Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 16,511, Stephen Breed, Conn.

SERVICE
Conn
Breed, Stephen Esther
NUMBER
N. 16,511
CONTENTS

20.741  New York  Stephen Breed of Madison Co in the State of New York who was a Private in the Com. commanded by Captain Storr of the Regt. commanded by Col. Smith in the Can't. line for 18 Mos. 21 days
Pension Certificate returned and sent to Pensioner at Brookfield Madison N.Y. Nov. 8. 1833.
Inscribed on the Roll of Utah at the rate of 2 Dollars 32 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 2 day of Aug.  1833 and to Mrs. Clark Brookfield
Arrears to the 4th of Sep' 33 $155.88 Semi-ant. allowance ending 11.30 31.16  $186.04
{ Revolutionary Claim, { Oct June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Sol. Still Clerk, Book E Vol. 11 , Page 48 .

Albany 755
Esther Breed widow of Stephen Breed
who died on the 6 th March 1835 of Madison Co, in the State of N. York who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Stone of the R. G. Art. commanded by Col. Smith in the Conn. line for 18 months & 21 days
Enscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 62 Dollars 32 Cents per annum to commence on the 6 th day of March, 1835
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 th day of April 1837 and sent to Joseph Clarke Brookfield, N. Y.
Arrears to the 4 th of March 37 124.42 Semi-ant. allowance ending 1 st Sep. " 31.16
$155.58
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 rd }
Recorded by D. Bruns Book 4. Vol. 1.
Clerk
Page 127
Dead
Letter to J. Clarke & 3 rd Auditor Nov 1839
Paid to 3 of the 5 Children at the Treasury under the Act of the 6 th April 1838 from 4 th March 1838 to the 7 th August 1838 the day of her death. Aft Notified 11 th Decr 1839
Letter to J. Clarke & 3 rd Auditor Decr 1839
Paid as above to 1 of the children, same period. Aft Notified 1 st Jan'y 1840
1884 Jan'y 11 J H Breed, sent history

Stephen Breed
Stephen Breed
10305
✓
Joseph Clark. Brookfield New York.

State of New York County of Madison
On this 9 th day of October 1892
personally appeared in open Court before the Judge of the Court of Common Pleas.
Stephen Benezet a resident of Brooklyn County of Brooklyn and State of New York aged seventy two years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1892 that he entered the Service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. that he lived in the town of Stonington County of New London and State of Connecticut during the whole time of the Revolutionary War that the last of April 1776 he was drafted at Stonington and raised into the service of the United States and continued in the service one month and marched to Fort Griswold where he was stationed under Captain William Stanton that in the fall of the year 1777 he volunteered at Stonington aforesaid under Capt John Williams for two months and marched from Stonington aforesaid to Fort Griswold in the State of Connecticut where he continued in the service the full term of two months his company belonging to Col Smith's Regiment of Militia the exact time he went into the service he cannot recollect that he volunteered in August 1778 into the service of the United States at Stonington aforesaid for three months under Captain Daniel H. Benezet in a Regiment commanded by Col Asa Huntington and marched from Stonington aforesaid to Narragansett Bay in the State of Rhode Island was on the Island in Sullivan's Expedition after that engagement retreated to Bristol from there he marched

to Providence where he was discharged in November following, that he enlisted into the Service of the United States at Colchester in the State of Connecticut the first of April 1779 for six months under Captain John Northrop in the town of the six months he was at White Plains Pells Hill and Fort Hill in the State of New York and was discharged in October 1779 at the end of the six months at Fort Hill in the State of New York. That in November 1779 he re-enlisted at Stonington upon said into the service of the United States under Captain Hober Loomis enlisted at New London and Fort Trumbull under the command of Col Sedgwick and was in the service two months and was discharged at New London General in January 1780, that he was drafted into the service of the United States at Stonington upon said in April 1780 under Captain John Sear- le and continued in the service one month and was stationed at Stonington Point in a regiment commanded by Col Oliver Smith and was discharged in May following, that in July 1780 he was drafted at Stonington upon said into the service of the United States and was under the command of Capt Nicholas Brown in a Regiment commanded by Col Oliver Smith marched from Stonington to New London from New London they marched to White Plains and near the north River and were discharged in the month of October at or near White Plains in the State of New York after saying two months and a half that in September 1781 he was called into the service of the United States on an alarm at the time of the taking of Fort Griswold and was in the service about one week under the command of Capt. Nathaniel Brown that he has no documentary evidence and that he knows no person whose testimony he can
New York

under the command of Capt. ... that he has no documentary evidence and that he knows no person whose testimony he can ... accept ... this declaration ... he knows no person whose testimony he can ... in any except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state
and the interrogations being put to the said Stephen ... by the court as presented by the War Department he answered thus as follows 1st that he was born in Stonington - county of New London and state of Connecticut March 12th 1760
2d There is a record of his age in Stonington aforesaid and he has a copy of it in his possession 3d that he lived in Stonington county of New London and state of Connecticut when called into the service into the town of Saybrook state of Connecticut where he lived about four years he then moved into the town of North Milford county of New Haven and state of Connecticut where he lived about six years he then moved into the town of North Stonington county of New London and state of Connecticut where he lived until the year 1827 he then moved into the town of Brookfield county of Madison and state of New York where he now lives and has lived for the last five years
4th that he enlisted once was drafted three times voted three times and was ordered into the service once on an alarm
5th that he does not recollect the names of any of the regular or continental officers with him except in 1778 in Sullivan's expedition Genl. Lord Howe and Genl. Sullivan were regular officers at that place
6th that he near said a written answer from the service

7th that Thomas Griffin and Joseph Clark his neighbors can testify to his character for veracity and their belief of his senses as a soldier of the Revolution Given and subscribed in open court this 9th day of October 1852 before me A.S. Sloan Clk.
Stephen Brees
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after hearing the interrogatories presented by the 88 th or Department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states and the court further certifies that it appears to them that Thomas Griffin and Joseph Clark who have signed the preceding certificate are both residents of Broome County of Madison and state of New York and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit and that as neighbors resides in the immediate neighbor- hood of the said Stephen Brees and that he is a man of good character for truth & veracity
I Andrew J Sloan Clerk of the court of common pleas of the county of Madison do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Stephen Brees for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereby set my hand and seal of office this 9th day of October 1852  A.S. Sloan Clk.

State of New York } County of Madison } ss
Personally appeared before me the under- named Justice of the Peace of the town of Brookfield in said County Oliver Bneed of Volney County of Oswego & State of New York and being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration That he is of the age of twenty five years that he lived in the town of Stonington County of New London and State of Connecticut in the year of the Revolution of 1776 that he was a resident of Volney County of Oswego and State of New York that he was well acquainted with Stephen Bneed whom he is sure is seventy two years of age and that the said Stephen Bneed lived in Stonington County of New London and State of Connecticut during the whole term of the revolutionary war that he now resides in Brookfield County of Madison and State of New York that he well recollects that said Stephen Bneed was drafted as a militia man in Stonington aforesaid and went into the service of the united States under Capt William Stanton and went to Fort Griswold in said State of Connecticut in the Spring of the year and was in the service one month in the year 1776 but the day & month this deponent cannot exactly recollect - he recollects that in the year 1777 the said Stephen Bneed volunteered in Stonington aforesaid under Capt John Williams for the term of two months in the fall of the year in the service of the united States went to Fort Griswold and continued in the service two months in the fall of the year but the exact time he cannot recollect he recollects that said Stephen Bneed volunteered in Stonington in the month of August 1778 for three months marched from Stonington to Rhode Island and was in various expeditions and continued in the service three months under Capt Daniel Cane under Col Huntington that in the year 1779 he recollects that said Stephen Bneed enlisted in the town of Colchester State of Connecticut about the first of April for six months and that he served the full term of six months

John Worthing was his Captain in the service of the United States and and was discharged in  October 1879 in the year 1779 in the month of November the said Stephen Breed volunteered in Stonington aforesaid in the service of the United States under Captain Abner Comstock went to Fort Trumbull at New London under the command of Col. Sedgwick and continued in the service two months he well recollects that the said Stephen Breed was drafted in the Spring of the year 1780 in Stonington under Captain John Swan for one month in the service of the United States and stationed at Stonington Point and continued in the service one month he recollects that the said Stephen Breed was drafted and went into the service of the United States under Capt. Deborah Brown drafted in Stonington aforesaid and went into the State of New York at White Plains and continued in the service two months and a half in July 1780 went into the service and returned in October as near as he can recollect that he recollects the said Stephen Breed was called out in an alarm under Capt. Joshua Brown in the service of the United States at the time of the capture of Fort Griswold in September 1781 but cannot say how long he was in the service. Stephen Breed 
sworn and subscribed August 7th 1832
Before me Joseph Clark Justice of the Peace for the County of Litchfield do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Stephen  Breed the deponent and believe him to be a man of truth and veracity. Joseph Clark Justice of the Peace 

State of New York Madison County Clerk's Office
ss: I, Andrew S. Sloan, Clerk of the said County, do Certify that Joseph Clark, before whom the preceding annexed Affidavit purports to have been sworn, and also whose name appears to the preceding Annexed Certificate was, at the date of the same, One of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said County - And that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily Believe his name subscribed to the said Affidavit and Certificate, to be his proper hand writing and Signature - Witness my hand and seal this 27 th day of October 1832 -
A. S. Sloan CLK
That engage

State of New York County of Madison } ss
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Judge of Madison County Courts in and for the County of Madison and State of New York Stephen Buel who being duly sworn deposes and saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear particular as to the precise length of his residence according to the best of his recollection he said not less than the periods mentioned below and in the following grade for one year six months and twenty one days I said as a private and for such seven I claim a pension
Sworn and subscribed June 13th 1833
Stephen Buel
before me Joseph Clark Judge of Madison County Courts
I further certify that from long acquaintance with the said Stephen Buel I know he sustains an excellent character for truth and veracity
Joseph Clark Judge of Madison County Courts
State of New York } ss County of Madison } ss
Andrew S. Sloan Clerk of the said County do certify that Joseph Clark before whom the above affidavit purports to have been sworn and also whose name is subscribed to the above certificate, was at the date of the same one of the Judges of the County Court and for the said County, and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit and certificate to be his proper hand writing and signature - Witness my hand & seal of office this 20th day of June 1833.
A. S. Sloan. Clerk E. Barnard. Dep. Clk

Esther Brand
Feb. 14
One of Mrs. William H. Fuller in Company Philadelphia City
Conrad Joseph Clark Esq. Philadelphia New York
Admitted
Private 18 mo & 21 days
Joseph Clark Esq. Brooklyn New York
Hon. W. K. Fulton House Reps
W. S.

State of New York Madison County
On the 2nd day of March 1887
Personally appeared before me Joseph Clark a judge of Madison County Courts at being a Court of Record Esther Bneed a resident of Brookfield County of Madison and State of New York aged seventy five years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed July 9th 1836 That she is the widow of Stephen Bneed late of Brookfield County of Madison and State of New York who was a Revolutionary pensioner under the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 That she was married to said Stephen Bneed in April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty nine in Stonington County of New London and State of Connecticut by Paul Wheeler a pastor of the Gospel that her name before her marriage was Esther Wheeler and that she was born in Stonington aforesaid that she has no record of her age or marriage that her husband the aforesaid Stephen Bneed died on the sixth day of March eighteen hundred and thirty five and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as well as now fully appearing before me to the best of her knowledge annexed that her husband was in the army of the Revolution a number of times after her marriage and after they became pensioners but that she cannot recollect particulars as to time or the length of time but is confident of more than one year
Esther Bneed mark
sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written before me Joseph Clark & Judge of Madison County Courts
County the and was in the with to sig tubber the

I further certify that the within named Brother Breed is so sick that she cannot attend court and from bodily infirmity she cannot write her name and that she sustains a good character for truth and veracity Joseph Clark Judge of Madison County Courts
State of New York Madison County Clerk's Office } ss. I, Andrew S. Bloan, Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that Joseph Clark, before whom the within affi- davit purports to have been sworn, and also whose name appears to the above Certificate, was, at the date of the same, a Judge of the County Courts in and for the said County, duly Commissioned and qualified And that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the said Affidavit and Certificate, to be his proper hand writing and signature. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Affixed the seal of the said County this 6 th day of March 1837- A. Bloan Clk

State of New York } Madison County }
On this 18th day of September 1836 personally appeared before me Joseph Bane a resident of Brookfield County of Madison and State of New York aged Sixty Six years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration that he is Brother to Stephen Bane late of Brookfield deceased who was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States at the time of his death that he was the Husband of Dortha Bane the before mentioned deponent and that he was married to her before his recitation and that he has no doubt at the time set forth by her that he lived with her until he died which was on the 6th day March 1835 - That said Dortha Bane still remains a widow of the said Stephen Bane that he will recollect that said Stephen was married before the battle of Joshua Bane at any  any  time  time  or  or  where  where is her contested recollection of any recent  contested recollection of any recent sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written before me
Joseph Clark Judge of Madison County Courts I further certify that the above deponent sustains a good moral character
Joseph Clark Judge of Madison County Courts
State of New York Madison County Clerk's Office } I, Andrew S. Sloan, Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that Joseph Clark, before whom the two preceding affidavits purport to have been sworn, and also whose name appears to the two preceding certificates, was, at the date of the same, a Judge of the County Courts in & for the said County, duly Commissioned and sworn. And that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Judge & verily believe his name, subscribed to the said Affidavits and certificates, to be his proper hand writing and signature - Witness my hand and seal of Office this 17th day of September 1836. A. Sloan Clk

I John D. Woyes now Town Clerk of the Town of Stonington in the County of New London & State of Connecticut hereby certify that I have examined the Records of this town for marriages, and cannot find the Marriage of Stephen Brad & Esther Wheeler and I further certify that Paul Wheeler was a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of New London, as appears from the Records of this Town by his having taken the acknowledgment of several Deeds in the years 1777. 1778. 1779 and 1780
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal at Stonington this 17 th day of January A.D. 1837.
John D. Woyes. T.C.

State of Connecticut County of New London ss. Joshua Wheeler of Stonington County & State aforesaid being Seventy five years of age after being duly cautioned and sworn according to law do depose and say that I was at my brother's house, Richard Wheeler's when his daughter Esther Wheeler was married to Stephen Brud in April 1799. by Paul Wheeler Esq. a justice of the Peace within & for the county before written in said State & I was acquainted with said Stephen & Esther from my youth up & after said Stephen & Esther was married they all ways lived together as man & wife & removed as such about ten years since to the State of New York.
Joshua Wheeler
State of Connecticut County of New London ss. Stonington January 18 th 1837 - personally appeared before me Joshua Wheeler the signer of the above deposition to me well known to be after being first duly sworn made solemn oath before me to the truth of the facts therein contained and I certify that the said Joshua Wheeler is a credible person and that his statements is entitled to belief in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office
Latham Hull Notary Public

State of Connecticut } County of New London } ss I Jonathan Wheeler of Stonington County & State aforesaid being Seventy five years of age after being duly cautioned and sworn according to law do depose and say that I was at my uncle Richard Wheeler's at the time his Daughter Esther Wheeler was married to Stephen Bred in April A.D. 1879 by Paul Wheeler Esq a justice of the Peace within & for the County of New London in said State & I was acquainted with said Stephen & Esther from my youth up with said Stephen & Esther & after they was married they live to gether as man & wife & removed to gether as such about ten years ago to the State of New York to the town of Brookfield as I learnt at that time
Jonathan Wheeler
State of Connecticut } County of New London } ss Stonington January 17 A.D. 1837 Personally appeared before me Jonathan Wheeler Signer of the above deposition to me well known & after being first duly sworn made solemn oath before me to the truth of the facts therein contained and I certify that the said Jonathan Wheeler is a credible person and that his Statement is intitled to belief In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal of office
Latham Hull Notary Public

16315-
Stephen Breed. Madison County New York
183      50 546      231 729      6231
(C. i. mod. auth. j.)
Admitted Private 18 mo & 21 days
60 2.21 37
124 64 31.16 155 80
Joseph Clark Broonfield New York
cert. & 32004 4/

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, showing the Service of Peter Breed Madison City Ky.
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Name and rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Name and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     about April 1776 1 pr. Cap. Stone N. York 72 Stonington New Living Witness   1777 2 " Cap. Williams Col. Smith Connect. London County Conn.   Aug. 1778 3 " Cap. Leonard Col. Worthington R. Island   April 1779 6 " Cap. Northrop   Nov. 1779 2 " Cap. Leonard Col. Ledyard   April 1780 1 " Cap. Stock Col. Smith   July 1780 2 15 " Cap. Schabod Do   Sept. 1781 about 7 " Cap. Brown Do   1 6 21  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted: This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
† Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz;
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons - one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832, and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____; For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
R Newman

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 16511
Esther Breed Widow of Stephen Breed Prri New Mar.
Act July 4 th 86
Index: Vol. 2 , Page 88
[Arrangement of 1870.]

New York - Albany Agency
Stephen Breed a prisoner under the act of June 7, 1832 at the rate of $62.32 per Ann. to which time paid
Viral Luce
John Harry Esq
: Due 6 March 1835 paid in that period JH

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
Dec. 23 d , 1839.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Stephen Breck 10/5 child n of Esther Breck, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Albany N.Y. Agency, at the rate of Sixty two Dollars and thirty two Cents per annum, under the law of the 4 th July 1836, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of March 1838, to the 7 th August 1838, the day of his death.
Respectfully, yours,
William B. Paton Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions, Present.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
Nov. 30 th 1839.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Three of five child ren of Esther Breed, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Albany, N.Y. Agency, at the rate of Sixty two Dollars and thirty two Cents per annum, under the law of the 4 th July 1836, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of March 1838, to the 7 th August 1838, the day of her death .
Respectfully, yours,
Wilson B. Partridge Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.

Brookfield N. York March 10th 1897 Dear Sir
I herewith return the papers of Esther Brew & have complied exactly with your last requirements which of course must be satisfactory I have had much trouble to obtain the necessary proof & from location have been at great expense when at first from the denominations I expected her even every the applicant is poor & very needy & has been unable to move without help for more than one year she is much respected for her good virtues I wish her certificate sent as soon as possible direct to me ..
Thos L Edmond Bishop for City
Yours Respectfully Joseph Clarke

For Thomas Griffin and Joseph Clark residing in town of Brookfield County of Madison and State of Ind. hereby certify that we one well acquainted with Stephen Breed who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy two years of age that he is respected and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Pseudobellum and that we concur in that opinion
Sworn and subscribed in open Court this 9 th day of October 1882 before me
Thomas Griffin Joseph Clark
A. S. Sloan Clk