Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15623, John Butterfield, Mass.

SERVICE
Mass.
Butterfield, John Susannah
NUMBER
W. 15623
CONTENTS

5627.
Massachusetts.
Susannah Butterfield widow of John Butterfield, decd.
who was a pensioner under the Act of _____ and who died on the 15 th October, 1841. Suffolk Co. in the State of Mass.; who was a Deputy  Wagon in the _____ commanded by Captain M aj . Genl. _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ in the Mass s line for Byars .
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts. at the rate of $20. Dollars _____ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 th day of July 1840, and sent to and J. W. Ingraham Boston.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept: 1840 $1440.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar: 41 160.00 $1600.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by Wm. C. Gaultinger , Clerk, Book A , Vol. 1 , Page 73 .
See letter Sept. 8. 1840 to J. W. Ingraham V P. Agt. - Do. to Same 19 Sept. 1840-
Letter to A. Ray. Dec. 3. 1842 Do. to same Dec. 23. 1842 - do. to same April 25. 1843-

V834 A
V834
Susannah Butterfield widow of John
Mass.
abt July 38
married in 1793
see Secy. cut
adm
2m Dy. Wag. Master
19m
600 $320
Reduction
J. W. Ingraham Boston.

State of Massachusetts, County of Suffolk } ss
On this twenty fourth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight person- ally appeared before me, Wm Simmons, one of the Justices of the Police Court within & for the City of Boston & of the Justices' Court for the County of Suffolk Susannah Butterfield a resident of Boston in the County of Suffolk and Commonwealth of - Massachusetts aged seventy seven 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 provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 7 1838 entitled An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows. That she is the widow of John Butterfield late of said Boston who entered in the year seven teen hundred and sixty five into the American Army of the Revolution as a Waggon conductor as she thinks under Thomas Chase & John Gooch 2 nd Lieut. and served for several years the evidence of whose service is con- tained in the annexed certificate she further declares that she was married to the said John Butterfield on the ninth day of June in the year seventeen hundred and ninety three that her husband the aforesaid John Butterfield died on the fifteenth day of October in the year eighteen hundred and eleven that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and

ninety four viz at the time above stated and that she has never since been married witness
Eleazer Harned
Jessah Butlerfield
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written Before me
W. Simmons

Commonwealth of Massachusetts:-
City of Boston, Aug. 17, 1838.
I, the undersigned, Rector of Christ Church in the city of Boston aforesaid, do hereby certify that the following is a true copy from the Parish Register, under the record of Marriages solemnized in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety three by the Rev. Dr. Walter, at that time, Rector of the parish:
One thousand seven hundred and ninety three June nine John Butterfield and Susannah Baxter.
William Crowell, Rector of Christ Church Boston.
I do certify that the above is a true copy of the record, with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures, as follows:-
"1793
"June 9 John Butterfield and Susannah Baxter."
William Crowell, Rector of Christ Ch. Boston.
I, William Crowell, above named, depose and say, that I hold the office of Rector of Christ Church in the County of Suffolk, city of Boston, and State of Massachusetts, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Church, with the exception above named, as certified by me. William Crowell, Rector and so forth. Suffolk, p. Boston Sworn before me August 23 d 1838.
Samuel H. McCleary, Justice of Peace.

State of Massachusetts, Suffolk County, ss.
On this twenty fifth day of October, A.D. 1842, personally appeared before me, William Simmons, Esq, one of the Justices of the Police Court, within & for the City of Boston, & of the Justices Court, for the County of Suffolk, the same being Courts of Record. Susanna W. Butterfield, a resident of Boston, singlewoman, who, being duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath state, that she is the only surviving child of the late Susanna Butterfield deceased, who was a pensioner of the U. S., under the Act of 1838, at the rate of $320.- per annum, on the Massachusetts Roll, & the widow of the late John Butterfield, who was a Deputy Master General in the War of the Revolution; & that her mother the said Susanna Butterfield, died on the eighth day of March, 1841.
Now, the object of this declaration being made, as the only surviving heir, is, in order to obtain an increase on the late pension at the rate of fifty dollars per month, & the payment of the arrears thereon, from the fourth of March, 1836, to the fourth of March, 1841, when she surrendered the pension certificate, under the Act of 1838.
Susanna W. Butterfield
Sworn & Subscribed to, on the day & year above written, before me,
Wm Simmons Justice as aforesaid

Massachusetts - 5627.
✓ Susannah Butterfield widow of John Butterfield, deceased
who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 15 th October, 1811 - of Suffolk Co. in the State of Mass ts . who was a Deputy Wagon Master Genl. } in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ in the Mass ts _____ line for 2 years Dept y Wagon Master General -
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 6.00 Dollars 32 1/2 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 th day of July 1840 and sent to J. W. Ingraham, Boston.
Arrears to the 14th of Sept r 1840 $2700.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Ma ch 41. 300
$3,000 -
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by S. A. Bliss Clerk, Book 1. Vol. 1, Page 73 -

Repared to Agent, see letter
Massachusetts 5627
Sarah Butterfield, dec d widow of John Butterfield
who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 15 th October 1811 of Suffolk Co. in the State of Massachusetts who was a Disy. Wagoner Genl. } in the commanded by Captain of the the Mafs. commanded by in line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 600 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 th day of July 1843 and sent to A. Ray. Pres.
Increased from $320
Whole amount due $3000 former payments to be deducted
Payable to Susan W. Butterfield, her only child. [Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, Book A. Vol. 1. Page 73.

Boston, Aug. 24, 1838.
J. L. Edwards, Esq., Commissioner of Pensions, Washington,
Sir,
I send you, herewith, the documents in support of the claim of Mrs Susanna Butterfield, widow of John Butterfield, for a pension, under the Act of July 7, 1838. The Certificate of the Secretary of State does not include all the services of Mr Butterfield, but only those, for which vouchers are found in the Department of State here. Previous to the removal of the Army Books & Documents from this City to Washington, an examination of them was begun, & minutes taken of entries of Mr Butterfield's services in the year 1775, of the following dates, viz.
1775, Sept. 15, " 21, " 22, " 28, Oct. 5, " 12,
but the Documents were transferred to Washington before the examination was completed, & it was not pursued on account of finding that Mr B. was married to his present widow after the war, & that she was not therefore entitled to a pension under the then existing law.

Mr. Butterfield, when living, went by the title of Major ; his family understood that he was a Major in the Army of the Revolution: but they have no documentary evidence to prove his having held that commission; & the Rolls, &c., having been transferred to Washington, no examination of them can take place here. Will it be consistent with your rules, to allow your Clerks to examine the Rolls of the Army in this State, to see if his name is borne on them?
As early an attention to this case as is consistent with your other engagements, will confer an obligation on Mrs. B., & her friends, as she is now very infirm, & in great need of assistance. Your answer may be directed to me.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
with much respect,
Your most obedt servt.
Jos. W. Ingham

Boston, Sept. 4, 1840.
J. L. Edwards, Esq.,
Dear Sir,
I did not expect to be obliged to trouble you again; though I must confess that I hoped to have found Mrs Butterfield's pension much larger than the Certificate received awarded her.
On attending at the Pension Office, this A.M. with Mrs V.B., & presenting her Certificate, the Pension Agent informed me that the amount to be paid her, according to your orders, was six hundred dollars per annum, instead of three hundred & fty twenty, as the Certificate said; & he could not therefor pay any part on this Certificate, so that Mrs V.B. must wait till you had been informed of the mistake, and an answer received.
Before receiving this Certificate, I supposed that the Pension would not be less than six hundred dollars per annum, as Mrs Butterfield's pay, as Dep. M. M. G., according to the PayRolls here, was one

hundred dollars per month. But, when the certificate was received, though much disappointed in the amount, I thought more of the joy of receiving any thing, after trying for so long a time, than of the disappointment.
I enclose the Certificate, that the error may be rectified, & respectfully request that a new one may be sent without delay, as the present postponement has been given a shock to Mrs. Mrs. P.'s nerves, owing to her having made arrangements in the expectation of receiving this money today, & the disappointment, is one that she was not prepared for, & cannot bear like a younger person.
I am,
Sir,
very respectfully,
Your ob. serv.
Jas. W. Ingraham

Boston, July 7, 1840.
J. L. Edwards, Esq.
Sir,
On the receipt of your letter of October 13, 1838, I caused further search to be made for information respecting the claim of Mrs Butterfield, but could find nothing farther than that the name of the D. M. G. under whom Mrs B. served, was Hatch, & the Dep D. M. G. Chase.
I have since been absent from the City the greater part of a year, & have not had time to attend to the subject till lately, & have now found further evidence of fifty-two months service from Apl. 16, 1776, & Sept. 23, 1780, the Certificate of the Secretary of State to which, I have now the honour to enclose you hoping that no farther obstacle will be in the way of Mrs B's receiving the amt. of her claim. Her life has been spared, beyond the expectations of her friends, but she is in feeble health, & whatever she is to receive, I hope it may come speedily.
Very respectfully,
I have the honour to be Yr most obedt serv
Jos. W. Ingraham

Boston, Sept. 11, 1840.
J. L. Edwards, Esq.,
Dear Sir,
Were it not that I presume you have already withstood too many trials of your patience, to induce you now to give up, I should be almost ashamed or afraid to venture to making another appeal to you, respecting what you may be disposed to term "the everlasting case of Mr. Butterfield." But your letter of the 8th gives me hopes, that even yet I may be successful in so presenting the case again to your notice, as to satisfy you that it should come into a higher class than that in which you have placed it.
In your letter of the 8th, you say, "a Deputy wagon master is entitled to no more than $320.-per annum," & Mr. B. "was employed in no higher capacity." This is a mistake, as he was not a "wagon master," merely, but a "Deputy wagon master general ," & at one time "wagon master general," having a deputy under him . In the Certificate you returned, he is characterized as

"Deputy Wagon Master General"; & that is his title in most of the papers here, though in some he is called "Wagon master General." As "Deputy Wagon Master General," he was allowed a Clerk, as appears by the Pay Roll; & while the "wagon master" were allowed only £24. per month, his pay was £30. per month.
I have therefore thought, that as there must have been a great difference between a mere "Deputy Wagon Master," & a "Deputy Wagon Master General," you will yet find his case to belong to that of the higher class.
Jabez Hatch, under the Deputy Quarter Master General under whom Major & Puttfield served, had three States, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, & New Hampshire, under his care; & Major Puttfield had the sole care of all the public transportations in Massachusetts.
I am, Sir, very respectfully, Yr most obed serv.
Jos. W. Ingraham

Suffolk ss. Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
I Thomas Power, Clerk of the Police Court of the City of Boston, & for the County of Suffolk, being a Court of Record, do hereby certify, that satisfactory evidence has been adduced before the Court, to show, that Susanna Butterfield, late of Boston, Widow of John Butterfield, & a pensioner of the United States, under the Act of 1838, died on the eighth of March, 1841 1841, & that but one child, Susanna W. Butterfield, survived her.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand, & affixed the Seal of said Court, this ninth day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & forty-two.
T. Power Clerk.

Nov. 22, 1842 J.C.
Patricia
James L. Edwards Esq. Complaint of James

Washington
Nov 28. 1842
Sir/
I enclose an application from Susan- -nah M. Butterfield the only surviving child of the late Susanna Butterfield, who was to the 4 1841 March a pension under act July 1838 at the rate of $370 per mensem. On the Mass roll. as widow of John Butterfield as Sep. Major Master General. The claim is now advanced at the rate of $50 pr. month, and the arrear thereon from the 4 1841 March 1836 to the 4 March 1841. for the revolutionary service of said John. Butterfield as Sep. Major Master General.
I am Sir
Most Respectfully
Alex. Ray
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions

Copy
Pension Office
December 23 rd 1842
Sir,
The claim of Susannah Butterfield, only surviving child of Susannah Butterfield, deceased, who was a pensioner under the Act of July 7, 1838, has been examined. The claim is for an increase of pension at the rate of $600 per annum. Unless evidence be produced to show that John Butterfield, on account of whose service the pension was granted, received at least $50 per month in specie, for his service in the Wagon Department, the increase claimed cannot be allowed.
I am respectfully Your Obedt. Servt. J. L. Edwards.
M c A. Ray Present

Washington
Decr 5. 182.
Sir
Your letter of the 3 rd in the case of Susannah Butterfield was received, It is admitted by you that her husband John Butterfield was a Deputy Paymaster General; Then as such, was not the widow entitled to a pension under act 1838 at the rate of $50 per mo. I think the answer is given in a report you made to the Secretary of War on the 6 June last, in the case of Mrs. Rewalt enclosed to me on the same day.
You therein give the "rate of pay fixed by Congress 1776 and the Spring of 1777 as the same rate which was allowed on the final settlement at the end of the war;" and say "on the 14 of May 1777 Congress fixed the pay of a Forage Master at $40 per month; and for that reason Emma =nee Goryells widow was allowed a pension of $40 pr. mo"
Under the same resolution too, you allow a Sep. & Master General pension at the rate of $50. and their assistants $40 pr. mo. and Forage and Masters, and Paymaster Conductors, at the rate of $40 pr month, and in your report to the Secretary of War. you give a "Deputy Paymaster General. at 50 pr month" under the same resolution: The Secretary of War

adopted the Resolves of Congress of the 14 May 1777 as proper for fixing the pay of a Horse Master does not the same resolve equally apply to John Butterfield as Deputy Quartermaster General , the capacity in which you admit he served.
I respectfully refer you to your letter of the 6 th June to the Sec y , and his decision on the same day. In the case of John Rewalt. of the State of New York act 1836.
I am Yours
most respectfully Alex. Day
J. L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions

Washn. June 14/48.
Rev. Ray.
Appeal on claim of Su- Sannah Buttsfield for an in case of pension.
No. 88. Rec June 15/48
Prison office
5 D Camp

Washington June 14. 1843
Sir
In presenting to your consideration, the claim of the only surviving child of Susannah Butterfield, for an augmentation of her late pension under act 7 July 1838. For the revolutionary services of John Butterfield as a Deputy Wagon Master General. I would remark. the increase claimed has been disallowed by the commissioner of Pensions on the ground: That it has not been shown that John Butterfield received $50 per month in specie. Paper marked No 1.
As it is admitted by the commissioner that John Butterfield was a Deputy Wagon Master General; And also admitted that under the resolution of the 14 May 1777. a Wagon Master General was paid 50 d a month. See letter marked No 2. It remains only to be considered, therefore, why Butterfield's widow was not allowed a pension at the same rate to which officers of like grade are considered as entitled to receive. It is to this point, I most respectfully solicit your consideration.
In a recent conversation with the commissioner he informed me. When the claim of Mrs Butterfield was first presented with the evidence in support of it: there was a certificate from the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, shewing the grade of John Butterfield as Deputy Wagon Master General, and service from April 1776 to March 1780. For the first part of this service the certificate expressed the monthly payment made to John Butterfield to have been £15 per month. [In Massachusetts currency 50 d p m. or $3.12 1 / 2 to the £] Just the amount authorized by the resolution of the 14 May 1777. The certificate further states after the 1 st Jan y 1779 said Butterfield was paid [I think] $122 a month in paper currency. It is upon the latter payment as I understand the commissioner; his objection to the increase is founded.

With the hope to have relieved the case from the impression that the payments to Butterfield were nominal. The undersigned addressed a letter to the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts upon the subject. And the Secretary again certifies, that from the 16 April 1776 to the 1 st Jan y 1779. John Butterfield "S. H. No. 6." was paid £15 per month wages" and from the 1 st Jan y 1779 to 1 st March 1780 £30 per month, and adds the Secretary "The Supposition is that the first rate of pay is specie or its equivalent, and the second is on account of depreciation of paper money." Copy of the certificate enclosed.
Now, notwithstanding, the certificate from the Secretary of Mass. would appear to elucidate as conclusively as any probable fact can be established - that the payment of £15 pr. mo. was in specie or its equivalent, still the Commissioner alleges, it not being positively shown the payment to have been in specie, for that season only, he does not feel himself authorized to grant an increase to the pension.
Allow me Sir, to indulge in an enquiry, with a view to arrive at what we suppose would have been the action of the Pension Office if this claim had originally been presented with the Secretary certificate giving only the grade of John Butterfield, and his service from the 16 April 1776 to the 1 st March 1780. I ask what would have been the disposition if such had been the case: The answer to the question is at hand in the Commissioner's own words; see letter to the Hon ble Geo. C. Spencer June 5. 1822. No. 2. in stating the pay to officers in the Quartermaster Department under the resolution 14 May 1777. [Specie resolution it must be bore in mind] "The Commission says. Deputy Wagon Master Generals at only £50 per month." And on that rate Michael Butterfield would have been entitled - and admitted beyond doubt to the amount now claimed.

But as the certificate which gave the payment from 1779 to 1780 in paper currency seems to be the obstacle to a favorable consideration of the claim, we beg again to refer to it. And what does it amount to, why simply that John Butterfield as a dep. M. M. Genl. was paid for his services $15 per month, being reduced to dollars is $50 a month, from the 16 April 1776 to the 1 March 1779. and after that time, he was paid at an increased rate in paper currency.
Now, it is not asked for a pension at the increased rate of Mr. Butterfield pay in paper currency; but at the lowest rate of pay he ever received . to wit $15 or $50 per mo. as specified in the supposition of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It cannot be denied that the payment made to officers and soldiers as far back as 1776 & 1777. is carried by the Pension office as a special base, and regarded as such in the settlement of all pensions, excepting perhaps the case of Susannah Butterfield under act 7 July 1838, whose service was embraced in those years.
It is, therefore Sir a subject for your decision, whether the widow of Mr. Butterfield as D. F. M. Genl. is to be settled, at the rate of $15 or $50 per month, in lieu of the present allowance. Under the statement of the Commission of Pensions expressed in letter No 2. that, that class of officers are entitled to pension at the rate of 50% a mo. in connection with the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts certificate - as to his opinion in regard to the payment of $15 being in specie or its equivalent to Mr. Butterfield B. M. M. Genl.
In submitting the case with great deference.
I have the honor to remain
Hon. Saml. Brown Porter acting Secretary of War.
Your Hon. On Ser
Alex. Ray

Washington Ap 10. 1843.
Sir
I now enclose you a certificate from the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. in the case of John Butterfield "S. H. No. 2" by which it will be seen "the supposition is that the first rate of pay is specie or its equivalent. from Ap 16-1776 to 1 Jan y 1779. £15. being in Mass. currency $50 per month. This I hope will settle the question as to the allowance at the rate of $50 per mo. under act 7 July 1838.
I am very respectfully Your Hon. Sir Alex. Ray
J. L. Edwards Esq. Court of Pensions

Sir
After writing the enclosed letter to the Secretary of War, in the case of Susannah Butterfield, it occurred to me, it might not be amiss just to submit the paper to you, with the hope after perusing them, that your opinion might concur with my own, as to the justice of the allowance asked,
I submit it to you, with the kindest feeling, and with the best intention: If, however, you should differ with me, in the view I have taken of the subject, be pleased to return me the enclosures in the morning
I remain Sir
Gen. Br-Sen
Abt. Ray
Washington Jan y . 31. 1843
J. L. Edwards Esq Cov. of Pennsylvania

No. 3.
Susanna Butterfield who died 8 March 1841
Increase to $600 per an. difference between $320 & 600 to be paid when only child Susan W. Butterfield - cert: to A. Ray
Present

(copy)
Pension Office
April 25. 1843.
Sir,
"I have again examined the case of Susannah Butterfield, deceased; and I can discover no reason for changing my opinion. The decision made known to you in my letter of the 23 d December last is adhered to."
I am respectfully
Yours. On Ser.
(signed)
J. L. Edwards.
Mr A. ray Present.

Copy of a Certificate from the Secretary of State of Massachusetts -

Copy Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office. April 3 rd 1843. 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 John Butterfield - "D. W. M. G." is upon a return - showing Fifty Three months service - engaged April 16 th 1776. - Wages per month $15 - to January 1 st 1779 - ditto $30 - to March 1 st 1780.
The supposition is, that the first rate of pay is specie or its equivalent - (and the second is on account of the Depreciation of paper money -)
Seal
In testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Ino A. Pillsbury Secretary of the Commonwealth
4333 1/3 15 4 1670 233 $ 5 00 0

Maps
Rev  WIDOW, &c.
File No. 15623
Susannah Butterfield
Widow of
John Butterfield
Depty Wag m M ty Gen. Rev. War
Act: July 9 th 1438
Index:—Vol. a , Page 104
[Arrangement of 1870.]

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 7 th July 1838, Susannah Butterfield, deceased, late of Massachusetts, widow of John Butterfield, who was a Deputy Wagon-master General, was entitled to receive Six Hundred Dollars per annum, commencing on the fourth of March eighteen hundred and thirty- and ending on the first of March eighteen hundred and forty- six, and having received only Three Hundred and one, after which period  when she died; but having received a pension at the rate of Twenty Dollars per annum, and died on the 8 th of only Three hundred and twenty dollars per annum, the March 1841 , the balance  amount due, is now to be paid after deducting all difference former payments is payable to Susan M. Butterfield, only child of Susannah Butterfield, deceased.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, August 24 th 1838.
I hereby Certify, That William Simmons Esq r is a justice of the Police Court &c. for the City of Boston, and County of Suffolk, and that Samuel F. M c leary is a justice of the Peace for the said County of Suffolk, (and they were such at the time of their several attestations.)
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to their acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John D. Sleeper Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, July 7 th 1840.
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 John Butterfield served as "Deputy Waggon Master General" under Colonel Thomas Chase, Deputy Quarter Master General from April 16, 1776 to January 1, 1779, being 32 months, and 15 days, at 50 dollars, per Month, and from January 1, 1779 to September 23, 1780, being 20 months, and 23 days, at one hundred and twenty dollars, per Month, Paper currency.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John D. Sleeper Secretary of the Commonwealth.

1781 June 11. Paid J r . Butterfield for his bill of expenses for riding to Stoughton from Boston, and from Boston to Sherburne and back on public service $3. 25 / 100  new emission  1782 Dec. 31. " J r . Butterfield for his bill of expenses travelling to Lincoln, Sutton and Marlborough to carry letters. . . . . $6. 79 / 100 Specie
In testimony whereof I have here- -unto affixed the seal of the Com- -monwealth, the date above written.
John P. Bigelow Secy of the Com th

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office,>Secretary's Office, April 5 th 1843.
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 John Butterfield "D. W. M. G." is borne upon a Return showing Fifty three months Service — engaged April 16 th 1776. — Wages per month £15. — to January 1 st 1779 — ditto £30. — to March 1 st 1780.
The supposition is, that the first rate of pay is Specie or its equivalent and the second is on account of the Depreciation of paper money.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Jno. A. Dole Secretary of the Commonwealth.
See p 1

I Joseph W. Ingraham, of Boston in the County of Suffolk and Commonwealth of Massa- -chusetts aged thirty-nine years hereby certify that I have for many years past known Susannah Butterfield the person whose declaration is hereto annexed & believe her declaration entitled to full credit & belief I also know the said Susannah to be the widow of John Butterfield and that she has never been married since the death of her said husband John Butterfield
Jos. W. Ingraham
Suffolk ss Boston August 23, 1838 Then the above named Joseph W. Ingraham, made oath to the truth of the above certificate by him subscribed Before me
Wm. M. Cushing, one of the Justices of the Police Court within & for the City of Boston & of the Justices Court for the County of Suffolk
I hereby certify that I consider the statement of the above named Joseph W. Ingraham entitled to full credit and belief
Wm. M. Cushing, Justice, as aforesaid