice of the Peace, according to the annexed form marked A; in which he will shew how he is entitled to the benefits of the act, by giving as particular an account as he may be able, of his services in the Revolution, stating when, where, in what manner, under what Officers, in what corps, Regiment and line he entered or enlisted and served; when, where, and by whom he was discharged, and of whom he may at any time have received pay; whether he has received any bounty either from the United States, or of either of the States, either in money or land. If an Officer he should state whether he received commutation, and if a Soldier, whether he received a certificate for the reward of eighty dollars. The applicant will also state whether he has at any time received or applied for a pension from the United States. The claimants declaration must be accompanied by the affidavits of two respectable witnesses, as to his identity. The act of the Judge or Justice of the Peace who administers the oath must be authenticated under the seal of the Court. The form marked A has been prepared for the convenience of claimants, but any other form containing the necessary information will be received.
Each applicant will transmit his commission, discharge, or any other paper or document that he may have, shewing him to have been in service, which commission, discharge, or other paper, or document, after being registered, will be returned. If the commission, warrant, or discharge, has been lost or destroyed, he will state that fact, and transmit any corroborative testimony that he may be able. If he can prove his service by any witness he should do so. If he cannot, and knows no person living who can testify to his service, he should state that fact.
If the evidence transmitted, taken in connexion with that afforded by the public records, prove to be satisfactory, the amount which may be found due, will be transmitted to the applicant at his residence. He may however, if he should prefer it, authorize any other person to receive his pay; in which case he will execute a power of Attorney, according to the form marked B, which must be acknowledged before a Justice of the Peace or other Magistrate, authorized to administer oaths, and authenticated under the seal of the Court of the county, in the same manner as is already prescribed in regard to declarations. But no payment will be made to any such Attorney, until he has made oath according to the form marked C.
In case of the decease of any Officer or Soldier, who has been found entitled to the benefits of this Act, the amount of pay accruing at the time of his decease will be paid to his widow, on her making application, and transmitting evidence of her being the widow.
If there be no widow, the amount will be paid to the children, on their transmitting evidence that there is no widow, that they are the children, and all the children, and are of age. If the children be under age, the money will be paid to their Guardian, on his transmitting evidence that there is no widow, and that he has been appointed Guardian, and that there are no other children. If some of the children be of age, and some under age, the money will be paid to those who are of age, jointly with the guardian of those who are under age.
If there be neither widow nor children, the money will be paid to the legal representatives: and in that case, the Executor or Administrator shall transmit evidence of his authority, and that the deceased left neither widow nor children.
The time of the decease of the Officer or Soldier whose pay is claimed, must be proved, in all cases.
Forms to be used to obtain the amount due to deceased Officers and Soldiers, have been adopted and can be furnished to claimants, when requested, free of all expense.
In consequence of impositions that have been practised upon the Officers and Soldiers of the Revolution, this Department, finds it necessary to decline all communication with agents, unless they are persons whose character and standing are known to the Department. It is unnecessary for the applicant, however, to employ an agent; as, by transmitting the application, directed to this Department, it will be attended to immediately without any expense to the claimant. It is requested that all letters on this subject may be endorsed, "Revolutionary Claims."
LOUIS Mc. LANE, Secretary of the Treasury.

Hon William Wiegery one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County of Cumberland
The Deposition of Joseph Weston taken before and read up by me Grimfille Blake Just Peace

I Joseph Weston of Otisfield in the County of Cumberland do testify and say, that while I was a soldier in the army of the United States, in the war of the Revolution, Capt Jonathan Britton joined the said army at Valleyforge in Pennsylvania in the winter of 1778, I was well acquainted with said Britton who was a soldier in the company of Capt Jonathan Miller and in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Joseph Vose, I knew said Britton to be in actual service in said Miller's company on the Continental establishment for the full term of two years next after the time of his joining the army as aforesaid. Said Britton did the duty of a soldier all the time I knew him in the service, I was discharged in the year 1780 and left said Britton in the service.
Joseph X Weston mark
State of Maine Cumberland ss
On the 25 th day of March AD 1820, the deponent a person in my opinion of credibility and truth was examined cautioned and sworn agreeably to law to the Deposition aforesaid by him signed - taken at the request of Jonathan Britton for the purpose of obtaining a pension from the United States agreeable to Law. Grinfill Blake Just. Peace

United States of America
Maine District ss
Be it known that on the 17th day of June 1818. Personally came before me William Wedgery one of the associate judges of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the first Eastern Circuit of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts resident in Portland within and for the County of Cumberland in said District of Maine - the said Court being a Court of record of said State - Jonathan Britton the above named applicant and made oath that the several statements by him made in the within application, by him signed are true and that he cannot at this time procure any farther evidence -
Where upon it does appear to the said Judge that the said Jonathan Britton served in the revolutionary war as alleged in his application against the common enemy - and that then he is in reduced circumstances in life and stands in is in need of his Country for support
In testimony whereof I the said Judge have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the said Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the County of Cumberland to be hereunto affixed this 17th day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen and of the Independence of the United States the forty second - all which is hereby certified and transmitted -
Wm Wedgery
Associate Judge of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the first Eastern Circuit of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. State of  Maine
CUMBERLAND, ss. I the subscriber, Clerk of the Courts in said county, certify that Hon. WILLIAM WIDGERY, was an Associate Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, as stated in the annexed Certificate, shall continue such and that his signature to the same is his own proper signature.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I do hereto subscribe my name, and affix the Seal of said Court, this 7 th day of July
A. D. 1820
Geo. Bradbury

To the Honorable William Wedgery one of the Associate Judges of the Circuit Courts of Commonpleas for the first Eastern Circuit of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Respectfully Shows —
Jonathan Britton of Oldfield in the Maine District he served as a private Soldier in the War of the revolution for the term of three years on the Continental establishment that he yet is a resident Citizen of the United States at Oldfield aforesaid and that by reason of your applicants reduced circumstances in life he is in need of assistance from his Country for support, being now fifty seven years of age —
and your applicant farther represents that he enlisted on or about the tenth day of February 1778 for the term of three years and served out the full term, and that he was in the Company Commanded by Capt J Miller in the first Regiment of the Massachusetts line Commanded by Col Dose but that he now has no discharge to produce —
Wherefore inasmuch as your applicant, as he verily believes comes under the provisions of the act intitled an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and Naval service of the United States in the revolutionary War he prays your honor to institute an enquiry into the circumstances of his case, and that such farther proceedings may be had touching the premises as are prescribed by law in order that your applicant may be placed on the pension list of the United States —
dated at Portland this 17 th day of June 1840
Jonathan Britton

Ina Britton

Pri 63
( Rep. No. 7. )
DECEMBER 27, 1842.
Read twice, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House to-morrow.
Mr. FORNANCE, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, reported the following bill:
A BILL
An act For the relief of Jonathan Britton.
1 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives 2 of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That 3 the Secretary of War be directed to place the name of Jona- 4 than Britton, of Otisfield, Cumberland county, and State of 5 Maine, on the pension roll, and pay him a pension, at the 6 rate of eighty dollars per annum, from the fourth day of 7 March, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-one, during 8 his natural life.
Approved, March 3rd, 1843.
a true copy from the Roll in this Office.
Dept. of State, March 17th 1843.
J. Fletcher Melcher Clerk.

Portland Maine November 10th 1845
Sir
I herewith send to you the declaration of Beulah Brittain widow of Jonathan Brittain late of Otis field for the benefit of the act of 1844. A pension to Brittain I am informed was granted to him by special act of Congress, his claim having been rejected at the pension Office on the ground that he was returned as a deserter. If possible we should like to avoid the expense and delay of an application to Congress, in the claim of his widow, and I would request in her behalf, that you lay the whole matter before the Secretary of War, if the rules of your Department forbid the issuing a certificate on the ground that her husband was returned as a deserter.
I am very Respectfully Your Ob st Serv t F. Bedford
J. L. Edwaras Esq Comm r of Pensions Washington D. C.

State of Maine Cumberland County
On this fourth day of July 1839 before me, Ezekiel Whitman, Judge of the District Court of the State of Maine for the Western District personally appeared Jonathan Britton a resident of Otisfield in said County and State aged seventy eight years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year 1778 in the month of February in the Company commanded by Capt. Jeremiah Miller, in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Joseph Vose of the Massachusetts line and served for the term of three years, and served in said Company till the Winter of 1779-80. That he then served in Capt. Cushing's Company in the same Regiment, and afterwards com- manded by Capt. Hitchcock, Capt. Smith, Henrick who successively succeeded to the command of said Company, from January 1 st 1780 to some time in October 1782, except as herein after stated. After I first enlisted in 1778, we marched from Lancaster to Valley Forge, and joined the main army, and in the spring took the field & encamped in tents - Soon after, the army marched in pursuit of Gen. Clinton who had left Philadelphia - I was in the Guard of the tents and baggage at the time of Monmouth Battle. After this battle, our Brigade was ordered to Providence and crossed the Hudson at Kings Ferry. The following winter we passed in Providence

The next Spring we returned to the Hudson, and the season was spent in skirmishing, marching & countermarching, as occasion required - and we went into at Budd's heights so called - The next Spring the 19th of May 1780 - was the dark day - I was then on guard at the North redoubts - The last of Sept 1780 - I left the army and went home; two other soldiers by the name Nathan Carter & William Hollister, who wanted to take a furlough, as they called it, told me that they had heard that my two young brothers and sister were used roughly and abused by being put out in different places after my father died, and who died after I had enlisted and been about fifteen months absent, and they persuaded me to return with them and see how it fared with them. My Mother died soon after I enlisted - I accordingly went home, and found that they were used as well as other poor orphan children - and not so bad as Carter & Hollister have represented, and I felt sorry I have complied with their wishes, & was determined to return to the army. About five or six weeks after I had been home I heard that Gen. Patterson was on a furlough at Seney, where Carter & Hollister belonged, which was the next town, and I went there and saw them, and we all called on Gen. Patterson, I told him we wanted to go back and join the army - and he wrote something to Col. Vose, in our behalf & gave it to Hollister, and we returned together. I joined the army - Hollister gave Gen. Patterson's letter to Col. Vose - as I suppose - I was absent from Sept. 1780 to Jan'y 1781.
X In September or October 1782, While our Army was at Colley Barracks or Pines Bridge, so called, two men were detached from each company to go to Danbury in Connecticut, to get pipe clay for the use of the Regiment - From

our Company Corporal Jeremiah Jones & myself were detached at Danbury, Jones told me he had a pass for himself & me to go forty miles farther to procure feathers - and he show me a paper on which was some writing and said it was our pass. I could not at that time write or read writing, and not doubting he was honest in what he said I went on with him - but after we had been absent some time - I suspected all was not right and told Jones so - and he replied, that he meant to go home I wanted me to go with him - that the paper was a forgery and that it would not do to go back then, for we should be treated as deserters. and I being younger than Jones, and finding I was exposed to be punished as a deserter, altho' I never had the intention to leave the army at the time - and Jones having sold our blankets, I kept on & went home - intending to return & join the army on the next proclamation of pardon from Genl Washington - But Peace was soon after declared & I never returned to the army tho' it was my intention so to do, as above stated. I was at the capture of Cornwallis - and was at York Town & Ellensmouth - and was also at the storming & taking of the redoubt at York Town - That he served four years and except his term of absence from Sept 30th to Jan'y 1st as stated before, eight months in all. That he made application for a pension several years since, but was told by Mr. John Anderson, then a member of Congress from Maine, and whom he em- ployed to attend to his claim at Washington, that as he was marked a Deserter he could not be allowed his pension - That the foregoing Statement is candidly made whether his claim is allowed or not - But he can't help hoping that, as he was restored to the army after his first leaving it as above stated, and was deceived by a Corporal

When he left it the second time without any intention to desert, his application will be favorably considered.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity except the present and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any State that he knows.
Joan a Britton
Sworn to & subscribed the day and year aforesaid and I certify that the aforesaid Jonathan Britton is unable on account of bodily complaints and infirmities of age to attend court except with suffering & pain and that I administered the oath to him at his residence in Otisfield. Thirty five miles from The place where the court is held Ezekiel Whitman
State of Maine
Cumberland ss:
I Charles Cobb, clerk of all the Judicial Courts in said County certify that Ezekiel Whitman is Judge of the District Court for the Western District as appears above and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this eighth day of July A.D. 1839
Charles Cobb Clerk
Maine Jonathan Britton Act June 1, 1832

Oct. 4, 1839
J. L. Edwards, Esq.
Sir
I herewith transmit a letter this day received from Joseph Pope, Esq. inclosing papers relating to the claim of Jonathan Britton for a pension, and am very respectfully &c
William B. Partridge

I was born in Raynham, Mass. Jan 30th, 1861. My parents removed from that place to Pittsfield Mass. when I was a child. At the commencement of the revolutionary war in 1775 I was but 14 years old, but in 1777 at the time of Burgoyne's defeat I was drafted to go to Bennington, when we arrived there the meetinghouse was filled with prisoners who had been captured previous to that time. I with others were detached to guard the prisoners, & was discharged when we arrived at Lanesboro Mass. I was in the service at that time probably 3 or 4 weeks. I remained at home until the 10th of Feb. 1778 when I enlisted in the Continental army for three years. Capt. Jeremiah Miller was my captain, connected with the 1st Mass. regiment commanded by Col. Joseph Vose of Milton Mass. belonging to the Brigade commanded by Gen. John Glance, of Marblehead. I enlisted at Lanesboro from thence we marched to Valley Forge, Penn. We marched to Paoli where I crossed the river at Mcaffray's ferry. After we crossed the river we marched on thro' Penn. We had in our company 13 of Burgoyne's men who enlisted in our company, & altho' they had changed sides they did not leave behind them all their bad habits. They committed depredations upon every flock of geese they met in the road & were might have been tracked by the feathers we left in the road. We joined the main army at Valley Forge. As soon as we arrived there we were inactivated for the small-pox.

I was very sick, being destitute of proper attendance I but just escaped with my life. The army was barefoot, & almost naked, & scarcely food enough to sustain life. Immediately after I arrived there a Lieut. Shanks was hung for desertion, this was the 1st Person I ever saw hung. We left New Brunswick sometime in May & took the field & encamped in tents. Soon after this we took up the line of march in Pursuit of Gen. Clinton. I was in the quarter guard at the battle of Monmouth, but did not take part directly in the battle. After this battle Glover's Brigade was ordered to Rhode Island & crossed the Hudson at King's Ferry. We remained on R. Island until the French fleet was dispersed by a storm when we left the place after firing a few guns. From thence we went to Providence & wintered during 78 & 79  79 & 80 . The next spring we returned to the Hudson & the season was spent in skirmishing & wintered the next winter at Red Bank. The 1779 was I years old & I enlisted during the war. The next spring the 19 of May 1780 was the dark day, I was at that time on guard at the North Redoubts. We took the field & marched up & down the river until Andre was taken & hung. I was this spring taken from the battalion & joined a light infantry company. The company was commanded for a short time by a Capt. Mills. part of I was then commanded by Capt. Northcutt Lusk. The winter after this we spent at West Point. During the war we were ordered to Virginia under Gen. Fayette. Capt. Mitchell took command of our company. We received

89 apiece in hard money before we started. We arrived at the head of Elk & after remaining there some time went on board of fleet, called the "Merguez fleet." We sailed from thence to Annapolis, Maryland. We were blockaded there several days by two British ships called the Roe Buck & Otter. After they went down the bay in chasing the Elk river a boat was sunk & 18 men drowned. We returned to the head of Elk & staid there a few days & then took up the line of march for Rich- mond Va. a major was hung during our approach to the river of Yorktown In a few days in a major's walk there came a small party of the British & burnt a small village opposite Richmond. The detachment was said to have been commanded by Arnold. From Richmond we marched down the river to a place called Osborne. From thence we retreated to the Blue Ridge & were harassed about until we were joined by Gen. Wayne. Then the militia were called in & we marched down to Jones town Here we had a skirmish & we lost two men from our company, Palford & Jones & Grady. After this we marched to Williamsburg. Then we lay till Gen. Lord ington & the French army joined us. There was something in Sept. After a few days the whole army moved to Yorktown & laid siege to it. About the time we moved down Col. Scammon was wounded & taken prisoner & died in a few days. He was much beloved & the army much regretted his loss.

The second night we broke ground. The day before there was some skirmishing & a detachment of French who had been ordered to storm a small redoubt were repulsed. Four days after we broke ground we were ordered to another place & halted in the rear of a heavy battery, in the midst of the point most - gave up their guns to the men & went a few circular & shrapnel pieces while they were gone a short shell was sent from the British line & struck among beyond our men, they dodged when it went over, Capt Geo. White saw one if another man dodged he would run him thro' - soon another was fired which carried away his face & killed two of his men a party gun shell was burnt about this time set on fire as was supposed by a bomb shell from our batteries. A short time after this we were ordered out & an Col told us we should have a gel of rum before we left the ground. At a the rum \frac{1}{2} an hour high we marched into the trenches left our packs under under a tree took our places until daylight in- after dark we went over our entrenchment near to the British - we marched a little way way  way  way & stopped - & then marched again in open col- lumns - then the word was given by the Col. "Roxborough" & in a few minutes the Col. gave order to give three cheers, & we raised forward to the redoubt & it was carried in a moment

The commanding British officer was brought out directly - he had no coat on - his hat was in his hand & he threw it on the ground - & exclaimed this is the 3rd time I have been taken in this way. by order of Le Fayette he was immediately con- veyed away. As we were standing without the redoubt Gen Wayne, Le Fayette, & Maj Gibbs were standing near as a grape shot struck the ground & grazed Maj Gibbs leg - he seemed to be much frightened - his boot was pulled off - Le Fayette rubbed his leg with two fingers & remarked - very bad wound Major - no break the skin - the Maj was not injured but by the fright. In a few days after this com- manding surrendered. The soldiers had to leave all the works they had, then we went aboard of our shel & went to the head of Elk - the vessel I sailed in was cost at Indian Creek - the vessel was called the Ranger & commanded by Christopher Bruffe. From thence we went to West Point about - There were 11 of us on board the schooner commanded by a sergeant - Richard Barnard - Robert Falkner, was corporal - drummer was John Davis - Jones Newhall, James Barnes, David Shair, Edward Blake, Lebanon Wheeler, Tom Clearys the name of the other I cannot recollect. In the spring of 82 our capt & Lieut found a child & the last was killed - his name was Hitchcock - the H's numerous stories.

Stone was arrested & confined in Pahrump jail This was the last I heard of him. After Capt. Sim Heidenreich deaths the company was commanded by Capt. Ben- ick Downing. This summer we marched from Kings Ferry to Dulles Ferry & back & forward with- out fighting or much to do. In the month of Sept or 1st of Oct. we went to a place called Love barracks after staying there a week of 10 days 2 men were detached from each company to go to San Jacinto for five days - several men & myself were detached from our com- pany - he was corporal - He told me he had a trap for himself & one more - go 40 miles further to Prune Patches - he showed me his trap, but at that time I was unable to read it - after travelling until I began to feel uneasy & mistrustful that all was not right - he told me his trap was a trapped one - but as we had been gone so long & he had sold my blanket I was afraid to return but calculated to return on the Gen's Proclamation in the winter - I had no reason to com-

plain of my officers - they treated me well - it is true I had hunger & cold enough to make any one sick - but I had always the consolation to believe that my cause was good, if my position & duties were poor. Fighting I considered the least evil I had to endure in the army. I came on to Yorktown with Jones, & as peace soon came on I never returned to the army - I feel that I have claims on my country as I never received but a trifle for four years & eight months service altho' I have got nearly thro' my campaign in this world there would be some satisfaction in receiving at the close of my days evidence of my country's liberality.

Dec 28. 1841
me
Jonathan B. Bicknell,
John Bicknell Church Esq. Hon. J. Forman Com. of Persons H.R. Present

Dec. 28 th 1841
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comm. of Pensions, L.
Dear Sir
The Petition of Jonathan Brittain of Otisfield Maine has been referred to the Comm. of Rev. Pensions
He states that he listed for 3 years about 1777 or 1778 - and served 2 years - left the service for a short time - but returned & served out his time.
That he afterwards listed for during the war served some time, & was induced again to leave by the deception practiced upon him by a fellow soldier.
That there are records & certificates of affidavits in the Pension office to prove his services
Please give me such information, as may be within your department, relative to the service of said petitioner.
By order of the Committee
J. Homance

\begin{array}{r} 6666 \\ 234 \\ \hline 6900 \end{array}

Jonathan Fulton b. 1761.
to Raynham - removed to Pittsfield Mass. when 14, in
77 3a 4W. Brimfield
10/6/78 col d Cat d line 37. (up for Miller Alvise. - enl d at Lancaster
Vol 11 p 38 James father of May 6 1819 John father of

34867
Jonathan Brittain
Me
act 7. June 32

Portland, Me. Sept. 22. 1841
J. L. Edwards Esqr Court of Pensions
Sir,
I have received yours of the 14 th instant, in which you observe that you "have examined the statements of Mr Jonathan Britton and find that he admits the fact of his having left the service in 1782, although his time was not out," and that your "records show it to have been in Sept. 1780". I would ask the liberty of stating that Mr Britton admits the fact that he did leave the service, on hearing of the death of his father, in Sept. 1780; but that he returned and was received into his company (as the certificate of Mr Secretary Bigelow shows) and that he did serve out the term for which he enlisted. That fault was therefore healed; and I think you have so admitted in former letters, and of course it would be no bar to his claim. — Mr Britton also admits that in the fall of 1782, after his second enlistment, he left the service under the deception practised upon him by Jones, his subaltern officer. Whether any

record of it is made on the rolls or not, he states the fact with the circumstances, as it is his intention to state the whole truth; and it is to this part of his statement, that I intended to apply my argument in his behalf.
I hope you will pardon my importunity in further urging the claim of one whom I consider, and is considered by all who know him a poor, deserving, and helpless old Soldier.
I am Sir, very respectfully yours
Joseph Pope.

Portland, Maine
Nov. 10. 1832
To the Hon d Lewis Cass, } - Secretary of War }
Sir,
Understanding that Jonathan Britton Esq o of this county is an applicant for a pension under the Act of June last, I am induced to state in his favor, that I have been personally acquainted with him for nearly thirty years, during all which time he has sustained the character of an honest, upright citizen. - He has been repeatedly elected, by his townsmen, to fill important public stations, and among others that of a Representative in our State Legislature -
I cheerfully recommend his application to your favorable consideration. -
With entire respect &c
Albion K. Parrish

Jonathan Brittain
See former letter of W. Edwards

Pension Office Decr. 29. 1841.
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose you here with the papers in the case of Jonathan Brittain which will show you that he does not claim to have been in service after his desertion and consequently is not entitled to a pension under the Act of June 1832 as he forfeited by his desertion all claims founded upon service previous to that act of delinquency.
I have the honor to be Very respectfully Your obed. Servt., J B Edwards
Hon. J. Formance House of Representatives.

Portland, Maine, March 31. 1843
J. L. Edwards Esq. } Commr. of Pensions }
Sir,
As required in yours of the 15. th instant, I forward the affidavit of Jonathan Britton in order to obtain his certificate of pension, which I will thank you to forward to me as early as it is convenient and oblige
Your very respectfully,
Joseph Pope.

Portland, Me. March 10. 1843
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comm r of Pensions }
Sir
Will you be so kind as to forward to me a certificate of pension for Jonathan Britton agreeably to the act of Congress passed the present month, at your earliest convenience and oblige
Yours very respectfully Joseph Pope

Portland, Me, Aug t 4, 1841.
J. L. Edwards Esq r , Comm r of Pensions.
Sir,
At the urgent request of many of the most respectable townsmen of Mr Jonathan Britton, who have the fullest confidence in the truth of his statements and the justice of his claim, I would respectfully solicit of you in his behalf a reconsideration of his application for a pension, and ask of you the favor, at a convenient time to re-peruse his declarations and the evidence he has produced in support of the story he has told. I forward with this his statement in writing of his service in  him in the army, which I received from him more than two years ago, and which I have had in my possession ever since, and from which I drew his declaration for a pension. He omitted to sign it, but signed what he wrote on the envelope which enclosed it. Will you please to give it a candid perusal. It is a plain, simple, unvarnished story, giving a detailed account of his service, and the scenes through which he passed, while in the army.

He wished me to state in his declaration, that on his first enlistment after serving a while, he did leave the army without permission, on hearing that his father was dead, (his mother also having died before) and that his little brother and sister were left in such a situation as to suffer from neglect, but that he returned to his company, in company with several others, who had been guilty of the same offence, having obtained from a general officer a paper, or pass as a protection. — and that he was received into his company and served out the time for which he enlisted. That indiscretion was of course healed. Had he a wish to quit the service, he might then have done it; but instead of so doing, he again enlisted for during the war, and continued to serve till near the close of the last year of the war, suffering all the hardships and privations incident to the army. In October of that year, I think, he stated, he and a subaltern officer by the name of Jones, were detached from his company to go with others to Connecticut on a service for the regiment. While on that service, this same Jones, by means of a forged pass, prevailed on Brittan to accompany him in his own premeditated plan of desertion. The consequence was,

They were both marked deserters. Now with that event, candor requires that we should not, as it relates to Brettan, associate the maturity of years; but bear in mind that he was a youth, but little out of boyhood, who could neither read or write, and whose fears were, at that time easily excited and operated upon by Jones, who was much his senior in years, who had deceived him, and then dissuaded him from the thought of returning, by representing to his fears the signal punishment that awaited deserters. - Brettan states he was afraid to return, (and it was natural that he should be) but that he intended to return under the protection of the Generals expected proclamation. Instead of such a proclamation, peace was declared, and he supposed, of course, that the war was ended, and he did not return.
The mark of desertion against him is not such conclusive evidence of deliberate intentional desertion, as to preclude him from showing all or any circumstances in the case to prove the contrary. It is but prima facie evidence. A grand jury may find a bill of indictment against a man and that bill so found is a matter of record in the Court, but we know that such a man would not be pronounced guilty of the offence charged, unless so found on trial, notwithstanding such record of the court.

Suppose a soldier should accidentally have got drowned, without its being known what became of him at the time. He would of course be marked a deserter. But that would not establish the fact. The widow of such a soldier, applying for a pension would undoubtedly be allowed to shew any facts or circumstances which might induce the belief that her husband was drowned; such as the universal belief of the fact from some discovery afterwards made relative to some marks on, or the appearance of drowned soldiers, which should to the minds of the widow, and those who knew him satisfactorily prove the drowned man to be her husband. And should she make such proof of the fact, as the nature of the case would admit ought such record of desertion to operate against her claim! Had Brittan been apprehended as a deserter, no punishment or forfeiture could have been incurred without a trial & sentence by Court Martial - The maxim that inno- cence is presumed till guilt is proved is universal. On such trial Brittan would have been allowed to shew the deceit and forgery of Jones, which would have operated his acquittal. He has done all that he can to prove it on his application for a pension. From the time of the revolution he has been uniform in his story of Jones's

forgery and deception practiced upon him, and when he had nothing to fear or expect as a reason for continuing firmly to maintain a falsehood. And the fact is as fully believed by all who know him, as any fact can be believed by any persons, who are not eye witnesses of it.
In an application for a pension by one who has no documentary evidence or depositions of witnesses to prove his service, the declaration of the applicant is received, if accompanied with the affidavits of his neighbors certified to be credible witnesses, that he is reputed & believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have served in the revolution, as he may have stated, and that they believe his statement to be true. Mr Brittan has as fully proved to my mind, by the same kind of evidence, that his story is entitled to full belief, and that he ought not to be denied his pension, as a punishment for a desertion in appearance, but not in fact. For if the story he tells is true, the guilt of voluntary intentional desertion does not attach to him. And I would ask, is it not a fair way of considering the subject, to suppose the case one's own. Suppose that yourself, or myself were in Brittan's place, and we had sworn to such a declaration as

he has made, being conscious that we had told the truth, and our statement were supported by the oaths of our well known acquaintances and neighbors, as our conspirators, should we not feel aggrieved to be told that our story was false, and not entitled to belief? I think we should. Considering the extreme youth of Brittan at the time he was received away from the army, his not returning while under the influence of fear, is not of itself a criminal neglect, all courts regard with lenity the situation of any one, especially a young person, while under such influence, in judging of what is then done or neglected.
Brittan served nearly five years, on both enlistments, and with but little pay.
He is now an old man, poor and almost helpless; being badly ruptured in his body, and unable to leave his house. And it is under the fullest belief of the justice of his claim, that I would now respectfully urge the reconsideration of his case.
Yours very respectfully
Josephine Pope

Jon a Britton,

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, May 16 th , 1833.
I hereby Certify. That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that Jonathan Britton served as a soldier in Capt. Miller's company, and Col. Nourse's regt. (being one of the Regiments in the Massachusetts line, and on the Continental establishment,) in the American Army, in the war of the Revolution, from February 10 th 1778 to Sept. 30 th 1780, being two years & seven months & twenty days. Enlisted for the war deserted Sept. 30 th 1780, but returned & joined the regiment Jan'y. 1781.
mo days 31. 20
Edward D. Bangs. Secy.

Cumberland February the 22 d 1855 When persons appeared before have received their benefit and make such that the above affidavit has been subscribed to by two of the same. — Davis Hayden Justice of the peace

State of Maine. Cumberland County, ss.
I, M c Vaughan, Clerk of the Judicial Court of Cumberland County, State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Davis Hayden, before whom the foregoing affidavit was sworn, was at the time a Justice of the Peace, and duly qualified to administer oaths; and I believe the signa- ture annexed to the same and purporting to be his to have to be genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said Court, this twenty sixth day of November A.D. 1833.
M c Vaughan

Payson Feb the 22 nd 1833
This may certify that we the subscribers are well acquainted with the above named John Knight and deem him a man of truth and veracity
Davis Hayden Eli Longley

Papers relating to the police of Northern Britain, for a Revolutionary Pension -
allied to 1782

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, August 10. 1812.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears, that the Name of Jonathan Britton of Nanesborough is borne on the Army books as a Private in Capt. Millers Company, Col. Vose, Regt. and credited by his Services from March 12 th 1777 to Dec r 31. 1779, being 33 mos 19 days at 40s per Month. At the last date, he is Mark'd as Deserted; but it is also stated, he returned and joined the Reg t January 1781. The Name of Jonathan Britton also appears on several rolls of Capt. Nathaniel Cushing's Company of Light Infantry in Col. Vose's Reg t for the Months January to November all inclusive, 1781, and January and February 1782. Nothing is shown in any of the books or rolls, that he left the Army at any subsequent period.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John D. Sleeper
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
19. 1812. Directed to 1812

by the Rev. Capt. Smith John Brattle Island for 3 years July 1778 - 1781 in 1779, dissolved 30 Sep 1780
envelope of June

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, May 23 1829.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Jon a Briton is borne on an account in the Army books in this Department as a Private in Cap t Miller's Company, Col t Vose's Reg t and there found credited with service from February 10 th 1778 to Dec r 31. 1779. being 22 months 11 days & 40 pr. Month. The name of Jon a Briton is borne also in the same books, as a Private from Amesbury in Col t Infantry Company, Col t Vose Reg t and credited with service from Jan y . 1. to Sept. 20 th 1780. being 9 months & 40 pr. Month deserted 25 th Sept. Returned & joined the Reg t January. 1781. In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John D. Sleeper Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Washington City November 5. 1842
I am personally acquainted with Jonathan Britton of Oldfields in the State of Maine who is reputed to have been a soldier in the Revolutionary war, — My first acquaintance with him commenced in 1803 Since that time I have known him and his standing and reputation in society, and do most freely certify that I believe him to be a man of honesty and good reputation for truth and veracity, and that I should place the most implicit reliance upon any statements made by him as well without as with the sanction of an oath. Edward B. Parsons.

Evidence
to
establish a presumption that Britain did not desert - but was deceived &c. - also testimony that he filed petition in 1829

I the undersigned of Port Royal State of Virginia on oath declare that I am well acquainted with Jonathan Britton Esquire of Norfolk in said State, & while I represented this District in the Congress of the U. States I presented the claim of said Britton for a pension for his Revolutionary services. My impression is that I presented this claim to the Treasury Department, to Mr. Dickens who had charge of the class of Pensioners to which said Britton happened himself to belong - And I further say that in examining the Records I was misinformed that said Britton was, marked as a deserter & that he could not on that account receive a pension. My impression is that I presented this claim in the winter of 1828-29. Before after the act of which he attempted to avail himself passed.
The application, together with a statement signed by Capt. Britton I left at the Treasury Department & further knows are none on file there.
I further say that said Britton has ever sustained the character of an honorable &

strictly honest man as long as I have known him & such is his character as I am informed by those who have known him from the Revolution to this day - He has repeatedly been been honored with unexpected favors by his fellow Travellers in the State Legislature & in Town affairs, & from my knowledge of the man I had entire belief, & still have, in the truth of his statements
John Anderson
State of Maine
County of Cumberland ss. Portland July 28 1839.
Sworn and Subscribed
Before me
A. Nichols Dist. Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Dec r 26 th 1847.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Jonathan Britton is borne on the Army Books, as a private in Capt n Miller's Company, Col. Foss's Reg t , and there found credited with service from February 10 th 1778 to Dec r 31. 1779, being 22 months, 11 days at 40 s p r month — also on the same books, as a private from Lancasterough in the 1 st Infantry Company, Col. Foss's Reg t , and credited with service from Jan y 1. to Sept r 30 th 1780, being 9 months at 40 s p r month. "deserted 30 th Sept r ." Returned and joined the Regiment, Jan y 1781." The name of Jonathan Britton also appears on several rolls of Capt n Nath l Cushing's Comp y of 1 st Infantry in Col. Foss's Reg t for the months of Jan y to Nov r . all inclusive, 1781, & Jan y & Feb y 1782. Nothing is shown on any of the books or rolls that he left the army at any time previous to Sept r 30. 1780, the date of his desertion, or at any subsequent period after he again joined the Army. In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John D. Sleeper
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Admitted
Samuel P. Anderson Arlington Maine.

STATE OF MAINE.
CUMBERLAND, ss.
CLERK'S OFFICE, JUDICIAL COURTS,
Portland,
July 31st
A. D. 1848.
I,
Charles C. Harmon
CLERK of all the
JUDICIAL COURTS in and for said COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND, certify that
Stevens Rich is an
acting Justice of the Peace, within and for the County of Cumberland as appears by the paper hereto annexed; that he is
Duly qualified to act as such; that the Commission of the said Rich is
dated November 20th  is dated A. D. 1846, and will expire November 20th A. D. 1853.
and that the
his is
following Genuine.
SIGNATURE purporting to be
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said State, the day and year first above written.
Chas. C. Harmon CLERK.

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of 2 d February 1848 entitled an act making further provision for surviving Widows & Soldiers of the Revolution
State of Maine } Cumberland County } Ss.
On this twentyfourth day of July in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and fortyeight personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace Beulah Britton a resident of Otisfield in the County aforesaid aged Eightyfive years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 2 d February 1848 granting pensions to Widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the Widow of Jonathan Britton who was a private in the war of the Revolution (The Regiment & Company in which he served she does not remember) and this declarant states that she received the sum of Eighty dollars per annum as a pension under the act of 17 th June 1844. She further declares that she is still a Widow her
Beulah X Britton mark
Cumberland Ss. Sworn and subscribed on the day & year above written before me. And I further certify that the above named declarant is personally known to me and full faith & credit may be had to her declaration
Stevens Rich } Justice of the Peace

182 182. Beulah Britton He
Act 17 June 44
mss. d 25 Nov '44.
vid. Secy opinion in the case of Dennis Jr. widow 19 may '45 -
adm l. 2 yrs pri 80. from 25 Nov
1844
A Bradford Portland Maine

I Samuel Freeman of Windham in the County of Cumberland on oath depose and say that I am Town Clerk of Windham and have in my custody the Books and records belonging to said Town In one of the ancient books in my possession purporting to contain a record of Marriages I find the following to wit. "Cumberland ss. Sept 30 th 1785."
This day & the subscribers joined in Marriage Mr Jonathan Brittain and Miss Betsy Whitney both of a place called Otisfield in said County.
George Pease Justice of the Peace.
Richard Dole Town Clerk.
I further certify on oath that the foregoing is a true Transcript from the Records in my possession The date in figures is fair and legible and if written out at length would read thus. September Thirtieth one thousand seven hundred and eighty five.
Samuel Freeman
Cumberland ss. Windham Oct. 30. 1845
Sworn to before me
John Brackett, Justice of the Peace

I Lydia Turner of Otisfield in the County of Cumberland of lawful age do testify and say that I have known Jonathan Britton for about sixty years before his decease and that I have known his wife Beulah for about sixtytwo years and was acquainted with both before their Marriage and have lived within about one hundred rods from them for the space of fortyeight years last past and have no doubt but they were legally Married as they always lived happily together in the relation of husband & wife and further the deponent saith not
Witnys Samuel Anderson Lydia her Turner mark
Cumberland Ss. August 23 rd 1845 Then the above named Lydia Turner personally appeared and made oath that the affidavit by her signed is true
Before me
Stevens Rich
} Justice of the Peace

I Oliver Pierce of Harrison in the County of Cumberland of lawful age do testify and say that I was well acquainted with Jonathan Britton late of Otisfield deceased and his wife Beulah Britton and that I have known them for the space of sixtytwo years and that said Jonathan & Beulah lived at the house of my Father George Pierce Esq r and that said Britton courted the said Beulah there and that I have heard my Father say repeatedly that he solemnized the Marriage between them at Falmouth I think in the year A.D. 1786 and I have often heard Mr. Britton and his wife state the same and that I have been intimately acquainted with them ever since till his decease having lived a near neighbors to them for the most of the time and that I know that they boarded and lodged together in the relation of husband and wife and further the deponent saith not Oliver Pierce
Cumberland Ss. August 23 rd 1845 Then the above named Oliver Pierce personally ap- peared and made oath to the above affidavit by him subscribed Before me Stevens Rich } Justice of the Peace

I Thaddeus Turner of Otisfield in the County of Cumberland of lawful age do testify and say that I was well acquainted with Jonathan Britton and his wife Beulah and that I lived within about one hundred rods from them for the space of fifty nine years and that they were Married before I became acquainted with them and that they ever lived together as husband & wife untill his decease and I have heard them repeatedly say that they were Married by George Pierce Esquire and further the deponent saith not
Thaddeus Turner
Cumberland Ss. August 23 rd 1845 Then the above named Thaddeus Turner personally appeared and made oath that the above affidavit by him signed is true
Before me
Stevens Rich
} Justice of the Peace

I Susan Pierce of Harrison in the County of Cumberland of lawful age do testify and say, that I was well acquainted with Jonathan Britton and Beulah Britton wife of the said Jonathan Britton and that I lived a near neighbor to them for the space of fiftyfour years and that I have seen in some of the records of George Pierce Esquire a record or certificate of their Marriage which was solemnized by him, and that according to the best of my belief said book of record is now destroyed among other paper which was considered of no consequence and that they lived together as husband and wife during my acquaintance with them until his decease and further the deponent saith not
Suey Pierce
Cumberland Ss. August 23 rd 1845 Then the above named Suey Pierce personally appeared and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by her subscribed is true
Before me
Stevens Rich
{ Justice of the Peace

United States of America, Maine District
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
I hereby certify that the Honorable Ashur Ware before whom the foregoing proceed- ings were had, is Judge of the United States in and for Maine District & that the signature thereto purporting to be his is genuine
And I further certify that Freeman John Bowditch Bradford and Stevens Rich Esquires are Magistrates duly commissioned and qualified for the County of Cumber- land in said District & that full faith and credit are due to the official attestations.
In testimony whereof I have here- unto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said Circuit Court this tenth day of November A.D. Eighteen Hun- dred & forty five
John Mussey Clerk U.S.
Cir. Court Maine

apls. 1843
Mr. Britton Sp. act.
Jonathan Britton, Maine Roll, $ 80 per annum, from 4 March 1831. (Inventio under act June 7. 1832)
Act. March 3. 1843.
Send Cert to Joseph Pope Portland Maine

I Jonathan Britton of Otisfield in the County of Cumberland and State of Maine, do on oath declare, that I served in Captain Miller's Company in Col Joseph Pope's Regiment in the Army of the Revolution the years 1778 and 1779. Also afterwards in Capt Cushing's Coy, in Col Shepard's Reg t that my petition to Congress for a pension was handed by Joseph Pope, to the Hon. William D. Fessenden a member of Congress, who presented the same to Congress, on which an act was passed, entitled an "Act for the relief of Jonathan Britton", dated March 3 d 1843. and that I am the identical person named in said act, and that I authorize the said Joseph Pope to receive a certificate of pension for me. —
Jon a Britton
State of Maine.
Cumberland County. March 25 th 1843.
Subscribed and sworn to the day and year last above written
Before me - Stevens Rich } J. of the Peace

State of Maine.
Cumberland ss.
I Charles Cobb Clerk of all the Judicial Courts in said County, certify that, Stevens Rich is a magistrate as appears by the within certificate that he is duly qualified to act as such; that his Com- mission is dated February 7 th A.D. 1839 and will expire July 7 th 1846 and that the within signature purporting to be his, is genuine.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said State, this thirty first day of March Anno Domini 1843.
Charles Cobb Clerk.

STATE OF MAINE.
CUMBERLAND, SS.
I Charles Cobb Clerk of all the Judicial Courts in said County, certify that, John Hancock
— is a magistrate —
as appears by the paper hereto annexed; that he is duly qualified to act as such; that his Commission is dated March the 12th 1834 and will expire March the 12th 1841.
and that the following signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said State, this twenty fifth day of September Anno Domini 1839.
Charles Cobb Clerk.