Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 38609, Peter Clayes, Continental Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Continental Mass.
Wages, Peter or blays.
D. 38609
{ DL 11.341-300 - capt. Issued Jan. 7, 1799 to Peter Clays no papers
CONTENTS

Notification sent to Gen. J. Doolittle, Middlebury June. 1. 1820
4 commilpions sent to Hon. E. Beecher 6 Dec. 1825.
3412.
Stricken off Vermont Roll.
Peter Payes, 4 Nixon's reg. Captain.
Wapachetty line in the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of Twenty Dollars per month, to commence on the 30 th of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 th of October 1818 and sent to Joel Doolittle Esq r Judge Middlebury. Vermont.
  Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1818.  mo.  4-1/2  03:33    Semi-annual all'ce ending 4 th March 1819   120:—   
3 years
203:33
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Product. Addison

Capt. Peter Clayer
Declaration de Oy
[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]

State of Vermont ss.
On this 30 th day of April 1818 before me the Subscriber one of the judges of the Supreme Court of the State of Vermont; personally appeared Peter Blagden aged sixty four years resident in Bridport in the County of Addison and State of Vermont, who being by me first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to ob- tain the provision made by the late act of Con- gress entitled "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval ser- vice of the United States in the Revolutionary War," that he entered into the continental service in April 1775 and continued in actu- al service of the United States until June 1783. That in April 1775 he enlisted into said service in a company commanded by Capt. Micajah Glean- son in the 4 th Regiment Infantry, Massachusetts, com- manded by Col. (afterwards Genl.) John Nixon, for the term of eight months, and continued to serve in said corps until a short time previous to expiration of his enlistment, he was appointed an ensign in said Company and Regiment and in that capacity he served until near the close of the year 1776. When he received the appointment of Lieutenant , in Capt. Barns' company, 6 th Mass s Regiment commanded by Col. Thomas Nixon, and received a commission there-

bearing date Jan'y 1 st 1777 and continued to serve in that capacity until June 1779, when he received the appointment of Capt. Lieut. in the same Regiment, and continued to serve in that capacity until April 1780 when he received a Captain's commission, in the same 6 th Mass t Regiment. and that he continued to serve in that capacity until June 1783, when he had permission to retire from the army, and was discharged from the service in Nov r 1783 by a general order from the Commander in Chief - That from April 1775 to June 1783 he was constantly in service of the United States, without loss of time - That he was in the battle at Lexington 19 th April 1775 - was in the battle of Bunker Hill - was at the taking of Genl. Burgoyne and his Army, and commanded a company at the taking of S r Cornwallis and his army.
That he is in reduced circumstances, and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support, and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services - except the several commissions herewith transmitted -
Sworn to and declared before me, the day and year aforesaid
Joel Doolittle -
State of Vermont /
Joel Doolittle Judge of the Supreme Court of the State of Vermont, do certify, that it appears to my
sat.

Satisfaction that the said Peter Clayer did serve in the Revolutionary war. as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy. and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony had and taken before me to the Secretary of the Department of War. pursuant to the directions of the above said act of Congress - Joel Doolittle
State of Vermont } Darius Matthews clerk of the Addison ss. } Supreme Court of the state of Vermont within and for the county of Addison Do certify that the Hon. Joel Doolittle is a judge of the said court and that the foregoing is his signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Supreme Court this 8 th day of May A.D. 1818.
Darius Matthews

No of orig Pay 333-
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
July 26. 1828.
Peter Clayes , of Middport . — in the County of Addison . — in the State of Vermont , — has applied to the Secretary of the Treasury for the benefits of the act, entitled "An Act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the army of the Revolution," approved on the 15th of May, 1828. He states that he was as an officer on the Continental line, and served as such to the end  of the War ,
at which period he was a Captain in the Sixth regiment of the Massachusetts line; and that he received commutation certificates for the five years full pay granted by the resolve of 22 March, 1783; and, further, that he has received as a pensioner since the 3d of March, 1826, nothing  nothing , dollars, paid to him by the agent  dollars, paid to him by the agent in the State of
The Third Auditor is requested to report how far these several statements are corroborated by the records in his office.
By order of the Secretary, A. Dickinson.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
THIRD AUDITOR'S OFFICE,
31 st July 1828
It appears by the records in this office, that final settlement certificates have been issued for the commutation of five years full pay to Peter Clayes - Captain in the Massachusetts line, amounting to Twenty four Hundred dollars.
It further appears that Peter Clayes - is  not is now on the pension list of the  any . — — — — — agency, and has been since the 3 d March 1826 at the rate of  per month
John Hagner And
correct 13,987

For the purpose of obtaining the benefits of an Act, entitled "An act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution" approved on the 15 th of May, 1828, I, Peter Gloyne of Bridport in the County of Addison and State of Vermont do hereby declare that I was an Officer in the continental line of the Army of the Revolution and served as such to the end of the war, at which period I was Captain in the sixth regiment of the Massachusetts line.
And I also declare, that I afterwards received certificates (commonly called commutation certificates) for a sum equal to the amount of five years full pay; which sum was offered by the resolve of Congress of the 22 nd of March 1783, instead of the half pay for life, to which I was entitled under the resolve of the 21 st of October 1780.
Witness my hand this 11 th day of June in the year 1828 —
Peter Gloyne
Before me Gardner Converse a justice of the peace in the County of Addison in the State of Vermont personally appeared, this day Isaac Burrows and Josiah Burrows of the s d County who did severally make oath, that Peter Gloyne, by whom the foregoing declaration was subscribed, is generally reputed and believed to have been an Officer in the Army of the Revolution, in manner as therein stated.
Witness my hand, this 11 th day of June, in the year 1828 —
Gardner Converse justice of the peace

I, Samuel Swift, Clerk of the County Court for the County of Addison in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that Gardner Converse, before whom the foregoing affidavit was sworn, was at the time a Justice of the peace for the said County of Addison and duly authorized to administer oaths.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 14 th day of June 1828.
Sam l . Swift Clerk

Act 1828 Settled at Treasury
Cons d with Invalid File # 38.609

381 Commission in favor of Peter Blayes, in Captain Gleason's Company 4 Reg t foot Col: John Nixon's; as Ensign, dated 13 Jan y 1776. — Commission in favor of the same as a Lieutenant 8 th Mass s Reg t to rank from 1 Jan y 1777 and dated 29 th Septem r 1779. — Commission to the same as Captain in the same to rank from 13 April 1780 & dated 24 th May 1781. —

Middlebury Vermont June 30 th 1828
Sir By request of Peter Clayes of Bridport in this county I enclose the papers he has furnished to shew that he is intitled to the benefits of the act of 15 th May 1828 I then he informed me that his discharge was for- warded when he applied for a Pension and is now in the Pension Office It is Mr Clayes' wish that the result of this ap- plication or any information you may give in relation be communicated to him by letter directed to me at this place (viz) Middlebury county of Addison Ver.?)
Very respectfully Your Obedt. Servt Horatio Symonds
The two years pay to which Capt. Clayes is intitled may be forwarded to him in a draft on State or on either the Rutland or Burlington Bank in- state & if inclosed in a letter to me will be delivered me to Mr Clayes
Horatio Symonds

I Charles G. Chase of Bridport in the County of Addison and State of Vermont, do hereby testify and say, that I was called on some time in January A.D. 1818, by Capt Peter Blayes of this town, to make a draft of some writings to carry into effect a contract which he had made with two of his sons, in order to make provision for the future support of himself and wife. - I then took minutes of the substance of their contract, and in a few weeks afterwards reduced it to form. - Sometime after that, I notified the parties that the writings were ready for execution. There About the first of March, the parties called & executed the writings. - I do not at present precisely recollect the details of the contract. - it was however in substance as follows. - Capt Blayes' sons purchased his real and personal property, and in consideration thereof executed a bond to him conditioned that they would pay all his debts and would also pay him an annual sum of two hundred & forty dollars during his life and one half that sum annually to his wife after his decease provided she should survive him, and likewise a small sum, the amount I do not recollect, to each of his other children. - The two hundred & forty dollars I then supposed, & still believe would not furnish a competent support for himself & wife considering their advanced age and their standing in society. - Bridport April 1 st A.D. 1819. C h s G. Chase. -
State of Vermont Addison County
Subscribed and sworn to before me this first day of April A.D. 1819. and I further certify that the above named Charles G. Chase is well known to me, and is a credible witness.
Benjamin Miner Just. Justice of the peace

State of Vermont
Addison County ss
I, Samuel Swift, Clerk of the County of Addison, do hereby certify that Benjamin Munroe, before whom the within affidavit was made was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the peace for said County, and that his name thereto is his own proper signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County at Middlebury this 2 d day of April A.D. 1819.
Sam l . Swift Clerk.
I am well acquainted with Charles Y. Chase Esq r the within named Deponent, and know him to be a respectable man and credible witness. Middlebury Vt. April 7 th 1819 Joel Doolittle.
Affidavit of Chas l Y. Chase.
In the case of Capt. Peter Blayer

We John B. Catlin Benjamin Skiff John N. Bennet and James Gray Jun r all of Bridport in the County of Addison and State of Vermont do hereby certify that we are acquainted with Capt. Peter Clays of this Town We have at his request made some examination into the state of his property and we find that all his means of support for himself and his wife consists in some an annuity an annuity of two hundred and forty dollars a year; which sum we do not consider sufficient for the support of his family  wife and himself , agreeably to their standing in society and advanced age in life. He has formerly owned land in this town but for the purpose of providing a support for himself & wife for the remainder of their days, he sold his property to purchase the annuity aforesaid; which transaction took place about thirteen months since. — These facts we heard of about the time they transpired, and we find them con- firmed by examining the writings by which they are anchored. — Bridport April 1 st 1819 —
John B. Catlin Benjamin Skiff John N. Bennet James Gray Jun r
State of Vermont } Addison County } Subscribed & sworn to before me this 1 st day of April A.D. 1819 — And I further certify that the above named John B. Catlin Benjamin Skiff John N. Bennet and James Gray Jun r are well known to me and are credible witnesses. — Benjamin Miner Jus. Justice of the peace

State of Vermont Addison County } ss. Samuel Swift, Clerk of the County of Addison of said do hereby certify that Benjamin Minnich, before whom the within af- fidavit was made, was, on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the peace for said County, and that his name thereto subscribed is his own proper signa- ture.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County at Middlebury. the 2 d day of May A.D. 1819.
Sam d Swift Clerk.
I am personally acquainted with John B. Catlin, Benja- min Skiff, John N. Bement, & James Gray Jr. Deponents within named - and know them to be respectable per- sons, & credible witnesses - Joel Doolittle Middlebury Vt. April 7 th 1819
Affidavits of John B. Catlin & others.
In the case of Capt. Peter Blayes

Hon ble John C. Calhoun Suez War Washington City

Middlebury Vt April 7 th 1819
Sir,
The accompanying affidavits exhibit a statement of the pecuniary circumstances of Capt Peter Claps, who rec d a pension Certificate thro' my hands, the payment of which pension, as he informs me, has been suspended, on the suggestion that his circumstances are such as to bear his claim -
From the affidavits, which no doubt contain a correct statement, the Department will be enabled to determine whether his case comes within the act of the 18 th March 1818 -
I am for your respectfully Joel Doolittle
Hon. J. C. Calhoun Secy War

Enquiry Mr. [unclear] recd 30 May 1830
PR 11
John C. Calhoun Secy of War Washington City

Middletown May 18 1820 - Vt
fix. Capt. Peter Blayes of Bridport in this County (Addison) obtained a pension certificate, thro' my hands, but the payment of the pension was suspended, as he informed me, by reason of representations from some year that his case, on account of pecuniary circumstances, did not come within the act of longers of the 18 March 1818.
Capt. Blayes considered the case in a different point of view, & obtained affidavits from several of his neighbors going to show the extent & situation of his property; prescribing that the extent then made, would be satisfactory to the Dept. of War - those papers were forwarded to the War Dept. more than a year ago - but no return, or answer, only communication has yet been made by the Dept. to him; as this state of suspension is

is unpleasant, he would call the attention of the proper Dept. to the subject - and he be informed of the result - and if his claim should be finally rejected, he is desirous that his papers, including several commissions, should be returned - At the particular request of Capt. P. C. Blayes - Yours very respectfully J. Doolittle
Hon ble J. C. Calhoun Secy War

Evidenced in favor of Capt. Peter Clays as to his indigent circumstances. Payment of his pension has been sus- pended etc.
John C. Calhoun Sec'y Washington City
Hon. -

(or annuity) P. Clayes has an income of $240. He conveyed away all his property about the 1 st March 1818.
The Secretary of War has directed his name to be stricken from the rolls. The Hon. Mr. Nich of H. R. from V t gave first information © -ing Capt. Clay.
Mar 19

Capt. Peter Blayer
Declaration & Commission
184
Correct

Peter Cluett Commissions in War Office To be returned

Capt. D. H. Hays Commission in the War Office — Judge Abner will have to obtain them

Rev. Shaw
38 609 INVALID.
File No. 38 609
Veter Blayers
Capt. Rev. Shaw
Act: 18 th March 18 th
Index:—Vol. 3 , Page 89
[Arrangement of 1870.]

56 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED
To Peter Blayes Esquire
We Reposing special trust and confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct and Fidelity, DO by these presents constitute and appoint you to be a Captain in the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment
in the Army of the United States, to take rank as such _____ from the
thirteenth day of April 1780. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of a
Captain _____ by doing and performing all manner of things therein belonging. And we do
strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers, under your command, to be obedient to your orders, as
Captain _____ And you are to observe and follow such orders and directions, from time to
time, as you shall receive from this, or a future Congress of the United States, or Committee of Congress for that
purpose appointed, a Committee of the States, or Commander in chief for the time being of the Army of the
United States, or any other your superior Officer, according to the rules and discipline of War, in pursuance
of the trust reposed in you. This Commission to continue in force until revoked by this, or a future Congress,
the Committee of Congress before mentioned, or a Committee of the States.
Witness His Excellency John Hanson Esq. President of the Congress of the United States of America at Philadelphia the Sixteenth day of September A.D. 1782 and in the Seventh Year of our Independence.
John Hanson
By Order of Congress
Elmer M. Secretary at War.
NA RD TR

State of Mass. Bay To Peter Clayes Gen. l Greeting.
Reposing especial trust and Confidence in your Ability, Courage & good Conduct, do by these presents constitute and appoint you the said Peter Clayes to be Captain Lieutenants, in the Regiment of Foot, one of the Battalions raised by this State to serve in the Continental Army, whereof Thos. Nixon Esq. r is Colonel.
You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of a Captain Lieutenants, in said Regiment in all things appertaining thereto, observing such Orders & Instructions as you shall receive from the Colonel of said Regiment, or any other your Superior Officers, for which this shall be your Sufficient Warrant, till you shall receive a Commission in manner and form pointed out by the Resolves of Congress of March the 8 th and June 28 th 1779.
Dated at Boston this 26 th day of November 1779.
By order of the Council.
Jer: Bowdoin
President
John Avery S ecy

State of Mass ts Bay } To Peter Clayes Esq re Greeting
Reposing special trust and Confidence in your Ability, Courage and good Conduct, We do by these presents constitute & appoint you the said Peter Clayes to be a Captain in the Sixth Regiment of Foot, one of the fifteen Battalions raised by this State to serve in the Continental Army whereof Thomas Nixon Esquire is Colonel
You are therefore carefully & diligently to discharge the duty of a Captain in the said Regiment in all things appertaining thereto. obeying such orders & Instructions as you shall receive from the Colonel of said Regiment or any other your Superior Officers for which this shall be your Sufficient Warrant till you shall receive a Commission in manner & form printed out by the Resolves of Congress of March the 8 th and Jun y 1779
Dated at Boston this sixteenth day of September A.D. 1780.
And in the Fifth Year of the Independence of the United States of America
By order of the Council John Adams D r
Gov. Bowdoin President
AN
OR
RT