Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 1,802, Julius Caswell, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Caswell, Julius
R. 1,802
CONTENTS

State of Connecticut Tolland County
Probate Court District of Kent at Heub
On the 11 th day of September A D 1833 personally appeared Julius Caswell of said Heub aged seventy three years, in open court, before Nathaniel P. King Esq r Judge of the Court of Probate for the District aforesaid, new setting, the said Caswell 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 th A D 1832. In the forepart of August A D 1776 I entered the service of the United States as a musician in the Company commanded by Captain William Coggswell then of Connecticut, (now Washington). I was then a member of the said Company, at which time the Captain received General Orders to march immediately his Company to the City of New York, which city was expected only to be invaded by the British Army then on Long Island. I marched on the 11 th of August 1776 for said City of New York, and arrived in the city about the 18 th of said Month. A few weeks after my arrival there I was taken sick with a

Complaint then called the "Camp distemper" which was at that time very general in the American Army and proved fatal in many cases. I remained sick in the City until the British commenced their landing their Soldiers, Captain Loggswell gave me liberty then to go back into the Country until my health would admit of my return into active service. My said sickness terminated in the Bilious Fever, and my life was despaired of for weeks and months. I remained sick and unable to perform active duty until about the middle of April A.D. 1777. On the 24 th of said April I received orders from my S d Captain William Loggswell to March immediately to Danbury, in order to repel the British who were destroying everything before them. On the 26 th I think we arrived in S d Danbury and found that the parts of the buildings, stores and houses were burnt, and that the Enemy were returning to their shipping. We immediately pursued and overtook them at

Ridgefield about 8 or 10 miles from Danbury a Battle ensued. I was in the centre of our force and heard the order of General Wooster to Rush on, but our worthy General's voice was soon choked by a ball from the enemy. He fell from his horse close by me and was carried off the field - mortally wounded. Much confusion & dismay ensued which the Enemy took adv- antage of and continued their retreat we pursued them until they went down and then returned, about the last of April, and was then discharged by General Mifflin my service at least eight months and about two weeks, from the time of my entering the service in the 1 st of February of August 1776 until the last of April 1777. I received no discharge but was required to be ready for active service as soon as my health would admit. My officers were Genl David Wooster, Capt. William Cogswell, Colonel Samuel Banfield Morgan. Doctor Litchfield, Joseph Gutter Ensign.
(vide Deposition of Chauncey Camp, Stephen Cogswell & Mary Mifflin)

The middle of October, 1778. I was drafted at New Haven, to March to Old Stratford in Connecticut for one month at least, to serve as a guard to said Stratford, an Captain was Elijah Hemen of Woodbury Conn Colonel Samuel Hovey, Major Ezra Hemen. I was Sergeant in Hovey's Regt. My Warrant is lost. I have not seen it nor heard of it in forty years. I served at least one month. I think more, was dismissed by Parole, and the soldiers returned to their respective homes. (vide Deposition of Clark Hemen.)
On the 2 d of May, 1779. I think, I do not vary from the time, I was appointed and authorized by Major Moses Seymour of Litchfield, Connecticut, who was Commissary in the United States Service, to serve as Assistant Commissary, which service I performed by ordering and superintending the removal of Continental Stores, provisions, be from the State of Connecticut, to the Am- erican Army stationed on the North River State of New York. I was actively engaged act- ively in the service as Assistant Commissary as aforesaid in furnishing & purchasing provisions &c. and so served until some time in August 1779. at least four months.

In the Fall of 1779. I think October 1 st There being a line of Stationed express riders established from the Seat of Government, to head Quarters to Springfield & Boston. It was a time when the exigency of the times, and rotation of the Country, required the greatest possible despatch in conveying communications of when, opposition and party spirit in some parts of our country arose to the highest etc. I was ap- pointed and authorized by Major Lyman of Pittsfield to join this line of Riders and to perform the trust & duty at- tached to the office. I commenced as such & entered the service as about the 1 st of October 1779. I continued in the service at least three months, & until that time that of despatching mess was discontinued - any until the forepart or middle of January 1780. It was an arduous dangerous & res- ponsible office to perform. The Express were watched by the " Tories," and efforts by them made to detect and ascertain secret communications. Redoubled Policy was required in the performance of my duty. Directions were frequently written on a Package to have it delivered by a certain hour.

and no time of night, or stormy weather could be offered as an excuse for a failure in delivery. The kindest supplement of their Express Riders, was known by but few.
There are no survivors whom I know, or whom I can ascertain to be living, as doing service as Assistant Carriers, or Express Riders, excepting John Bullock, whose description is sent herewith.
The Revolutionary War, was a war of memorabile events to my Father and his family, when not only property but lives were lost. At the commencement of the war my Father was possessed of two good farms, well stocked. The first he sold in 1776, and not long after his other farm and recouped his losses in Continental Bills, being that he was then called a Strong Whig, he placed implicit confidence in Government, in the redemption of their Bills. From all of the pay for his whole property he finally received about ninety Dollars, for what was actually worth seven thousand Dollars. I had two and only two Brothers. The eldest died in the Army in the Northern expedition, my other Brother

Stockade Complained the whole pay in the and died. in consequence of my Parents, from whom there upon me for support. & I supported them until their death. Their latter faults may be of no consequence but being so intimately connected with the faults in support of my claim for a pension. I cannot forsake making them.
I was born in New Bedford in Connecticut the 19 th day of September A D 1759. I have a record of my age in an old Bible in my house in Kent. I removed from New Bedford & Kent before the Revolutionary war. I was ever since the Revolutionary war have lived & resided in Kent That Lewis Mills Esq. Nathan Storer, John Mills, John Storer, Philo Mills, are persons to whom I am known in my present neighbourhood and who can testify to my character for veracity and their belief of my service as a soldier in the war of the Revolution I resided in addition
in the war of the rebellion that he would refered in addition to those persons in his own neighborhood to the Hon. John Cotton Smith, of Sharon Ex-Governor of the State, the Hon. Benjamin Salmon, of Litchfield, Hon. Elisha H. Sturges of Salisbury, as reports the applicants respec- tation. There is no clergyman living out of this town. nor is there any settled or resident clergyman living in this town.

That he hereby relinquishes every claim whom to a Pension or annuity except the present annuity, that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State
Julius Canwell
Sum of Subscribed the day of year aforesaid
Frederick Gutterman
Clerk of Court
And the Court does hereby declare its opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories pre- -scribed by the War Department, that the above- -named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states, he sustains an excellent character for truth and his character is irre- -proachable and is known as such to the Court. There is nor has been no settled or resident Clergymen in the neigh- -bourhood of the applicant for several years and the one last settled came from a distance & remained in the parish but two or three years.
I, Frederick Gutterman Clerk of Court, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original pro- -ceedings of the Court in the matter of the application of Julius Canwell Esq. for a pension In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this 11 th day of September 1853.
Frederick Gutterman Clerk of Court

To Dr. Nathl. Beardley Esq. of the Court of Probate Dear Sir Permit me to request your attention to a correction to me improper .
That in the summer of 1833 I applied for a Pension on account of services rendered my Country in the Revolutionary War. My Petition &c was forwarded by Esq. Chittenden who has been deeply engaged in speculation ever since, and has now left the place.
That not long after my Petition &c was sent, Recd Communication from the Board, that there was some defect in the facts attempted to be proved or in the other proof I immediately attended to the business, endeavoured to correct the defect , & supposed Esq. Chittenden sent on again, but he seems to recollect little or nothing about it. I have been long waiting, with anxiety the result.
Being apprehensive that want of attention and faithfulness on his part, is the reason of my claim not having been allowed, Therefore I have concluded to desire you Sir to take the trouble to inquire into the matter, and if possible to ascertain the ground of failure, and obtain (if just) a Pension at last.
That you may have some Idea whether I am justly entitled to the notice of Government I give you the following brief statement of my services.
My first actual service commenced in August 1776 I belonged in Capt. William Coggswell's Company & Colonel Samuel Canfield's Regiment. Was ordered to march to New York, while here taken sick & being unable to do duty was permitted to leave by my Capt to leave the City & remain in the Country until my health was restored, and then return to service upon his call. I continued very sick through the fall & winter, & part of the spring, and was not able to join my Capt again until called upon in the spring to repulse the Enemy at Danbury, I met the Company at Ridgefield — was in the battle, and within a few feet of General Wooster saw him fall with his death wound; crying "Rush on my Boys!" — In the year of 1778 I was detached to serve in an expedition to Stratford under Capt. Elijah Hinman Here I performed the duty of Serj t .
In the year of 1779 I was appointed by Maj r Mose Seymour of Litchfield Assistant Commissary. The service was to get out teams by imprisonment or other way to move Continental stores from Litchfield county in Ct. toward Fishkill in the State of New York. I had charge of a certain District in Litchfield county Ct. in which it was my duty & business, to procure provisions from time to time for persons belonging to the services of Continental Soldiers belonging to the army of the united States.
In the fall of this year of this I was commissioned by Maj r Seymour of Litchfield, one of the line of "Stationed Express Riders". My business was to convey Packages from Litchfield Ct. to Colonel Vandeburgh in the State of New York. Distance about 40 miles. This was an

Adversity - Responsible & hazardous business - and frequently suffered much.
In these several services I was was actually employed for Government not much of the time of a year & half.
But this is not all in my opinion that entitles me to the favorable consideration of Government. My Father was a friend strong to his country and devoted his family to its service - His three sons & two sons in law - all of them occasionally in the Army at the same time - And if I was not always with them it was because domestic concerns made it absolutely necessary for one of us to be at home part of the time, and my stay at home would render it more convenient for the other four to be actually engaged in the Army service - In this service my eldest brother Daniel died at Mount Independence State of New York. And not after long my brother Eli died in consequence of the war. My own health was seriously impaired. And am now almost at forty seven years the only remnant of a family which from the commencement of resistance of British Tyranny Resolved to embrace in the just cause of our Country at the risk of Lives & Property - This resolution has been religiously adhered to - My Brothers lives have been sacrificed - my Father property too - which was something handsome - The loss of two Farms somewhat valuable together with stock & cattle were all sold for continental bills by the reason of his strong faith in the veracity & rectitude of the General Government & his warm zeal for the American Cause.
The whole of our property thus given away, after all the shift in paper trash in order to have something left, amounted to about 90 dollars.
Now to conclude Sir My only object is to desire you will so far interest yourself in my case as to call the attention of the Commissioners of Pension to the subject - I wish my case fairly stated & patiently heard, when this is done I shall quietly submit to the award of my Country.
Respectfully
Julius Caesar
Dated Mont Litchfield County August 26 th 1887

1802.
RECEIVED
P.O. Julius Caswell
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____ 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Notes: List of suspended claims printed in 1852, shows cause of enlistment: suspension as follows:
Commissary service if under commission will cover a pension but if merely hired, it will not.
Attorney: _____
P.O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

Connecticut Rev. Act 7. June 1832 Julius Caswell
Suspended
1802
Letter to Nathl. Perry 9. Nov. 1833 do. to W. Beardsley, 11 Nov. 1837

War Dept
P. B. 9-1853
Nov. 9. 1853
Sir
From Upon the facts stated in the declaration of Indio Carmell it cannot be gathered whether he is entitled to a pension under the act of 7 June 1852 or not. He appears to have been actually served a very short time upon two occasions under Capt. Gage well and has stated the time of service from the commencement of the first call to the close of his service at the San Jacinto alarm. This is undeniable as nothing but actual service in the field a garrison by a militia man comes within the act. Whether he was actually commissioned as an officer in the commissariat, or was simply employed to assist in the duties of that department does not appear either from the declaration or evidence - but therefore the question the settlement of this point depends whether the service is within the law - of course a full statement of facts must must be made & the best evidence produced. As to his being employed by a commissary to transmit information, that cannot upon the facts stated be regarded regarded as military service. The papers in

this case are placed on file awaiting a more dis- tinct and explicit statement as to the duration and character of the services, and more specific proof - upon receipt of which a decision will be made
62 Nathl. P. Perry 9 Nov. 1883
Recd. Oct 24. 1883
Nathaniel P. Perry Esq Kent Ct

Mon. Oct 16th 1837
Adams Comm
Julius Caesar
at the Hon. J. J. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Kent ct. Sept. — 1837 —
To the Hon. J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions —
Sir — The object of this communication is to desire you will re-examine Papers supposed to be on file in your Office relative to the application of Julius Caswell Esq. of this place for a Pension
The reasons for troubling you again on this subject may be gathered from his statement — which I take the liberty to enclose — because being drawn up by himself, it may be considered as furnishing some evidence as to the reliance to be placed on his declarations & his capability to appreciate or enjoy an expression of his Country's gratitude in Dollars & Cents —
How far Sir — you may rightfully be a discretionary dispenser of this gratitude to deserving individuals you best know —
But to me it seems quite impossible that any Law should be so perfectly framed as not to allow — nay even require its occasional exercise at your Department
I only beg leave to state further my full conviction that there is not in my acquaintance a more legitimate object on which to bestow a Nation's gratitude than on this last remnant of a large Family who have devoted to its service in the time of its greatest peril Life — Health & Property without Fee or Reward —
Very Respectfully
Wells Beardley
Will the Department please furnish me a copy of the Laws regarding Pensions — if proper to be done — Wells Beardley

27. 525
Julius Casmell
Surplus

State of Connecticut } Probate Court Hartford County } District of New } at New. September 11 th 1883
John Mills and Prudent Shattuck who have signed the certificates of the foregoing depositions, and before whom the same the said Depositions were taken were then at the time of taking said Depositions and are now Justices of the peace within and for the City and County, legally appointed therefor, and the same purporting to be their and the signatures of them each one hand
writing. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand. I, William Chittenden Clerk of the Court of Probate for said District of Kent, being a Court of Record, do hereby certify that the herein copy is a true copy of the original now on file the 11 th day of September A.D. 1833.
William Lloyd asking the favour of an answer for the distress of Paul

State of Connecticut Litchfield County of Washington July the 29 th 1833 I Perry Aneill of S d Washington in S d County of lawful age viz, now in my Twenty Ninth Year do depose & say that I was knowing to Julius Carwell being in the Revolutionary War with the British when called for the defense of the City of New York & that I served with him in a Company commanded commanded by Capt. William Cogswell & that S d Carwell while there in Service was taken taken sick & continued then  some time after sick several months after
Question are you acquainted with the general reputation of Julius Carwell and if so what is it Answer it is good Perry Aneill
Litchfield County of Washington July 29 th 1833. Personally appeared before me John Mills Justice of the Peace within S d County of Litchfield. Perry Aneill signed & the foregoing deposition is made solemn oath to the truth of the same. The Deponent is a man whose character is good for truth & veracity.
John Mills Ld. of Peace

I Clark Hatch of Washington. Litchfield County and State of Connecticut. aged seventy one years. do testify and say that I am well acquainted with Julius Garwell Esq. of Kent. I well remember. that he served with me in the Revolutionary War. at Stratford Connecticut he was Sergeant of the Company commanded by Captain Elisha Skinner of Woodbury in said State I know he served at least one month. it was in the fall of 1778. the precise time of his entering I cannot I know I cannot remember. but as I know we both served there one month and I think over. Mr. Garwell is a man of high respectability and of the first standing for truth. Society Colonel Increase Moulton. Samuel Banfield Lieut. Colonel. My Father Jethro Hatch was Major. We kept guard on the coast. It was the latter part of October in the year 1778. we went, and left about the first of December, according to the best of my recollection.
Clark Hatch
Litchfield County ss at Washington August 1 st 1833.
Personally appeared before me Clark Hatch Subscribed to the foregoing deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same. The Deposition is a credible witness & sustains a good character for truth & my knowledge. Frederick Chittenden Justice of the Peace.

I Henry Aneill of Washington, Litchfield County and State of Connecticut, aged years do testify and say that I am well acquainted with Julius Casmell Esq. of Kent in the County, now an applicant for a pension. I know that he served in the war of the Revolution with me with me at the time the Militia were called to New- York city for its defence. He commanded by Capt William Coggswell of Washington in the year while said Casmell was in the State of New York and in the service he was taken sick with the prevailing complaint the Camp disorder and had been to go into the country to recover

I Chauncey Camp of Washington in the County of Litchfield and State of Connecticut aged about June 19 years being duly sworn do testify and say that I am well acquainted with Julius Caswell Esqr of Kent in said County. I remember that in the month of August 1816 the 11 th I Caswell and my self were called out with the Militia from this Town to New York to defend the City; we were in the Company commanded by Capt William Cosswell of Washington, Samuel Canfield Colonel we marched to New York and about there remained in active service for two months I should think and  he was then taken sick I do not remember the disease  with the  and remained sick until the following Spring of 1817. The said Caswell had been in New York in said service 4 or 5 weeks when he was taken sick, and I remember that he remained sick until the Spring, when he was so unwell that he obtained permission from his Superior Officer for leave of absence until his health was restored, I remember that the said Caswell was a musician and served as a fifer. Morgan Noble was Lieutenant Joseph Gulliver was ensign - and further deponent saith not. Chauncey Camp Litchfield County at Washington August 1. 1833.
Personally appeared before me Chauncey Camp who subscribed the foregoing deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me. Deponent's character for truth is good & is a credible witness.
Frederick Gritten - Justice of the Peace

I John Barlow of Kent, Litchfield County, State of Connecticut, aged years, do testify & say, that I am a pensioner under act of 1818. That my name is inserted on the pension list Rev. In the latter part of April 1779. Julius Caswell Esq. of said Kent was called out with my self in the service of the United States and we marched to Danbury Connecticut at the time the Town and Continental provisions were burnt, by the British. We overtook the Enemy at the below Danbury, or rather, Westerly of Danbury, the said Caswell was by my side during the engagement at which time I place General Wooster was killed from his Horse and we pursued the Enemy to the sea side I know that Julius Caswell served at another period of the War of the Revolution as Assistant Commissary. I think he was in the year 1779 as well supplied as with provisions. I am now sick and shall probably not survive many weeks, my hand trembles & I prefer making my mark
John X Barlow
Litchfield County Sat. March 1. 1833.
Personally before me, appeared John Barlow, subscribed to the foregoing deposition & made solemn oath to the truth of the same
The Dependent is a cordill witness & not a juror

Wells Vearney
11 Nov. 1834
O.C.
  55  88  00    208      2002      2071      2091    

War Dept Pension Office Nov. 11. 1837
Sir,
In answer to your letter relative to the case of Julius Caswell, I have to inform you that there is no satisfactory evidence that he was six months in actual military service. Unless he can produce proof of service for at least that period, a pension cannot be granted.
Ent.
Wells Beardsley Esq Kent Connec t
Enter 1 hr. See Index Count. act 7 June 1832 No. 27525-

Julius Casner (Ctu 182) Sushon
No papers look again :
E. B. S. A. Peugh Pursuer.

POWER OF ATTORNEY—Revolutionary Pension Claims.
Know all Men by these Presents, That I, Samuel R. Averill son of Mrs Casswell (deceased) widow of Julius Casswell (deceased)
hereby constitute and appoint D. L. A. S. A. Peet of Washington City D. C. my true and lawful Agent and Attorney, to prosecute the Claim of Anna Casswell widow of Julius Casswell for any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or Increase of Pension, that may be due; and I hereby authorize my said Agent to examine all the papers and documents in relation to said claim, on file in the Departments at Washington City, or elsewhere; to file additional evidence or arguments; and to receive the Certificate which may be issued for said Claim, which Certificate I wish made payable to
to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed; and to do all things that I might or could do were I personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorneys and Agents shall lawfully do in the premises.
WITNESS my hand and Seal this 14 day of January A. D., 1852.
Samuel R. Averill
Signed and Sealed in the presence of } Rufus Fuller } Geo B Pool }
STATE OF Connecticut } ss: at Kent COUNTY OF Pittsfield }
On this fourteenth day of January A. D. 1852 before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace  Judge of Probate in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Samuel R. Averill and acknowledged the foregoing Power, of Attorney to be his act and deed, for the purposes therein mentioned.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand, } the day and year aforesaid. }
Rufus Fuller, Judge of Probate for the District of Kent

Claim of Act of
STATE OF Connecticut } ss. at Kent COUNTY of Litchfield
Be it known, That on this Fourteenth day of January A. D., eighteen hundred and fifty Two , before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace  Judge of Probate in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Samuel R. Averill a resident of Kent in said County, and made oath according to law that he is the child of Mrs Anna  Gaswell (deceased) widow of Julius  Gaswell (deceased)
who was a Revolutionary Soldier  Soldier of the United States
at the rate of _____ Dollars per annum; that he has been informed that the said Pension ought to be allowed that he is directly interested as a claimant in said Pension, and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as my Agent may use in prosecuting said claim.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid, before me.
Rufus Fuller  J. Judge. Judge of Probate for the District of Kent Rufus Fuller Judge of Probate 4, Justice of the Peace , in and for said County do hereby certify that
Samuel R. Averill
Samuel R. Averill who executed the foregoing paper is a respectable resident of this County, and is, I believe, directly interested in said claim as therein set forth.
Rufus Fuller, Judge of  Justice of the Peace Probate for the District of Kent
Clerk of the Court in the County
I, _____ before whom the and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that foregoing papers were executed, was, at the date of the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly authorized by law to administer oaths; and the name thereunto subscribed, is _____ signature.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official Seal, this _____ day of
A. D. 185
Clerk.

STATE OF Connecticut COUNTY OF Litchfield } ss. at Kent -
It is hereby certified that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me
that Julius Caswell applicant for States at the rate of $ Anna Caswell his widow was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United Third - day of January - per annum and that died on the leaving surviving one child Samuel R Overil  eighteen hundred and forty Seven
and that he is
the only surviving child of the aforesaid. Mrs Anna Caswell (deceased) widow of Julius Caswell (deceased) who left a widow
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this Fourteenth day of January one thousand eight hundred and fifty. Two
Rufus Fuller Judge of Probate for the District of Kent