Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 12,315, Samuel Bosworth, R. I.

SERVICE
NUMBER
R.I.
Bosworth, Samuel Tabitha
W. 12,315-
CONTENTS

Rhode Island 573
Tabitha Bosworth widow of Samuel Bosworth
who died on the 6. Sept. 1826 of Bristol Co. in the State of R. Island who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Billings of the commanded by in the R. Island line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island at the rate of 80 Dollars — Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 th day of March 1837 and sent to Hon. D. Wardwell, Present
Arrears to the 4th of March '37 480.00 Semi-ann. allowance ending 6 Sep. " 40.00
$520.00
{ Revolutionary Claim Act July 4, 1836 Section the }
Recorded by D. Brown Book — Vol. 1 —
Page 97

Tabitha Bosworth for a N o 397 Pension.
defective specification.
married in '82. proof insufficient.
Gen. Mr. Blake Esda Bristol R. I. d

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the 3 d section of the act of Congress of the 4 th of July 1836.
State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations, Bristol sc. On this first day of August A D 1836 personally appeared before the judges of the Court of Probate now in session at Bristol in said County of Bristol, Subi'tha Bosworth a resident of said town and County aged seventy eight 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 4 th 1836 —
That she is the widow of Samuel Bosworth late of said Bristol Esq. who was a private soldier and served as such in the revolutionary army — that he enlisted as a private in Capt. Billings Throop's company of Militia immediately on the beginning of hostilities for a period not less than six months which he served out — that he was also, after this, engaged in an expedition in a company commanded by Capt. Caleb Barr to Long Island — that he was stationed also at Newport and other places upon Rhode Island in the service of the army and after this, he was in another service in a company of Bristol Militia commanded by William Throop and stationed in Bristol until Newport was evacuated by the British — after that event, he was in the army stationed at Newport again and continued in the service there until part of the forces was removed from there to Bristol and then he continued in the service at Bristol until the close of the war. In the course of the before mentioned services he was engaged in Spence's and Sullivan's expeditions. In the year 1778 he received a bad wound in the service but continued in it.
She further declares that she was married to the said Bosworth some time in the winter of 1782 as she verily believes, but she can find no record of the time — that she was married at Barrington but finds no record of her marriage there. And she further declares that her said husband died on the sixth day of September 1826 and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed — Sworn to and subscribed

on the said first day of August in the year first before written before said Court of Probate. Attest
Wm Shrop Esq.
Elizabeth Bosworth
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that the aforesaid Samuel Bosworth was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as heretofore stated.
Attest Wm Shrop Esq.
I Wm Shrop Esq. of the Court of Probate in Bristol aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Tabitha Bosworth widow, for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of said Court the day and year heretofore written Attest, Wm Shrop Esq.
Ques. How Fades - exp - he enlisted in 1776 Troops - col. & reg. which he served out - I - root what year '77
12 rec. When he went to B. Long. Island city - did he think it was 12 rec. remains in Spencer's expedition - in an where band regiment?
Spencer's expedition - in how long in defense for a regiment? - per Capt. H. H. Chapman
Simson Brewster
I Allen Wardwell of Bristol in the County of Bristol and State of Rhode Island, Esquire, aged sev- enty one years on solemn oath depose & say -
That I was intimately acquainted with Samuel Bosworth late of said Bristol, deceased, from my early life. I was eleven years of age in 1776 when he was addressing my youngest sister Tabitha, and whom he afterwards married. I know said Bosworth was in the service of the army during most of the re- volutionary war. He enlisted into that service at about its commencement, and though I cannot recollect the particular campaigns and regiments in which he served I do recollect he went in an expedition with a company that took and brought off from Long Island a body of refugees. I also remember that he served on Rhode Island in a company stationed there a number of months. He was also stationed at Se- acomet Point, Howland's Ferry and at many differ- ent places in this town. How long he served at each or either of these places I cannot say but I feel con- fident in deposing that from the commencement to the conclusion of the war he was almost constantly employed in his country's service. I have often heard him speak of his losses by the depreciation of continental money received for his military services and say that at the end of seven years in that service he left it poorer than he entered it. He received a severe wound in the leg when the British went through and burnt this town. Having no profession and being enthusiastic in the cause of his country I questioned whether any man in the community was, in his sphere, more ardently or constantly engaged in the revo- lutionary war than Samuel Bosworth. I cannot testify as to the precise period of his marriage with my said sister, which took place at Barrington in this county, as our then late minister Rev. John But- had died the very day when Waller fired upon the town and no person had succeeded to his charge. They were married before he left the service of the revolution. After the formation of our government he was appointed by Gen. Washington to the office which I the deponent

now lived, that of surveyor to this district, in which office he continued till his death, a period of more than thirty five years. Allen Wardwell
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Bristol ss. At Bristol this fourth day of August 1836 Then the above named Allen Wardwell personally came and gave the aforesaid deposition which was by me reduced to writing in his presence when he subscribed and made oath to the truth of the same before me. And I also certify that the said Allen Wardwell is personally known to me and that he sustains a good character for truth & veracity
Is. N. Blake Just. of the Peace
I Jonathan Taly of Bristol in the County of Bristol and State of Rhode Island, aged eighty four years on solemn oath do testify and say, that I was acquainted with Samuel Bosworth late of said Bristol from our boyhood till his death. We married sisters, I before and he during the revolution. My wife was Elizabeth and his Tabitha Wardwell. We were always quite intimate, being also cousins and living near each other. He enlisted as a private soldier in Capt. Billings Throop's company which was employed at an early period of the revolution in guarding the shores of this bay. His first enlistment in said company was for six months which he served out. In the course of this service he was sent to the Island of Prudence, near which a British squadron lay anchored and from which they had landed a number of the enemy who were plundering the farms and burning the buildings - they burnt a number of dwelling houses and the only mill upon the Island. Said Throop's company and a number of the militia from the vicinity repelled them after a smart skirmish and drove them back to their vessels. After this service he was drafted for an expedition to Long Island from the Bristol company of Militia. I do not recollect who commanded the company that was drafted from this regiment for that service. Caleb Barr was a commissioned officer, I think, in said company. They went off in whale boats, skimming along the shore and crossed from Stratford Ct. to Long Island where they landed, surprised and captured a body of refugees and brought them off. This was in 1776 and I think soon after the declaration of independence. They soon after returned to Rhode Island and were employed at and about Newport in building breast works and guarding that place. I think he was employed in this second service for the space of twelve months. Said Bosworth was also in Spencer's expedition in the fall of 1777 which lasted between one and two months. On his return from this expedition he was taken up by Stephen Smith Esq. who was commissary to supply the army here, and was employed by him to deal out rations to the soldiers, but always took his turn in standing guard and turning out in alarms with the other soldiers, and while standing guard one day received a severe wound in the leg. He continued in the service in Bristol until Sullivan's expe-

dition when he went to Rhode Island and served out the whole of it. After the enemy evacuated Newport he was in the service of a company stationed there for some time and continued in the army until it was disbanded at the Peace. Through out the whole of the revolutionary war he was in the service of his country. He died at said Bristol about ten years ago. His said wife Tabitha Bosworth still remains the widow of her said husband. Jonathan Fales
State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Bristol ss. At Bristol on the twenty ninth day of July 1836 When personally came the above named Jonathan Fales and gave the foregoing deposition which was by me reduced to writing in his presence when he subscribed and made oath to the truth of the same before me. And I also certify that the said Jonathan Fales is personally known to me and that he sustains a good character for truth and veracity. Jos. M. Blake Just. of the Peace
I Jonathan Reynolds of Bristol in the County of Bristol and State of Rhode Island in the seventy fourth year of my age on solemn oath depose and say that I have always lived in said Bristol and was well and intimately acquainted with Samuel Bosworth Esq. late of said Bristol deceased. I well recollect him being a soldier in the Revolutionary war, in the Bristol Company of Militia of which my brother Joseph was Lieutenant. I was young at the beginning of the war and cannot detail his services during the former part of it, but I remember he was engaged in the public service during the latter part of it and know by reputation that he was so engaged throughout the whole war. He was wounded in the thigh while on guard which caused him to limp ever after. He was afterwards employed for a while in dealing out provisions for the army, until well enough for active service. I am also acquainted with his wife Tabitha Bosworth who was maiden name was Haidwell, to whom he was married sometime during the war. He died about ten years since and she survives his widow.
Jonathan Reynolds
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Bristol ss. Bristol July, twenty ninth A.D. 1836 When the said Jonathan Reynolds personally came and gave the foregoing deposition and subscribed and made oath to the truth of the same before me. And I also certify that the said Jonathan Reynolds is personally known to me and that he sustains a good character for truth & veracity. Jos. M. Blake Just. of the Peace

I Nelson Miller of Bristol in the County of Bristol and State of Rhode Island on solemn oath depose and say - That I am eighty three years of age the present month - That I was acquainted with Samuel Bosworth Esq. before, during and since the Revolution and till his death and I know that he was engaged in the military service of his country through most if not the whole of the revolutionary war. At the very commencement of that contest he was engaged as a soldier in guarding the shores of Narragansett Bay, especially at and about said Bristol. We were together in the engagement on Providence when the dwelling-houses and mills were then burnt by the enemy. I was myself engaged a considerable part of the revolutionary war in military services out of the state. But having a family here always returned and visited them at the end of each campaign, and when I was so here, I well remember, that I always found said Bosworth engaged in some military service. He received a severe wound at Bristol Ferry which disabled him considerably for a time and was afterwards employed for a while about the commissary department. Bristol was a garrison town throughout all the war - troops were stationed here all the time in the course of which a part of the place was burnt, and the Militia used to take turns and serve a part at a time attending to their accustomed occupations the other part of the time, but the said Bosworth had no other occupation and was exclusively engaged in military service until the termination of the war according to the best of my recollection. I was always intimate with said Bosworth and his wife Tabitha Bosworth. They were married during the war. He died in 1826. His wife now resides a few doors from me, and still remains his widow.
Nelson Miller
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Bristol ss. Bristol July 29 th A.D. 1836 Then personally came the said Nelson Miller and gave the above written deposition which was by me reduced to writing in his presence when he subscribed and made oath to the truth of the same before me. And I also certify that the said Nelson Miller is personally known to me and that he sustains a good character for truth and veracity.
W. M. Blake Justice of the Peace
I Simeon Bullock of Bristol in the County of Bristol and State of Rhode Island he aged about seventy six years engaged according to law do testify and say, That I was personally acquainted with Samuel Bosworth late of said Bristol, deceased. About the time that I enlisted in capt. Loring Pick's company, as near as I can recollect, said Bosworth enlisted in captain Biring Hopp's company in the service of the Revolution, but for how long a time he enlisted I cannot say. A part of my service was out of the state and I believe the said Bosworth was mostly confined to the state. A part of my service was in Sullivan and Spencer's expedition through the whole of both which expeditions the said Bosworth and I were in the same regiments. I remember that said Bosworth was wounded at the fort at Bristol Ferry. After this he was employed for a while in dealing out provisions and grog to the soldiers. Towards the end of the war, after the enemy left Newport, said Bosworth was stationed with me six months on the island of Rhode Island near Newport in capt. Carr's company. After this we came back to Bristol where we were stationed together in the service until the close of the war. His widow is still alive and lives his widow. They were married during the war.
Simeon Bullock
State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Bristol ss. Bristol July 29 A.D. 1836 Then personally came the above named Simeon Bullock and gave the above written deposition which was by me reduced to writing in his presence, when he subscribed and made oath to the truth of the same before me. And I also certify that said Bullock is personally known to me and that he sustains a good character for truth & veracity.
W. M. Blake Justice of the Peace

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Bristol ss. Clerks Office Supreme Judicial Court August 5 th A.D. 1836 I Greenwood Reynolds Clerk of said Court for said County of Bristol do hereby certify that William Throop is the present Clerk for the Court of Probate for Bristol and has been such for several years last past, and that John Tyler is To- wn Clerk for the Town of Barrington and has been such for several years last past, and I further certify that Joseph M. Blake before whom the depositions of Jonathan Fales, Jonathan Reynolds, Nelson Miller Simeon Bullock and John Tyler afore written purport to have been taken is a Justice of the Peace for said County and has been such for several years last past, and the signature at the bottom of said Depositions is in his own proper hand writing. In testimony whereof I do hereon set my hand and the seal of said Court the day and year above written. And I further certify that said Court of Probate is a Court of record Greenwood Reynolds Clerk

Tabitha Bosworth
(N 370)
Dec. 27 1836
Ref d to the Committee on Rev d Pensions
Jan. 20. 1837. Bill no. 861
Andrew C. Ru Penn

To the Hon. Senate & House of Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled. The Petition of Tabitha Bosworth of Bristol in the County of Bristol and State of Rhode Island &c Widow. Respectfully represents, That her late hus- band Samuel Bosworth, was a private soldier in the service of the United States during the Revolutionary War. That he enlisted as a private in Capt. Billings Throop's Company of Militia at the commencement of that war for a period of not less than six months which he served out in that company at different stations about Bristol and its vicinity. That after the expiration of this service he engaged again in the company of State Troops commanded first by said Throop and after his death by Capt. Carr and was employed in this service for the period of one year, during which time he was stationed most of the time at Newport and was engaged in an expedition on Long Island where they took and brought away a party of refugees whom they landed at New Haven. The first of these services was performed in 1775 and the latter mostly in 1776. That after this service he was stationed at said Bristol in Capt. William Throop's company of Militia where he was employed in guarding the shores at different points, as Bristol Ferry, Pappasquash, the Narrows &c, and engaged in short expeditions to neighboring places, one of which was to the Island of Prudence, one un- der General Spencer to Howland's Ferry and one to Rhode Island under General Sullivan. In the course of this service, which continued until the enemy left Newport in the Fall of 1779, he received a wound in the leg. After Newport was evacuated her said hus-

band was stationed there with a considerable force as it was feared the enemy might return. That after his return from Newport he continued to do duty in Capt. Williams Rhoope's company, but not so constantly, until the Peace. Bristol was much exposed and was indeed a garrison town through the whole war. It was once cannonaded and put under contribution by Wallace's fleet, detachments from their forces frequently landed upon its shores where they committed depredations, and they once marched through and burnt the town in their way. - That while her husband was engaged as a soldier in the service she was married to him, but from the infirmities of age, and loss of recollection she cannot specify the exact time of her marriage, further than that she is positive it was in the winter season and she believes in the winter of 1782 and she is certain that it was while her husband was in the service. - That she is now seventy eight years of age, that her said husband died about ten years since and she continues his widow. That she has recently submitted her claim for a pension to the Commissioner of Pensions, under the act of July 4th 1836, who has declined allowing it, upon the ground that there is no evidence of specific service after the year 1782. This evidence she is unable to procure although she has abundant evidence that her said husband was in the service after his marriage with the petitioner. That she is now a destitute widow without property or near relatives who are able to render her assistance, having been deprived of a numerous offspring before the death of her husband, Wherefore she humbly prays your honor to take her case into your wise consideration and grant to her a pension or such relief as may seem equitable & proper. And as in duty bound will ever pray.
Jabitha Boswell

I John Tyler of Barrington in the county of Bristol and State of Rhode Island do hereby on solemn oath do depose and say - That I am Town-clerk for the town of Barrington aforesaid - That by the laws of this state every marriage must be recorded in the town-clerk's office of the town where the marriage was performed - That I have diligently searched the record of marriages in the town clerk's office of this town and find that the marriage of Samuel Bosworth esq late of Bristol in said County, deceased, is not recorded on the said marriage records -
John Tyler
State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Bristol ss, At Barrington this fourth day of August A D 1836 - Then the above named John Tyler personally came & subscribed the foregoing deposition and made oath to the truth of the same before me -
Jos. H. Blake Just. of the Peace

Additional Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the 3 d section of the act of Congress of the 4 th of July 1836 State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Bristol sc. On this third day of October 1836 personally appeared before the judges of the Court of Probate now in Session at Bristol in said County of Bristol, aged seventy eight years Tabitha Bosworth a resident of said town and County of Bristol, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following additional declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4 th 1836.
That she is the widow of Samuel Bosworth late of said Bristol Esquire, who was a private soldier and served as such in the Revolutionary war - that immediately on the commencement of hostilities he enlisted into a company commanded by Capt. Billings Throop for a period of six months as she believes which he served out in Bristol and vicinity - That after this, and in the latter part of 1775 as she believes, he enlisted into Billings Throop's company of State troops and served therein one year mostly at Newport in Capt. William Richmond's regiment - That after this year's service he was engaged in Capt. William Throop's company of Bristol Militia, principally at Bristol until Newport was evacuated by the British and in the mean time served through Spencer's and Sallivan's expeditions - that after that event he was again stationed at Newport for some time but cannot tell in whose company or regiment and that he afterwards belonged to William Throop's company of Militia and continued to do duty until the close of the war - She further declares that she was married to the said Samuel Bosworth some time in the winter of 1782 as she verily believes but she can find no record of the time - that she was married in Barrington but finds no record of the marriage there, that she was legally married to her said husband and lived with him till his death - That she is certain that her marriage was in the winter season & no later than 1782 - And she

farther declares that her said husband died on the sixth day of September 1826 and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed - sworn to and subscribed on the third day of October in the year first before written, before said Court of Probate.
Attest, the words, "aged ninety eight } years" being interlined before signing
Attest, W m Shroop Prob. Clerk
Sarah Bosworth
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigating of the matter, that the aforesaid Samuel Bosworth was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as heretofore stated.
I, W m Shroop Clerk of the Court of Probate for the aforesaid Town of Bristol do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings, (on the second application,) of the said Court, for a pension for the said Salitha Bosworth, as the widow of said Samuel Bosworth deceased
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at said Bristol October
3 d 1836
Attest, W m Shroop Prob. Clerk.

I David Mansfield of Bristol in the County of Bristol and State of Rhode Island, aged eighty years and upwards, on solemn oath do testify.
That I used to be well acquainted with Samuel Bosworth, late of said Bristol, deceased. We were soldiers together twelve months in the revolutionary war in a company of state troops commanded by Billings Hroop in the first place and then by Caleb Barr. Heath was the name of our ensign. We were stationed at Newport and attached to Col. William Richmonds regiment. This service commenced in the Fall of 1775 and continued one year for which time we enlisted. Said Bosworth and I were both private soldiers in said company through all of which said service, during which, we went with the other troops to Long Island and took about one hundred and seventy soldiers prisoners and carried them to New Haven when we left them and then returned to Newport. Caleb Barr was our Lieutenant when we first enlisted into said company but he took the command on the death of Capt. Hroop who died of the pleurisy in January 1776.
Said Bosworth and I were also both engaged in Spencer's Expedition but I cannot say how long he was engaged in it as I was in another company in Bracy's regiment in which I served fifteen months commencing in the Spring of 1777 or Fall of 1776. After the expiration of this fifteen months service I was engaged in the service in Bristol & at Seacounet in an artillery company and the boat service until March 1782 when I went out of the state in Col. Jeremiah Olney's regiment in which I served nine months till I was discharged in January 1783 at Saratoga. Said Bosworth was a member of the Bristol company of Militia after his said year's service with me and was almost always engaged as a soldier until I went off in said Olney's regiment and I presume he was so engaged until the peace. I was with him in Spencer's Expedition but not in the same company and cannot tell how long he was engaged in the expedition. He married to Deborah

Wardwell before I went into Col. Olney's regiment and I think it was some time before but cannot say how long. The said Bristol Company was engaged most of the time through the war. The town was greatly exposed and troops were kept up here until the peace - I am perfectly confident that the said Bosworth was married before I went out of the state in March 1782 and that he was in the service after his marriage.
David Maxfield
State of Rhode Island &c - Bristol /s/ At Bristol this eighth day of October 1836 Then personally came the above named David Maxfield and subscribed the aforewritten dep- osition & made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me. And I certify that I am well acquainted with said deponent and that he sustains a good character for truth & veracity.
W. H. Blake Just. Peace.

I John D Wolf of Bristol R.I. depose in due form of law that I was well acquainted with Samuel Bosworth Esq r late of S d Bristol from Early life until his death which took place ten or twelve years ago, we were both soldiers in revolutionary War, I have also known his widow Tabitha Bosworth, they were married while he was in the Service, I was married immediately upon the termination of the War and he was married a number of years before I was, I lived in Warren during the war but used to be in Bristol a good deal, was frequently there and being always intimate with S d Bosworth I can state with entire confidence that he was in the Service at Bristol after his marriage, he used to serve his turn as a member of the Bristol militia and a good deal as a volunteer as I believe, he made the service of his country his business through the whole struggle for Independence. I am now Seventy Six years of age.
John D Wolf

State of Rhode Island se-
Bristol sc At Bristol this first day of October A.D. 1836
Then personally came the within named John Walf and subscribed the within written deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me. And I do certify that I am personally acquaint- ed with the said Walf and that he sus- tains a good character for truth and veracity -
Jos. M. Blake Just. of the Peace

I Joseph Munro of Bristol in the County of Bristol and State of Rhode Island aged nearly seventy six years years on solemn oath depose and say That I used to be well acquainted with Samuel Bosworth late of said Bristol deceased - He was both soldiers in the Revolutionary war. I was with him in Spencer's and Sullivan's expeditions. He was six weeks in Spencer's and two months, I believe in Sullivan's expeditions. He served through the whole expedition. There were two drafts for twenty days each and the last draft served for a longer time than they were drafts. His said service was in William Throop's company of Bristol Militia which was attached to the regiment commanded part of the time by Col. Nathan Miller and part of the time by Col. John Cook.
From December 1776 till March 1777 I was with said Bosworth three months in standing guard. Our station was at the house of Stephen Ward well in said Bristol. In this last service I served the whole three months as a substitute for my father, for George Coggeshall and for Nathaniel Govey a month for each - Some part of said Throop's company was engaged in the service through most of the war and while the enemy had possession of Newport said company or a part of it were constantly engaged, and I know of no soldier who was more constantly employed in the service, either as a drafted soldier, a substitute or as a volunteer than Samuel Bosworth. When we were together three months as aforesaid he was in said Throop's company Joseph Munro
State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Bristol f.c. At Bristol this 15 th day of October 1836 Then personally came the above named Joseph Munro and gave the foregoing deposition, subscribed and made oath to the truth of the same before me. And I certify that I am well acquainted with the said deponent and that he sustains a good character for truth and veracity
Jos. M. Blake Just. of the Peace

I William Throop of Bristol in the county of Bristol and State of Rhode Island on oath depose, that I am the clerk of the Probate Court for said town of Bristol duly appointed, engaged and qualified to act as such. That it appears of record in this office, that in the settlement of the estate of Samuel Bosworth, late of said Bristol, Esq. deceased, an allowance was made by said Court to Tabitha Bosworth as his widow, of the sum of two hundred and fifty Dollars for the upholding of life.
W m Throop Probate Clerk for said Bristol -
The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Bristol ss. At Bristol this eighth day of October A D 1834 Then personally came the above named William Throop and subscribed and made oath to the truth of the foregoing Affidavit before me. And I certify that I am well acquainted with the said deponent and that he sustains a good character for truth and veracity.
Jos. M. Blake
Justice of the Peace

I Henry Wight of Bristol in the county of Bristol and State of Rhode Island, D.D. aged eighty four - years on solemn oath depose, that I was the Pastor of the Congregational Church in said Bristol from 1785 until a few years ago - that Tabitha Bosworth became a member of said church in the year 1793 and has continued such until this day - that her late husband Samuel Bosworth Esq. was from that time until his death a member of the said congregational society - That I was always intimate with them both and know by reputation that they were legally joined together as man and wife, and I also know that they ever lived together as such. From the time of the Rev. Mr. Burt's death, which took place when Capt. Wallace cannonaded the town in October 1775, no minister officiated here until my ordination. I have always understood and verily believe that the said Samuel Bosworth was married to his said wife in Barrington in said County during the revolutionary war.
Henry Wight
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Bristol ss. At Bristol this fifteenth day of October D o 1786 Then personally came the above named Henry Wight and gave the foregoing deposition, subscribed and made oath to the truth of the same before me. And I certify that I am well acquainted with said deponent and that he sustains a good character for truth and veracity.
Jos. M. Blake Just. of the Peace

State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations Bristol ss. Clerk's Office Supreme Judicial Court October 15 th A.D. 1836 at Greenwood Reynolds Clerk of said Court for said County of Bristol do hereby certify that Joseph M. Blake before whom the Depositions of Joseph Munro, David Mazfield, John D. Wolf, Henry D. Dight and William Shroop purport to have been taken is a Justice of the Peace for said County and that the signature of his name at the bottom of the certificates to said depositions is in his own proper hand writing, and is his genuine signature, And I also certify that William Shroop is the Clerk of the Court of Probate for the Town of Bristol, and that said Court is one of record, In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court the day and year above written Greenwood Reynolds Clerk

Roy
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 12315
Sabitha Beswell
Wid" of
Samuel Beswell
Priv Rev War
Act: July 14  1836.
Index:—Vol. A , Page 73
[Arrangement of 1870.]

M 570 TABITHA BOSWORTH.
[To accompany bill H. R. No. 861.]
JANUARY 20, 1837.
Mr. WARDWELL, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, made the following
REPORT:
The Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, to which was referred the petition of Tabitha Bosworth, of Bristol, in the State of Rhode Island, report:
That the petitioner alleges that her late husband, Samuel Bosworth, was a private soldier in the service of the United States, in the war of the revolution. That he enlisted in Captain Billings Throop's company of militia, at the commencement of the war, for the term of six months; that he served out his said term of six months; that he then enlisted in a company of State troops for one year—(she names the officers under whom he served, and the kind of service;) that after this service had expired, he was stationed at several places in Rhode Island, (which the petitioner names,) and was in the service until the close of the war.
The committee omit to state all the service which the petitioner sets forth in her petition; considering it necessary only to state the service which is proved by credible witnesses.
She alleges that she was married to the said Samuel Bosworth, in the winter season, and believes it was in the year 1782, and is certain it was while her husband was in the service. She further states, that she is 78 years of age; that her husband died about ten years since, and that she remains his widow.
Allen Wardwell, a witness, and brother of the said Tabitha, says that he knows said Bosworth was in the service during most of the revolutionary war. He recollects that he went with a company on Long Island, and brought off a body of refugees; that he served in Rhode Island a number of months; that he was stationed at Leaconnit point, Howland's ferry, and at many different places in the town of Bristol. He states positively that the marriage took place before the said Bosworth left the service.
Jonathan Fales testifies that he married a sister of the said Tabitha, and knew said Bosworth well. He knows that he enlisted, at the commencement of the war, for six months, and served out the term; that in 1776 he was draughted for an expedition to Long Island; they went off in whale-boats, landed on Long Island, took a body of refugees, and brought them off.
Blair & Rives, printers.

They soon after returned to Rhode Island, and were employed in and about Newport, in building breastworks and guarding that place. Thinks said Bosworth was employed in that service about one year. Said Fales states, also, that said Bosworth was in Spencer's expedition, in the fall of 1777, which lasted between one and two months. After this he was employed by the commissary to deal out rations to the soldiers, but always took his turn in standing guard, and, while on such duty, received a severe wound in his leg. He continued in the service, in Bristol, till Sullivan's expedition, when he went to Rhode Island, and served through the whole of the expedition. After the enemy evacuated Newport, he was in the service of a company stationed there, for some time, and continued in the army until it was disbanded at the peace. Throughout the whole of the revolutionary war, the said Bosworth was in the service of his country.
Jonathan Reynolds testifies that he knew said Bosworth, in the revolution; that he was a soldier in that war; was wounded in the thigh while on guard. Is acquainted with Tabitha Bosworth, to whom he, the said Bosworth, was married during the war.
Nelson Miller testifies that he was acquainted with Samuel Bosworth before, during, and since the revolution, and until his death; that he and the said Bosworth were together in the engagement on Providence island; that said Bosworth was exclusively engaged in military service until the termination of the war, according to the best of his recollection; that said Bosworth and his wife were married during the war.
Simeon Bullock testifies that he was personally acquainted with Samuel Bosworth; that they were both in Spencer's and Sullivan's expeditions, and in the same regiment. That after the enemy left Newport, the said Bosworth was stationed, with him, the said Bullock, six months on the island of Rhode Island, near Newport, in Captain Carr's company. After this they came back to Bristol, where they were stationed together in the service, until the close of the war. Says that the marriage took place during the war.
David Maxfield, of Bristol, Rhode Island, aged 80 years, says that he and said Bosworth were soldiers together twelve months, in a company commanded by Billings Throop, at first, and afterwards by Caleb Carr; were stationed at Newport, and attached to Colonel William Richmond's regiment; that he went out of the State in March, 1782, in Colonel Olney's regiment, in which he served till he was discharged, at Saratoga, in January, 1783. Witness further testifies that said Bosworth married Tabitha Wardwell before he went into Colonel Olney's regiment; and thinks it was some time before, but cannot say how long. Says he is perfectly confident that the said Bosworth was married before he went out of the State, in March, 1782; and that he (the said Bosworth) was in service after his marriage.
John D'Wolf testifies that he knew Bosworth and his wife, in the revolution, and that they were married while he was in the service.
Joseph Munro testifies that he and the said Bosworth were in Spencer's expedition six weeks, and in Sullivan's expedition two months; and were in other service together from December, 1776, to March, 1777.
The committee are perfectly satisfied as to the character and credibility of the witnesses. They are all known by a member of the committee. They are satisfied that the said Bosworth served more than two years in the revolutionary war; and that he and the said petitioner were married in the win-

ter of, and previous to, March, 1782, and before the said Bosworth left the service. This is testified to by Allen Wardwell, Jonathan Reynolds, Nelson Miller, Simeon Bullock, David Maxfield, and John D'Wolf. Said Maxfield states positively that the marriage took place previous to March, 1782, when he left the State. Most of the witnesses swear that the said Bosworth continued in service until the peace. The committee consider this a clear case, and do not hesitate to report a bill, granting to the petitioner a full pension for and during her natural life.

108 ms 570
Tabitha Bosworth
 1. Spirit No. for and history of a trust ill.  2. numbering on the fourth day of March, eighteen hundred and  3. to her a portion of the sum of eight dollars per annum, com-  4. the will of her father, provided that he came to the full  5. the testimony of her spirit and name of Tabitha Bosworth as  6. of the United States of America in Congress assembled. That  7. The aforesaid be the sum and share of Representative 
For the benefit of Tabitha Bosworth
Y. B. B.
March 4th 1818
Mr. William ... Committee on ...
Resolutions of the ...
January 20, 1818
IN THE SENATE

JANUARY 20, 1837.
Read twice, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House to-morrow.
Mr. WARDWELL, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, reported the following bill;
A BILL
For the relief of Tabitha Bosworth.
1 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives 2 of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That 3   the Secretary of War place the name of Tabitha Bosworth on 4   the roll of revolutionary pensioners, and that he cause to be paid 5   to her a pension, at the rate of eighty dollars per annum, com- 6   mencing on the fourth day of March, eighteen hundred and 7   thirty-one, for and during her natural life.

War Department Pension Office January 9. 1837
Sir,
The papers in the case of M r Tabitha Bosworth are herewith returned. I feel constrained to say in this case, that, although the respectability of the witnesses cannot in the least be questioned, the evidence is not deemed sufficient under the rules laid down for my guidance. Had the service of M r Bosworth been so specified as to shew conclusively that he was in the army or performed militia duty after the year 1782, when the marriage is believed to have taken place, there would have been less objection to admitting the claim. Several have testified that he was married before he ceased to perform military duty; but they make the allegation in general terms. How far the Secretary of War would relax the rule in this particular case I cannot say. I would have consulted him on the subject, had he not been absent when I took up the case, being obliged to be in attendance at the Supreme Court now in Session. I would have delayed the examination and report until tomorrow, had I not promised to have given you an answer this evening.
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully
Your Ob dt . Serv t .
J. L. Edwards
Hon. D. Wardwell House of Representatives

3 N 570
Febry 28. 1837.
Pensylvania Offic.
On the views taken of this case by the Com- mittee of Pensions, as appears by their report enclosed in the within, & as the bill could not be reached, I allow the claim ✓ J. H. Luther
March 8 th 1837.

House of Reps. 5 Feby 27 th . 1819
Dear Sir
I had intended to call on you again with a report that you would reconsider the case of Tabitha Bonnett's. Since you gave it an examination it has been referred to the committee on Rev. Pensions - I read the report of the committee which was agreed to unanimously - I read also the letter of Nath l Bullock Esq of Bristol who. I send giving reasons why no additional testimony can be obtained - I have no hope that this case will be reached at the general opinion of congress -

I refer you particularly to the affidavit of David Mansfield whom I know to be a man of truth.
I am respectfully Your obedt Servt Edward Hull
Hon B. F. Butler Secy of War &c.

RECEIVED
Hon. Daniel Webster Member of Congress Washington

Bristol, Feb 8 th A.D. 1837-
Dear Sir,
I received yours of the 18 th of January in due time but our Court being in session, at the time, it was out of the power of both Mr Blake and myself to give the attention to Aunt Buswells evidence that was necessary - But since the Court I have made it my business to inquire for the further evidence required and having personally conversed with the several witnesses referred to by you, I find it impossible to get them to be more particular than they have already been, in the evidence you have - They all at once say they know the fact that Uncle Buswells served throughout the war of the Revolution, that he was married during the war but after such a lapse of time it is impossible for them to swear as to whether he was  to his being at a particular station or being so informed particular acts, just before or just after his marriage - nor in my opinion would a reasonable man require it - Great events as Battles, victories, burning towns are long recollected with much particularity, but common transactions cannot be after half a century and more gone by - After the capture of Cornwallis there was no fighting in N. England - but an army

was kept up and stations on all these shores maintained by companies of the Vols - and they were not disbanded until April certainly and I am told not till September 1883 -
In deed Aunt Bosworth must have been married about the time Greene was fighting his hardest battles in S. Carolina Surely we at the East then could not have sheathed the sword -
Upon the whole I hope and trust Garnier get her relief from Congress and I am glad to see a bill has been reported for that purpose - May you succeed in it before you cease to be a member of Congress - Aunt begs me to express thanks for your exertions in her behalf She is very feeble and been sometimes con- fined with a bad cold -
I am truly yours &c
Hon D. Wardwell
N. Bullock

N 582
March 8, 1837.
Tinson office.
J. L. Jackson M c Call
Hon. A. J. of Austin

Washington March 6 th 1837
Dear Sir
On examining the late act in relation to Mollers & I find that it does not touch the case of Mrs. Borworth - I shall rely on your previous determination to grant an order in her favor & on the strong facts in the case -
I am respectfully Your obedt Servt L D Woodruff
Hon A. F. Butler Secy of War

Mar 8.
Miss Mrs. Brantley Care
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Am D. Wardwell
Amson offer 3 rd ser. act 4 July '36
$80 per ann. - act 1832 1832 - R. Island Roll -
Send cut: to Hon. D. Wardwell, Present -

Washington March 6 1837
Dear Sir
I wish you would attend to the case of Mrs. Bowne. The law passed on Friday last does not meet her case as I supposed - Only on the old law & the strong facts in the case let me know the result.
Yours truly
Delaware
J. T. Edsall