Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 31,604, Moses Chalker, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Chalker, Moses
S. 31,604
CONTENTS

Connecticut 22.590
Moses Walker
Midway in the State of Conn. who was a Private in the Co. commanded by Captain Saltonstall of the Rgt. commanded by Col. Ely in the Conn. time for twelve twenty two & twenty one days. 22.21. $ 75 66 / 100
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 75 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 day of Oct. 1833 and sent to P. Ing- Law, Litchfield. Conn.
Arrears to the 4th of Apr. 1833 - 189.16 Semi-ant. allowance ending 1 Mar 34. 37.83.
$226.99
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Wm H. Palmer Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 1 Page 30. Three

State of Connecticut,
Middlesex County -
Probate District of Saybrook in said County
On this tenth day of Sept r 1882 personally appeared, in open Court, before the Court of Probate in and for the Probate District of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut, now sitting at Saybrook in said District. The same being a Court of Record -
Moses Cheetham - a resident of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut, aged seventy four years, who being first sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers, and served as herein stated.
That he was born in Saybrook, County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut in the year 1758 - where he hath ever since resided. That there is no record of his birth that he is aware of -
That he was drafted, and went to Danbury in this State in 1776 - when the British burned that Town - and was absent on the Tower he thinks about a month. Three weeks at least. That the company in which he went and served was commanded by Capt. Cotheren and Lieut. Lord; does not recollect the name of the Ensign. When they arrived at Danbury, the place was burnt. The feet from the port in the stores was running down the Hill, and the British were but just out of sight -
That in May A.D. 1777 - he enlisted for eight months, at said Saybrook - John Shipman recruiting officer. That the company in which he served, and which he joined at said Saybrook, was commanded by Capt. Palmer, of Stonington - Lieutenant Williams of Groton - and Ensign Griswold of Lyme, son of the first Gov. Griswold. The Regiment was commanded by Col. John Dey, of said Saybrook. The said company, which the said Cheetham joined immediately after he enlisted, was stationed, or remained in the fort at said Saybrook, a month or six weeks - Then the Regiment marched to Rhode Island, stopped a short time, the west side of the River, opposite New Port, where the British Army was. Then marched to Providence - stayed one or two nights - here a fire put with them which they took from New London - Then marched down the east side of Rhode Island, near the sea - where they joined the Army under the command of General Spencer - remained there some time - Perhaps 3 weeks
Moses Cheetham

When the whole Army in the night moved towards the Island of Rhode Island with a view of attacking the British Army, which was encamped upon it, - The Army came down to the water, where flat bottom Boats were provided, to take them across on to the Island. But the Enemy, anticipating the move- ment here threw up a battery on the high ground near the River, and immediately commenced a cannonade, which compelled the American force to return to its former quarters. The attempt was renew- ed at two different times after this, but did not succeed. Two or three British Armed ships came in to the River which ended the expedition. The said Regi- ment then returned, and went to Norfolk, Conn. where met Col. Wilks, Continental Regiment. When the said 2 Regiments had been there two or three weeks a number of small Boats came, took both Regiments with a view of carrying them to Long Island. When they were in the River a number of British Men of War, came in among them - took about 270 men among which were the two Colonels and carried them in to New York. The rest of the vessels & men made their escape - and got back, except two Boats, in which was this Regiment. They were run ashore on the North side of Long Island, early the next morning - a part of the men remained on shore & the rest when the tide fell - They abandoned the Boats, and all went up on to the bank - and from there towards the West end of the Island. Soon after they started, a man came to them and said, that "two Rebel Colonels, were taken last night and carried in to New York" - He was probably mistaken in the char- acter of the party. They kept on, marching part of the day, until they came to the Town of South Hold. When they got there they were told that they had not passed a House in which were the officers of a British Man of War, then in full view in the Harbour. In a few moments, the officers came rapidly out of the House, and went towards their boats. The said party of Americans fired upon them, and then
0. Chas Sister N. V.

Ship fired upon the Americans, but shot over them, and also over their own Boats - Some of the British Soldiers were on Shore - Nine of whom were taken by the said party of Americans, including a Sergeant - The applicant well recollects, that the Sergeant said, he wished to be treated according to his rank - The same night the Ship went away, to Rhode Island - The said party of Americans remained there about two Weeks, when an old Boat was found repaired, so that two men crossed the Sound in it, and gave information - and about ten o'clock the next night, two Boats came off, and took all hands away - They left the British Prisoners, and delivered them up to the Americans, at New London - This was in cold weather - in the month of December - The Regiment was never collected together again after that -
That in the year A.D. 1778 - He enlisted to serve in the Shore Guard, to serve seven Months - and that he served out the full time of his said Enlistment - That the said Guard was commanded by Lieut. Chapman - and he thinks Col. Worthington had the chief command at that time - That he served out the period in the Town of Saybrook, and that the Guard is correctly described by John Loomis of said Saybrook, in his present application for a pension -
That he again enlisted in to said Guard in the Spring of A.D. 1779 - to serve the term of six Months therein - and that he said served out the whole period of his said enlistment under the same officers, and in the same manner, and place as above related in A.D. 1778 -
He says he had no written discharge from either of said services - nor had he any at any other time - as he can recollect -

That in the Fall of the Year A.D. 1780 1780 - He enlisted at said Snybrook to serve for three years. That the name of the recruiting officer was William Lee. That the company to which he belonged was commanded by Capt. Thompson, but he does not recollect the names of the other Officers. The Regiment was commanded by Col. Painter. That they went on to the North-River. Nothing important transpired while the applicant was there. That when the applicant had been there about a month. He thinks as much as that. Though he cannot be certain - he was taken unwell, and never likely on that account to return home, which he did, and was never again called on -
He says that he never made an application for a pension until now -

Oliver Chalker of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex & State of Connecticut, deposeth, and saith - that he is 72 years of age - that he hath from his youth up resided in said Saybrook. The Moses Chalker of said Saybrook, who hath signed the annexed application for a pension, is a Brother of the deponent and well known to him - and said deponent further saith, that he well recollects, that his said Brother, with others, who he believes are all dead, went to Danbury in this State in 1776 - when the said place was burnt by the British - and that, he the deponent well recollects to have heard his said Brother talk about it, & particularly of the death of Genl. Worcester, who was killed there.
The deponent further saith, that his said Brother, enlisted, the forepart of the season, he should think in April or May of 1777 - at said Saybrook, to serve in the Revolutionary War eight months - and soon after joined the Army - and went, as I understood at the time, from him and others, to the State of Rhode Island - Some time after returned, and went on to Norwalk, with the Regiment in which he served, and from there attempted in company with Col. Webb's Regiment to go by water to Long Island, but were part of them taken, & went over on to Long Island, among which were the said Moses Chalker, & others, who marched toward the East end of the Island, - staid there some time, and finally - He was not with his said Brother, at that time, but knew of his enlistment, and joining the Army as aforesaid - and also that he returned home from the Army in the latter part of December or the forepart of January - He saith, that he hath often heard his said Brother, and others relate the circumstances of said expedition, as above, and as he hath related it in his annexed application - and always hath, & still doth suppose that it is true -
The deponent further saith that he the said Moses Chalker served in the General seven months, in the year 1778, and also in the said General in the year 1779 he served six months - all which was within the knowledge of this deponent - and was as is stated by said Moses Chalker in his said application -
The deponent further saith - that the said Moses Chalker afterwords, he thinks in 1780 enlisted to serve three years in the Revolutionary Army - and went away and joined the Army at the Northward; was absent about a month, when he returned home on account of ill health - The deponent saith that he cannot say the exact time which said Moses Chalker served in said General in 1778 - & 1779 - but he thinks it was as above stated -
And further the deponent saith not -
Sworn and subscribed before me in Open Court of Probate this tenth day of September 1832 - and I certify that I am well acquainted with the said Oliver Chalker, and that he is a credible witness - Pamela Dugham - Judge of Probate -
Oliver Chalker

The said Moses Chelgren hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Before me Samuel Hughes Judge of Probate
Moses Chelgren
We, Fred. Wm. Hotchkiss a clergyman, residing in the town of Seymour and George Pratt residing in the same, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Moses Chelgren who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 74 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Before me Samuel Hughes Judge of Probate
Fred. Wm. Hotchkiss Geo. Pratt
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 abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Fred. Wm. Hotchkiss who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the town of Seymour and that Geo. Pratt who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Seymour and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Samuel Hughes Judge of the Court of Probate District of Seymour in the State of Connecticut
I, Richard P. Williams Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Seymour in the State of Connecticut do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Moses Chelgren for a Pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of this tenth day of September 1832.
Office,
Richd. P. Williams Clerk

19295 Moses Chalker 6.T.
Adm 1. year 10. Months 8 21. days
Return this i
40.00 X 33.33 2 33 $75.66 151.32 37.83 189.16
S. Ingham Saybrook Corrected Conn

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, showing the Service of Moses Chalker C.T.
   Period when the service was rendered Duration of the claimant's service Rank of the claimant Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served Names and Rank of the General and Field officers Battles in which the applicant was engaged Country through which he marched Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period Evidence by which the declaration is supported   Years Months Days     1776 Mar 8 21 Private Capt. Colthagen Shermans Creek Danbury C.T. 74 born at Say Brook   May 1777 - ends 8 " Capt. Palmer Col Ely with Boats at Mouth of R. River London Prov. N.Y. C.T. entered there and still lives in S place   Apr 1778 " 7 " Lt Chapman   Sep 1779 " about 1 Thompson Col Painter North River Guadalupe Shores Service proved by three surrounding Witsness and Certificate of Clergymen and Citizen   Fall 1780 - " " 1 " "  
brooks,
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 day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] 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.

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
was
October 19, 1928
Charles R. Hale 33 Capitol Ave. Hartford, Connecticut
Sir:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 31804, it appears that Moses Chalker was born in 1758 in Saybrook, Middlesex County, Connecticut.
While a resident of Saybrook, Connecticut, he enlisted in the spring of 1777 and served at various times until sometime in 1780, amounting to twenty-two months and three weeks in all, as a private with the Connecticut troops under Captains Cotheron, Palmer and Thompson and Colonels John Ely, Worthington and Painéer.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 10, 1832. at which time he was living in Saybrook, Connecticut.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner
Raise on Daubury, was spring of 1777 not spring of 1776 soldier still enlisted at time of burning of Daubury was

31604
Rev INVALID.
File No. 31,604
Moses Chalker
Rev Rev War
Act: June 7 th 82 nd
Index: —Vol. 2 , Page 71
[Arrangement of 1870.]
19 th C th 19. to m th ston dated to Chas K. Hale So. letter in Oliver Chalker S. 17329 Rev. ms

To the Hon. Mr. Dewees
Sir - To the annexed application of Moses Clarke the objections are -
II. Uncertainty as to time &c &c -
This objection is believed to be eliminated, by a supplemental declaration accompanying these papers - in which the applicant makes the whole period of his service - 22. Months & 21 days -
III. The papers not properly attached together &c - This objection is also eliminated, as will be seen
Please send the certificate to me at Saybrook - Connecticut -
Your obedient servant Sarah Ingalls
Sept th 5 - 1833

State of Connecticut Middlesex County ss - } Probate court of Saybrook in said County
On this 31. day of July 1833 personally appeared in open Court, before the court of Probate in and for the County of Saybrook, in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut, now sitting at Saybrook in said Court - the same being a court of record - Moses Cheetham - of Saybrook who hath made the annexed application for a pension, and who being duly sworn deponneth and saith - That owing to old age & the consequent loss of memory, he is unable to order (practically) what time he was enlisted to go to Danbury as stated in his said application - but according to his best knowledge and belief, it was in the Spring of the year - He cannot say what day he left home nor what day he returned but knows, that he was absent in said service at least Three years . From the cause aforesaid, he is unable to state the names of any other officer, except that he thinks Col. Elliott. 1000
As to the 2 d Term of service - (To wit) in 1777 - He says that he enlisted the forepart of the Month of May - as early as the tenth. He therefore says it was on the 10 th day of May, & he says that he served out the whole term of eight Months, in the manner stated in his said application but on what day he arrived home, he is unable from the cause aforesaid to state. He therefore says that he served at that time Eight Months .
As regards the 3 d Term of service - in the Guard in 1778 - From old age & the consequent loss of memory he is unable to state, at what time he enlisted in to said Guard, but according to his best knowledge and belief it was on the 1 st day of April 1778 - He saith that he served out the whole of said period of Seven Months .
As regards the 4 th Term of service - To wit, service in the Guard in 1779 - He saith - that from the cause aforesaid he cannot state at what time he enlisted to serve in said Guard, but from his best recollection & belief he enlisted to serve as aforesaid on the 1 st day of April 1778 1779 - He knows that he served out said time of Six Months .
As regards the 5 th Term of service - To wit, in 1780 - The applicant saith that owing to the cause aforesaid he is unable to state on what day he enlisted - but but he knows that he did enlist - and join the army, as is stated in S. application, and that he was absent from home at least one month - in said service -
The applicant therefore saith that owing to old age & the consequent loss of memory, he cannot even more practically state the precise length of his service, - The names of officers or other material circumstances - but according to the best of his recollection & belief he served as above stated - in all twenty two Months & twenty one days - For which service he claims a pension - He says he always served as a private soldier - and his service in the said Guard was always in the said Town of Saybrook on the Northern shore of Long Island Sound -
J. Mays Chatham
And the said Court doth hereby declare its opinion, after the investigation of the matter, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states -
General Ingalls Judge of said Court of Probate -

Elizer Bushnell of Saybrook in the county of Middlesex & State of Connecticut, deposes and saith that he is 74 years of age. That he hath from his youth lived in said Town, and within a quarter of a mile of Moses Cheetham who hath signed the annexed application for a pension. That he hath during all said time been well acquainted with said Moses Cheetham and the Deponent further saith that he perfectly recollects, that the said Moses Cheetham enlisted at said Saybrook to serve in the Revolutionary Army Eight months. That he thinks this was in the year 1776. but is not likely to recollect certainly about it. That the said Moses Cheetham immediately went away to Join the Army, and returned late in the Fall, he thinks to New Britain or Farmington. The deponent further saith that he hath always understood, & still doth understand and suppose that said Moses Cheetham served in the Army of the Revolution during all his said service. That he the Deponent hath frequently heard said Moses Cheetham relate the circumstances in which he enlisted, as they are related in his said application - and that he hath no reason to doubt the truth of it, and fully believes that it is true. The deponent further saith that he knows of said Moses Cheetham belonging to the said Shore Regiment, in 1778 & 1779. & served through the season, which he thinks was six or eight months, at a time. The deponent further recollects that said Moses Cheetham went to Danbury, when the British came there, the deponent further saith that said Moses Cheetham enlisted into the three years service, went away to Join the Army, and returned in a month or two on account of ill health. He thinks this was in 1780 - but not certain.
And further the Deponent saith not. Solomon Bushnell  In presence of subscribers in open court of Probate this 2nd day of September 1882. - Since I certify that the said Elizer Bushnell is well known to me to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing application. The person described to be Elizer Bushnell of Saybrook in the county of Middlesex and State of Connecticut, aged 82 - years. deposes and saith, that he is sister of Moses Cheetham who hath signed the annexed application for a pension. and lived in the same family with him until after the Revolutionary War. - That her said Brother volunteered to go & did go to Danbury when the British burned the place, which she thinks was in 1776. That he enlisted at said Saybrook to serve in the Revolutionary Army to serve Eight months, in the year 1777. That he went away, and was absent until late in the Fall, she thinks Oct. or November, when he returned. When he went away, he took a blanket, and every thing necessary for a soldier. She says that it hath always been understood by the connection herself & she supposes all others, that he served during all said time in the Army. She has often heard him talk about it in former years, & has no doubt but his statement hereto annexed is strictly true. She further saith, that he served in the Shore Regiment, three seasons, but she does not recollect the years. She presumes however that he is right in saying them 1778 & 1779. and she further saith, that he (afterwards probably) in 1780. enlisted to go into the Army for three years, as she always understood, and supposed, - went away, and returned in about a month on account of ill health, and never was called on afterwards.
And further the deponent saith not. In presence of subscribers in open court of Probate this 2nd day of September 1882. - Since I certify that the said Elizer Bushnell is well known to me to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing application.  Temperance Bushnell Sargent Dyer Judge of Probate

I Richard P Williams Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of New Britain, in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut, do hereby certify that the within and foregoing contains the original proceed- ings of said Court in the matter of the application of Moses Cheetham for a pension — (And also his supple- mentary application under date of the 31 st day of July A D — 1833 — of peremptory of the first) —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 6 th day of August A D 1833 —
Richard P Williams Clerk —
Nov 30 th
Moses Cheetham
19295