Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17,634, Isaac Smith Clarke, Navy R.I.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mary R.I.
Clarke, Isaac Smith or Clark
No. 17,634
Mary
CONTENTS
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State of Connecticut } S.S. County of New London }
On this 11th day of January A.D. 1836 personally appeared in open Court, before the City Court of the City of Norwich in said County being a Court of record, now sitting Isaac Smith Clarke a resident of Norwich in the County of New London and State of Connecticut aged about 73 years who being 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 th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States and served in the manner and under the officers stated in the following narration —
That he does not know his exact age having no authoritative records of the same, and that he knows no person who can testify exactly thereto, but from circumstances he believes himself to be about 73 years of age, that he caught the spirit of the Revolution in his youth, that in the years of 174 and five there were two companies in Newport where he was born, and where he resided with his father John Clarke Esq. one of these companies was called the Liberty Company under the command of Capt. John Stephen afterwards Col. Stephen, the other company was called the Cadets of these Companies he learnt to beat the drum, That in May 1776 his father moved from Newport to South Kingston. Little rest hill (so called) where there was a company organised, and commanded by Capt. John Gardner, the orderly sergeant on officer was Christopher Raymond Perry the father of the Hero of Lake Erie, of this company he was a drummer for a short time, in year 1777 he went to live at Tiverton R. I. near Howe's bands Ferry with Capt. Israel Church when he resided three years, this place from Scituate Point to Fall river was very much exposed to the enemy, a party of whom composed of Tory refugees crossed from the island and surrounded a house owned by his uncle Judge William Fogg who was very obnoxious to them from taking an active part in favour of his country, and killed his son John Fogg who fell into their hands, they also about the same time burnt Fall River mills (in May 1778) and committed many other depredations, which renders necessary the utmost vigilance on the part of the whig inhabitants, and called into requisition the services of every person capable of holding a

2 musket. About the last of July or first of August 1778 he witnessed the blowing up of H is B ritish M ajesty's Ship Fisher of 64 guns and two Galleys in the Narrows passage on the arrival of two French ships of the line and a frigate in the passage - He knew Col. Borton of Providence Major John Hand of Newport, Col. Nightingale of Providence and Colonel Smith, who were  were quartered at one time with Israel Church in what was called the New House. Also Col. Ebenezer Huntington who was quartered at the widow Barker's, about half a mile Southerly - early in the spring of 1778 Israel Church moved in to the chambers of the house, the lower part of which was occupied by Capt. Benjamin Borden about half way between Fall River and the Ferry - Capt. Borden com- manded a company of Militia and did in the service of the United States Guard duty on the shore, and that he the said Israel Church was enrolled  enrolled as a private in said Company and did duty from the time he moved into the said house in February of  until  March 1779 after the British evacuated Rhode Island which was the last of October 1779 - The post when he did duty as Guard was on the shore about half a mile from said Borden's house, and extended Southerly along the shore towards the ferry about half a mile meeting another, the main Guard, and northerly along the shore towards Fall River meeting another  guard ; in going to and returning to his post he passed the house of Joseph Borden which was about 40 rods from Borden's towards the shore - Capt. Borden company he believes was attached to Col. Cook's regiment. He did duty in this company in the service of the United States at least eight months, as he did duty from the time he moved into said Borden's house in the spring until Winter, after the British had retired from the Island; in the summer of the year 1780. he went on to the Island and found his father's house, orchard & fences  orchard & fences had all been destroyed by the enemy, and his father from a state of independence reduced almost to poverty, and in September 1780 he went to New Bedford in Mass. with his uncle John Pease and shipped on board the Ship Gen. Washington of  in the service of the United States 25 guns, said to have been built at Alexandria and believed to be a state vessel commissioned either by Congress or the State of Virginia; her officers were Samuel Walker of Newport Capt. - Sellar of Boston 1 st Lieut. - Carr 2 nd Lieut. Jonathan Dorrison Providence Sailing Master, Stephen Van Rye Providence or Van Rye of Newport Surgeon, John Pease Gunner & Israel Church - the Ship continued at New Bedford during the fall and winter fitting out. She had arrived there from her first cruise  cruise and was from Bilbao in Spain and had

an encounter on her way home with two of the enemy's letters of marque, which she took with the loss of her main mast, as he understood, in March 1781 The ship  recalled returned to Newport, and was saluted by the French fleet then lying there, completed her complement of men, and sailed on her cruise the last of March, and crossed the Gulf to the South and cruised there some time and took one prize, a snow, from Glasgow, which was re- taken — we crossed the Gulf again, and came to the Northward; one morning the man at the mast head espied a sail, we ran  run down towards her, she had French colors set in her shrouds apparently  in distress, the officers thought it best not to go too near her, as she appeared to be a large ship, we hauled on a wind, when she immediately gave chase, the chase continued until within an hour of sunset, when she came up under our quarter and threatened to sink us, when we were obliged to surrender; we were very much cut in our rigging, and the Captain was wounded in the hand with a grape shot. She having fired above 100 Guns at us during the chase, she proved to be H. B. N. Ship — Chatham of 50 Guns, her first Lieut. came on board of us, and abused our officers, and shoved  ordered us into their boats and on board their ship, putting us, officers and all, into the lower hold, under a strong Guard until we arrived at Sandy Hook. This was in the month of July 1781 according to my best recollection, the crew  crew were all sent up to New York and put on board the Jersey prison ship, with one Surgeon; our Captain and the rest of the officers were detained at the Hook, myself by permission stand with my uncle Peever who was one of the officers, until the sailing of the fleet for England, when our officers, with the exception of Capt. Walker, were put on board the continental Frigate Confederacy taken a short time before us, and sent to England, Capt. Walker was sent on board the London Admiral Graves and tried (for what I do not know) by a court martial, but was cleared and put on board the Jersey, where he and Surgeon Van Ploce and most of our crew died, as I have always understood, I was detained on board the Chatham — (although I requested to be allowed to accompany the rest of the crew on board the prison ship) was in in her when she captured the French Frigate Magicienne of 36 Guns in Boston Bay, about the last of August 1781, and was accused of the intention of blowing up the Chatham during the action (although I was innocent of such intention); The Chatham went into Halifax with her prize and refitted, I was not allowed to go on shore.

4 after refitting she sailed again on a cruise in Boston Bay, when the small pox broke out on board, when she returned to Halifax, and the sick were sent to the Hospital, myself being one of them; was in the Hospital when the news of the surrender of Cornwallis arrived, after my recovery was detained as a prisoner in Halifax until I succeeded in making a bargain with two men to take me off in a skiff, made my escape in the night and got on board the skiff, and lay concealed on board her until she sailed, when she took me to a place called Barrington, Nova Scotia, from there I got passage to Salem, and from there travelled to my father's house in Richmond Rhode Island, which I reached in September 1782 being just in the service at this time two years from my going on board the Geo Washington, in the spring of 1783 I went to Providence in company with a young man to ship on board the frigate Continental Frigate Alliance Com. Barry then lying there, but peace taking place I remained in Providence 3 years then removed to New London Conn. 24 years then removed to N. York and resided 4 years and then removed to Norwich Conn. where I have ever since resided. My name is Isaac Smith Clarke name from my father's side Isaac Smith, but I am more gener- ally called Isaac Clarke, I had a brother John Clarke who sailed from Boston about the same time that I sailed from New Bedford and was taken and carried into Newfoundland where he died — And I declare that wage it not for my poverty (having been a poor man through life) mainly owing to the want of a proper education which I was deprived of, by the events of the war, which separated me from my father and reduced him to poverty, and being in my old age a cripple, which I have been for the last 6 years, I would not have applied for 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. He has no documentary evidence To the first interrogatory put by the Court he answers that he was born in the town of Newport in the State of Rhode Island in the month of Jan'y 1763 according to his best knowledge & belief.

To the second he answers that he has no record of his age and never had any, and never knew of any
To the third he answers that his answer to that question is contained in the body of his Declaration.
To the fourth he answers that he was called into service in the manner stated in his Declaration, he is not positively certain whether he entered the company of Capt Benjamin Borden as a volunteer or was regularly enrolled in said company, he entered the company when he moved into the house with Capt Borden in Feb or March 1779 and served in said company uninterruptedly from that time till the next winter, a period of more than eight months and at least eight months - the company had been on duty before he entered it, he thinks he volunteered and was enrolled in the company, being then in his eighteenth year.
To the fifth he answers that the company in which he served at Tiverton belonged to the Militia Regt of Col. Cook, the company served alone on guard duty I recollect with the officers named in my Declaration and some others, my duty did not lead me to know many officers
To the sixth he answers that he never received a discharge from the service
To the seventh he answers that John P. Trott Esq. Judge of Probate for the District of New Bedford and Joseph Smith and Samuel Coit also of New Bedford in this county and Rev. Israel Ward & Major Simeon Hubbard of Norwich in said county, are persons to whom he is known in his present vicinity, who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution
Sworn and Subscribed this 11 day of Jany 1836 in open Court Attest Alex Lathrop Clerk
Isaac J Clarke

We David M. Bentley a clergyman residing in the town of Norwalk, county of New London and State of Connecticut and John D. Witt residing in the same town, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Isaac S. Clark, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be seventy three years of age, that he is respected and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion
D. M. Bentley
John D. Witt
Sworn to and subscribed this 11 day of January 1836
in open Court
Attest Alex Lathrop Clerk

393
Mary Clark widow of Isaac.
born abt. 7. July 38 5 years
Asa Root Esopus
married in 87.
adm'd 2 years seaman X X X X X X 96 X
deduct - died - 26. Nov. 1836. pren: commencing 27. Nov. '36.
Asa Root Norwich Con.

State of Connecticut } New London County } ss. Probate Office, District of Norwich
On this 15 th day of August Anno Domini 1838. Personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Norwich in said County, Mary Clark of Norwich in the County of New London in said State, aged seventy four years, who, being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 7. 1838, entitled, "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows." That she is the widow of Isaac S. Clark who was a pensioner of the United States under the act of Congress of June 7 th 1832 and for proof of the services he performed in the Revolutionary war. She would respectfully refer the Commissioner of Pensions to the Documents on file in the War Department, and among said papers to the pension certificate which was surrendered at the time of her drawing the balance of pensions due at the time of his death. She further declares that she was mar- ried to the said Isaac S. Clark on the sixteenth day of December in the year seventeen hundred and eighty seven, that her husband the aforesaid Isaac S. Clark died on the twenty eighth day of November in the year eighteen hundred and thirty six; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz: at the time above stated.
Mary Clarke Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before John Hyde Judge of said Court

And now the court do declare their opinion, after investigating the matter of the application of Mary Clark for a pension, that she is the widow of the said Isaac S. Clark deceased, & that they were lawfully married at the time therein stated, and that the said Isaac S. Clark died at the time she has stated that he did, and that he was a pensioner of the United States, and that she has remained a widow ever since his death.
I William E. Tracy Clerk of the court of Probate for the District of Norwich in the state of Connecticut do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceeding of the court in the matter of the application of Mary Clark for a pension, and I further certify that Thomas S. Perkins Esq., before whom Henry Douglass made oath, is a Justice of the Peace for said County & this signature is genuine, And also that Asa Root Esq., before whom Harriet Clark and David N. Bentley made oath is a Justice of the Peace for said County & his signatures are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of office of this court this 15 th day of August A.D. 1838.
William E. Tracy Clerk

"Isaac Clark & Mary Burrow daughter of Elder Zadock Burrow was married Dec r Sixteenth Seventeen hundred & Eighty Seven"
I Henry Douglass of the town of County of New London & Town Clerk of said town do certify that the above is a true copy of the record with the excep- tion of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows "Dec r 16 th 1887" - Henry Douglass Town Clerk And Henry Douglass above named depose & say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the town of New London in New London County & state of Connecticut & that the above is a true extract from the records of said town with the exceptions above named as certified by me -
Henry Douglass
State of Connecticut New London County - ) On this 14 th day of August A D 1838 before me the subscriber a justice of the peace within & for said county personally appeared Henry Douglass Esquire & made solemn oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him in my presence subscribed that the said justice do certify that the said Henry Douglass Esquire is the town Clerk of said town of New London & that he is a credible person attest Th. J. Perkins Justice of the Peace

I Harriet Clark of Norwich in the county of New London & State of Connecticut aged thirty three years, having been duly examined and cautioned to speak the whole truth, and being sworn according to law, do on my oath testify and say that, I was well acquainted with Mr. Isaac S. Clark and his wife Mary Clark - that they were my parents - And I would state that he used until a few years past to write his name leaving out the S. and was usually called Isaac Clark. that when he went among his friends to get evidence of his serving his country in the Revolutionary War he then used the letter S. in his name, as he found that was the name by which he was known and called in his youth - and from that time to the time of his death he wrote his name Isaac S. Clark as he was chris- tened. that he died on the twenty eighth day of November in the year Eighteen hundred thirty six. that he was a pensioner under the act of 7. June 1832 - That Mary Clark is the widow of Isaac S. Clark having never married since the death of her hus- band the said Isaac S. Clark.
Harriet Clarke
Sworn and Subscribed before me August 15 th 1838.
Asa Root
Justice of the Peace

I David N. Bentley of Norwich in the County of New London aged fifty three years, having been duly cautioned to speak the whole truth after having duly received the affirmation by law provided, do solemnly affirm and declare that I was well acquainted with Isaac G. Clarke and have known him for many years, that until he undertook to get a pension, he used to write his name Isaac Clark and was called by that name. That I was present when he died. I think a little less than two years ago. That his widow Mary Clark lives near me. That she has never married again but is still his widow. I have been informed that Isaac G. Clarke the dec d was a pensioner of the United States - and further the deponent with scots
D N Bentley
Subaffirmed and subscribed before me August 15 th A.D. 1838
Asa Root
Justice of the Peace
State of Connecticut } New London County } ss. Norwich August 15 th A.D. 1838.
Personally appeared before me, the Rev. David N. Bentley of Norwich aforesaid and made solemn affirmation to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed. I hereby certify that the Rev David N. Bentley is a gentleman to me well known, and that Miss Harriet Clark is a person to me well known and that their characters are good, and that their testimony as witnesses is entitled to full credit - and that they have signed affidavits before me & the same are herewith transmitted.
Attest
Asa Root
Justice of the Peace

The amount to be paid to Amanda Wade, Betsey Cottrell Kingsbury Joseph Clarke & Harriet Clarke, only surviving children of Mary Clarke deceased.
A new certificate issued in this case under the opinion of the Attorney General of the 2 nd September 1842, which was given in consequence of the Resolution of Congress of the 16 th August, 1842.
For Report see letter to S t Agt Dec: 3. 1842.
Letter to Hon. John M c Keon 10. Jan y 1843
Connecticut 18291
Mary Clarke dec d
widow of Isaac Smith Clarke
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 26 th Nov. 1836 of N. London in the State of Conn. who was a Seaman in the Company commanded by Captain Coir of the Regt commanded by _____ in the Conn line for 2
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 96 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1836 & ending 26. Nov. 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 3 rd day of Dec: 1842, and sent to Benj Wotton Esq. Hartford Conn
Arrears to the 26 th of Nov. 1836, 8 mos 22 days. Semi-annual allowance ending
See endorsement 69.84
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Theo. Smoody Clerk,
Book 1. Vol. 1 Page 1728
Back for arrears of Pensi

Let to Pay. Apr. 18. 1836
30, 538
Connecticut
Isaac Smith Clark
of New London Co in the State of Connecticut who was a Seaman in the Brig commanded by Captain Washington of the Rhode Island line for 2 Years
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 96 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 day of April 1836 and sent Hon S Ingham No 1875
Arrears to the 14th of March 1836 $480.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept., 48.00 $528.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W.H. Addis Clerk, Book E 2 Vol. 3. Page 8

State of Connecticut County of New London ss City of Norwich,
On this 14 th day of March 1836, personally appeared in open court, before the city court of the city of Norwich, now sitting, Isaac S. Clark, a resident of the town of Norwich in said County of New London and State of Connecticut aged seventy three years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following sup- plementary declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832, that in addition to his principal declaration, now in the possession of the Secretary of War, he states that Capt Borden's Company in which he served as stated in his former declaration was called into service by the authority of the State of Rhode Island to the best of his knowledge and belief - that the period and length of his service was from the first of March 1779 to the first of November 1779, when the British left Rhode Island, eight months, and the grade of his service was a private, that he received pay and crew daily rations, and did duty in sight of the British by day and in hearing of their guard boats by night, we were nightly visited by the guards, called the grand rounds, from the main body of the Army, to see that we did our duty faithfully. He also declares that he entered on board the Ship Gen. Washington as stated in his former declaration in the month of September 1780 the day of the month it is impossible for him to state with certainty, he entered as a common hand or ordinary seaman and continued to serve on board

said ship from the time he entered on board till she was captured by the British ship Chatham in July 1781 the day of the month he cannot state with certainty, he served on board said ship at least ten months before her capture. that he perform- ed any duty on board of the ship which he was capa- -ble, he was stationed at one of the cabin guns and daily exercised it. The ship then Washington lay at New- Bedford in the State of Massachusetts when he entered on board of her, she remained at New Bedford, repairing, refitting and recruiting till March 1781 when she came round to Newport, Rhode Island and completed our complement of men and officers and went to sea and were captured and carried to Sandy Hook as above stated in this and my former declaration, and when the officers and men of the then Washington were called upon the Deck of the Chatham to go on board the Confederacy, I was informed that I must remain on board of the Chatham, though it was my wish and request to go with my uncle John Pierce on board the ship  Confederacy and share his fate, but it was not permitted me, I was thrust onto the quarter Deck of the Chatham, the boat- swain of the Chatham was called and I was given to him as a servant, and I re- mained on board the Chatham as stated in my former declaration till the small- pox broke out on board the ship, when I exposed myself to take it, for the purpose of getting away from the ship with my life, or of being freed from my sufferings by death. The Chatham put into Halifax in October 1781 with her sick of the smallpox, myself being one of the number, the sick were landed and put into the hospital, of whom I was one, and the Chatham went

to sea on a cruise. I remained in the hospital about six weeks, when being recovered from the smallpox, by the influence of the steward of the Hospital, a Mr John Randal, who was a Boston man, I was taken into his family, and I did not know what account he had Randal gave of me; when the fleet had returned to Halifax, I avoided her, and when once I saw her first Lt with a press gang in the street. I eluded them by secreting myself. I lived with Mr John Randal the steward through the winter of 1781-2 and until about the month of June 1782 when I made my escape in a shellap as stated in my principal declaration, while at Burlington to which place the shellap took me, two American gentlemen came there from Halifax, they hired a Capt Smith to take them across the Bay of Fundy to Salem in Mass. these gentlemen gave me a passage with them, in this way I got safe with joy to my native land. from Salem to my father's house in Richmond in the state of Rhode Island, a distance of some hundred miles or more, I traveled on foot, without a penny to sustain me, living upon the charity of the inhabitants, making two full years, from the time I entered on board the ship ree Washington at New Bedford in Sept 1780. I arrived at my father's in Sept 1782 from Halifax and Salem what above stated the day of the month is unknown to me as I cannot recollect it. I know of no person living who served on board the ree Washington with me. The reason of my not making a application for a pension sooner, has been sickness, poverty and distress - not long before the passage of the Pension Act of 7th June 1832, I was taken sick and lame and was confined for fifteen months and could not work at all, I am a housekeeper; a short time after the passage of that Law. I was again taken with lameness and continued unable to labour from April to September

The evidence to support my declaration, was to be obtained from the State of Rhode Island and it was absolutely necessary that I should go after the evidence myself, to search out those who had survived and might know anything of my services. I have not had the means at any time since the passage of the Pension law after 1832, to pay my necessary expenses of going to Rhode Island and of getting my evidence, before I in fact started. I am now in debt for a part of my expenses in procuring evidence from Rhode Island, and those who have assisted me here in attempting to obtain a pension will never have any compensation unless I am enabled to compensate them from the avails of a pension that may be granted to me
Isaac J Clarke
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year aforesaid in open Court
Attest Alex Lathrop Clerk
State of Connecticut New London County City of Norwich March 14 1836
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that they find the facts stated in the foregoing supplementary declaration of Isaac J Clarke to be true
Attest Alex Lathrop Clerk
I Alexander Lathrop clerk of the City Court of the City of Norwich do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Isaac J Clarke for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said City Court this 14 day of March A D 1836
Alex Lathrop Clerk
Hon. S. Ingalls H. B.

96 p. an m Isaac S. Clarke born: at 7 June when capt d ? G. M. C.
8 Sep 38.
Died 26 Nov 1836 p t that period Q1b
Isaac Smith Clarke born '63
March 79. Borden to last Oct. 79.
on board the Genl Washington when captured - taken on board the Chatham - remained prisoner to fall of '82 making two years from the time he shipped -

N o 33445
Connecticut Isaac Smith Clark
Suspended
Letter to Hon S Ingham 9 Feb 1836
Letter to Simeon Hubbard Esqr March 26. 1836.

✓ Mary Clark
Conn s
act 7. July 38 p
Open new Certificate 96 $ v. an n
from 4 March '36 to 26 Nov. 36. To Amanda Wade - Betsey Coil - Mary Kingsbury Joseph Clark & Harriet Clark only surviving chil- dren of Mary Clark dec d ?
Benjn Colton Hartford Conn s

Probate District of Norwich, New London County in the State of Connecticut.
I hereby certify that, Satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me that Mary Clarke the widow of Isaac Clarke late of Norwich dec d . (who was a Revolutionary Pensioner,) died on the 16 th day of March A.D. 1842 and left the following named children who now survive her viz. Amanda the widow of James Wade Betsey the wife of ————— Coit - Mary the wife of Mr. Kingsbury, Joseph Clarke, and Harriet Clarke. I further certify that the above named Mary Clarke the widow of Isaac Clarke both now deceased, was a pensioner under the act of the 7 th of July A.D. 1838.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court of Probate - this 28 th day of November A.D. 1842 -
Asa Root, Judge.

Hon. J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.

Norwich August 15 th A.D. 1838.
Dear Sir.
Therewith enclose the Declaration of Mrs. Mary Clarke widow of Isaac S Clark who was a pensioner under the Act of Congress of June 7-1832. he did not obtain it until a year or two before his death. In notice in the certificate of his marriage with Mary Darrow that S in his name is not put in. I knew him for many years when he was called Isaac Clarke and never until he got his pension did I hear him called Isaac S. Clark, and then he wrote his name Isaac S. Clark and on my mentioning that I never noticed the S. in his name before he said "I was so christened but have heretofore left it out, but now in getting my pension it was necessary to have it as I was named by my parents" I think there will be no difficulty in finding the documents to prove the Service its nature and duration, by documents in the War Department - The certificate of the town Clerk of the town of New London shews when the marriage took place - the affidavits of the Reverend David N. Bentley and of Harriet Clarke shew that his widow has not married again but is still his widow and explain about the letter S. added to his name since his marriage - as it should at all times have been retained as that was his real name, but he only dropped it to shorten his name - With the view I take of this case I think the facts are fully proven that will entitle her to receive a pension -
With the highest consideration of Respect & esteem I am Sir Your Obt. Servant
Hon. J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
Isaac South

604266000-271
Mary Clark
widow of Isaac Smith Clark.
who was a pensioner under the Act of June 7 th 32 and who died on the 26 th Nov r 1836 at London in the State of Connecticut who was a Seaman in the  commanded by Captain  of the  commanded by  in the  line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 96 Dollars  Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1836
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 th day of Sept r 38, and sent to and Asa Root, Norwich, Conn.
Arrears to the 4 th of Sept r $ 248.00 Semi-annual allowance ending  48.00
$ 288.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by R. Burdine Clerk, Book A - Vol. 1 - Page 172

I Joseph Cook of Tiverton in the County of Exmouth & State of Rhode Island being of sound mind doth depone and say at the time of the Revolutionary war I was living with my father in Tiverton between Holland Ferry and Fullmire at that time I knew had an young man named Isaac Clarke living with Israel Church within one hundred rods of my father's and also in the same house when Captain Benjamin Barden a Captain of a militia Company lived said Clark was at that time a very smart and active lad and when the guard were kept on the shore unlike the British were on Rhode Island I don't know that said Clark did stand guard under Captain Benjamin Barden but I have known I ought but that he did because Every person that was able to do duty did it Therefore I have no doubt that said Clark did serve under said Captain Benjamin Barden further the Deponent sayeth not Joseph Cook
State of Rhode Island 2 nd County of Exmouth Be it known that on the 6 th day of November 1835 before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in the Town of Tiverton in the County of Exmouth personally appeared Joseph Cook a creditable person and made oath to and subscribed his above Deposition before me
John Hambley Justice of the Peace
4.

I Samuel B Gardner of Tiverton in the County of Newport & State of Rhode Island being about thirty seven years of age do depone and say that I am the Grand son of Benjamin Barden the former Captain of the Company of the militia in the the  the millitia in Tiverton in the Revolutionary War I hereby certify that I recollect as seeing the militia Roll that my Grandfather kept of the soldiers that was under his Command I think then was about thirty or thirty five names on the Roll and I recollect there was a number of names that I don't know any thing about Among the rest was one Isaac Clark This Roll was Amongst a parcel of old papers of my Grandfather and I considered them to be of no consequence and destroyed them last Summer A.D. 1835.
Samuel B. Gardner
State of Rhode Island } ss County of Newport
Be it known that on the 7 th day of November 1835 before the subscriber a Justice of the peace in the town of Tiverton in the County of Newport personally appeared Samuel Barden Gardner a Creditable person and made oath and subscribed his above deposition before me
John Hambley Justice of the peace
I also recollect that I saw Elisha Gifford's name on said Roll amongst the rest of the soldiers
Samuel B Gardner
This the said Samuel B Gardner also gives under oath before me
John Hambley Justice of the peace
A.

I Elihu Gifford of Tiverton in the County of Newport and State of Rhode Island, aged Seventy Six years, Depose and say, that at the time of the Revolutionary war, and while the British were on Rhode Island, I knew a young man by name Isaac Clarke, then living with Israel Church in this Town, on the road leading North from Howlands ferry. - I have now conversed with a man calling his name Isaac Smith Clarke, who represents himself to be the same Isaac Clarke who lived with said Israel Church at the time of the war. - I was a Soldier in Capt. Benjamin Borden's company of Militia in Tiverton, in the Revolutionary war, and from what said Clarke now tells me of the situation of the guard posts on the shores, of the disposition of the troops, the names, and places of quartering of Officers and other circumstances connected with our troops in this Town and vicinity at that time, I have no doubt he is the same Isaac Clarke known to me in the Revolutionary war Elihu Gifford
State of Rhode Island } County of Newport } ss.
Be it known, that on the Seventh day of November in the year 1835, before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared Elihu Gifford and made oath to and subscribed his above Deposition. And I further certify that said Deponent is a credible person. Before me, Asa Gray Justice of the Peace
B.

I Benjamin Borden of Tiverton, in the County of Newport & State of Rhode Island, of lawful age depose and say, at the time of the Revolutionary war I was living with my father, near the shore in the Town of Tiverton. Between Howlands ferry and Fall River, at that time I knew a lad or young man, named Isaac Clarke, living with Israel Church, within fifty rods of my father's, and also in the same house where Capt. Benjamin Borden, a captain of a Militia company lived. said Clarke was at that time a very smart and active lad, and when the guards were kept on the shores while the British were on Rhode Island, I recollect I have often seen said Clarke passing my said fathers to the guard posts on the shore with his gun, or in that direction. I was not of age myself to be a soldier and do not know of the service of said Clarke further than the fact, that I have often seen him with his gun, and recollect he was of sufficient size Benjamin Borden
State of Rhode Island,
County of Newport } ss.
Be it known, that on the 6 th day of November 1835, before the Subscriber, a justice of the Peace in the town of Tiverton in the County of Newport, personally appeared Benjamin Borden, a credible person, and made oath to and subscribed his above Deposition. Before me, Asa Gray Justice of the Peace
B.

I John Caborne of Newport of lawful age on solemn oath declare and say, that I recollect that the ship General Washington commanded by Samuel Walker of Newport State of Rhode Island was in the Government service during the Revolutionary war, that she sailed from Newport, and was taken by the ship Chatham and carried into New York - And that to the best of my knowledge and belief Isaac Smith Blake served on board of her during that time -
John Caborne
Newport Sc Newport Nov. 21, 1835
Then personally appeared before me John Caborne subscriber to the above affidavit and made oath to the truth of the same, the same being subscribed by him in my presence -
Wm Gilpin Just. Peace -
b.

I Green Burroughs of lawful age on solemn oath declare and say that the ship General Washington of twenty guns, commanded by Capt. Samuel Walker was in the continental service during the Revolutionary War, and that said ship was fitted out from New Bedford in the state of Massachusetts came round to Newport on her second cruise, and that to best of my knowledge and belief Isaac Smith Clarke was on board of her and was taken in her by the ship Chatham and carried into the State of New York. Capt. Walker was my neighbor and area on board the prison ship Jersey -
Green Burroughs
Newport Is Newport November 1st 1835
Then personally appeared before me Green Burroughs subscriber to the above affidavit and made oath to the truth of the same the same being by him subscribed in my presence
Wm Gilpin Just. Peace
C.

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations County of Newport ss. 3
I George G. King, Clerk of the Court of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Newport aforesaid do hereby certify that John Hamblin Esq. is a Justice of the Peace for the Town of Tiverton in said County of Newport and was such Justice of Peace on the sixth and seventh days of November 1835 and that his signature to the two annexed affidavits of Joseph Cook and Samuel B. Gardner marked A. is his genuine signature. I also certify that Asa Gray Esq. is a Justice of the Peace for the Town of Tiverton in said County of Newport and was such Justice on the sixth and seventh days of November 1835 and that his signature to the two annexed affidavits of Elihu Gifford and Benjamin Borden marked B. is his genuine signature. And I also certify that William Gilpin Esq. was a Justice of the Peace for the Town of Newport in said County of Newport on the fourth and twentyfirst days of November 1835 and still is such Justice of the Peace and that his signature to the two annexed affi- davits of Capt John Calhoun and Green Burroughs marked C is his genuine signature.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name of office and affixed my official seal at Newport aforesaid, this Twentyfirst day of December A.D. 1835
Geo. G. King, Clerk.

State of Connecticut New London County } City of Norwich Jan'y 11. 1836
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 said Court further Certifies that it appears to them that Revd David N Bentley who has signed the preceding Certificate is a Clergyman resident in the city of Norwich county of New London and State of Connecticut and that he is a credible person And that John DeWitt Esq. who has signed the same is a resident in the said City of Norwich County and State aforesaid and that he is a credible person And the said Court do further find that Joseph Cook Samuel B Gaeimer Elihu Safford and Benj. Borden John Cahoon and Green Burroughs who have signed the preceding Certificates are all credible persons
Attest Alex Lathrop Clerk
City of Norwich in New London County } }
I Alexander Lathrop Clerk of the City Court of the City of Norwich do Certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Isaac P Clark for a pension In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said City Court this 11. day of January Anno Domini 1836
Alex Lathrop Clerk of Norwich City Court

33445
Isaac Smith Black
ordinary seaman on board Brig Genl Washington
Suspended
Let Hon S Ingham 9 Feb 1836
adm?
2 years ord y seaman
Hon. Saml. Ingham
HR
Hon. S. Ingham

ap 18
Wahia
Isaac S. Clark
OT 20
J. J. Edwards, Esq. Commr of Pension City of Washington

Pension Agency Hartford 14 th April 1836
Sir
Application has been made at this agency to day by the Attorney of Isaac Smith Blake of Norwich New London county claiming a pension from the 4 th of March 1801 at $96. per annum certificate dated 5 th April 1836
I have not received from you directions to place his name on the roll
I am respectfully
your obedient servant
M m S t H d
J. J. Edwards Esq Commissioner of pension City of Washington

No 2268
Isaac Clark - 22 March 1836 Pension Office
FEB 18
Hon Secretary of War C.O. Washington D.C.

Vernon Conn. March 18 th 36
Sir; When I wrote you sometime since, in favour of Isaac Clark  all that I might have said, did not occur to me. — For the time was short , and the place  unfavorable : He having found me (after calling at my house by the direction of his lawyer) in a merchants store where I had business on hand: — and it was so near the closing of the mail that not a moment could be spared for due reflection . In fact I was obliged to run with it myself (he being lame) & was near being too late.
I am this minute in consequence of his having shown me a letter from some days past, from Mr Edwards to Mr Tapham, I think; by which it appeared that there was necessity of showing cause for the renewal of his application: and his having again called yesterday when I was absent; (which, I imagined was to request me to write again).
Clark came to this city from N. Haverdon , and, for some years, lived opposite to me in the same street. — He was a neighbour that "pleased me well" as he would you, for he was honest at all points, and, fearless of consequences, was ever ready to speak his mind on all subjects. — We would, both, have lamented a lack of domestic economy; though he expended nothing for spirits , as his were naturally so buoyant as to require no artificial stimulants.
The pension laws , & in equity practiced thereunder were often the subject of discussion between us. This led to the history of his early life, which showed that the Boy was what the Man is — bold, & somewhat chivalrous.
On the late extension (we being no longer neighbours) he called at my house, and told me that his friends were desirous that he would apply for a pension, as he had become seriously affected by the deleterious effects of his trade (a painter) He then said that he would, were it not for the necessity (this was the term) company he should be obliged to mess with: and added, "I'll stand it out to the 'bats end' first." That is, stem his growing infirmities, & consequent embarrassments, to the utmost. — And so he has. Being strongly affected by his faults, he has lost an entire season himself. — His only son , a good & temperate young man, more severely visited, is broken down & has become apparently older than his father, & has no better prospect before him than a few years of miserable existence. A Daughter, supposed to have married very well , deserted by a drunken husband, is on hand, & helpless, having 4 small children, one, an infant at the breast. — Another Daughter (and one of the best that men were ever blest with)

having a trifling sum left her by a relation on the mother's side, laid it out in a small house in which they all live, and which (can she be too highly prized) she mortgaged to obtain the means of carrying the distressed family thro' the inclement season of winter - and O what a winter they have had!
Of this last circumstance, I knew nothing when I wrote you, otherwise, I would have been the most importunate of those by whom you have been importuned. As such, I now pray you to consider me.
Of their extreme embarrassments, they are too proud spirited to speak, as I hear (& the more commendable therefor) In fact, the Old worthy, has not, even to me, mentioned a word, or hinted at these facts. They came to me from the Paul-Drys of his neighbourhood.
That this expose & appeal, will not have been made in vain, I trust, although I am neither unmindful, or regardless of the fact that your duties have become very arduous.
By the merciful & just, these poor, & seemingly ill-fated Dwarfs, will be pitied, but not condemned; while wisdom & justice will hold in deepest execration, all & singular of those, who, out of hatred to our venerable president, are pushing on to extermination, a race, that philosophy scarcely knows how, or where to reach, or what to call; whether, the advance guard, or pioneers of men, or Man, himself, in pristine innocence, a destined prey of Devils incarnate.
That a fatal destiny is over them no one can doubt. The subject is one of melancholy reflection to me who was born among them.
Do you recollect that in passing down our river, and after being introduced to you by the General (neither of you ever seen before) I remarked on coming abreast of their land, that I was there born? (among the Mohegans ) - and that my father (who shortly after removed to his farm in Pomfret) ever held them in affectionate remembrance? - No wonder, then, that I hold in utter detestation those who would thwart the benevolent intentions of the administration. May God bless your honest endeavours and accord to them the greatest success at the least possible expense of blood.
Yours, Sir &c
J. D. D. D.

Hon Secretary Cab.
War Department Washington

Norwich Jan y 11 th 1836
Gen l Clegg - It is with far more than an ordinary degree of pleasure that I avail myself of a time in which I may, possibly serve an old, and well-tried neighbour by introducing to your notice, and with a special view to your favour, one of the noblest works of God (an honest man) in the person of Isaac S. Clark.
He asks for a pension, being needy - very needy.
How his lawyer has made out his case, I know not. But, if I were to judge from what has been (ay and for too often) I should be apprehensive that his clients honesty has prevented him from presenting a case as strong as rogues uniformly make out under these accursed & accuring revolutionary pension laws: which, if to judge from their effects on our morals, were made to assist knaves & villains to make sure, by their perjuries, an everlasting seat by the Devils fire-side in the world to come.
But, however this may be, Clark is one of those whose every word and act, whether moral, political, or religious, exhibits a boldness & decision that bespeaks an honest & upright mind. You, would be pleased, & our time honored patriots would be excessively pleased with him. (pray present to him this honest man) I said he was needy . And I may add, as I do in sorrow, that his family appears to me to be growing more & more helpless & bearthensome.
Truly, in Clark you have, as a subject, presented an Alt-worthy .
I am as ever, a friend to the honest and virtuous, and, with much consideration am yours &c
Simion Hubbard
# Were an angel of light to visit our North of legislature, he would imagine that our popularity-loving legislators in this land of universal liberty, were not wholly inattentive to the object of gaining a high consideration (by their favours) in the realms of Hades . Sincerely. There is a very culpable neglect, in my opinion, of the interests of morals in all our legislatures.

Washington
Jan. 26. 1836
Sir
Herewith I send you the applica- tion of Mr. Elkins for a Pension-
I understand that the papers of Reuben Godfrey of Conn't are on your files- I am requested to ask you to enclose them to me.
Respectfully Yours ob't Serv't Samuel Ingham
Rev. S. L. Delaney

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 17634
Mary Clarke Wid. of Isaac Smith Clarke Seaman Rev. War
Act: July 7. 1838
Index:—Vol. 81 , Page 138
[Arrangement of 1870.]