Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 12,505, Silas Clapp, New York.

SERVICE
New York.
Blapp, Silas
NUMBER
S. 12505
carded
CONTENTS

144 00 New York
Silas Clapp
of Erie in the State of New York who was a private in the Compt. commanded by Captain Storm of the Reg t commanded by Col Griffin in the New York line for 23 Months and 12 days
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 72. Dollars 33 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 th day of May 1833. and sent to Fillmore D Hall Buffalo N.Y.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833. $144.66 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 th Sep r 1833. 36.16
$180.82
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by George Taylor Clerk Book 8 Vol. 4 Page 50
With the following 21 April 1833 " " Pensioner " " " " Same 7 Dec " " " "

203 64
Silas Clapp Declaration
203 64
See Volume 1 of the Book of Minutes 1787-1791

We, Nathaniel S. White residing in the town of Buffalo and County of Erie and Sylvester Matthews residing in the same place, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Silas Clapp who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration; that we believe him to be 71 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.
Subscribed and Sworn, this 12 th day of November 1832
James Stryker Judge of Court of Common Pleas
Nathaniel S. White Sylvester Matthews
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting their interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certify that in presenting them, that the person who has signed the preceding certificate is a resident in the town of Buffalo and county of Erie, and that his statement is entitled to credit.
I, Mark P. Sprague, Clerk of the said Court of Common Pleas do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of the said Silas Clapp for a pension, and that the same is a true and correct copy of the original thereof.
And the said Judge do hereby certify and declare my opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named Silas Clapp was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And I do further certify that it appears to me that Nathaniel White and Sylvester Matthews who have signed the foregoing certificate are residents of the town of Buffalo, and that their and each of their statements are entitled to credit. And I do further certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings upon me in the matter of the application of the said Silas Clapp for a pension. And I do further certify that it appears satisfactorily to me that the said Silas Clapp could not without too much inconvenience procure the attendance of a clergyman before me to testify to his character and services and make the certificate required by the War Department. And I do further certify that in consequence of the prevalence of the cholera in the City of Buffalo in August last when a term of the Court of Common Pleas of said County should have been held, the said Court was not held, and that on a representation of the peculiar circumstances which rendered it proper the War Department deemed it expedient to permit me the said Judge to receive pension applications and take evidence thereon until the next term of the said Court in December.
By a letter bearing date the [redacted] day of September 1832. And I do further certify that the foregoing proceedings

department deemed it expedient to permit me the said Judge to receive pension applications and take evidence thereon until the next term of the Court said Court in December next and no longer which permission was or authority was communicated to me the said Judge by a letter bearing date the 21 st day of September 1832. And I do further certify that the foregoing proceedings have been had before me under and by virtue of the said Authority or permission of said, and that I have in consideration of the infirmity of this applicant deemed it highly proper and expedient that the said proceedings should be had and taken or allowed before me under and by virtue of said permission or authority of the said War department. Given under my hand and seal at Buffalo this 12 th day of November Eighteen Hundred and thirty Two.
James Stryker Judge of Erie County Court
Erie County Clerk's Office B:3
I Noah P. Sprague Clerk of the County of Erie do hereby certify that the Hon. James Stryker before whom the foregoing proceedings in the matter of the application of Silas Clapp for a pension as herein, was on the day of the date thereof, and still is a Judge of the County Courts in the County of Erie aforesaid, duly appointed and sworn and that the signatures of the said Judge to the of the affidavit or declaration of the said Silas Clapp and to the jurat of the certificate or proof of death of Nathl S White and Sylvester Mathews and to the certificate of the said Judge following the same are all the genuine signatures of the said Judge. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 12 th day of December 1832. Noah P. Sprague Clerk of Erie County

State of New York } Erie County } [redacted]
On this 12th day of November 1832 personally appeared at Buffalo in said County before the Hon. Judge Stryker, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in said County, Silas Clapp, a resident of Buffalo in the County of Erie aforesaid aged 71 years who being first by me duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States and under the following named officers and found as known
He was born in the Town of Fishkill in the County of Dutchess in the State of New York on the Eleventh day of July in the year 1761. He has no record of his age and knows of none. He was living at Fishkill aforesaid when he entered the service and continued to live there during the War. And then moved in the Town of Oxford in the County of Chenango in the State of New York aforesaid and from there to the Town of Buffalo and County of Erie aforesaid where he now resides. And this deponent further states that he was drafted in the Militia of the State of New York at Fishkill aforesaid the first of April in the year 1778 for Six months and found the time out under the
following named officers: James Swartout was the Colonel, Jacob Griffin was Colonel. Henry Wykoff (or a name pronounced like that) was Major, Jacob Brinkerhoff was the Adjutant, Thomas S. Starnes was Captain, Samuel Albrance was first Lieutenant, Brinkerhoff Rappleya was Second Lieutenant, Jacob Rice was Ensign, and the other officers he does not remember. Immediately after he was drafted as aforesaid they received orders and marched to West Point, where he remained until his Six months expired, (and he thinks 10 days longer at the request of the officers) and was discharged the first of November 1778 by his Captain [redacted] and had no battles during the time
that in the year [redacted] 1779 he volunteered into the Militia of the State of New York again at Fishkill aforesaid for four months, and under the same officers above mentioned as near as he can remember. Except that [redacted] was [redacted] and [redacted] was [redacted]

was dismissed the first of November verbally by his Captain at West Point. He had no battles during the time.
And this deponent further states that in the year 1779, on the 8 th of June, he volunteered into the Militia of the State of New York again, at Fishkill aforesaid for four months, and under the same officers above mentioned as near as he can remember. Except the Captain which was John Hill, that he found the four months out at West Point aforesaid and was dismissed verbally by the Captain at Fishkill aforesaid.
And this deponent further states that in the year 1780 he was drafted in the Militia as aforesaid about the first of October for five months at Fishkill aforesaid, and went to West Point and found the time out under the same of Officers first above mentioned as near as he can remember, and was verbally dismissed about the last of February or first of March in the year 1781, by his Captain. He had no battles during this term of five months.
And this deponent further says that he was drafted again in the year 1780 about the first of August for three months at Fishkill aforesaid and immediately
West Point and found the time out under the officers first above mentioned as near as he can remember, and was verbally dismissed at West Point aforesaid by his Captain about the first of November 1780. That he was in no battles during this term.
And this deponent further says that he volunteered again at Fishkill aforesaid in the Militia of the State aforesaid about the first of August in the year 1782 for four months and went immediately to West Point where he found the time out under a Captain by the name of James Cooper, and a Lieutenant by the name of James Swartout, the General's name, he thinks, was Putnam, and was dismissed verbally at his by his Captain at West Point about the first of November 1782.
That he was drafted again in the Militia aforesaid at Fishkill aforesaid about the first of June in the year 1783 for six weeks and immediately went to West Point and found the time out under a Captain by the name of Elbert Miller, and Gen. Putnam last above mentioned.

about the first of November 1782.
And he further states that he was drafted again in the Militia of the State afterwards at Fishkill aforesaid about the first of April in the year 1783 for six weeks and immediately went to West Point & found the line out under a Captain by the name of Elbert Willet, and Gen. Putnam last above mentioned was General. He does not remember any more of the officers at the time, and was wholly dismissed about the middle of May by his Captain. He had no battle during the time.
And this deponent further says that he volunteered with his father Isaac about the first of September 1783 and was out about three months, in training at Fishkill barracks. His business as leader consisted in transporting all kinds of produce and all articles which were to be stored or transported from one place to another. He staid the 3 months out and went home about the first of November 1783. And this deponent further
says that he has no other or documentary evidence except what is herewith annexed. And he further states that Nathaniel S. White and Sylvester Matthews are persons with whom he is acquainted in his present neighborhood and who he offers as witnesses to his character for truth and morality and as to their belief as to his being a soldier of the Revolution.
He hereby relinquishes every claim, whatever, to a Pension, or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State,
Sworn and subscribed this 12 th day of November 1832 before me James Moyer Judge of Erie County Court
Silas Clapp

20364
Las Clapp Erie county New York
Fillmore Hall, Buffalo, N. York,

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
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 subjoi in ed 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 Silas Clapp, Erie county, N.Y.
   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.     Drafted 1778 6 private Capt. Sturm Col. Griffin West Point 71 Fishkill   Volunteer 1779 4 Capt. Sturm Capt. Hill Col. Griffin West Point N.Y. tradition   Drafted 1780 5 8 only Capt. Sturm Col. Griffin West Point   Do 1781 3 Capt. Sturm Col. Griffin West Point   Volunteer 1782 4 Capt. Cooper Gen. Putnam West Point   Vol. 1783 1 12 Capt. Hill do. West Point  
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 he 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 [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule is 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.
G. M. ...

a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
Silas Clapp S. 7. 12606;
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     April, 1, 1778 6 mos. Pri. Thomas G. Storm Jacob Griffin N.Y.   June 8, 1779 4 mos. John Hill Jacob Griffin "   Oct. 1, 1780 5 mos. Thomas G. Storm Jacob Griffin "   Aug. 1, 1781 3 mos. Thomas G. Storm Jacob Griffin "   Aug. 1, 1782 4 mos. James Cooper — "   Apr. 1, 1783 6 wks. Albert Willet — "   Sept. 1, 1783 3 mos. Teamster at Fishkill Barracks—  
Battles engaged in, None Residence of soldier at enlistment, Fishkill, Dutchess Co., N.Y. Date of application for pension, Nov. 12, 1832  Clm. allowed Residence at date of application, Buffalo, Erie Co., N.Y. Age at date of application, born July 11, 1761 at Fishkill, Dutchess Co., N.Y. Remarks: No data as to family.

1908, Sept. 29, Hist. 28 Mss. No. E. Hurd, A.E.D.
Rehman
12505 INVALID.
File No. 12, 505-
Silas Clapp
Priv. Rev. War
Act: June 7 th 1832
Index:—Vol. 9 , Page 70
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Q. 12505.
129 Erie St. Buffalo N. Y. Sept. 17, 1908
Bureau of Pensions.
Will you kindly inform me, if you have any Pension List 1831 of Silas Clapp. Erie Co. N. Y. or of any service, or detail about him, & office.
Mary E. Hurd
(Mrs)

Dear Leapp
Sec. 2d
Ms.
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City District of Columbia

Buffalo November 25th 1835
To S r Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions &c
Sir on
The fifth Day of September Last I made a power of atty to Draw My Pension from the 1st of March 1835 to the 1st day of September 1835 and the same was forwarded to Albany for payment But on Presentation Mr. Jenkins the acting Agent Declining paying the same by saying that Silas Clapp Was Suspended by the War Department Which to me was very Unexpected as I had heard Nothing in relation to Such Suspension and I further move state to the Department that I am of the age of 73 years Very Much afflicted With Rheumatism and Not able to labor and if I am cut Short of My Little Pension from the Government I know of No means of Supporting Myself in My fem. Years that May be Spared for Me, unless I become a pauper Which to me Would be very Painfull I was placed on the Pension List at the rate of $72.33 Cents per annum and My Pension Certificate Dated the 27th Day of May 1833 Signed Sew Clapp
Sec y of War
as I have received Nothing from the War Department I am at a Loss to know how to proceed to remove What objections May be entertained by the Department in Relation to My Case, and have therefore requested Gen David Burt of Buffalo to write you to know What the Difficulty is and I wish you to write Me at Buffalo N.Y. to the Care of D Burt and Let me know What the Difficulty is and Much Oblide an Old Soldier of the Revolution
To S r Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington City
Silas Clapp

ap. 17
Dead letter
J L Edw. G. Comm r of Pensions
M r Silas Clapp U. S. Pensioner Buffalo New York
18 21

Dear Department Pension Office Decr 22. 1834.
Sir
In answer to your application for a transfer of your name from the New York Agency to that of Buffalo. I have to inform you that in consequence of attempts made to defraud the government by means of transferring the names of pensioners from one Agency to another His. Department has determined to suspend for the present all applications of this description. Your application will therefore remain suspended until some new order be taken in reference to the matter, and you cannot now be paid at New York, because no one can be paid within the limits of an Agency in which he does not reside.
Very Respectfully Your obed t Serv t . J. L. Edwards
Mr. Silas Phelps. U.S. Pensioner Buffalo New York