Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 950, Samuel Bliss, New York

SERVICE
New York
Bliss, Samuel
NUMBER _____
R. 950
CONTENTS

Sam! Bliss,
Declaration
18479
care of Don't Love Shufford W.

State of Vermont, ORANGE COUNTY ss.
At Strafford in said County on this 21 st day of September A. D. 1832, personally appeared Samuel Bliss , before Daniel Cobb Assistant Judge
the Court of said Orange County, now sitting , being a Court of Record Samuel Bliss a resident of Strafford in the County of Orange and State of Vermont, aged 70 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, 1832, That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers & served as herein stated -
He enlisted in the month of October 1775 at Kirt in the State of Connecticut for the term of one year, into the company commanded by Capt. Curtis , Hill & Clark Lieutenants - Brissell Ensign - Gibbs & Curtis Sergeants. From thence marched directly to Albany New York where he remained a short time, from thence to Fort George where he arrived in the forepart of the winter 1775 & joined a Regiment commanded by Col. Van Dyke as he understood - Garnsworth Lt. Col. here he drew his arms & clothing - deer skin breeches, chequered linen shirts &c. & here he remained till June one grand fatigue, when he was ordered to Fort Frederick , where he arrived & was soon after taken sick, had a furlough for fourteen days, left the Fort, was absent about one month on account of his sickness, he returned to the fort & took with him a certificate of his physician certifying to his sickness, which was satisfactory to his officers. Hill was now his Captain, the small pox prevailing in the fort he was sent to the Hospital to take care of the sick - soon after his return to the fort he received a furlough signed by Maj. Curtis his former Capt. the warrant he sent about nine years ago to the War Office with other papers - his time of service expired here, but there being only part of a Regiment fit for duty in the fort & many sick soldiers, his Maj. & Capt. requested him to stay two months longer, which he agreed to & did remain in the fort two  about two months after his years service expired - part of the Regiment to which he belonged were at Saratoga & late in the fall he left Fort George & went to Saratoga , where in the latter part of Decr. 1776 he was discharged & went to Strafford Vermont , where his father had moved after he entered the service - he was born in Holton Oct. 1754 Feb. 13 th C.S. he has no record of his age - was living in Hart in the State of Connecticut when he enlisted - since the revolutionary war he has lived in Strafford not
Cornwall Lower Canada, Hartford Vt. & Strafford Vermont where he now lives, he volunteered in the service, was not sworn  sworn  to  to the names of the following officers which he saw when in the service in addition to those above stated, Col. Paar from V.R. & Gen. Schuyler Capt. Craig of the Pennsylvania troops - he never saw Col. Van Dyke - he received a written discharge from Maj. Curtis but has lost it - he is known to Stephen Morrill Esq. Col. Asahel Chamberlin , Jos Norton , Samuel Hayward , Ira Pennock & others in his neighborhood who can testify to his character for veracity & their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution - He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. Daniel Cobb Judge of Orange County Court & Jus. Peace ex officio
We Stephen Morrill & Ira Pennock residing in Strafford and State of Vermont residing in the said hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Samuel Bliss who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, and that we believe him to be 70 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. & that we know of no Clengymon who can be supposed able to testify to the common report of the revolutionary services of the said Bliss , residing in his the said Bliss , neighborhood or in the Town of Strafford
residing in Strafford in said County of Orange  Samuel Bliss  Stephen Morrill  Ira Pennock  Daniel Cobb Judge of Orange County Court & Jus. Peace ex officio
Daniel Cobb Justice of the Peace as aforesaid. And the said Commissioner  Justice do hereby declare his 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 Commissioner  Justice further certifies that it appears to him that Stephen Morrill & Ira Pennock who have signed the preceding certificate, are  are residents in Strafford in said County, and that the said Justice further certifies that the said Samuel Bliss is a resident in the same place, and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit. & the said Justice further certifies that the said Samuel Bliss by reason of bodily infirmities is wholly unable to appear in Court which the said Samuel Bliss has made out of Court, & the said Justice further

to which he belonged were at Senatobia & late in the fall he left Fort George & went to Senatobia, where in the latter part of Decr. 1776 he was discharged & went to Stratford Vermont, where his father had moved after he entered the service - He was born in February 1754 Feb. 13th A.D. he has no record of his age - was living in Stratford in the State of Connecticut when he enlisted - Since the revolutionary war he has lived in Stratford and Compton Lower Canada, Hartland Vt. & Stratford Vermont where he now lives he volunteered in the service, was not mustered by the State. He mentions the names of the following officers which he saw when in the service in addition to those above stated, Col. Pease from Vt. Gen. Schuyler Capt. Craig of the Pennsylvanian Troops - he never saw Col. Van Dyke - he received a written discharge from Maj. Curtis but has lost it - he is known to Stephen Morrill Esq. Col. Asahel Chamberlin, Jos. Norton, Samuel Heyward, Iree Pennock & others in his neighborhood who can testify to his character for veracity & their belief of his sincerity as a soldier of the revolution - He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever, to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Daniel Bliss Daniel Cobb Judge of Orange County Court & Jus. Peace ex officio
We Stephen Morrill & Iree Pennock and State of Vermont residing in the said who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, and that we believe him to be 70 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. & that we know of no living person who can be supposed able to testify to the common report of the revolutionary services of the said Bliss. residing in his said Bliss, neighborhood or in the Town of Stratford
residing in Stratford in said County of Orange hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Samuel Bliss who has also signed the preceding certificate, are residents in Stratford in said County, and that the said Justice further certifies that the said Samuel Bliss by reason of bodily infirmities is wholly unable to appear in Court which is the reason of the above declaration of the said Bliss being made out of Court & the said Justice further certifies that from his personal knowledge the above named Samuel Bliss more than twenty years since moved into the Province of Lower Canada & returned to Stratford about four years ago -
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Daniel Cobb Judge of Orange County Court & Jus. Peace ex officio
Daniel Cobb Justice of the Peace as aforesaid.
And the said Court do hereby declare my 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 certify that it appears to them that Stephen Morrill & Iree Pennock who have signed the preceding certificate, are residents in Stratford in said County, and that the said Justice further certifies that the said Samuel Bliss by reason of bodily infirmities is wholly unable to appear in Court which is the reason of the above declaration of the said Bliss being made out of Court & the said Justice further certifies that from his personal knowledge the above named Samuel Bliss more than twenty years since moved into the Province of Lower Canada & returned to Stratford about four years ago -
Daniel Cobb Jst. Judge of the Court of Orange County aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Samuel Bliss for a pension. In Testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal of Office, this twentyfirst day of September A. D. 1832.
Daniel Cobb { First Assistant Judge of Orange County Court & Jus. Peace ex officio

H. E. G. H. Langhlin Clerk of Orange County Court hereby certify that Daniel Cobb before whom the within deposition was made is a Judge of Orange County Court duly authorized to administer Oaths and that the several signatures thereto affixed purporting to be his are genuine. —
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this 28 th day of September A 1832.
H. E. G. H. Langhlin C. Clerk

State of Vermont ? Personally appeared before me the undersigned Orange County ) a justice of the Peace in said Orange County Samuel Bliss who being duly sworn deposeth & saith in amendment of his declaration made the 21 st day of September A.D. 1832 & hereto annexed that he may be mistaken in the name of the Colonel who commanded the Regiment to which he the said Bliss belonged in the Revo- lutionary War, having never seen him & learning his name only from the report in the army, but Lt. Col. Garmevort he frequently saw & he appeared to have the command of the Regiment to which I belonged - I was on the walls of Fort George the night that Gen. Montgomery fell before Quebec & I was at said Fort George at the battle on Lake Champlain between Arnold & Carleton, when Arnold was defeated & I assisted in taking care of the wounded Soldiers who were sent to the Hospital at Fort George - two men were wounded by the bursting of a Cannon, who soon died, two others badly burnt by the explosion of powder & many others wounded, while a Soldier I also went out on a scouting party of twelve men under Capt. Hill I served in the Revolutionary War one full year as a private under & by virtue of my first enlistment & two months as a Sergeant & for such service I claim a pension & I do further depose & say that one Eli White & myself enlisted in 1775 in the month of Oct at the Town of Kent in the State of Connecticut for the term of one year, I do know I am not mistaken, my Sergeant's warrant I suppose is now in the War Department where it was sent as stated in my declaration
Samuel his Bliss mark
Subscribed & sworn to this 31 st day of July 1833
Before — Daniel Cobb Judge of Orange County Court & Jus. Peace & office
I hereby certify that the above named Samuel Bliss has heretofore been Town Clerk of Strafford in Orange County many years & has also held a comm- ission of a justice of the Peace in said County & that altho' he is very infirm in body, his memory appears good & his recollection of past events very accurate I am well acquainted with the said Bliss, his character for truth & veracity is good & his statements are entitled to full credit
Certified by me Daniel Cobb Judge of Orange County Court

I Jonathan Nub of Strafford in the County of Orange & State of Vermont of lawful age do here by say, that I am well acquainted with Samuel Bliss of said Strafford - About three or four years before the burning of Royalton in the State of Vermont, John Bliss father of the said Samuel Bliss informed me he had a son Samuel in the army in the State of New York, sometime afterwards I think in the fall or winter the said Samuel Bliss came into the Town of Strafford I saw him soon after his arrival in Town & had conversation with him about his service in the army - but I have forgotten how long it was reported that Samuel served in the army
Jonathan Nub mark
Subscribed & sworn to this 26 th day of July 1833 Before Daniel Cobb Judge of Orange County Court & justice of peace
I certify that the above named Jonathan Nub, is a credible person & to me well known
Daniel Cobb Judge of Orange County Court
I Harry Hale Clerk of the Court of Orange County in the State of Vermont, certify that Daniel Cobb is a magistrate as above & that the four foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office & subscribed my name this first day of August in the year 1833.
Harry Hale Clerk of the Court of Orange County

I Samuel Bliss of Strafford in the County of Orange & State of Vermont, in amend- ment & explanation of my declaration made for the purpose of obtaining a pension under the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832, Depose & say. That in November 1775 about a month after my enlistment I arrived at Fort George. The Company to which I belon- ged was destitute of an orderly sergeant. I had been at School to Maj. Curtis in the State of Connecticut he knew I could write what was then called a good hand & was acquainted with Hobitt & abilities for doing business he gave me an orderly sergeant's warrant which I think was dated in Nov. 1775. I continued to discharge the duties of an orderly sergeant of the Company, till March 1776 when a Mr. Gibbs arrived at Fort George from Connecticut with a number of soldiers & said he was promised an orderly sergeant's warrant if he would raise or enlist a certain number of men. I do not recollect what number - after some consultation & at the request of Maj. Curtis I retired from the duties of an orderly sergeant & Sergeant Gibbs took my place & continued in office until June 1776 when he was taken sick of the small pox & died. at his death; on the request of Maj. Curtis I again performed the duties of an orderly sergeant under my old warrant, in which capacity I served till some time in December 1776 when I received a written discharge by whom signed I do not recollect which I have lost - making in the whole ten months service as an orderly sergeant & four months as a private in the Revolutionary War for which service I claim a pension.
Samuel Bliss
Sworn to & subscribed this 14 th day of Decr 1835
Before me
Daniel Cobb } Commissioner of the Court Justin Pease }

State of Vermont } I hereby certify. That I have Orange County } been acquainted with the within named Samuel Bliss for more than twenty years past. That he is a credible person & his statement are entitled to full credit — Certified by me this 14 th day of Dec r 1833 — Daniel Colby Daniel Colby } at office. Justin Pease
State of Vermont } Harry Hale, Clerk of Orange County Orange County } Court, do hereby certify that Daniel Coble is a Councillor for the State of Vermont, and as such is ex officio a Justice of the Peace throughout the State, duly qualified to administer oaths, and that the above and within writing, purporting to be his signature, is genuine
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court at Chelsea in said County this 17 th day of December A.D. 1833.
Harry Hale, Clerk.

Original Claim Samuel Bliss
New York line
Col Van Dyke
1 October 1775 - 1 Sept
The enlistments in 1775, prior to December of that year, were not for 9 months, on the continental establish- ment. And there is no proof of service. -
Rejected.
19 Sept. 1821.
Ben: Swan Woodstock, Vt.

State of Vermont Windsor County ss
Original Claim
At a County Court, begun and held at Woodstock in the County of Windsor, on the first Monday in March in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and twenty one. —
On this sixth day of March A D 1821, being the second day of said term personally appeared in open court (the same court being a Court of Records agreeably to the laws of this State, having the power of fine and imprisonment) H s Samuel Bliss aged sixty seven years resident in Norwich in said County of Windsor, — who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the acts of Congress of the 18 th day of March 1818, and the first day of May 1820, that he the said Samuel Bliss enlisted for the term of one year, on or about the first of October 1775 at a place then called Kent, now Warren in the State of Connecticut in the company commanded by Ebenezer Hill, who then belonged to the same town, in the Regiment commanded by Col. Van Dyke, Col. Garmont, Lt. Colonel — Ebenezer Curtis, Major in the New York Line of Continental establishment, and that he continued and served in said Regiment until December 1776, at which time he was discharged at Saratoga in the State of New York, and that no other evidence of his service is now in his power, that he knows of. And in pursuance of the act of the first of May 1820, I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18 th day of March 1818, and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposal of my property or any part thereof with intent thereby to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and Naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary war, passed on the 18 th day of March 1818, and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities, contracts or debts due to me, nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed — b72

My wearing apparel - no other property of any kind - This deponent is now a single man, but unable to labour but little, and is dependent entirely upon his friends for a living -
Parochial Slip -
Sworn to and declared on the sixth day of March 1821. before said Court
Attest Benj d Swan Clerk
State of Vermont } Windsor County }
I Benjamin Swan Clerk of the County Court for the County of Windsor, do hereby certify that the foregoing satts and the schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the records of the said Court. And I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is nothing -
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, at Woodstock this seventeenth day of March A.D. 1821 -
Benj d Swan Clerk Windsor County Court

16.479 Samuel Bliss Orange 6 Vermont
Ed Gannervort commissioned 21 Nov 1776
c. i. m.
says he sent a length warrant to the papers since year ago I think you get
Daniel Cobb claimant Strafford Vt
8

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
June 1.
1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined 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 Samuel Bliss
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names 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.     Octo 1775 Served two months more at the request of his Capt Left off 1 2 Private of Infy Jura Hart of the line Capt Cartes Capt Will Col. Vandyc From Hart to Albany to Ticon deroga 78 years 18th Century Testimony of living Witnesses  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
The applicant says Lt. Col. Gernsevoort took the entire command of the Reg. to which he belonged & that he never saw Col. Van Dyke - see declaration of applicant

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 the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
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.
[z] 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.
The notes from [a] to [j] 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.
[k] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
I am in no way responsible for 12 months at the time of declaration until received in the department

Saml Bliss Suspended case act of 1832
Stephen Thomas West Fairlee VT
950 - Eng 3

Know all Men by these Presents that I, Betsey Morrill in the county of Orange and State of Vermont of Stratford
do hereby constitute and appoint Stephen Thomas of West Fairlee in the State of Vermont my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to prosecute the claim of Samuel Bliss late of said Stratford decease ?
to a Pension under the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832
Witness my hand and seal this 10th day of Feby 185 3 . James S. Moos William Sanborn  Betsey Morrill
STATE OF Vermont } Be it Known, that on the 10th day of COUNTY OF Orange } February 185 3 , before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly authorized by law to administer oaths and to take acknowledgments, personally appeared Betsey Morrill above named, and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be her act and deed.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand the day and year last above mentioned.
James S. Moos Justice of Peace.
I, Betsey Morrill of Stratford in the County of Orange and State of Vermont of lawful age depose and say, that I am the daughter of Samuel Bliss late of Said Stratford deceased , that said decedent in his lifetime, as I understood, made application for a Pension, that his application was rejected or suspended, that I am now interested in whatever may be due on account of the services of said deceased in the War of the Revolution.
Betsey Morrill
Sworn to and subscribed this 10th day of February 185 3 ,
Before me, James S. Moos Justice of Peace.

STATE OF VERMONT.
Office of the Secretary of State, Montpelier, February, 24, 1853. }
I certify that James S. Moore Esquire, whose name is subscribed in his own proper hand writing to the foregoing certificate, is and was at the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the county of Orange, duly elected and qualified, and that to his official acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are, and ought to be given.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of this Office, this twenty fourth day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-three.
Fernand J. Merrill
Secretary of State.

R950
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Samuel Bliss a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Oct. 1, 1775 to Dec. 1776 Infy Sgt Ebenezer Merrill Van Dyck Sensenbork N.Y.                                                   
Battles engaged in, _____
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Rent (later called Warren) Conn.
Date of application for pension, Mar. 6, 1821.
Residence at date of application, Morris Co. Va.
Age at date of application, born at Lebanon Conn. Feb 13, 1754, son of John
Remarks: his dau. Betsey Merrill was a res of Strafford Co. N.H. in 1853. She was then dead. Date & place of death not stated and there is no further data on file as to his family. He died before completing his claim for pension.
Respectfully,
see memo. on jacket as to unjust rejection of both claims - see N.Y. in Rev. page 18. for S.D. in Col Van Dyck's 1st N.Y. Reg't line
Commissioner.

To Samuel Bliss
you are hereby appointed first or orderly sergt in the company commanded by Florence Hills first Colonel Wadsworth Regiment and relying on your diligence and good conduct and knowing your ability to serve in D office do give you the command of D company as their orderly sergt you are to obey all lawfull commands of your superior officers and to do your Duty agreeable to the laws and regulations of the army given under my hand at Fort George this tenth Day of 1775
Eleazer Gustin Majr

Ex'r.
over
INVALID.
100 950
Saml Bliss
P. O.
err
lli
os
app
Alle
Re-t
Attorney:
Rejected, not having Served on the conti- nental establish- ment. See letter July 23. 1823. to Benjamin Swann, Woodstock, Va.
8
8
3
see note unjust rejection
the printed list of 1852 gives cause of suspicion of his claim under Act June 7. 1832 as He did not serve six mos.
REPEATED
Both causes of rejection seem most unfair. The Vol. New York in Rev. p. 18. shows Samuel Bliss in Col. Van Dyke's 1 st N.Y. Regt of the line (that was a regt. on Continental Establishment) under that regt song passed for a year in 1776 & soldiers have witnesses to length of service also Rev. War Lecture Dec. 9. 1909

I Eli White of Virshyne in the county of Orange & State of Vermont aged seventythree years. Depose & say I am well acquainted with Samuel Bliss of Strafford in said Orange County who is about making application for a pension under the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. The s d Bliss enlisted with me for the term of one year, in 1775 at Newt Ct. in Capt. Austin's Company, we marched together from Newt to Fort George from then to Ticonderoga, then back to Fort George I was with said Bliss the greater part of the year I always understood & believe he served his term of enlistment. I was not with said Bliss the latter part of the time - and further the Deponent saith not
Eli X White
Subscribed & sworn to this mark 22 nd Day of August A 1832 Before
Daniel Cobb } Judge of Orange County Court
I hereby certify that the above named Eli White is a credible person
Daniel Cobb } Judge of Orange County Court
State of Vermont } Orange County }
I H. E. G. B c Laughlin Clerk of Orange County Court, hereby certify that Daniel Cobb before whom the foregoing affidavit was taken is a Judge of Orange County Court duly authorized to administer oaths, and the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine. — In Testimony whereof I have here- unto set my hand and seal of Office this 28 th day of September A 1832. — H. E. G. B c Laughlin Clerk

I Eli White of Norwich in the County of Windsor & State of Vermont - do depose & say that I & Samuel Bliss, then, both of Kent, now called Warren, in the State of Connecticut enlisted in to Capt. Benner Hills company, which was attached  belonged to Col. Varnum's Regiment. - General Lieut Col. & Eleazer Curtis Major. - that we enlisted in the fall of the year of 1775. for the term of one year - that the sd. Bliss served in sd. company during the sd. term of one year - as an orderly sergeant & served faithfully & did his duty well for sd. term - untill he & I were discharged at Saratoga in N. York in December 1776.
We drew our clothing & arms from the continental stores at Fort George. -
That the Captain of our company Hills received his commission at Albany in December of 1775 - That we received no wages untill July 9. 1823. -
our officers were commissioned in Albany in December 1775; - but went with sd. Hills to Albany - as he could have a commission only upon condition only of his procuring so many men. & myself & sd. Bliss were two who volunteered to go with him - & further Depowit saith not -
July 10. 1823. -
Eli White
State of Vermont } At Woodstock in said County on the 10 th day of July Windsor County ss } 1823. personally appeared the sd. Eli White & made solemn oath that the foregoing Affidavit by him subscribed contains the truth & nothing but the truth - before Isaac M c Farlane Justice of the Peace. -

I hereby certify that the within named Deponent is a credible witness — Isaac H. Lushman Justice of the Peace
State of Vermont } Woodstock County Clerks Office July 10 th 1823 Windsor County ss } I Benjamin Swan Clerk of the County Court within & for the County of Windsor. Do hereby Certify that Isaac H. Lushman is one of the Justices of the Peace within & for said County and that the above z within are his signs. Thus — —
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the Seal of said Court and subscribe my name the day & year above. —
Benj a Swan

B. Swann      Copy Woodstock VT
War Dept. Pension Office July 23, 1823.
Sir. The claim of Samuel Bliss has again been reexamined. It is possible that he might have served as he states in a regiment commanded by Col. Van Dyke. The objection is, not that he performed no service, but that the service performed was not in a regiment on the Continental Establishment. We have a complete list of the Officers of the New York Continental regiments in 1777 and not Colonel named Van Dyke nor any Captain named Hill appears thereon.
It is evident therefore that he could not have served on the Continental Establishment and as no other description of persons are provided for by the Act of March 1818, his claim cannot, of course, be admitted. The papers in the case will remain on the files of this Office, agreeably to the present regulations of the Dept.
I am &c. J. L. E.

War Dept t
P.O.
Jan'y 15 1834
Sir
The various explanations given relative to the claim of Samuel Bliss do not place the it upon a satisfactory basis.
When he originally applied under the act of 1818 he alleged that he enlisted on the first of October 1775 in Col Van Dykes regiment of the New York line of the Continental Army for one year. The claim was rejected on the ground that there was no such regiment in the continental service. In his present declaration he alleges that he enlisted in Connecticut in October 1775 for a year and served under Lt Col Gurnea. Whether the troops corps were continental or state troops he does not allege, but the same difficulty occurs in either case - which is that no forces were raised for so long a period at that time. The explanation given relative to his service, first as orderly sergeant and then as private is altogether un satisfactory.

An individual who had been regularly appointed sergeant by warrant would not be degraded to the ranks during the term of service unless for some military offence. On the whole this claim requires much elucidation before it can be admitted. That the claimant was in service as sergeant in Nov 1775 may be readily admitted - but unless it is shown that the state in whose service then was, contrary to the had previous to the time ordered troops to be raised for a year, that term of service cannot be allowed. As the claimant states that he served but two months as sergeant, it is most probable that was the period for which the troops were raised. The papers remain on file for further proof and explanation. This must be given in detail. It may be proper if the claimant belonged to the New York troops, to show that such a corps was raised in the State of Connecticut. The archives of New York will probably show whether or the corps to which the claimant refers was in actual service.
Cobb
Jan 13/1894
D. Cobb Esq Stafford Vermont
Rec. Vol. 29, p. 263

Recd. 7 Jan '32 Sam Bliss Vermont
Suspended for letter 30 Sept '33
D. Cobb Sold to same 15 Jan 1834 Shafford Vt.

Sam l . Bliss prof as neycant WVmont
31. Dec 1833
Harper's Ferry
Rev
Dear Sir I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 29 th inst. and in reply to inform you that the same has been forwarded to the proper authorities for their consideration

Stratford Dec 21 st 1833.
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Sir In drawing Samuel Bliss, Declaration for a pension I perceive I was not sufficiently careful in stating his services as an orderly Sergeant I did not then think it of any importance, but I now readily perceive I was mistaken - The expli- cation given by the affidavit in his affidavit it is hoped will be satisfactory - I have here to fore stated the character & standing of S d Bliss - The Department probably are not much concerned with my character - with pleasure I refer to the Senators from this State, to whom I am known - I am respectfully your ob t Serv t Daniel Cobb

cc 30 Sept '33 D. Cobb
Shaffron N
Re. vol. 10 pa 296

Sir
War Dept Pens. Office Sept. 30 - 1888
The papers in the case of Samuel Bliss have been again examined and are placed on our files. We state that after his first enlistment he served two years at least which service would have been performed in the close of 1776, but his warrant which has been found in the office is dated in 1775. This requires explanation.
D. Cobb Esq. Stafford, Vt.

Daughters of the American Revolution
STATE OF ILLINOIS
Vice President General for Illinois, MRS. FRANK W. BAHNSEN 1720 22nd. St., ROCK ISLAND
State Vice Regent, MRS. H. E. CHUBBUCK, Grand View Drive, PEORIA
State Recording Secretary, MRS. NEVIN C. LESCHER, GALENSBURG
State Treasurer, MRS. HENRY C. ETTINGER, 1114 S. Second St., SPRINGFIELD
Honorary State Regent, MRS. GEORGE A. LAWRENCE, 590 N. Prairie St., GALENSBURG
State Regent, MRS. JOHN H. HANLEY, MONMOUTH
State Historian, MRS. FRED BALL, CLINTON
State Consulting Registrar, MRS. HELEN F. DAILY, 73 N. Root St., AURORA
State Corresponding Secretary, MRS. L. I. HUTCHINS, MONMOUTH
State Librarian, MISS EFFIE EPLER 1106 W. State St., JACKSONVILLE
October 20, 1919.
Mr. G. W. Saltzgaber, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:--
Please send me the pension record of Samuel Bliss born in Conn, 1752 died in Norwich, Vermont, 1836, wife was Olive Pinnock.
Also of George Greer, who served in Cap. Stephen Bayards Co. Jan. 5, 1776 to November 25, 1776 (Page 107 Vol 3, 5th Series Penn. Archives). Thanking you, I am none neg sup
Respectfully yours,
Helen F Daily 73 N Root St - Aurora Ill.