Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 21,700, Christopher Cook, R.I.

SERVICE
NUMBER
R.I.
Cook, Christopher Cooke or
5.21,700
CONTENTS

21.742
Rhode Island Christopher Cook
Providence in the State of Rh. Island who was a priv of Cav. in the Comp commanded by Captain Sheldon of the Regt. commanded by Col. Slack in the Rh. Island line for 3 months Infy. 19 " Cavy.
178 08 44 52 222 60
Inscribed on the Roll of Rh. Island at the rate of 89 Dollars 04 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of Oct. 1833 and unto R. Corvill Providence
Arrears to the 4th of Sep 33 $222.60 Semi-ant. allowance ending 1st Dec 33 44.52 $267.12
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Go C. Stiles Clerk, Book E. Vol. Page 105.

Christopher Cook
22792
16/5 216 Assessed
Blaville R.
Mundana N 1

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Rhode-Island District, sc. February Term 1833
County of Providence On this 5 th day of February A. D. 1833 personally appeared in open Court, being a special District Court of the United States within and for said District, now in session— Christopher Cook a resident of Providence in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island aged 79 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, viz.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
vis That he was born April 1 st 1753 in Bristow in said County has no record of his birth - lived in Foster in said County when he entered the service, since the War for the last 40 years he has resided in Providence his present place of residence and this applicant further states that in the year 1775 he enlisted into a company of minute men - this company of minute men was under the command of Stephen Sheldon, it was an independent company chartered by the General Assembly of Rhode Island & its members were by their rules, regulations & obligations al- ways to be ready at a moments warning - this applicant belonged to that company one year from April 1775 & in consequence of the depredations by Genl Wallace, were frequently called into service and in the following Autumn & Winter he was on duty three months in said Company, viz between November 1775 & March 1776 for which he claims a pension -
and this applicant further states that in June 1776 he joined a troop of Horse dragoons, which troop was first commanded by Col Slack & afterwards by Col Daniel Manton, in this company he did duty for three years next following - This company was called the "Captain General's company of Cavaliers" by their
Charter and it was the duty of said Company by the regulations thereof always to be in readiness when called for and this company did go wherever & wherever they were called & during the time the British were in possession of Rhode Island, they were called upon frequently to repel the incursions of the enemy on the shores of Narra- gansett Bay - During said time that this applicant belonged to this company it was under the command of the commanding General of the American Army in Rhode Island & were frequently called upon - This applicant cannot tell the number of months at this distant period that he was in actual service, but accor- ding to his best recollection he was during the three years he belonged to said Company one half of the time to wit one year six months

General of the American Army in Rhode Island were frequently called upon - This applicant cannot tell the number of months at this distant period that he was in actual service, but according to his best recollection he was during the three years he belonged to said Company one half of the time to wit one year six months between the month of June 1776 & April 1779, when he took a dismission from said Company for which he claims a pension.
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. attus B. L. W. Christopher Cook
I Benjamin Tallman of Providence in the County of Providence on oath do testify & say that I was formerly a Major in Col Wm Richmond's regiment of R.I. Troops in the War of the Revolution from Nov. 1775 to Nov. 1776. I further testify that Christopher Cook who is now present before me & who has been known to me since the War, belonged to a Company of Minute men, in the winter of 1775 & 76 commanded by Capt Stephen Sheldon. I knew Capt Sheldon well, and I remember of seeing said Cook in Bristol during that winter - How long said Cook belonged to said Company I do not know but have no doubt he served as he has stated in his declaration - I believe him to be a man of truth & veracity.  Benj a Tallman

= belonged to said company but have no doubt he served as he has stated in his declaration - I believe him to be a man of truth & veracity
Benj a Tallman
Jany 2 1833
Sworn to before me
Benja Cawell Commissioner
I Caleb Remington of Johnston in the County of Providence & State of Rhode Island on oath do testify and say that in the year 1775. I joined a troop of light dragoons. Said Troop was then commanded by Col Benjamin Hick but subsequently to that period it was commanded by Col Daniel Manton. I was first Sergeant & continued therein for three or four years following. And I further testify that I well remember Christopher Lock now resident in Providence, who belonged to said company also. Said Lock according to my best recollection joined said company in June 1776 & continued a member thereof for three years following & always did duty as member whenever said company was called upon at various & said times were very frequent as long as the British had possession of Rhode Island
Caleb Remington
Jany 12 1833
Sworn to before me
Benja Cawell Commissioner of Dist Court R.I. Dist.

Commanded by Col D'Arque... first Sergeant & continued therein for three or four years following. And I further testify that I well remember Christopher Cook now resident in Providence, who belonged to said company also. Said Cook according to my best recollection joined said company in June 1776 & continued a member thereof for three years following & always did duty as member whenever said company was called upon at various & said times were very frequent as long as the British had possession of Rhode Island
Calib Remington
Jany 12 1833
Sworn to before me
Bena C. Cowell Compt of Dist Court R.I. Dist
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 Benjamin Tallman and  who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman, resident in the Calib Remington who have testified  for the  and that said applicant are who also signed the same is a resident in the as they state and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, BENJAMIN COWELL, Clerk of said District Court, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Christopher Cook for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 19 day of Feb A.D. 1833
Benjamin Cowell Clk

And now on this the 14 day of September 1833 Christopher Cook maketh a further declara- tion, in explanation of his former declaration made February 5 th 1833 in Court - Now said Christopher declaring that between November 1775 and March 1776 he served three months as a private in Capt Sheldon's Company of minute men 3
And he further says that in June 1776 he joined the Light Horse as stated under Col Morton which Company were under the rules & regulations as stated and he says that between said June & December of that year he served not less than four months at least in guarding the Shore of Narragansett Bay against the incursions of the enemy — 4 and he further says that between January 1777 & December of that year he served not less than six months 6 And he further says that between January 1778 and December of that year he served not less than seven months 7

and he further says that in April 1779 he took a dismission from said Company but between January 1779 and said April he served not less than two months at least \frac{2}{22} This applicant says that he served twenty two months in actual service in the war of the Revolution three months in Capt. Sheldon's company & nineteen in Col. Morton's Company of Light Horse all as a private for which he claims a pension, and he further says that he is not acquainted with any clergyman, Dr Gano a Congregational clergyman residing in Providence is dead & there is now no one in Providence with whom he is acquainted, He has no documentary evidence of his services but Benjamin Talmadge has testified to his services in Capt. Sheldon's Company & Col. Remington to his services in Col. Morton's.
Christopher Cook
Sept 14 1833. The said Christopher made oath to the same before me
Benjamin Lawell
Commissioner of Dist Court for R.I. Dist

I Samuel Thurber of Providence being now in my 77 th year of age certify & say that I am well acquainted with Christopher Cook who has subscribed & sworn to the annexed declaration I believe him to be about 80 years of age. I have known him for more than forty years, during all that time he has ever sustained an unspotted charac- ter for truth & veracity - I know nothing personally myself of his services in the Revolu- tionary War but he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution & I believe in that character
Sam l Thurber
Sept 14 1833
Personally appeared before me the above named Samuel Thurber & made oath to the same and I further certify that said Samuel is respectable & habi- tent of this city & is a credible witness
Brayer Lowell Commr Dist Court R.I.

22792 Christopher Cooke R Island
Print Infy 3 Mnth " Candy 19 22 5. 16 06
July 8. 1833
416 19 8744 416 79.04
Benjamin Lowell Providence RI

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Christopher Cook Providence Rhode Island
   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.     Enlist 1775 0 3 — Minute Man Capt Sheldon Genl Slack None — 79 years Foster   + 1776 — 6 + Calvary — — — Rhode Island Rheland  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
22 3 19

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.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Revolution
21700 INVALID.
File No. 21,700
Christopher Cook
Pr. Rev War
Act: June 7 th 82 nd
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 77
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Feby-10-1900
Mail Histo to Harry Parsons Ponkine N.Y. 25

21700
Feb 5 - 1833
Prov. R. V. 79
Dr Foster Rd.
75 Aft Step Sheldon Cal - 3 m
Dr 76 - Dragoon Rd Cal Slush Cal Newton 19 mrs
Last service over Ariz.
No Buds

regulations.
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? Yes
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? No
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? 7.
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. 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."
This paper came to me from the war office in this form manner B (small)
B Frank E. Manser R.I.
Philip Cook Another Cook

V. * Has he mentioned 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? No. He must specify each particular
term of duty & the length of the same.
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?
Yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?
Yes