Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 17,892, Ambrose Collens, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Collins, Ambrose
S. 17 892
CONTENTS
carded

17.786  Connecticut
Ambrose Collins
of Litchfield in the State of Conn who was a Pri in the Conn commanded by Captain _____ of the Regt commanded by Col Cook in the Conn. Troops time for 13 1/2 mo. Sery 2 mo
Inscribed on the Roll of Conn at the rate of 55 Dollars _____ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 day of Sept 1833 and Deut O. V.
Seymour Gilchrist
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1833 $ 137.50
Semi-ann. allowance ending Mar 31 - 27.50
$165.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Not June 7, 1832 }
Recorded by ED Bullock Clerk Book 60 Vol. 3 Page 9
Dear Letter to Pension Agent April 1840
The children. Paid at the Treasury under the act of 6th April, 1838, from the 4th March, 1839 to the 1st September, 1839 - the day of his death, aft: notified - 30th May, 1840 -

Ambrose Collins aft. supplementary to his declaration

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832
State of Connecticut } County of Litchfield. } for Litchfield
On this 10 th day of August 1832 - personally appeared in open Court before the Hon Court of Probate for the District of Litchfield in the County of Litchfield now sitting Ambrose Collins a resident of the town of Goshen in said District & County aged 76 years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832 That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers & served as herein stated (viz)
I was born in Litchfield, March 28. 1756, My age is recorded in my Family Bible & in the town Records of Goshen aforesaid I resided in said town of Goshen when I entered the service of the United States, as herein after specified & have ever since the Revolutionary War there resided & still do reside there, —
In the latter part of January 1776 I enlisted for one year into the company of Capt Luther Stoddard of Salisbury and did duty in the same until the term of my service expired. Said company belonged to Col Burnall's Reg't. The Lieut Col was Col Burt of Salisbury and the Major was Maj: John Sedgwick of Cornwall Our company Officers were 1 st Lieut Converse 2 d Do Claghorn. Ensign Hollenbeck. — I enlisted & served as a private marched early in February to Ticonderoga, Crown Point, St Johns, Champlain & reached Quebec where We joined the American Army under Genl Arnold in March. Soon after my arrival at Quebec I was attacked with the small pox from which I was not fully recovered when

The American Army commenced its retreat early in May. I retreated with my company to the mouth of the Sorell where we were met by fresh troops, and where we fortified. At this time Genl Thomas died and our company marched to Chambly. We here met Genl Sullivan who then had the chief command. He went on to the north and made an attack upon 'Three Rivers' our company however was ordered to remain at Chambly which we did until Genl Sullivan returned retreating before the Enemy when we also retreated first to St. Johns then to St. Johns where the American troops were collected. We then marched to Crown Point where we encamped a short time. Our Regt was then ordered to Old Fort & stationed at Mount Independence on the East side of Lake. We continued to do duty at Mount Independence during the fall and winter until the first of Febry when we were discharged & returned home. I received no written discharge & have no documentary evidence of this service but send herewith the affidavits of Mr. John Thompson & Asker Smith who were in the same company with me. — —
In September 1777 One Fowler Murray of Goshen was drafted to go to Genl Gates' Army at Stillwater, and I went as substitute for him, the draft was for two months & I served that period according the best of my recollection I was in the company of Capt. Tarbell Whitney and went and acted as sergeant. the company was in the Regt of Col Cook. We arrived before the first battle between the two armies and continued until Burgoyne

surrendered & marched out, In the battle where Genl Arnold was wounded I was in the division commanded by him. The British were driven into their intrenchments and several of them were that day taken by the Americans — as proof of this tour of duty I send the affidavit of Mr. John Griswold & also of Mr. Elias Hart both of them members of the same company —
In 1781 in the fall of the year I was drafted from the Connecticut militia to go to New Haven and guard that place I accordingly went into the company of Capt Alexander Calkin and was employed in keeping guard there in the immediate vicinity of New Haven till the company was dismissed, My impression is that we were at New Haven six weeks, it was not I think less than that & perhaps it was two months I have nothing to fix in my memory the precise period of service — I received no written discharge, but send herewith the affidavits of Mr. Oliver Dickinson, & Mr. John Hall who was with me and by whose testimony my service is proved —
I am acquainted with the Revd Truman Marsh M.A. Samuel Seymour, Nelson Brewster Esq. & others who can testify to my character & to their belief of my services &c.
I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present & declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State —
sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid. Amos Colker before me F. D. Colburn Notary Public Simsbury District, Conn.

We Truman Mark a clergyman residing in the town of Litchfield aforesaid & Nelson Brewster — residing in said town of Goshen — hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Ambrose Collins who has subscribed to know to the above declaration that We believe him to be 76 years of age; that he is reputed & believed in the neighbor- hood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that We concur in that opinion, We also certify that said Ambrose Collins is a gentleman of good character for truth & veracity & that he is entitled to credit.
Sworn & subscribed the day + year aforesaid. before me
Nelson Brewster
Truman Mark
Frederick Wolcott, Judge of Probate District of Litchfield, Conn.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant has a Revolutionary soldier & served as he states, And the Court further certify, that it appears to them that the Rev. Truman Mark who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman residing in said town of Litchfield and that Nelson Brewster Esquire who has also signed the same is a resident in said town of Goshen — and is a credible person & that their statement is entitled to credit
Frederick Wolcott, Judge of Probate, Litchfield District, Conn.
I Phinehas Merri Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Litchfield in the County of Litchfield do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Ambrose Collins for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this 3 d day of July A D 1832
Phinehas Merri Clerk
Ambrose Collins

State of Connecticut } County of Litchfield } ss Litchfield June 13. 1833.
Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in & for the said County, Mr. Ambrose Collins of the  Goshen in said Litchfield County, said town of Litchfield , who being duly sworn, deposeth & saith, that by reason of old age, & 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 period mentioned below, and in the following grades.
I served as a private in the company of Capt Luther Stoddard the full period of one year .
I served as Sergeant in Capt Whitney's company the full period of three  months
I served as private in the company of Capt Catlin the full period of one month & a half , and for these services, I claim a pension. — — — — —
The particulars of which services are given in my declaration made before the Court of Probate for the District of Litchfield, on the 10 th day of August A.D. 1832. — — — — — Ambrose Collins
Sworn and subscribed on said 13 th day of June 1833. before me
Origen S. Seymour. Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut County of Litchfield June 13. 1833.
I Frederick Wolcott, Clerk of the County Court in & for said County, certify that Origen S. Seymour, before whom the foregoing affidavit appears to have been made, is & for more than a year last pasted has been a Justice of the Peace in & for said County and that the signature to said affidavit purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this 13 th day of June 1833
Frederick Wolcott, Clerk

9478
Ambrone Allans
Connecticut
45 10
Recd of
13 in pivate
2 in length
$55
A S Seymour
Sheffield Conn

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
7 th June 1883
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 subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of  Ambrose Williams Stitchfield Co Connecticut
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Enlist 1776 No time stated Private Stoddard Col Burd at Tienderoga 76 Years Traditionary   Sub 1777 2 " Whitney Genl Arnold Burgoyne Crown Point 77 Years Evidence   Disch 1781 time not stated Captain Pitts Genl Crook Defeat Subeck 100 Years 6 Affidavits   accurately Mouth of the Sarent Only Certificate to be credible   Crown Point   Mt. Independence   to Little Stillwater   New Haven  
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) _____, who has 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 , in the militia, &c. without specifying the hours, 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. mmvz
February 15, 1929.
George P. Nichols, Broad & Pearl Streets, New York City.
Sir:
I advise you that in reply to your letter of December 8, 1928, requesting Revolutionary War record of Ambrose Collins, who was born March 28, 1756 and who died September 1, 1839, the history of that soldier was furnished you on December 12, 1928.
Due to the very large number of requests similar to yours and the lack of a clerical force available for the purpose, the history of a soldier of that war is furnished only once to the same person.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT, Commissioner.

George P. Nichols Frances Tavern Corner Broad and Pearl Streets New York, New York
Sir:-
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.17892, it appears that Ambrose Collens was born March 28, 1756, at Litchfield.
While residing in Goshen, Litchfield County, Connecticut, he enlisted and served with the Connecticut troops as follows:
From January, 1776, one year as a private in Captain Luther Stoddard's Company, Colonel Burrall's Regiment, and was in the Canadian expedition; from September, 1777, two months as sergeant in Captain Tarball Whitney's Company, Colonel Thaddeus Cook's Regiment, and was in the battle at the surrender of Burgoyne; in the fall of 1781, about two months as a private in Captain Alexander Catlin's (?) Company.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 10, 1832, at which time he was living in said Goshen.

He died September 1, 1839, leaving children, their names not given, nor is the name of his wife shown.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.

CONFIDENTIAL REPRODUCED 2003
Bernice K. Collins 1930 New Hampshire Avenue Washington, D.C.
Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 17892, it appears that Ambrose Collens was born March 28, 1756, at Litchfield.
While residing in Goshen, Litchfield County, Connecticut, he enlisted and served with the Connecticut troops as follows:
From January 1776, one year as a private in Captain Luther Stoddard's Company, Colonel Burrall's Regiment, and was in the Canadian expedition; from September 1777, two months as sergeant in Captain Tarball Whitney's Company, Colonel Thaddeus Cook's Regiment, and was in the battle at the surrender of Burgoyne; in the fall of 1781, about two months as a private in Captain Alexander Catlin's(?) Company.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 10, 1832, at which time he was living in said Goshen.

He died September 1, 1839, leaving children, their names not given, nor is the name of his wife shown.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.

Pension Agency Wailford April 14, 1860
Sir
At the request of the Attorney of the heirs of Ambrose Collins dec d . I transmit their papers claiming the balance due to the day of his death. We represent that the heirs residing in different parts of the country has caused the delay in procuring all their signatures in season to present the power within 90 days from its date, and requests that the rule requiring it may in this particular case be dispensed with
I am very Respectfully Your Oh d Serv t
A. H. Perry ag t
J. S. O'Leary Esq r Commissioner of Pensions Washington

I Elias Hart of Cornwall in the County of Dutchfield and State of Connecticut of lawful age on Oath depose and say that I am well acquainted with Ambrose Collins of Goshen in said County and that the said Collins in the year 1777 served as a Sergeant with me in Capt Tabor Whitney's Company and Colo Shaddacus Cook's Regiment at Saratoga in the State of New York during the Revolutionary War for the term of two Months and the said Collins was in the engagement at the taking of Burgoyne and I further say that and depose that the said Collins was in an engagement previous to the taking of Burgoyne on the 19 th day of September 1777 at which engagement a Cannon was taken and in several times Elias Hart
Dutchfield County ss Cornwall July 25 th 1832 Personally appeared Elias Hart the above deponent and made Oath to the truth of the facts contained in the de- position by him subscribed
Before me George Wheaton Justice of Peace
I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the aforesaid Elias Hart & that I know him to be a credible Witness. George Wheaton Justice of Peace

I John Griswold of Silekfield Town & County State of Connecticut on oath depose and say that I am well acquainted with Abraham Collins of Goshen in the County of Silekfield and that the said Abraham Collins in the year 1777 served as a Sergeant in Capt Isaac Whilnys Company of Col. Muddens Cooks Regiment at Saratoga in the State of New York for the period of Two months in the War of the Revolution and was in the engagement at the surrender of Burgoyne John Griswold
Silekfield County ss. Silekfield July 25. 1832 Personally appeared John Griswold and made oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed. before me Hugh P. Welch Justice of the Peace
I certify that I am personally acquainted with the aforesaid John Griswold & that I know him to be a credible Witness Hugh P. Welch Justice of the Peace

I John Thompson of Goshen in the County of Litchfield & State of Connecticut aged 75 years depose & say being first duly sworn that after the news of Montgomery's death was received in Connecticut. A regiment to serve for one year was raised in said State for the purpose of marching immediately to Quebec. which Regt was under the command of Col Burrall of Canaan. I entered into the company of Capt Luther Hoddard of Salisbury of Col Burrall's Regt. in Jan y or Feb y 1776 & served in it one year I know that Ambrose Collins with whom I then was & still am well acquainted, enlisted into the same company for one year at about the same time I did & that in Feb y 1776 he marched with the company to Quebec where we arrived in March & where the said Collins had the small pox. We commenced our retreat from Quebec in May and after various skirmishes and short stops we arrived and were stationed at Fort Independence where we remained till the 1 st Feb y 1777. I know that said Collins continued to do duty in said Company till his year expired & the company dismissed — John Thompson
July 26, 1832
State of Connecticut County of Litchfield. Litchfield July 26. 1832 Then personally appeared John Thompson to me known as a credible witness and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him in my presence subscribed
Before me
Origen S. Seymour Justice of the Peace

I Ashe Smith of Wadsworth in the County of Litchfield & State of Connecticut aged 75 years being duly sworn do depose & say that from Feby 1776 to Feby 1777 I was a member of Capt Luther Stoddard's company of Col Burnall's Reg't and know that in Jan or Feby 1776 Ambrose Collins of Goshen in said County with whom I then was & still am well acquainted enlisted into said company for one year & served in the same till his time expired and the Company were dismissed 18 th Feby 1777 at Fort Independence opposite Ticonderoga. I was with the company during the whole year at Quebec & at said Fort Independence & other places at the north & testify to the above facts from personal knowledge.
Ashe Smith
State of Connecticut Litchfield County p Litchfield July 26. 1832
Then personally appeared Ashe Smith to me known as a credible witness & being duly sworn made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him in my presence subscribed. Before me
Origen S. Seymour Justice of the Peace

I Oliver Dickinson of Litchfield in the County of Litchfield & State of Connecticut being duly sworn do depose & say that in the fall of the year 1781 I was drafted from the Connecticut militia to go to New Haven and guard that place and went accordingly. I was in Capt Alexander Cattle's Company I know that Mr. Ambrose Collins of Goshen, Litchfield County, Conn! was a private in the same company. We served together and were discharged together after having spent two months in the service of the United States at New Haven & in its vicinity - I then was and still am well acquainted with said Collins -  Oliver Dickinson
Sworn to July 23/
State of Connecticut Litchfield County ss. I certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the original now on file July 23. 1832
Then personally appeared Oliver Dickinson to me known and who is a credible person & made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him in my presence subscribed
Before me Origen S. Seymour Justice of the Peace

I John Hall of Litchfield in the County of Litch- field & State of Connecticut aged 78 years being duly sworn depose & say that in the fall of 1781 I was drafted to go to New Haven for the defence & protection of that city & accordingly went and served there a period of about two months during this period I was well acquainted with Mr Ambrose Collins now of Goshen in said County and well know that said Collins served in the same company I did to wit in Capt Alexander Catlin's comp y as a private until our company was discharged in November I think. There was a Reg t of militia at New Haven during this period commanded if I rightly recollect by Col Arnold of Wallingford John Hall
Sworn to July 23 d 1832.
Litchfield County p s Litchfield July 23 d 1832.
Then personally appeared John Hall to me well known to be a credible person & made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him in my presence subscribed.
Before me Origen S. Seymour Justice of the Peace

94/78
State of Connecticut County of Litchfield p Office of the Clerk of the County Court Sept 3 d 1832
I Frederick Wolcott Clerk of said Court hereby certify that George Wheaton, though P. Welch & Origen S. Bryman Esquires are respectively & for more than a year last past have been Justices of the Peace for said County and duly authorized to administer oaths, of that the signature of said Geo: Wheaton Esq to the affidavit of Elias Hart, the signature of said Hugh P. Welch Esq to the affidavit of John Griswold, the signature of Origen S. Bryman Esq to the affidavits of John Thompson, Asahel Smith, Oliver Dickinson & John Hall are several genuine which affidavits are herewith connected
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this 3 d day of September A D 1832 —
Frederick Wolcott, Clerk

June 18.
Dear
Ex. Recd
To J. H. Edwards Esquire Commissioner of Pensions. Washington City.

Litchfield (Conn.) June 14. 1833.
Sir,
I again send the application of Mrs. Ambrose Collins for a pension, the defects for which it was returned being supplied.
Very Respectfully
your obt. serv t
O. S. Seymour
To
The Hon J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions -

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
May 15 th 1840.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," The child ren of Ambrose Collins, dec d ... a Pensioner on the Roll of the Hartford, Con t . Agency, at the rate of fifty five Dollars and  Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 1 st of March 1839, to the 1 st Sept. 1839, the day of his death.
Respectfully, yours,
William B. Parrish Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.

P 17892
INVALID.
File No. 17892
Ambrose Collins
Pre Civil War
Act: June 7 th 89
Index: — Vol. 1 , Page 440
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1928 Oct 16 Hist Soc Bernice H. Collins 1978 Dec 12 Hist Soc Nichols Res. Mrs. adv. hist. al. 1929 Feb 15 P. Nichols ready for wished - MMN

Sons of the Revolution
in the State of New York
Fraunces Tavern Corner Broad & Pearl Streets New York City
Feb. 13, 1923
Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Gentleman:
On December 8th we wrote asking if you would send us the pension record of Ambrose Collins born in Litchfield, Conn., March 28, 1756 and died in Goshen, Conn., Sept. 1, 1839. He married Mary Baldwin born 1759 and died in Goshen, Conn., Mar. 4, 1820, but have received no reply from you.
As we would like this to complete a claim for membership in the Society, may we request you to send us the record if you have it and if not to let us know?
Very truly yours,
George Brichard Secretary.
McC

ers of the Revolution
in the State of New York
Frances Tavern Corner Broad & Pearl Streets New York City
Dec. 8, 1928
Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Gentleman:
Kindly send us the pension record of Ambrose Collins born in Litchfield, Conn March 28, 1756 and died in Goshen, Conn. Sept. 1, 1839. He married Mary Baldwin born 1759 and died in Goshen, Conn. Mar. 4, 1820.
We need this to prove the service of an applicant for membership.
Very truly yours,
George Nichols Secretary.
McC

Washington, D. C. 1930 New Hampshire Ave., Jan. 4, 1928.
U. S. Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Sirs:
Will you kindly send me the full history of Ambrose Collins (Collens) born March 28, 1756 in Litchfield, Conn? He lived in Goshen, Litchfield Co., Conn., when he enlisted in the Rev. War.
Respectfully,
(Miss) Bernice K. Collins