Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 1,940, John G Christie, New York

SERVICE
New York
Christie, John G.
NUMBER
R. 1940
CONTENTS
Blank lined area for contents entry
Blank lined area for contents entry

I John Christie born in Scotland Birth Shire in year 1749: in year 1775 I came to America from British Shore to British Shore Landed in New York June 1775 in year 1776 I and Peter M c Pherson Took up Land on the Quisie Creek Kayde as a patent Albany County Now Milton Saratoga in the year 1777 Corn Gorden sent a letter that one of us must go up the Mohawk river to help General Gansvort against the Tories and Indians so Peter went I staid taking care of our place and pro- perty for we had none but our selves now to look to and things we had one he served 4 month you'll find his name and pay in the Record of that Department In year 1778 said Gorden sent me a letter requesting me imeditaly to repair to Albany to serve 4 month as a milician man which I did obeyed and went Went to Albany Parade Praided at the old dutch Church in Albany and one Sergeant Sole called the roll there I was John John Christie now John G Next morning he gave the roll to one Winnie to dress waggons up through the Bought and Verhune arley in April a friday Sleet and snow Bad rode Horses weak Next morning order the Farmers should go home and that we should return to Albany with the Battalions Ephraim Curry and one of the Cannadiers out with us at the time so we had nothing to do but send Torras down to new England for you must know that the militia and Burguyne drum sent the Whigs after them then we had pace for two year Clear for from Lake Champlain to the South west End of Oneobia so you'll look at the Record of that Department and find that Peter M c Pherson and John Christie is Draw pay for Milicia pay for them years the year 1779 I recd a letter from Gorden requesting me to Albany again as a substitute for one Daniel M c Intyre he had sore eyes and got Clear I for bear Sill Two fellows came brought me before the Captain Colbence who told me I must either go to Canady or go to Goal or go to fight I told him I would not sacrifice my life for another man's life but I would Voluntar in the Defence of my Neighbour's life or or proper if I seen need but there was no need in my life or of duty yet lost in the time of the Revolution iox 1 pealing piece brought from Scotland 50 bushel of potatoes that saved for two For two years provision for myself and one eye I borrow Horse

and Two hundred Acres of Land By the State so I have not one God to go to an Intercessor but my one Eye and Front -Long arm or arm and crooked fingers But yet I live among good Neighbors so this you to your Charity in the name of him in whom I believe Jesus Christ That you will hear him in my present case I served the year 1779 under Major Milce at Fort Hoback Lieutenant John Ball But no holl call for millican nor nor to draw our own sick Sicket The three years a letter from Gordon only and their he Dismissed us all in fall for we had been without provision Starving for three or four only what they pick up among the Settlers no Lomafries stores But all was eat up at last So I finished my time of duty in force But I ought to be allowed two months months of Absence he was a Subaltern but a braver partimer and his pay lies there for when he could not stay any our place he went to Canada the year 1781 in that year I lost my saving my Hogs from a set of Indians As nothing to hear of war at distance But to come about people's doors then they that What it is my Eye and other troubles I was born 1749 old the So if this comes to your hands I am 25 you all will believe it to be a Counterfeit
I John Christie Acknowledged as all was a lie in Adam that all is made alive for Jesus Christ who is the head of his own body the glorious Christian Church throughout I hope that he will for my sins not for his own and not for his my justification that I have Believed in heart not on the tongue that unheart Acknowledged him so be the Author of my being the precursor of my life and the Master of my work I have but one Lord one faith one baptism This I hope to see that faith in heart is sufficient for my salvation preach the truth to my neighbors that to my neighbors on Jesus Christ our savior the savior of the whole world if they will believe on him for God so loved the world he sent his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life
When I am 25 I have been Mount Gilead and Livingston

and a two handed piece of land by which we have not one to have an interest for but my one and ten -ling arm or arm and crooked finger But yet I have among good neighbors to give you to your family in a time of him in them the five Jesus Christ that you will see him in my present case I derived the yearning under my own will satisfaction in a letter from John B. Pe -but no hole (all) for milkmen nor to draw our own sick The three years a letter from John only and then he promised that in all for we had been without provision drawing for three or four months what they pick up among the destitute families from all over the state to furnish my some of them in three is all I ought to be allowed two months of the person he was indebted first another partner and he had died there for when he died not they any one place he went to Canada the year 1851 in that year I lost my savings my loss from account of interest the nothing to clear of war debt But to come about twelve years then they had what it to my eye and other I was born 1749 at the to of this family to yours when I was whole will be directed to the Councilfield
I John Christie Acknowledge as all in a Sied in Adam That all is made alive In Jesus Christ who is the Head of his own Body the Invisible Christian Church Spiritually I Confess that he died for my sins not for his own and Rose agn for my Justification That I Believe live in hart not on the Tongue but in heart I Acknowledge him to be the Author of my being the preserver of my life and the Supler of my wants I have but one Lord one Faith one Baptism His Apostles tell that Faith in heart is sufficient For my Salvation speak the Truth to my Neighbours That is God word his own Son Jesus Christ our Saviour the Saviour of the whole world if they will live on him for God so loved the world he sent his only Botten son begotten son unto the world and whosoever Belived should not perish but should live for ever in him in but he that Believeth not him shall be damned for our happiness that was in adam he gave up to the Devil then we became Satan Children then we then we then we had to look to the devil for our happiness he destroyed six days labour which all very good but Behold old things is done away for all things is create in Jesus Christ so now we must look to him for our happiness

In addition to what I have to give you more light that I have been through the whole of the Revolution war in the 1777 When my Bartender Peter McPherson was with General Ganport the Cochan -wague Indians moved for Barquey Camp they halted at one Tuttle Beston Two Two or three miles north of where we lived at the same time a Scout Canental Continental Troops meet their 11 In number as I was inform none kept but light so I heard the voice of firing I went up day to know to what it meant So in my travel I found one dead in the path the scull cut square but not taken off so I went up Miss Tuttle Told me that 50 of young Indian warriors sprung up Slaughter them but so they had to send to Gallaway to bury them now we had in them years of my service 1778: 1779 in the year 1780 The Devil was Permitted to assume the Command among which whigs and Tories But I believe the Tories Murdered the most according to the account in them days More cruel!! P. Saint Leger and Butler Sir John Johnston Burnt Cochanwague and Colonel Monroe came through our settlement with 200 Tories and 100 Indians killed one John Shoe from Johnstown was hunting back of lot they left word of it the Low settlement that we should bury him which we did and sent word to his parents about and the Indians killed another in Palston one How they both heard by Indians they took General Gordon prisoner Captain Collence and good many others besides burning our house and grain went off that is last in our murder settlement except our Indians 1781 I lost my eye having floated from a cowl of Indians they took one from barrow I wish that they had taken the whole and I saved mine eye & (

For if you had the know of of that of that Department it would be just 21 months to each for we never Hear a roll call before or after But Good come But a Letter to roll of of Mudrunge at Ston at Stoneholeia where my own officers were I ought to be allowed 1 year and 3 months first of all when I heard of Milicia pension I went to George Hoffman if I had the same of being an old Revolutioner I told that it would be giving Silled before the Estate none had that But listed Soldiers I asked if he would intercede for me in way I should procure a bail for 10 dollar and 10 more if he got it for me that conditions I could not agree to for I could not get Bail and indeed I thought it was not me he was But for him self so I am still behind But still I hope I'll be up with the best for honesty is the best policy for a life with a blessing is better than the whole world with God's curse That I believe to be truth So I so I send this to you By him in Whom I believe that he Lives and Live in him. Also To J Edward Commr of Pension, John G. Chris. I then answer would be sent to the Caladonia Springs. To Judge Smith

28.155
John H. Christie
sent to C.H. Bryan Geneseo Livingston County N.Y.

State of New York Livingston County ss
On this Second day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty three personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the court of Common Pleas now sitting John G Christie a resident of Caled- onia in the county of Livingston and State of New York aged eighty four years and upwards 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 7th 1832
That in the month of April and about the 10th 1777 this declarant being a resident of the town of Milton then Alba- ny county, but now Saratoga county and State of New York was drafted into the service of the United States under the com- mand of Captain John Collins whose company was attached to a regiment commanded by James Gordon as Colonel who was afterwards promoted to the office of General. this declarant well recollects that Andrew Mitchell was his Major and John Ball and a man by the name of Wood were his Lieuten- ants. That this deponent was marched to Ballstown in the said county of Saratoga and State of New York from thence he this declarant went in pursuit of a party of Tories that had previously been out on a plundering excursion in the vicin- ity of this declarant's residence. That he assisted in taking them, and found the said body of Tories commanded by

one William and Thomas Fraser: after which this declarant obtained liberty of the said Captain Collins to return to his residence, but that he did not receive a written discharge having been absent fifteen days, That afterwards to wit in the month of April and this declarant thinks about the Twentieth 1778 being still a resident of the Town of Milton aforesaid this declarant received from Colonel James Gordon a written command to rendezvous forth- with at the city of Albany and State of New York this declarant accordingly went to Albany - the officers in this expedi- tion this declarant cannot recollect except General Schuyler, Colonel Van Schaick and  one  Major  one  one Munroe was and that he received from one Bateman a dismissal from this service - nothing important occurred but that he recollects of going to Half Moon point and Forts Ann and Ticonderoga for the purpose of pressing forward wagons and supplying the Garrison at Fort Ticonderoga with provisions, After the four months for which he had orders to go out expired this declarant returned to his home at Milton aforesaid
This declarant further says that subsequently to the time last above mentioned to wit in the month of May 1779 this declarant received another order from Colonel Gordon aforesaid to equip himself for nine months service and repair immediately to Albany that he did not obey this order, that in the month of June thereafter this declarant was taken before one John Collins aforesaid

taken before me John Collins aforesaid
who ordered him to go into the service of the United States as a substitute for one Daniel M c Intyre, who by reason of his sickness was unable to go, that about the Twentieth of June he this declarant in pursuance of said order went to Albany aforesaid, from thence to Stone Arabia or Stone Robbie as it was more commonly called, and that from the scarcity of provisions he was discharged by John Ball who was his Lieutenant The Captain who commanded at Albany and Stone Robbie this declarant does not recollect tho' he remembers that Major Mitchell was yet with him and also General VanRensselaer. This declarant was in no battle or engagement and nothing important occurred where he was stationed, and this declarant says he was at this time in the service of the United States for the space of Nine Months when his term expired and he returned to Milton aforesaid, That the whole time he was in the United States service during the war of the revolution was Twelve and a half months. That he knows of no person living whose testimony he can produce who can testify to his service. He hereby relinquishes every claim 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 And to the particular Interrogatories of the court this declarant answers That he was born in Glendawhart in Perth Shire in the highlands of Scotland on the

the 16th day of March 1749 O.S. That he has no record of his age except that it is kept by the Clerk of the Parish in Scotland where he was born
That he was living in Milton then Albany but since Saratoga County & State of New York that since and immediately preceding the Revolution he lived for six years in the city of Albany, then he removed to the town of Johnstown and is now in the county of Montgomery where he resided for twenty six years that, he removed from thence to Caledonia in the county of Livingston aforesaid where he now resides and where he has resided for the last eighteen or nineteen years
That he was drafted into the service at the two first times, and the second as a volunteer, That in reference to his being drafted this declarant says he so understood it at the time, but that he supposes it was a mere request made by the commanding officer in the vicinity of his residence.
That General Schyler, General Van Rensselaer, Colonel Van Schaick, & one Bateman but he does not know what post the aforesaid Bateman filled, the other officers were as enumerated in his declaration
That he never received a written discharge but that when the term several for which he was in the service expired he was dis- missed by the commanding officers That he is known to Hon Willard H Smith Col Robert McKay And Angus Cameron who can testify to his character for veracity

and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution. That by reason of the distance to Caledonia and the expense and delay attending it, he has been unable to procure the attendance in court of a Clergyman
Sworn and subscribed in open court the day & year aforesaid
S. G. Haverdyk (Clerk)
John G. Christie
The words "aged eighty four years & upwards" and the words "General Schuyler Colonel Van Schaick & one Winne was the waggon master" interlined before signing— S. G. Haverdyk Dep. Clerk
State of New York Livingston County
We Robert McKay and Angus Cameron both residents of the Town of Caledonia in the County of Livingston and State of New York hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John G. Christie who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be eighty four years of age that we have been well acquainted with him for the last seventeen or eighteen years That he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier in the war of the Revolution and served as he states and that we concur in that opinion
Sworn & subscribed in open court the day & year aforesaid
S. G. Haverdyk Dep. Clerk
Robert McKay Angus Cameron

State of New York Livingston County ss
I Willard H Smith First Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Livingston and a resident of the town of Caledonia in said county do hereby certify that I am well acqu- ainted with John G Christie who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that I believe him to be Eighty four years of age. That I believe him to have been a soldier in the war of the Revolution and to have served as he states S. G. Haven Dep Clerk W. H. Smith
I certify that the said Willard H. Smith is such Judge as he states in the above certificate and that he subscribed the above certificate in my presence and duly made oath to the same in open court S. G. Haven Dep ch
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 John G Christie was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the court further certifies that it appears to them that Col Robert McRae and Angus Cameron who have signed the preceding certificate residents of the town of Caledonia and in the neighborhood of the said John G Christie the aforesaid applicant. That they are credible persons. and that their statement is entitled to Credit

of New York
County of
I Chauncy R. Bond Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said county of Livingston do certify that the foregoing contains the Original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of John G. Christie for a pension
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 5th of October 1833
Chauncy R. Bond Clk. By S. G. Hauen Dipick
the said body of letters commanded by

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of John Christie or John G. Christie 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.
R. 1940
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Apl 10 1777 15 days. ✓ James or John Collins James Gordon N.Y.   Apl 20 1778 4 mos. ✓ " "   June 20 1779 8 mos. Lt John Bell Major Mitchell  
Battles engaged in, ✓ Residence of soldier at enlistment, Milton, Albany Co., N.Y. Date of application for pension, Oct. 2, 1833. Residence at date of application, Caledonia, Livingston Co., N.Y. Age at date of application, March 16 1749 08 Glencairn, Ayrshire, Scotland.
Remarks: Ref. inoul proof 6 mos serv. as required by act June 7, 1832 under which he appls.  1853 saw Daniel Christie
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

May 23
NY
Hon. J. P. Edwards Comr. of Pensions Washington D.C.
John G. White

State of New York } } ss.
Montgomery County) Be it known, that before me, a justice of the peace of the county aforesaid, personally came John Christie alias John G. Christie, to me known, and known to have been called and known by both of said names, who being sworn before me, in due form of law, deposes and saith that he is the same John G. Christie who while residing in Livingston County in said State made application for a pension under the act of 1832, and the said person who is mentioned in the annexed letter from J. L. Edwards, Comr. of Pensions, that he was eighty-seven years old last March, that he has a record of his age at the house of his son in Livingston County aforesaid, That about twenty years ago he removed from Montgomery County aforesaid to said Livingston County; that previous to his said removal he called himself and was known by the name of John Christie without any G. as a distinguishing letter; that after his said removal he found three others of the name of John Christie, and he thus put the G. in his name to distinguish him from the others; and that if the name of John Christie is found on the rolls of Capt. Collins' company he thinks it meant for the name of this deponent, as he went by that name and knows of no other John Christie who served in said company.
And this deponent further says that he thinks there is a mistake respecting his applying for a pension on transport service, and if that is mentioned in his former declaration he will explain that all the transport business he was engaged in, and what he had reference to in said declaration, was that while in his first four months service he was sent from Albany with others into the country to prep wagons for the United States service, that he went under arms, and while so out, he with others under one Winns of Albany captured Forster, and transported or conveyed them in the wagons to Albany, this deponent being one of the guards on such occasions.
Subscribed and sworn to this 16 th day of May 1836 before me,
John G. Christie
Wm. McConnel Justice of the Peace

State of New York Montgomery County Clerks Office
I Richard H. Cushing Deputy Clerk of the County of Montgomery do certify that William M c Connell Esqr whose name is subscribed to the Inat of the within affidavit was at the date of the same a Justice of the peace in and for said County. And that I am well acquainted with his handwriting and do believe that the signature to said Inat is genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County this Seventeenth day of May 1836
R. H. Cushing Dep Clk

Mayfield May 16 th 1836
Dear Sir,
If my name as John Christie can be found on the rolls of Capt. Collins' company, and you can grant me a Pension, please to forward the Certificate to Mr. McComull Esq., Mayfield, Montgomery county New York.
Very respectfully Yours &c.
Hon. J. L. Edwards, Washington
John G. Christie

John Christie Susp o or Regent New York. 32.
M. G. Wade

Power Of Attorney
State of New York
County of Livingston
Be it known
that before me, a justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid, duly authorized by law to administer oaths, personally appeared D. D. Christie in the county of Livingston and in the State aforesaid, who being first duly sworn according to law, states, That he is the son of John Christie in the town of Caledonia County of Livingston and State of New York who was a Revolutionary soldier and that he believes the United States are still indebted, under existing laws, for the Pension that was due under the application heretofore made, and that he is directly interested as a claimant in the Pension for which application was heretofore made as aforesaid; and constitutes and appoints Willis G. Wade of Washington D. C., my true and lawful Attorney with irrevocable power to examine into, investigate, and report to me what evidence is required, together with the fees that said Attorney will charge in case he establishes said claim, and to make no charge unless said claim is established. I hereby reserve the right (after receiving said report) to authorize or not authorize as the case may be said Attorney to go on and prosecute and establish said claim for any amount or increase of Revolutionary Pension that may be due, to examine all papers or documents in relation to said claim on file in the department at Washington City or elsewhere, to file this, and also additional evidence or arguments. On receiving the aforesaid report and mutually agreeing about my Attorney's fees and when said agreement is shown to said Department by my Attorney to request prosecute and claim for his exclusive benefit, as his right that the said fees mentioned in said agreement be deducted from the whole amount of the aforesaid claim that may be my due, and to request, prosecute, and order for my exclusive
benefit the certificate for the remaining sum be issued for said claim to be made payable to my order my heirs or assigns at the Rochester City Bank Monroe County New York State. To appoint one or more substitutes under him and the same to revoke and discharge at pleasure for the purposes herein expressed; and to do all things that I might or could do were I personally present;
Witness my hand and confirming all that my said Attor-

agreement be deducted of the aforesaid claim and to request, prosecute,
from the whole amount that may be my due, and order for my exclusive
benefit the certificate for the remaining sum be issued for said claim to be made payable to my order my heirs or assigns at the Rochester City Bank Monroe County New York State. To appoint one or more substitutes under him and the same to revoke and discharge at pleasure for the purposes herein expressed; and to do all things that I might or could do were I personally present; Thereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attor- ney and agent shall lawfully do (as herein expressed) in the premises
In Witness Whereof the said D. D. Christie has on this Eighth day of January one thousand
State of New York County of Syracuse
It is Hereby Certified, that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me, Clerk of the Court of County Court of said County that Daniel D. Christie the party who has sworn to, and acknowledged the foregoing Declaration and Power of Attorney is the son of the reputed soldier aforesaid. I further certify, that Alexander Ferguson Esq. before whom the preceding affidavit and Power of Attorney were made and acknowledged, was, at the time of so doing, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, and that the signature purporting to be his, I believe to be genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office, this 10th day of Jan 185 3
12
James S. Orton Clerk of said Court

agreement be deducted of the aforesaid claim and to request, prosecute,
from the whole amount that may be my due, and order for my exclusive
benefit the certificate for the remaining sum be issued for said claim to be made payable to my order my heirs or assigns at the Rochester City Bank, Monroe County New York State. To appoint one or more substitutes under him and the same to revoke and discharge at pleasure for the purposes herein expressed; and to do all things that I might or could do were I personally present; Thereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attor- -ney and agent shall lawfully do (as herein expressed) in the premises
In Witness Whereof the said D. D. Christie has on this Eighth day of January one thousand eight hundred and fifty three, hereunto signed his name and affixed his seal
Daniel D. Christie
Witness B. Christie
Witness Andrew Scott
Sworn to and Acknowledged before me the day and year above written and I hereby certify that I believe the said D. D. Christie to be directly interested in said claim as set forth, and to be the identical party therein alleged
Alex. F. Ferguson Justice Peace in and for Said County

REJECTED
May 9 '96 claim rej. to Stephen W Giles NYC - NY. (ou # 45339) JWR
1911 Nov. 9. Hist. to E. May Christy post card in R. 10895 Abraham Van Vleck. c
1940
P. O. _____
John G. Christie
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

Act 7 June 1832
1940 John G. Christie
Suspended
See Letter to C. M. Bryan 3. March 1834
Letter to Hon. P. C. Fuller Dec. 28 th 1834
Lett to same 10 th Dec r 1834 Let to Hon John Graham 18 Jan y 1835 " " John Ball 21. April 1836 " " Annuant May 31. 1836 M rs S. B. Holmes July 16. 1846.

28.155 ✓
John G. Christie N. York.
eh
J. H. Bryan Esq. Genesee New York

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
Nov 16 33
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. These 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 John G. Christie
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.      
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of } On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days 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 inquiry 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.

County of Livingston ss.
Personally appeared before me James Hill one of the Justices of the for the said County, John Christie of the town of Caledonia in the said county, who on his oath, declares that the circumstances detailed in the annexed paper are true.
Sworn & subscribed before me at Caledonia this 3 rd day of February 1834
John Christie
James Hill Justice

John G. Christy ad. Levi.
Caledonia N.Y. June 3 5
37 1/2
Rev. -
J. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington

John J. Christie
Schuyler Col. N.Y. Feb. 26, 3
FREE
No 220 J. L. Richards Esquire Commissioner of pensions
War Office -
Washington

Schuyler Ville 19 February 1836 - Seneca County
Dear Sir,
Here inclosed I return my my deposition with the certificate of the County Clerk, in favour of John J. Christie he requested me in case he should be allowed a pension to let you know it was his request that the Certificate should be directed to me, as he did not know where he should be , and that if I received a certificate I should write to Jude Steven at Johnstown who would know where to write to him, and would then call on me for the certificate — you will please Sir, to observe his name is John J. Christie —
I am Sir, with due respect your very Humble servant
J. L. Edwards Esq r
John Bull

NY
Hon P. C. Fuller
J. L. Churchman Esq.
Station Office

May I enquire what two persons John G. Christie is referred to, by John Ball? —
I have no knowledge of the details, in this pension business — but if I can give Mr. Bryan the names of the witnesses, it will obviously facilitate his enquiries.
P. C. Fuller, H. of R. 9 th Dec

18 NY Free J. L. Edwards Esquire Commonpleader of pleas - Washington Schuyler Stree NY. April 12,
John Schuyler

Schuyler-Ville 13 April 1836 -
Dear Sir,
The friends of John J. Christie are calling on me to know if he is like to obtain a pension or not I am informed that if he does not obtain a pension he will be sent to the poor-house. I shall take it a favour if you Sir- will have the goodness to favour me with a line on that subject
Am Sir, with due respect your obedt- and humble servant -
J. L. Edwards Esquire
John Ball

Schuylkill Co. Pa. May 14.
18 3
W. John G. Christy Caledonia —
Livingston County

Dear Sir
Schuyler Ville 13 th May 1834-
" you are mistaken as to your having served with me in the Army of the Revolution in the year of 1779 I had left the service previous to that time and I have no knowledge of your service in the militia but I recollect soon after your marriage with Miss M c Dermot seeing you on the militia parade with a musket in your hand saying you thought it hard to leave the warm and take the cold musket in your hands this was in Ballston I believe in October of 79 when the militia were ordered to march up the Mohawk River under a false alarm when I volunteered my service under the command of my Brother in law Col o James Garleton, at that time you was enrolled in my father in law Capt o Tyrance Collins Company of militia and I have no knowledge or recollection of any service performed by you in the Revolutionary Army, but Ayer Gale who was a sergeant in Capt o T. Collins Company may be knowing to your services in that war he now lives in the Town of Springwater the County of Livingston I advise you to call on him - and William Williamson in that County if I could certify for you it would be a pleasure to your old friend
A. J. G. Christie
John Ball
Ezra Coll was not my Sergeant it was Leger wood and one Canada north of Ballston
Ezra Cole was my not my Sergeant it was Eliza wood or James or John Canada south of Ballston Springs Saratoga County Thomas Narty was out the same year with me in 17-79- John G Christie Please send the answer to Judge Smith Caledon

personally appeared before me Gilbert Purdy one of the Justices of the of the Peace of the County of Saratoga and State of New York - John Ball late a Lieut a Genl of the Army of the Revolution, and being sworn according to law Deposeth and saith, that he was well acquainted with John J. Christie then of Ballston County of Albany State of New York and as he now is informed late of the Town of Callidonia in one of the Counties of this State but now of Johnstown Montgomery and this deponent was knowing to said Christie being enrolled in the militia in Captain Sylvanus Collins Company of militia in time of the Revolution and well remembers seeing him in the service when the militia was a part of them from Ballston from were in the public service in the year 1789 or in the year ninety and this de- ponent saith according to the best of his recollection he heard Capt Sylvanus Collins say the said Christie had performed several amounts of days of duty in the public service but to what amount this deponent does not know, but does believe said Christie is entitled to some amount of pension and that he is a man of strict veracity
John Ball
I certify that the above named John Ball personally appear- -red and made oath in due form of law to the above deposition Before Me Jany 5 th 1836 Gilbert Purdy Justice of peace

STATE OF NEW-YORK, } SARATOGA COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, }
ss.
I, ALPHEUS GOODRICH, Clerk of the county of Saratoga, Do Certify, that Gilbert Purdy before whom the annexed affidavit purports to have been sworn, was at the date of the same, one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said county, and that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit, to be his proper hand writing and signature
WITNESS my hand and seal of Office, the 18 th day of February 1836 —
A Goodrich Clerk

War Department Pension Office April 21. 1836
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 10 th inst. I have to say that the evidence in support of the claim of John G. Christie does not justify the allowance of a pension under the act of June 7, 1832. His name is not borne at all on the rolls of Capt. Collins' company. The transport service mentioned in his declaration is not provided for under the act.
I am respectfully Your Obet. Servt. J. L. Edwards
Dear Sir,
from Mr. Edwards's sending my deposition back requesting the County Clerks seal and signature I concluded Christie was to be allowed a pension last evening I received this communication from Mr. Edwards and thought best to forward it to you
I am respectfully yours &c John Dalk
Mr. John Ball Schuylerville N. York