Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 10,624, Reuben Clark, Conn.

SERVICE
Leon
Clark, Reuben Prudence
NUMBER _____
W 10624
B. L. Wt. 81 71-160-55
CONTENTS

S. 192. Connecticut Prudence Clark, widow of Reuben, Conn who served in the Revolutionary war, as a pri. Sgt. & Ensign.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 186 Dollars 50
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
21 April, 1848 Certificate of Pension issued the fifth day of Nov. 1851, and sent to
J. A. Pugh Esq., Present.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 276 Vol. 1.

65.344 (Act Mar 3/53 April 13/53
Rev. James Conner to Prudence Clark Miss Reuben Clark, Puerco & Ensign the above Puerco under act Feb 2. 1848
C. M. St.
Rev. St. 81/8 Buxton
own Feb 48-5792
160 Ac, Oct 10. 1855, B. M. St.
Vol. 61-145.00
Henry Fowler Hartford ct

United States of America. State of Connecticut Middlesex County ss. Killingworth May 8 th A 1837.
On this 8 th day of May 1837 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in said Middlesex County in said State of Connecticut, being a Court of record established as such by the laws of said State of Connecticut Prudence Clark resident in the town of Chester lately a part of the town of Saybrook in said Middlesex County aged Seventy eight years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 4 th 1836.
That she is the widow of Reuben Clark who served in the Connecticut Militia during the War of the Revolution as an Ensign Under two commissions herewith transmitted to the Secretary of War. That on the 20 th day of June, the day on which the pay roll is dated, in the year 1776 the said Reuben Clark is placed on said pay roll as an Ensign under Capt Aaron Stevens, in Colonel Mott's Regiment and the service performed by the said Reuben Clark as Ensign aforesaid was three months and eleven days as appears from said Pay roll, and also an other pay roll as appears thereof the said Reuben Clark served as an Ensign under his said Commission dated on the 20 th day of June 1776. Thirteen weeks, which services of the said Reuben Clark under his first Commission were performed during the Revolutionary War to the North at Ticonderoga and other places to the Northward. That in the month of June 1779 the latter part of the month the said Reuben Clark went in

the service of the United States during the Revolutionary War, under his 2 nd Commission to the Westward at Horse neck and other places near there that he was gone on said tour seven months and then came home on *parole and staid at home about one month and then returned into the service of the United States at the aforesaid place or places and continued in said service two months under Capt. Eliezer Chapman. The Colonel's name I do not know. That the said Reuben Clark enlisted in the United States service in the Revolutionary War in May 1775 as a private in the ninth company of the then Connecticut Militia and marched to Roxbury in Massachusetts in which tour he served as a private until the 12 th day of September in said year and that on said 12 th day of September 1775 he received a Sergeant's Warrant under Samuel H. Parsons Colonel and that Dan Platts late of said Saybrook second was Ensign of said company. The Captain & Lieutenants names I do not know, during which service as just above stated.
She further declares that she was married to the said Reuben Clark on the 14 th day of April Seventeen hundred and seventy-nine, by Justus Buck, then a justice of the Peace for said Middlesex County, authorized then by the laws of the State of Connecticut, aforesaid to join persons in marriage, that said Justice Buck kept no record of the marriages, made by him, and that her husband the aforesaid Reuben Clark died on the 18 th day of December 1811 that the aforesaid Reuben Clark made and left a will in which will he bequeathed certain real and personal estate to me, which was distributed to me, the copy of which will and distribution are herewith transmitted to the Secretary of War.

That there was no resident Clergyman in the place where I was married; and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed, that Percilla eldest child of the said Ruben and Prudence Clark is about fifty seven years old. And further the deponent saith not.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written. before me
Prudence Clark
David Wright Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth State of Connecticut Middlesex County ss. Killingworth May 8 th 1837 On this 8 th day of May 1837 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in the County and State aforesaid Prudence Clark to me well known who being by me duly sworn deposeth and saith that the facts set forth in the foregoing declaration or affidavit by her subscribed are true and I certify that I am well acquainted with the said Prudence Clark that she is a woman of truth and whose statements are entitled to full credit. And I also further certify that the pay rolls to which the said Prudence Clark refers in her declaration aforesaid are in my possession and the time stated in her said declaration of the service by the said Ruben Clark is exactly stated according to said Pay Rolls.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and office the day and year last above mentioned David Wright Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth

State of Vermont Middlesex County ss.
I Jeremiah Hull Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Killington in the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that David Wright is a judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Killington in the County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified, that his commission was dated on the 3 rd day of June 1836 and will expire on the 20 th day of June 1837 and that his signature above or within written is genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court of Probate for the District of Killington in the County and State aforesaid this 8 th day of May 1837 Test Jeremiah Hull Clerk.
* read furlow instead of parole

United States of America
State of Connecticut Middlesex County ss. Killingworth June 14 th 1837
On this 14 th day of June 1837 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in said Middlesex County in said State of Connecticut being a Court of record established as such by the laws of said State of Connecticut now sitting. Prudence Clark resident in the town of Chester in the County and State aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following declaration supplementary to her declaration made on the 8 th day of May 1837 which is now placed on file in the office of the Commissioner of Pensions of the United States in the City of Washington, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4 th 1836
That my late husband Reuben Clark deceased never made to my knowledge any family record of our marriage. That there was a family record made by my late husband Reuben Clark of the births of our children, that it is lost and not to be found. That the births of our children is accurately stated according to my best recollection as follows viz.
Priscilla Clark my eldest child was born January 2 nd 1780 and was fifty seven years old on the 2 nd day of January 1837.
Henry Clark my second child was born February 5 th 1782 and was fifty five years old on the 5 th day of February 1837. Parnel Clark my third child was born December 10 th 1784 and was 52 years old on the 10 th day of December last.
Jason Lee Clark my fourth child was born July 3 rd 1787 and will be 50 years old on the 3 rd day of July 1837.
Jonathan Clark my fifth child was born September 15 th 1789 and will be 48 years old on the 15 th day of September 1837.
Deborah Clark my 6 th child was born May 20 th 1792 and was 45 years old on the 20 th day of May 1837.
Martha Clark my seventh child was born on the 3 rd day of April 1795 and was 42 years old on the 3 rd day of April 1837.

Sydia Clark my eighth child was born on the 7 th day of March 1798 and was 39 years old on the 7 th day of March 1837.
Prudence Clark
Sworn and subscribed on this 14 th day of June 1837 before me David Wright Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth
State of Connecticut Middlesex County ss
On this 14 th day of June 1837 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in the County and State aforesaid Prudence Clark to me well known who being by me duly sworn deposith and saith that the facts set forth in the foregoing declaration by her subscribed are true and I certify that I am well acquainted with the said Prudence Clark that she is a woman of truth and whose statements are entitled to full credit.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and office the day and year last above mentioned David Wright Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth
State of Connecticut Middlesex County ss
I Jeremiah Hull Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that David Wright is a Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in the County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified that his commission was dated on the 3 rd day of June 1836 and will expire on the 20 th day of June 1837 and that his signature above & within written is genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in the County and State aforesaid this 14 th day of June 1837
Test Jeremiah Hull Clerk.

68,344
Bounty land claim of Prudence Clark Widow of Reuben Clark (Revolutionary Service) under Act March 3. 1855.

State of Connecticut Hartford County, ss. Hartford
On this 7 th day of April 1855. before me a Justice of the Peace in Hartford County aforesaid personally appeared George Jones a resident of Chester in the County of Middlesex in the State of Connecticut who being first duly sworn according to law Declares that he is Conservator of Prudence Clark. Widow of Reuben Clark deceased, who in said private Sergeant and Ensign in the War of the Revolution, and that said Prudence Clark is now living in Chester aforesaid and he believes is aged about 95 years.
He further states that she is now a pensioner under the Act of February 2 nd 1848 at the rate of $186 33 / 100 dollars per Annum. that her pension certificate is dated at the Department of the Interior the 5 th day of November 1855 and he refers to her application for a pension on file in the Pension Office at Washington for proof of her husband's service and death and of their marriage.
He further declares that she is now the Widow of the above named Reuben Clark and he makes this declaration in order to obtain the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act Approved the

3 rd day of March A.D. 1855. Signed & acknowledged In presence of
Gilbert Fowler
George Jones Comt
The foregoing Declaration was sworn to and Subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know from personal knowledge that the affiant is a credible person and is conservator of the person he represents himself to be, and that I have no interest in the claim.
Henry Fowler Justice of the Peace
State of Connecticut County of Middlesex ss.
I Charles W Snow Judge of the Probate court for the District of Saybrook do hereby certify that George Jones of Chester in said County & State is Conserv- ator of Prudence Clark a Pensioner of the United States residing in said Chester, that he is duly qualified to act as such conservator, and I further certify from the testimony of Jarvis Dales a resident of said Chester who is a credible person that the said Prudence Clark is now living.
Witness my hand & Seal of said Probate Court this 9 th day of April 1855. Charles W Snow Judge

I Joseph Clark of Chester in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut, aged seventy five years, depose and say, that I am the son of Reuben Clark, late of Say Brook, now Chester deceased, that my mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Truby, (died when I was young) and that my said Father Reuben Clark, afterwards was married to Miss Prudence Jones, as I have always understood, and really believe, in April 1779 she is therefore my step mother, and is the same person who in right of my said Father, now deceased, is making application for a pension. — And further this deponent saith not. — Joseph Clark
State of Connecticut Middlesex County ss.
Chester November 8 th — A.D. 1837.
Personally appeared Mr. Joseph Clark before me, and made solemn Oath, that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed, contains the truth, and nothing but the truth. — Elisha Helsey Justice of Peace And I further certify, that said Joseph Clark is well known to me, and that he is a credible witness.
Sworn before, & certified by me — Elisha Helsey Justice of Peace
I am well acquainted with the above named Reuben Clark Elisha Helsey. He is for more than three years last past heretofore been a justice of the Peace in & for Middlesex County — I am also well acquainted with Joseph Clark the deponent. He is a respectable man & entitled to full & entire credit.
Dec 29. 1837
Serv. My Friend me

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
U.F. 10624
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Reuben Clark 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.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     May 1775 to Sept 12, 1775 Pvt 9 th Co. Samuel H. Parsons   Sept 12, 1775 ✓ Sgt. 9 th Co. Samuel H. Parsons Conn.   June 20, 1776 6 mos. 18 days Ensign Aaron Stearns Mott   June 21, 1779 9 mos. Ensign John Allen Matthew Head  
Battles engaged in, _____
Residence of soldier at enlistment, _____
Date of application for pension, May 8, 1837. Her el. was al.
Residence at date of application, Cheshire (a part of Saybrook) Missoula Co. Conn.
Age at date of application, She was 78 yrs.
Remarks: He married Elizabeth Beek Beek, their son Joseph was 75 years old in 1837. She died and he then married in Middletown Co. Conn. Prudence Jones and died at Saybrook Dec. 18, 1812 in his 72 nd year. Their children were Priscilla, Henry, Pamel, Jason Lee, Jonathan, Deborah, Martha and Lydia.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.
If death of 1 st wife & birth of children of 2 nd wife Date s are omitted as they are disputed and apparently are not authentic.

Let Hon C. Durkee, Ap. 22/52.
5798 Connecticut Providence Clark widow of Reuben who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private in
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 186 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1840
21 April 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 th day of Nov 1857 and sent to
E. A. Baugh Present
Received on Roll of Pensions under act February 2, 1846. P. 267. Vol. 1

Sturminster Newton 9 Sept 1837
Sir,
Your letter of the 16 th Ultro enclosing a copy of your letter dated the 15 th July (the original of which was lost) has been recd — I have now enclosed the affidavit of Mr Joseph Clarke of Chester taken before Joshua L. H. ... Esq a Justice of the Peace for Middlesex County which contains the proof desired
I am very Resp y Yours aff y Henry Harris
J. L. Edwards Esq
Washington City

Please have certified and return to Revolutionary & 1812 Wars Section, Room 5033.
Photostatic copies of three pages from Revolutionary War claim for pension of Prudence Clark, widow of Reuben Clark, Connecticut Troops, Widow File No. 10624 .

SUBMIT IN DUPLICATE.
1-681
PHONE Branch 476
9.6.7
45152
All inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No.
Requisition for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON
CHIEF, Division of Publications, Room G 139. Please furnish work specified below.
July 16, 1930. 192
Bureau ordering Pension Deliver to Room No. 5033
(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE, EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)
Title and description of job photostatic copies of 3 pages from Revolutionary War claim of Reuben Clark, Conn. Troops, W. 10624.
No. of copies 2 of each, negr. & positive Shall form be kept standing? days
For further information see Mrs. Finch 5033 541 Room No. Phone No.
Approved: Chief Clerk of Bureau
Chief of Division
NOTE: No order made "SPECIAL" unless statement showing necessity is written below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering Person ordering leaving present address.
CHECK WORK DESIRED
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Electric typewriter Fill in addresses? Dated? JUL 16 1930
Addressograph from lists
Table with 2 columns: Envelopes, size; Cards, size; Proof list; Pay rolls; Labels (submit sample); Corrections; Fill in letters; Tabulation sheets
Photostat Size actual Official use? Repay? Yes $ .90 Blue Print Size Official use? Repay? $
Remarks 3 Pages 6 copies 6 sheets 11 1/2 X 10 (OVER)

NOTE: Routine changes of addresses may be made on this blank without formal reference through or initialing of chiefs of branches or chief clerks of bureaus.
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Tecumseh, Ohio 7-3-30.
Bureau of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:
Enclosed please find Money Order for ($7.40,) one dollar & 40/100. Will you please send me photostatic copies of papers of Rubeen Clark (et.) Rev. Vet. These are filed as you state as No. (W 10624.) This aint will pay for (2) two sets of these papers & letter each set. Will you try and rush this out for me as I will have

here soon & wish to take them along.
Thanks Very much for this favor, I remain
Yours
Carl Bendich 1000-50 st
Kenosha, Wis.
S. Said papers were filed by Prudence Clark, widow of Rueben when applying for pension.
C. B.

.812 Wars Section.
June 30, 1930.
C. C. Burdick, 1000-56" Street, Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Dear Sir:
I advise you that the Revolutionary War records of this bureau fail to show a claim for pension or bounty land on file on account of the services of Thomas Pratt as described by you, or of James Merwin, Elnathan Burdick, Samuel Yaw or John Yaw.
The warrant and commissions referred to by you in the matter of application for pension of Prudence Clark, widow of Reuben Clark of Saybrook, Connecticut (W.10624) were filed at the time of the adjudication of the claim for pension and in support of said claim. They constitute an integral part of the claim and must remain on file with the other papers submitted for the same purpose.
The bureau will be glad to furnish you photostatic copies of the papers designated.
The cost is fifteen cents a page, and the number of pages is three.
If you would like to have them certified allow twenty-five cents additional for the set.
The proper amount should be forwarded to this bureau by money order drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Interior.
Very truly yours,
E. W. MORGAN, Acting Commissioner.

Zabel-Martin COMPANY
Kenosha, Wis., 5-19-1930.
Bureau of Pensions, Washington ,D.C.
Dear sir;
There was one Rueben Clark of Saybrook, Ct. in the Rev. War under Capt. Arron Stevens and in the Coon. Line. When his wife applied for a pension she sent the Bureau the commissions of Sereant and Ensign which were issued to Mr Clark and they are in the files . Would there be any way I could get these papers? If it is hopeless, could I be sent a copy of the same? If there is any way I could get permission to have the originals will you be so kind as to inform me so.
Can you find any Rev. War services of the following; James Merwin, of Haddon Ct (1739-1790); Thomas Pratt Jr. of Saybrook, Ct. (1740-1818); Elnathan Burdick of Hopkinton and Westerly R.I. (1743- ) this man signed the Test Oath at Hopkinton in 1776. ; Samuel Yaw or Yeaw of Boonville, N.Y. (-----). John Yaw of N.H. wife was Sarah Eldred Yaw; any data on these men will be greatly appreciated , thanking you for all past favor I beg to remain,
Very truly yours
C.C. Burdick. Mgr. Zand N. Drug CO. 1000-56st ST. Kenosha, Wis.

V.L.H. Rev. War Section.
November 8 th 1913.
Mrs. Belle C. Hill, c/o Mrs. Mary F. Martin, Bristol, Conn.
Madam:-
In reply to your letter dated the 3 rd and received the 5 th instant, you are advised that a careful search of the records of this Bureau fails to show a Revolutionary War pension claim on file for Patience Wright, widow of Reuben Clark.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

The Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.
Dear Sir:-
Will you kindly favor me with the military history with details of the following named soldiers?
For Mrs. Alice (Newell) White of Bristol Thomas Stone , her gr.gr. grandfather who was born in Guilford Sept. 21, 1755- and died in Litchfield; married Polly Parnallce. Also for Mrs. Belle Clark, Hill of Bristol Reuben Clark , her gr.grand- father. He was born in Saybrook Ct. and I think died there. The pension was for

the benefit of the widow Patience Wright Clark. Also military record etc. of Joseph Clark son of Reuben who is said to have enlisted when only 19 years of age. He was also from Middlesex County.
Thanking you in advance I am
Very sincerely yours Mary Fuller Maitland (Consulting Registrar)
Bristol Conn.
Nov. 3, 1913
P. S. Will you please send the certifi- cates to me as I am assisting in the preparation of the papers.
M. F. M.

the benefit of the widow Patience Wright-Clark. Also military record etc. of Joseph Clark son of Reuben who is said to have enlisted when only 19 years of age. He was also from Middlesex County.
Thanking you in advance I am
Very sincerely yours Mary Fuller Maitland (Consulting Registrar)
Bristol Conn.
Nov. 3, 1913
P. S. Will you please send the certifi- cates to me as I am assisting in the preparation of the papers.
M. F. M.

The Shelton  PIANO MANUFACTURERS
A.J.BROOKS, Pres. J.W.BROOKS, Secy. & Mgr. J.R.MASON, Treas.
Shelton, Conn. Jan. 24 1903
Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir,
I am endeavoring to establish the facts that my ancestor Reuben Clark served on the American side in the War of the Revolution. That he enlisted at Saybrook Center, (or Chester), was appointed Sergeant, later promoted to Ensign - He died Dec. 18-1812. place of death I do not know. I have been informed that his widow Prudence Clark (Maiden name Wright) received a pension from government - She I think lived in Chester Conn. She died Sept. 25-1857. If there is a record of such pensioner will you kindly furnish me with copy of same and oblige,  Yours truly J.W. Brooks. P.O. Box 435 Derby, Conn.

Feb - 2 - 1903 Rev. Brooks Shelton Conn
1913 Nov 8 Hist. Soc. Mrs. Belle L. Hill. V.L.M. Letter in S.F. 36,795 - Thomas Stone
July 19, 1917 Examined for Nat. S.D.A. by Mrs. S. Johnston, and
1930 June 30. C.C. Burdick adv. cost of photos. 1930 July 19. Photos mailed to C.C. Burdick & Fin. Div. mfd. 9.10/7.
Rev. WIDOW, &c.
File No. 10624
Paradise Clarke
Wid.
Reuben Clarke
Pr. Sgt. & Ensign
Act: Feb. 2 d 1848
Index:—Vol. _____, Page _____
[Arrangement of 1870.]

JONATHAN TRUMBULL, Esq;
Captain-General and Commander in Chief of the English Colony of Connecticut , in New-England , in America ,
To Ruben Clark Greeting.
YOU being by the General Assembly of this Colony, appointed to be Colonel of a Company now ordered to be raised in this Colony, and to join the Continental Army, reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Fidelity, Courage and good Conduct, I do, by Virtue of the Laws, of this Colony, me thereunto enabling, appoint and impower you, the said Colonel Clark to be Colonel of said Company you are therefore, carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of an Colonel in leading, ordering and exercising said Company in Arms, both inferior Officers and Sol- diers, in the Service aforesaid, and to keep them in good Order and Discipline, hereby com- manding them to obey you as their Colonel and yourself to observe and follow such Orders and Instructions, as you shall from Time to Time receive from me, or the Com- mander in Chief of said Colony, for the Time being, or other your superior Officer, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, ordained and established by the Continental Congress, pur- suant to the Trust hereby reposed in you.
Given under my Hand, and the public Seal of said Colony, at Hartford , the 20 th Day of June Anno Domini, 1776,
By His Honor's Command, George Wyllys Sec'ry.
Jon. Trumbull

JONATHAN TRUMBULL, Esquire, Captain-General and Commander in Chief in and over the State of CONNECTICUT, in AMERICA.
To, Reuben Cook — Genl GREETING.
YOU being by the General Assembly of this State appointed to be Ensign of a (company in a Regiment of Infantry) ordered to be raised for Defence of the Sea Coasts and Frontiers of this and the adjoining States, and to prevent the Incursions and Depredations of the Enemy, reposing special Trust and Confidence in your Fidelity, Courage, and good Conduct, I DO by Virtue of the Laws of this State, me thereunto enabling, appoint and impower you to take the said (company) into your Care and Charge as their Ensign — carefully and diligently to discharge that Office and Trust, exercising your inferior Officers and Soldiers in the use of their Arms, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, ordained and established by the Laws of this State, keeping them in good Order and Government, and commanding them to obey you as their Ensign — for the Service aforesaid; and you are to observe all such Orders and Directions as from Time you shall receive, either from Me, or from other your superior Officer, pursuant to the Trust hereby reposed in you.
GIVEN under my Hand, and the public Seal of this State, at Hartford the 21 st Day of June — Anno Domini 1779.
By His Excellency's Command, George Wylllys Sec ry
Jon. Trumbull

Samuel H. Parsons Esq; Colonel of the 13 th Regiment raised by the United Colonies of North America,
To Reuben Clark
Greeting.
B Y Virtue of the Power and Authority to me given, in and by the Delegates from the said Colonies in Congress assembled, I do, by these Presents, reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Loyalty, Courage, and good Conduct, constitute and appoint you the said Reuben Clark to be the Second Serjeant in the 9 th Company in the said Regiment: You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of a Serjeant, in ordering and exercising said Company in the Service aforesaid, commanding them to obey you as their Serjeant; and yourself to observe such Orders and Instructions as you shall from Time to Time receive from me or other your superior Officers, according to military Rules and Discipline, pursuant to the Trust reposed in you; for which this shall be your sufficient Warrant.
Given under my Hand and Seal this 12 th Day of Sept r in the Year of our Lord 1775.
Sam d H. Parsons

Let to Pension Agent, & Let to Hon S. Ingham 5 July 1839 Let to S. Bishop 22 July '39 " " E. A. Bullen Esq Pension Agent { Augt. 11, 39 Let to M. S. Holabird U.S. S. District Atty 17 Augt 39 Let to L. Webb 20 Augt. 39 Dropped from the rolls - see letter to M. S. Holabird & Pen- sion Agent. August 16 th 39 Let to E. A. Bullen Feb 24. 40 " " Hon M. W. Bowdoin H.R. January 12. 41. Let to D. Barker April 23 '44 " " A. P. Haswell Nov 14 '46 " " J. C. Palmer May 19 '49

June 3 d 1780 - Captain Elisha Chapman, with his Company at New London - was paid for services £6974..14..2 =
This was from the Comptroller's book.

Prudence Clark
Con. act '36
See letter 5 Jan. 1839 to
Hon. S. Ingham & P.
Ag t . do. to S. Bishop, July 22?
1839 - do. to E. A. Bulkeley &
P. Ag t . Aug. 16. 1839 - do. to W.
S. Holabird, U. S. Atty. Aug.
17. 1839 - do. to L. Webb, Aug. 20.
1839 - Dropped from the Roll. \square See letter to W. S.
Holabird & P. Ag t Qit. 11.
1839 - do. to E. A. Bulkeley
Feb. 24. 1840. to Hon.
W. W. Boardman, H.R.
Jan. 12. 1841. do. to S. Barker
Apr 23. 1844. do. to M c A. P. H.
Rescull, Nov. 14. 1846.

v 1937
Prudence Clark wid of Richard de Conis
Da. Lt Henry Harris
June 29 1837
same June 20 1837
same July 15
same Aug 10 1837
(Suspicious case)
See paper J. P. Clark
Cont 17.284
Act 4 July 1836

The affidavit of the applicant and the additional testimony as to his character & reputation which are annexed to his declaration it is hoped will shew that he is entitled to a Pleasins under the law. He can not procure the evidence of a Clergyman —
$70.

6998

Honorable Joel R. Poinsett Secretary of War or J. S. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions City of Washington.
Gentlemen.
Any communication you make in reply to the Supplementary declaration of Mrs Clark. please direct it to Mr Henry Harris Fallingworth Commercial

8731 ✓
S
Noor Am

On the 9 of April A D 1781. Departed this life the Rev Robert Silliman - Pastor of the 4 church in Saybrook. He took upon himself the charge of said church the 29 Day of January 1772. His ministry in chester little more than nine years
A true copy from the minutes
Chester Nov 28 1838
Edwards Peterson Pastor of said church

was 40 years old in them last. Other circumstances and position evidence could be obtained to prove that the affidavit given by Mrs. Prudence Clarke is a fabricated false hood to obtain money from government. Other facts might be stated and I would refer to persons was I not in great haste and should any person call on me I can refer to members in the neighbourhood to to the above stated facts and if your Honor wishes by sending a note to that and requesting reference to person and further facts as I may get knowledge of your request with atten- ded to in great haste
Yours with Respect
Luther Estlin
Hon. James L. Edwards -Commission Pension Washington D.C.

Prudence Clark V 1937 Wid of Reuben Cont-
Adm n pri 4 mo 12d 14.66 Serj. 3 . 18 18.00 Em 15. 11 153.66 2.3 14/186.32 per ann.
cont 4 March 1891
Washington City
Dec 14 1891 Prudence Clark
Washington D.C. 9 Sept J. L. Between 8th and 9th from 7th to 8th 7th
Ha S. Ingham WR

According to this mode of calculating the account will stand as follows.
Amount paid to Claimants on the 6 th of January 1838, with the interest due thereon, liquidated at the end of each year and made a part of the principal for the ensuing year. say $1304.30. without Jan 7 6 th 1852 $2947.87.
Amt of instalment on pension paid July 1838. with interest calculated as above stated 216.31.
Amt of instalment on pension paid Jan 7 1839. 198.59. $3362.77
If the semiannual instalment on pension due in July 1839. was paid before the pension under the act of July 4. 1836 was stopped Aug 11 1839. about 185.00
Total amt $3547.77 EE
Govt Claim $3547.77. Pension Act July 7. 38
13 years 2794.95 Bal. due Govt EE $752.82
216.31
176.75 157
Due

Cash paid on pension. July 18 1838
Cash paid Claimant January 6 th 1838.
 $ 93.16  5,588.96  93.16  98.74  5,922.44  Due July 1 st 738  " '39 98.74  104.66  6,277.96  " '40 104.66  100.93  6,653.58  " '41 110.93  107.38  7,051.48  " '42 117.58  124.63  7,477.98  " '43 124.63  132.10  7,922.60  " '44 132.10  140.93  8,400.61  " '45 140.02  148.42  8,900.52  " '46 148.42  157.32  9,431.92  " '47 157.32  166.75  10,000.50  " '48 166.75  176.75  10,600.50  " '49 176.75  187.35  11,241.10  " '50 187.35  198.59  11,911.54  " '51 198.59  210.50  6,310.50  210.  216.31  '48  157  166  10,000  166.75  '50 176.75  10,600.50  '51 176.75  187.35  11,241.10  187.35  198.59  E E 
Cash paid on pension Jan 26. 1839.
 93.16 5,588.96 93.16 98.74 Due Jan 8 '40 6 5,921.44 98.74 " " '41 104.66  6 6,271.96 104.66 " " '42 1,110.98  6 6,685.58 110.93 '43 6 117.58 7,051.48 Due Jan '44 117.58  6 124,631.48 6 7,477.78 Due Jan '45 124.63  6 132.10 7,321.60 Due Jan 76 '46 132.10  6 140.02 8,401.13 Due Jan 6 '46 140.02  6 148.42 8,901.52 Due Jan 6 '47 5.42 2.132  6 .92 20 2203. Due Jan 6 '48 2335. Int 19 140,114 2335.24 Due Jan 6 '49 2475.36 Int 19 148.52.10 2475.35 Due Jan 6 '50 2623.87 157.43.22 2623.87 Due Jan 6 '51 2781.30 166.87.80 Due Jan 6 '52 2781. 39,471.87 
 $1304.30 6 per ct 1 year Int. 78.2580 1304 Due 6 Jan '39 1382.25 6 per ct 1 yr's Int 82.9350 1382.25 Due Jan 76 th 40 1465.18 6 per ct. 1 yr's Int. 87.9108 1465.18 Due Jan 76 th 41 1553.09 1 yr's Int. 93.1854 1553.09 Due Jan 76 th 42 1646.27 1 yr's Int 98.7762 1646.27 Jan 76 th 43 1745.04 Int. 104.7024  1745.04 1849.74 1849.74 1960.72 117.6432 60.72 78.36 70.16 36 66 36 

Joseph Clark of Chester Middlesex County State of Connecticut, County five years of age Depos & says that Reuben Clark was Ensign under Capt. John Allen in Matthew Weeks Regiment Stationed at Horse Neck in June 1779. and discharged March 1780. also I was a Musician in the same Corps and regiment. I further saith that the said Reuben Clark was in said company during the whole time. Chester June 26. 1839 Joseph Clark
Chester Middlesex County June 26. th 1839 Personally appeared Joseph Clark and made solemn Oath to the above deposition by him signed before me Samuel P. Russell Justice of Peace
This may certify that Joseph Clark signer of the above deposition is a man of truth & veracity and may be relied on Chester June 26. th 1839 Samuel P. Russell Justice of Peace
State of Connecticut, Middlesex County I John Trull Clerk of the County Court of S. County of Middlesex do Certify that Samuel P. Russell Esq. is a Justice of the Peace within & for S. County of Middlesex as per Com. on file in my Office & that his name subscribed to the preceding Certificates mark A. B. are his proper hands writing & signatures. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of S. Court this 27. day of June 1839. John Trull Clk.

10 b 24
Prudential and of Widower Reuben Clark Two C o rolls of Capt Aaron Stearns placed on roll files

Suspended
See letter to D r McMurtry 12 May 1838. -do. to claimant July 24. 1838
Prudence Clark y r papers gave to N r Evans to copy 14 Nov. '38

No. 65844
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
Received Apr. 13, 1858.
Reuben Clark
Rev. War
Warrant 817-160-55
Henry Fowler Hartford Ct.

Leicester, Middlesex County 6 th August 11 th 1857
Sir,
I sent you a letter about the first day of July last enclosing some additional proof in the case of Prudence Clark the widow of the late Reuben Clark deceased, — I am anxious to learn what your decision is in her case. — Mrs Clark is a woman in indigent circumstances & stands greatly in need of a pension, to which without any doubt she is clearly entitled whether the proof be as ample as is desirable or not. Mrs Clark is about 78 yrs of age and is quite infirm
I am very Resp y
J L Edwards Esq Washington City
Yours most aff ly Henry Harris

July 22 1861
PM
Hon. J. L. Lawrence. Commissioner of Pensions. Washington City.

Hon d Sir
Chester July 15 th 1839
I understand that the host of Federal Whigs has arisen against Mrs Prudence Clark to stop her Pension, with their black Federal Lander to assist them, and as black as themselves and about the same stamp, this affair has been one of the most unaccountable of all, that they should undertake in the way they have to stop that Poor Doman's pension as unjustly as any transaction whatever, the reason is that her Grand Daughter had a Child and gave it to one of the Gang they have been to the grave yard to find something there - the grave stones was purchased by one of the sooners 25 years after the woman was dead, and a gross mistake in the acts, the young man that purchased them has been gone a number of years and cannot find what parts he is, or it could be known the mistake, they went Sily and made Complaint to the Circuit Court of the United States, and the old lady nor any of her friends knew not any thing about - until the day it was tried, the court set at New Haven - Grand Jury that these same villains to testify, the jury came in, and their verdict that she was an innocent woman and had not ought to have her Pension stop, those gang of scoundrel whig villains, has gone to all length that any gang of villains ever did, and I expect if they cannot do what they wish in this way, they will take the life of the old woman and her Granddaughter, it is so believed by a great part of Peoples Joseph Clark cannot go up - called up Joseph Clark is in the course of one year become a perfect child, his judgment gone now they are to work on him and tell him that if he does not help them and try to stop the old woman's Pension they will take away his Pension, and made him believe it, and to work on him to make him say what they tell him with their black whig Lander, running about with them once believe he is a justice of peace. His name is Bulkeley under those circumstances, nothing will escape his pen I wrote on to your Honours more than a year gone and informed you some what a vile set of Cretins, and Corrupters as black as any villains, in the large even - burning of Buildings and Lying in any case no one can go to the end of their dishonesty.
I am your friend and Humble Servt
N.B. I cannot believe but your Honours has feelings that will consent that old Samuel Bishop's woman's Pension should be stop under these circumstances

30 Oct. 1851
Secretary of the Interior
Prudence Clark's case
Mr. Davige will examine the enclosed and return it.
JEA

Department of the Interior Washington October 30. 1867.
Sir
I herewith return the papers in the case of Pudence Clarke, from your decision on which an appeal was taken by Mr S. A. Pugh. I fully concur with you as to the propriety as well as justice of exacting interest on the money erroneously received by Mrs Clarke, but I cannot sanction the mode adopted by you of computing interest in the statement rendered by you of the present condition of the account between the U.S. and Mrs Clarke, and I find also upon an examination of the case that a material error is committed in the allowance to the claimant of a credit for two years pension from the 4 th of March 1841, to the 4 th of March 1843, when in fact, during this period, there was no law in existence granting such pension. - The act of July 7. 1838. having expired on the 4 th March 1841. and not having been revived to take effect until the 4 th March 1843. I herewith transmit a statement of the account based upon the decisions of the courts in Virginia and several other states, respecting the legal and proper mode of computing interest, by which you will be guided in adjudicating the claim of Mrs Clarke, - and for your future guidance in similar or other cases where interest is properly chargeable

You will adopt the rule as laid down by Chancellor Taylor of Virginia, in the case of Lightfoot vs Price; 4 Hen & Munf. Rep: 431.
The proper mode of calculating interest, where partial payments have been made is as follows: So much of any payment, as is equal to the interest, is to be applied to the discharge thereof, and the residue towards discharging the principal; unless the debtor, at the time of the payment, or before, directs otherwise: That is to say from the sum of principal and interest, computed at the time of payment, the sum paid is to be deducted, and the balance to form a new capital, bearing interest; but with this caution, that the new capital be not more than the former; so that, if the payment be less than the interest due at the time, the surplus of interest must not augment the remaining capital because that would give interest on interest which would be unlawful." You will place Mrs Clarke's name on the Pension Roll under the act of July 7. 1838. and issue a certificate in her favor for whatever amount of arrears of pension which may appear due her upon a settlement of the account as when stated in accordance with the above. I would further remark in reference to the amount of Pension which she received as accruing from the 4 th of March 1836 to the 4 th of March 1839. (§ 559) that altho' it was paid to her under a mistake or even through fraud and misrepresentation, still she was clearly entitled to it, had she made a proper application, and the manner in which she obtained it, cannot so affect her rights

as to render it liable to the charge of interest, hence in the enclosed Statement I have not taken it into consideration in my computation of interest.
I am very Respectfully Your obedient Servant Alex r H. H. Stuart Secretary.
James D. Heath Esq. Commission of Pensions

I Joseph Clark of Chester in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut aged seventy five years - Depose and say that I was in the service of the United States, under Capt. John Allen, Jr. Mathew Mead's Regiment, Stationed at Horse Neck, in Connecticut: in the years of 1779- and 1780- - Reuben Clark of Chester was Ensign in said Capt. John Allen, Company, in said Regiment, from June 1779 to March 1780 - said Reuben Clark was husband to Prudence Clark, the present claimant, until his death - lived many years together, and had a large family of children. Joseph Clark
State of Connecticut } ss this 29 th day of August Middlesex County } A.D. 1837 - Be it remembered that on the day aforesaid Joseph Clark who hath subscribed the foregoing deposition appeared before me and after being examined and cautioned to speak the whole truth, made solemn oath to the same deposition -
Said deposition drawn up and certified
A by Joshua L. Hoomedien Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the Deponent, that he is a man of good moral character and of strict integrity. -
B Joshua L. Hoomedien Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut Middlesex County
I John D. Webb Clerk of the County Court for Middlesex County Certify that Joshua L. Hoagland Esq. is a Justice of the Peace within & for said County - duly Commissioned as a P. Com d on file in my Office & that the within signatures marked A. B. are his hand writing & signatures -
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my Hand & affixed the seal of said Court this 6 th day of Sept r . A.D. 1837
J. D. Webb Clerk

Chester Nov 28 A 1838
Honored Sir
Since receiving your affidavits I have ascertained that the statements of Miss Prudence Clarke as well as others is mostly wholly incorrect, will be proved by the following facts. I enclose you a copy taken from the records of a Church in Saybrook which now constitutes the Church in Chester by which appears that there was a Clergeman in Chester from 1772 until 1781. I would further state that Miss Prudence Clarke's statement respecting the age of her children is wholly incorrect it is well known that Miss Prudence Clarke was in a state of pregnancy by Ruben Clark at the time of her marriage and that Mary Hough the aged lady mentioned in last note was also in state of pregnancy at the same time and by the aforesaid Ruben Clark. from whence some information can be obtained respecting the age of Miss Clarke and her children as well as from the following named persons. Daniel Barker states that Miss Clarke's oldest was borne the summer or fall of A 1784. Miss Agnes Post states that she was brought up near neighbour and was school & play mates together and that she has heard Priscilla Clarke frequently tell her age that she the said Abigail Post was stated states that she was 54 years of age last April and that the said Priscilla Clarke was 54 last Sept other testimony to the same fact can I have no doubt be obtained. Henry Clark had he been living would have been 52 years of age in June or July last as stated by Miss Esther Tyler Mother in law to said Henry Clark and was living with him at the time of his death & Mary Hornedine wife of said Henry Clark was at the time of his death now wife of Stephen L. Hornedine.

Marthy Clarke was 40 years of age the fore part of June dates is stated by Samuel Clarke Hannah Barker Rhoda Brooks and others I ought to have mentioned Parnall Clarke previous to Marthy. Parnall Clarke when she died 1828 or as some think in 1829 was 41 years of age at her death as is stated on the grav- estone erected last spring at the expense and under the direction of her Mother Miss Bendery Clarke . There is no doubt but a corresponding misstatement that may be proved in age of all Miss Clarke's children from the oldest to the youngest if Sir you should want further information. your request by note will be attended to as I obtain information on the subject In great haste.
Respectfully your
Oblt servant
J. Welch
Hon James S Edwards Commr of Pensions Washington D.C.
Be pleased to overlook errors and mistakes
J.W.
Sir you will perceive that the enclosed copy is wrote on the back I designed sending the contents of this note on the same paper and wrote in great haste and that brings was not mentioned that was consequence to name which is cause of said writing J. Welch.

Chester Nov. 24 D 1838
Sir
In answer to the request contained in your note of the 14 inst I would refer your Honor to Daniel Barber who states that Miss Prudence Clark was not married until the spring of 1784 he thinks in the month April Charles Brooks states that Miss Clarke was not married until after the close of revolution is not certain whether the spring of 1783 or 4 Miss Hannah Douglass who states that Ensign Ruben Clarke returned from service in consequence of the sickness of his first wife that she was attacked with fever which which terminated in consumption that she was sick a long time that said Ruben Clark did not again enter the service after his return at that time that Miss Prudence Clarke was not married until after the close of the war and that also states to Miss Clark & Jedediah Harris Esq the person which assisted Miss Clark to obtain her pension.
I will refer your Honor to the humble monument erected to the memory of Elizabeth Clark wife of Ensign Ruben Clark who had she live would richly deserve the honors of government for her patriotic exertion in the cause of freedom, 'twas she that encouraged her husband and two of her sons to jeopardize their lives in the battles of freedom and just as the day dawned on the sun of liberty had risen on her country she fell a sleep the following inscriptions inscription may be found on the monument in grave yard in Chester.
In memory of Miss Elizabeth wife of Ens Ruben Clarke who died Nov. 31. 1782 in the 41 year of
her age A true copy taken from the monument All the above named person reside in the town of Chester county of Middlesex state of Connecticut and within

one mile of the last residence of Sarah Ruben Clarke and the present residence of his widow Prudence Clarke Having a family dependant on my daily labour for support I could not give but little time to the subject other testimony may without doubt be obtained not only positive but circumstantial of the strongest nature should you Honor think of taking affidavits on the case I could refer any person to a number of other witnesses that I think would state same or more as those above named. I would state that Jedediah Harris Esq above named used great exertion to obtain Miss Clarke's pension and it is stated that he received by some $300 others $500 for his service know not what testimony to that fact could be obtained but think that it might it is further stated that Miss Clarke has $900 of the money now due on a note
As respects those affidavits refer to in my note of the 7 th I will assure your Honor that I have dishonorable motive in asking for copies and should you Honor forward them no in proper use will be made of them
I would further state that the above named witnesses are all the persons living within the above named distance of one mile of residence of Miss Prudence Clarke old enough to recollect the transactions of 1784 with one exception that an aged lady of 90 who if she retained her memory would be a good witness and from whom some information may be obtained
Be pleased to overlook errors and omissions
I am very respectfully
your obt servt
James L. Lawrence
Seth Webb
Commissioner of Pensions Washington

Feb 7. 1846.
Shelburne Feb 11
On Alder case
Sundance Clarke
Deacon on Roll act 36-1688 Conn
Honble J. L. Church
20
Commissioner of
Penury
Washington
City

Chester January 22 1846
Sir
I now address you a few lines respecting my Pension that was taken from me Very Unjustly. This arose from this Circumstance Sir, I brought up an orphan Granddaughter her Father was Slain in the last war at Suckets Harbour her mother Died at home, she was so unfortunate as to have a Child by a man an unprincipled Willing, and he went to all lengths to injure me and procured a number to assist him in stopping my Pension and even went to the Grave yard to make it out, the Grave Stones was not purchased untill more than twenty years after the Death of the woman, and they were Procured by the Youngest son of his first Children and Eldest son of the last Children, that was my son, and after they were brought home to the Grave there was a mistake of three years in the date and to carry them back was a considerable trouble and difficult to letter them again, and we concluded to put them up as they were as it would show where her remains were laid. my son has been over fifteen years, the other man has gone to parts unknown to me, if they were here they could inform you the whole story, thus I have been deprived of my right to a pension I believe I have as good a right as any widow in the States, I have endeavoured in all my Declaration to state the truth, but as my mind and memory has failed me with my strength that at some times I have been almost afraid to state what I knew, but shall not trouble any one long for I am trembling over the Grave, I am Yours Obedient Servant
To the Hon ble J L Edwards
Prudence Clark

Hon
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner
of Pensions
Washington City

Suppose, my husbanduben Clark in 1779 and 1780 was in Elisha Chapman Company, as he enlisted a company about the same time, according to my best recollection, and an acquaintance of my husbanduben Clark, and belonged to the same town Since my Declaration was made I remember of hearing my husband In his Discovery of some battles took place, at Horse Neck, in regard to Capt Allen's good behavior, I am led to believe I made a Mistake of the Capt, he was with, but I made my Declaration In the Integrity of my heart, fifty eight years has rolled away Since that period, I then was young, but now am old, and Infirm, in the evening of my days, gentlemen, I cannot believe you will harbour a thought, that I mentioned one Company and at the same time he belonged to another, in purpose for some other end Capt Allen Company was Stationed at Horse Neck, as I mentioned, that my husband was there, In my Declaration, and Capt Chapman Company was Stationed at New London, it appears from the Compt- troller's Office that Capt Allen received his Order on the Insurer, of Payment, for his Company, the 5 th of June 1780, and Capt Chapman his the 3 rd of June 1780 it appears that both Companies was out at the same time, but not perhaps the same length of time both the Company Stationed in Connecticut, (In the whole of my business, I have related according to my best remembrance) I am yours, Respectfully.
Chester June 28 th 1837
Hon. J. L. Sandars Commissioner of Pensions
Prudence Clark.

J H Edwards Esq Sir
Inclosed are sundry Depositions taken at the request of those who feel an interest to satisfy the Pension Department that Prudence Clark of Chester in the State of Connecticut whose name is upon the Pension Roll of the Agency of the State of Connecticut as the widow of Reuben Clark is not entitled to a pension. Her claim was under the law of 4 th July 1836 under which it was necessary to shew that her marriage took place before the expiration of the last period of the service of her husband — that according to her Declaration in the Pension Office must have been in the year 1780 — The marriage of herself with Reuben Clark is stated to have been on the 14 th April 1779 — It will appear by the accompanying Depositions that the first wife of Reuben Clark did not die till the 31 st of August 1782 — (Prudence Clark was his second wife) and not till after the expiration of the last period of his service — See Depositions of Huldah Silliman Samuel Silliman, Daniel Barker, Hannah Douglass Charles Brooks — The statement that she was married in 1779 is not true —
The statement that she was married by Gustus Buck and there

was at that time no resident Clergyman in the place is not true in the last part of it See Deposition of Huldah Silliman who states the death of Robert Silliman the Clergyman from the Record —
The statement in her supplementary Declaration in regard to the ages of her children is not true and it is thought was contrived for the purpose of confirming the time of her pretended marriage in 1779 — She has repeatedly declared the statement there made to be false See Depositions of David Baldwin John Packer her Daniel Barker her Daniel Barker, Hannah Douglas Rhoda Brooks, Mary Ann Bailey — Samuel Silliman
These suggestions are made for the purpose of directing the attention of the Department to an unwarrantable claim in behalf of Prudence Clark upon the General Government — under the belief that neither falsehood, misrepresentation or mistake in a matter of this moment will receive countenance from the public officers that have this subject in charge The facts as stated in the accompanying Expositions are believed to be beyond dispute — any further information in relation to the subject or communication touching the same may be made to Elisha H. Bulkeley East Haddam Connecticut in behalf of those interested — Very Respectfully your obedient Servt E H Bulkeley

Chelsea Nov 7 D 1838
Sir I request that you would send me copies of the depositions given to obtain a pension for the widow of Benjamin Ruben Clarke late of Chester county of Middlesex State of Connecticut a soldier for the revolution as a soldier is which pension she is not in any way entitled by the acts of congress and if you honor wishes further information you may send your request with copy of it the depositions and the amount for reward for detection such frauds on government or without the offer of reward and I will refer to undeniable testimony that said Ruben Clarke did not serve in the revolution for two or three years previous to its close and that Prudence Clarke the widow, was not married to the said Ruben Clarke until 1784
You will expect Luther Webb 2/3 three copies are needed as the said widow may and others may be concerned as evidence in a case of some considerable consequence I wish therefore that they might be sent without delay
L. Webb said widow testified was given some time in Jan last as she drew her money between the 20th & 25th of Jan 1838

I David Buell of Killingworth in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut, depose and say, that I am seventy six years of age - that I served in the revolutionary war, in a Company commanded by Capt. Stanton, in Col. Matthew Mead's Regiment, stationed at Horse Neck, in the year 1779, and was discharged in March, in the year 1780 - I was well acquainted with Reuben Clark, of Say-Brook, now Chester, in s. State, and that he served as an Ensign in Capt. Allen's company, which belonged to the same Regiment, in which I served. And further this deponent saith not.
David Buell
State of Connecticut } Middlesex County ss. } Killingworth November 13 th A.D. 1837
Personally appeared before me, David Buell, and made solemn Oath that the above deposition by him subscribed contains the truth, and nothing but the truth - And I certify that the said David Buell, is well known to me, and that he is a credible witness.
Sworn before, & certified by me. Elisha Pelsey Justice of Peace

Skane Mar 3. Prudence Clark Ch. care
Naima
J. L. Edwards
Conn. Ct
Pensions
Hon. S. Dugham O.R.

Hon.
Chester Conn. 16 th Dec. 1838
James L. Edwards - Commissioner Pension Office -
We the undersigned Inhabitants of Chester and Killingworth in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut, are well acquainted with Widow Prudence Clark a Pensioner of said Chester - That she is a poor Widow of good standing, and a member of the Presbyterian Church - We would respectfully represent that we have learnt with feelings of regret, that a few Individuals, have conspired together, to mislead the Pension Department, and to deprive Widow Clark of her Pension - And from our knowledge we believe the whole business originated in an unfortunate transaction - in Widow Clark's family - One Luther Webb with a few other individuals, residing near Widow Clark, have for years past strong feelings of prejudice against her, and more particularly from a recent spurious transaction - Widow Clark has a Grand Daughter residing with her (of small intellectual capacity) who has the misfortune of having an illegitimate child - and has made solemn oath that said Luther Webb is the Father of said child.

and from the foregoing facts we fully believe has arisen this unpleasant and unjustifiable proceedings against Widow Clark - with regard to the other few individuals alluded to we forbear to make any further remarks, as the difficulty originated at her marriage - which they never have forgiven, although Widow Clark is, in no respect censurable but perfectly justifiable - We feel unwilling to invade a medulla with family misunderstand- -ings - and therefore have only alluded to one fact, to show the Department the origin of the proceedings against her - We fully believe from information derived from those who say they are acquainted with facts given to the Department, (and from their respect- -able standing in society) are fully of opinion that the Department will not deprive Widow Clark of her Pension, by reason of any doings of the within named person, - Widow Clark is an Aged Woman and mostly worn out by hard labour, and her stay in this World must be short - she is now verging near the Grave, and will soon become its tenant - Very Respectfully submitted by us - Samuel Colt John H. Stevens Mason Holmes Isaac Daniels Shaddens Beach John Daniels

Names —
Ezra L'Hommedieu
Aaron Watrous
Robert H. Tibbets
Charles Smith
Stephen L'Hommedieu
Benjamin Brooks
Socrates Denison
Charles Lester
Joseph C. Watrous
Wesley C. Lusk
Robert H. Jordan
Isaac D. Lapsman
Wm. Dolph
Ad. Hornbeck
Names
Abraham Bushnell
Aaron Dickinson
David Olcott
Aaron Watrous Jr.
I certify that the names of Joshua L. Hommedieu et al. in the foregoing are correct with all the persons whose names are affixed to this paper; that one among the most responsible citizens of this town —
Samuel G. Nye
Washington
Dec. 2. 1838
Middletown County ss Chester 18. Dec. 1838 I hereby certify that Samuel Galt Esq. is the first Select man, — Socrates Denison is the Post Master — Geo H. Abernethy is the Physician and that Thaddeus Beach Esq. is the present Representative of this Town to State Legis- lature — and that the other names attached to the foregoing are respectable Electors of this Town — and I also fully concur in the foregoing statement —
Ezra L'Hommedieu Justice of the Peace

Chester January 15 th 1839
Sir. Having heard and seen much of the rascality of Luther Webb, and his gang, to try stopping of the widow
Prudence Clark's Pension, I cannot but open my mouth In the first Place, arose from Mrs Clark's Grand Daughter having a illegitimate Child, and laid it to Luther Webb, and all people believe it to be his, her Grand mother brought her up expecting some comfort in her, but it has all faded and gone a poor orphan Child, her Father Died or was killed at Sacketts Harbour in the year 1818 in the State of New York, and her mother afterwards, for the purpose of giving you the full view of the villain Webb, and his gang they say it was done out of spite, for saying the Child to Webb, the Indians that has been fighting in Florida or Texas, is more credible than they have been to the grave yard, and its supposed by some that they altered some of the figures, and have taken every dirty method to stop that Old woman's Pension now taking over the grave I hope the War Department, will not stoop so, as to open any correspondence with the villains, I have seen so much, and heard, I could not be still any longer
Very respectfully your Obedient Servt
Samuel Bishop
D

Prudence Clark
born - 36 d
Mrs Cole
March 28 1857.
E. B. Pugh
April 12, 57

Know all men by these presents that I Prudence Clark of the Town of Chester in the County of Middlesex State of Connecticut (widow of Reuben Clark deceased) do hereby, constitute and appoint S. A. Peugh of the City of Washington D.C. my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to prosecute my claim to a pension by a restoration of my name to the Pension Roll again, and I hereby give unto my said Attorney full power to examine, any and all papers referring to said Claim either in the Public Departments at Washington or elsewhere, and to have free access to any documents thereof, I also give my said Attorney power of substitution and revocation, and I hereby agree and do by these presents, confirm all & singular the acts of my said Attorney or his substitutes lawfully done in the premises and by agreement bearing even date of these presents define the compensation to be given to my said Attorney for and in consideration of his services as aforesaid this power being irrevocable. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 2 nd day of March 1851.
Prudence Clark mark
Signed Sealed and delivered in the presence of
Deborah Jones Sarah M. Smith Giles O. Clark
Middlesex County ss. Chester 2 day of March A.D. 1851.
Personally appeared Prudence Clark signers hereof of the within power of attorney and acknowledged the same to be her free act and deed for the uses and purposes therein expressed before me - Giles O. Clark Justice of the Peace

Comptroller's Office Hartford Ct.
June 27 th 1837
On application for evidence of the service of Reuben Clark for the years 1779 & 1780 I have examined the Books and papers in this Office relating to the Revolutionary War, and find and certify as follows viz:—
Army Accounts August 7 th 1779 Captain John Allen Dr To order on Treasurer — £800— October 29 th 1779. to do. 1200. 00. 00 = January 28 th 1780. Captain John Allen Dr To order on Treasurer £1000 June 5 th 1780. To order on Treasurers by Captain John Allyn for wages of his Company — £39,286. 14. 00 —"
Army Accounts August 4 th 1779 Colonel Matthew Mead Dr To order on Treasurer £300 November 22 nd 1779 to do. 400 January 17 th 1780. Colonel Matthew Mead Dr To order on Treasurer £120— June 3 rd 1780 to do. 3000 —"

I have not found the name of Reuben Clark on the Books or papers for the years 1779 & 1780 =
There is no pay Roll of Captain John Allen's men for either of the above years in this office - neither do the Records state where, or how long Allen served in R. years, & the within is all I can find relating to the service of Reuben Clark for the time above stated =
Wm Field Comptroller

Computation of interest on the Pension of Prudence Clark under the act of 1836
N o 1.

If the account be stated, keeping the interest separate from the principal it will stand as following
  Cash paid Claimant Jan 7 6. 1838  $1304.30.    Interest on $1304.30 from Jan 7 6 1838 until Jan 7 6 th 1852. 14 years  1095.61.    1 st instalment pension. July 1838  93.16    Interest on $93.16 from July 1838. until Jan 7 6 th 1852 at 6 per Ct. 13 1/2 years  75.45.    2 d instalment pension Jan 7 1839.  93.16    Interest on same as above 13 years  72.66.    3 d third Ins t was paid previous to the stoppage of the Pension in Aug t 1839.  93.16.    Int e on $93.16 as above 12 1/2 years at 6 per Ct.  69.87     $ 2897.37  
  Due the Government $2897.37.     Amt of pension under Act July 7. 1838, 15 years at $186.33. per annum  2794.95    Bal Due Gov t  $ 102.42  
E E,

Wm Lloyd
Cow
Aug 19
Prudence Clark.
Wm James
ST. MARSHALL
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
3
[Signature]
100 100 100

Charter August 9 D 1839
Sir
Having been informed that a petition was sent you some time since for the continuance of Prudence Clark pension and that said petition intimated that the the statements in my note to you of Nov last were were not well founded and that said petition contained statements of a slanderous nature respecting me your honor would confer a favour by sending me a copy of said petition with the name of each petitioner you have I presume recd documents fully to confirm most of statements contained in said note all of which can be confirmed by testimony on oath. other facts have recently come to my knowledge which I have thought to communicate for your Honors consideration. Joseph Clarke one of the deponents to obtain said Prudence Clarkes pension stated to me and several others that he has records of the death of his mother, Ruben Clarkes first wife that said records state her death to have been August 31st 1782 he further states that he has records of the age of all his father Ruben Clarkes family by his first wife Elizabeth he further states that he never made any such statement as is contained in his affidavit that he really believes his father Ruben Clark married Prudence Jones in the spring of 1779 that he dont know when they were married said Joseph Clark is considered a man of truth and his statement may be relied on. I have a line now before me dated Hattingsworth April 13 D 1839 and signed by Judiah Harris one of the deponents which I think shews when compared with his affidavit that whether one or the other is not correct the following

is an extract 22 I had a sister married Zebotus Clark in 1778 and the next year Prudence Jones went to take care of Ruben Clark's first wife and after her death married him this is according to my best remembrance of the matter 23 Gwyneth Clark another of the deponants stated to me and others that Ruben Clark's first wife died in August 1782. I would mention that Judiah Harris got up and circulated the petition referred to and the inducement held out to obtain petitioners was that if the said pension should be suspended she Prudence Clark would become chargeable to the town of Chester. I have been much surprised for giving your honor informa- tion on the same account. I would mention one circum- stance to shew what caution is used to prevent information reaching your honor. Prudence Clark was brought before the church of which she was a member on charge of testifying falsely to obtain a pension. Samuel Cotts one of your petitioners was chosen by said Prudence as counsel and when the resolution was offered for to suspend the said Prudence from the watch and care of the church for presumptuously testifying to obtain her pension the said Samuel Cotts moved an amendment to said resolution to have the word pension stricken out and stated his reason that if said resolution passed in the form it then stood a copy might sent to Washington and be a means of suspending the said Prudence's pension, amendment to resolution passed other circumstances and facts might be mentioned which would go to confirm the injustice and fraud practiced to obtain and now

to to continue said pension. It is here admitted by all that have information that she the said Providence is not entitled to pension by the act of Congress of July 1836 yet some would be willing to rob government rather than have said Providence chargeable to the town. I presume enough has been said to satisfy your honor that injustice has been done in the present case, all the facts above stated can be fully established.
Hon J. L. Edwards Washington D.C.
I am respectfully your Obedt servt & injured fellow citizen Luther Webb

Payment to be made at Hartford Ct by S. S. Pitkin Esq.
Agent for paying Pen- sioners, in the Agency of
Connecticut
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book 1 Vol. 2 Page 66 by N. H. Addison
Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the 3d section of the law of the United States, of the 4th July, 1836, Prudence Clark of Connecticut widow of Ruben Clark dead who was an Ensign, Sergeant and Private in the War of the Revolution
is entitled to receive One hundred & Eighty Six dollars and Sixty Three cents per annum, during the time she may remain unmarried, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually the 4th of March and 4th of September.
Examined and Countersigned. §

In the case of Mrs Prudence Clark widow of Reuben Clark, she was a pensioner under act 4 th July 1836, and was stricken from the Roll in 1839 on the supposition that she was not married prior to the last period of the service of her husband, but, that she was married in the year 1784 Mrs Clark is yet alive, and now asks that she may be admitted to the benefits of act 7 th July 1838 & subsequent acts
To admit the fact that the allow- -ance under act July 1836 was an improper one, Mrs. Clark's receipt of the 8 years pen- -sion under an erroneous impression of facts, she is now entitled to 13 years pension under acts 7 th July, 1838, 45. 48 & 49, deducting the 8 years already paid her under act 4 th July 1836, leaving 5 years pension now due Mrs. Clark under said acts.
The allowance heretofore made of $186, per annum is proven by the evidence in the case    for  15  month  11  days  Ensign  $153.66    "  3  "  18  "  Sergt.  "18.00    "  4  "  12  "  Pvt.  "14.66     $186.32    in the most satisfactory manner.
The Commissions as Ensign & Sergt. are on file. The Certificate of the Comptroller of Accounts - The Pay Rolls of the Company & the affidavits (which speak from personal knowledge & contemporaneous service) accompany the case all corrob- orate the widow's statement as to the service

of Reuben Clarke,
It is respectfully submitted, That said restoration to the pension Rolls be made in compliance with the law in such cases as made & provided,
J. N. Pugh

Office of Dist Atty Winchester. Oct. 2. Sep 1839
Sir
I have recd the copies of the papers from your office in case of Prudence Clarke for Pension - Soon after I wrote you for the papers last Spring I got hold of a copy of the papers which were obtained from your office by a Mr. Webb which so fully satisfied me of the perjury of the old woman that I felt it my duty to bring her before a Grand Jury, not- withstanding she was more than 80 years old & would so soon depart with a tribunal in another world competent to her coming - I did so, at the last Term of the Circuit Court, the Jury did not find a bill against her, from the fact alone, that she was so soon to appear before a more competent tribunal - as they all remarked that they had no doubt of her guilt.
Very Respectfully Your obed Servt N. S. Holabird
N. S. Dist Atty
J. S. Edwards Esq Comm n Pensions

District of Connecticut Office of Dist Atty New Chester 7 Oct 1639
Sir
On investigation of the case of Prudence Colenk (one of your old Ladies) I became fully satisfied of her guilt of the crime of Purgery. I filed an indictment against her & presented the matter to the Grand Jury, they ignored the bill, stating to me that they were fully satisfied of her guilt yet as she was more than 80 years old & so soon to appear before a tribunal more competent to do her justice, that they felt justified in adopting that course.
It was fully proven before the Grand Jury that she was not married to Colenk the prisoner until several years after the close of the war.
Very Respectfully
Your Obedient
W. S. Habsabrid
U S Dist Atty
J. L. Edwards Esq Comm - Prisoner

East Haddam Ct. Feb 3 rd 1849.
Wm J. L. Edwards,
Dr Sir,
I am desired to inquire of you whether on application of Prudence Clark of Chester accompanied by satisfactory evidence, she can be allowed a pension under the late act of Congress relating to Widows of Revolutionary Soldiers. You will recollect that she was pensioned under the act of 1836 and her name stricken from the Roll on account of fraud in the proceedings. To the perpetration of that fraud, I am fully satisfied she was not a party, nor was she conscious that any fraud was committed. At the time of that transaction, her son who resides in this Town, applied to me to get her pension, and stated her case as well as his capacity would admit of, and I informed him she did not come within the law, and her case must be deferred until Congress made further provision. Some weeks afterwards he informed me that Esq Harris had taken up her case and insisted that it was clearly within the provisions of the law, and further that I knew nothing on the subject of Pension Laws. And from my knowledge of the case I think the old lady intended no fraud upon the Department.
An early reply will oblige
Your very obedt Servt.
John C Palmer

East Waddams / Conn / Feby 17 th 1840
James L Edwards Esq Sir
Understanding that Pudence Clark of Chester Middlesex County Connecticut has made application to the proper department for a pension under the act of the 7 th July 1838 as the widow of Reuben Clark late deceased, I have been requested by those who feel an interest in the subject and believe that the Department has heretofore been imposed upon by an application from the same source, to inform you that the applicant is the same person whose pension was stopped in August last by order of the War Department, in consequence of its appearing to the Department that the statement in regard to the time of her marriage to Reuben Clark in her original application under the Act of July 4 th 1836 was false - She has already received a pension for eight years, by practicing a fraud upon the government - three years longer than she would be entitled to under the law of 1838 - Under these circumstances it has been supposed that an application from her could not receive the favorable consideration of your department - and that it could not in any event lend its aid to sanction fraud, falsehood or any other crime

A large portion of the vicinity of Prudence Clark, entertaining a strong confidence in the firmness of your department and a fixed determination to do its duty have deemed it obligatory upon themselves, to cause this communication to be made - Indeed it was supposed from the tenor of your communication in August last, that the U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut had been directed to institute criminal proceedings against Mrs Clark but nothing of the kind has occurred - Should an application on behalf of Prudence Clark under the law of 1838 be made, any information on the subject that may be desired will be communicated by those interested in the subject, by addressing the subscriber at East Haddam Connecticut.
Very Respectfully Your obt Servt E. A. Bulkeley

Pension Office, Sept 25, 1857.
Sir:
I have the honor to return herewith the letter of Mr. Pugh of the 20 th inst: appealing from the decision of this Office in the case of Prudence Clark, together with all the papers in the case, as also a copy of my letter of the 11 th inst to Mr. Pugh rejecting the claim.
I have the honor to be, Very Respectfully Yr. Obt. Servt John Wilson for Commr
Hon. Alex. H. H. Stuart Secy Interior

Washington City D.C., 20 th Septm. 1851.
Hon A. A. Stewart Sir
I have respectfully to request an appeal from the decision of the Commissioner of Pension, in the case of  in the case of Imogene Clarke, by  in letter of the, 11 th inst, I ask that the papers be referred to your office for examination,
I am Yours &c E. H. Burgh

36-1688
Paid 10.
10
(Pension business) Nov 4. 1846 Rec Andrew Hark
Hon James L. Edwards Com. of Pensions
Washington City
45 HJB

James L. Edwards Esq.
Dear Sir.
I have been applied to for assistance to procure a pension for Prudence Clark, Widow of Reuben Clark, formerly of Chester, Middlesex Co. Ct.
I have been informed that her name was on the pension list under the act of 1836, but for some reason her pension was suspended, and supposed to be on account of her marriage after the close of the war.
Will you please to examine the papers on file in your office and inform me of the situation of her case? I presume, at all events, she would be entitled to a pension for the 5 yrs. & 4 yrs. since provided, for such as were married before 1794. -
Your early attention to this will much
Oblige your Obt. Servt.
A. P. Hascall
Le Ray N.Y. Oct. 27 1840

Mr Cole
Jan 22 1831
Prudence Clark born ap 36 - 1688
Mr Hassler

Washington City D.C. January. 21 st 1851 Hon. J. E. Heath Sir Commissioner of Pension
May I request that the papers in the Revolutionary Pension case of Prudence Clark. papers granted 4 th July 1836, belong to the Connecticut line. —
Yours &c F. C. Hasler

Chester Ct April 16 D 1844
Sir Having been informed that some person or persons are making or about to make an attempt to get a another renewal of or a grant of a pension for the widow Prudence Clarke of Chester County of Middlesex State of Connecticut widow of Ruben Clarke a Lieutenant in the revolutionary service of said town County & State and have thought proper to mention to your honor that she has once by fraud and falsehood obtained pension certificate and has been dropt from the pension list in by referring to affidavits now in the pension office you will be satisfied that her claim if made or should be made ought not to be granted but rather that she and others ought to be made to refund the moneys that they have fraudulently obtained from government
Yours with respect
James S. Edwards
Daniel Barker Jr

(copy)
Pension Office September 11 th 1851
Sir;
The papers in the case of Prudence Clark claiming a pension under the act of July 7 th 1838 have been examined and filed. This claim cannot be allowed. I say nothing of the fraud practiced upon the Government which should exclude all who had a part in it from any benefit of the pension laws forever. It is immaterial whether the claimant participated in the deception or not so far as the present issue is involved. The claimants say they are entitled to a pension under the act of July 7. 1838 and that this office has promised to allow them a pension whenever they shall have reimbursed the Government the sum fraudulently obtained. For the purposes of the argument I am willing to admit the promise and am of opinion that the condition to wit, the return of the money has not been complied with and therefore the claim cannot be allowed. How does the case stand? On or about the 6 th of January 1838 they received $1304.30. and subsequently three semi-annual payments of $93.18 each. These sums with the interest arising upon them, to which the Government is justly entitled, will

amount in January next to the sum of $3545.33, or thereabout. Allowing the pension at the rate here- tofore named $180.33 per annum the total of credits up to the 4 th of March 1851 would be $2794.95. Deducting this from the amount due from them to the Government the balance in favor of the latter due and unpaid will be found to be $750.38 or thereabout.
Very Respectfully Your O bt Servt
(Signed)
J. E. Heath Comm ee of Pensions
S. A. Peugh Esq Washington D.C.

Pension Office 13 Octo 1857
Sir
In compliance with your letter of the 9. inst, I herewith transmit a statement of the calculation made in Prudence Clark's case to ascertain the amount of interest due on the Pension fraudulently obtained under the act of 1836. Two modes of computation are given by neither of which does it appear that the debt has been extinguished.
I cannot ascertain after diligent enquiry whether any such offset has been made in the practice of the Pension Office. In view however of the multiplied frauds so constantly resorted to, and of the necessity of rebuking in some palpable form the outrage perpetrated by Mrs Clarke or her confederates, I determined to submit the question of interest to your better judgement.
With high respect
your obedient serv t
J. E. Heath
Commissioner
The Hon
A. H. H. Stuart
✓
Secy of the Interior

Examiner's Explanation

Pension Office Oct r 10 th 1857.
Sir,
In pursuance of your request I herewith enclose a detailed statement of the calculation made by me in the case of Prudence Clark and present the interest account in two shapes, either of which will, it is believed, shew the amount due to the Government to exceed the sum which would have been paid, under a pension under the Act of July 7. 1838.
In view of the gross fraud practised upon the Government, in the procurement of the claimant's former pension, under the Act of July 4. 1836, which involved forgery and perjury, the parties have no right, in my opinion to the benefit of any of the pension laws; but, inasmuch as it is alleged that this office has agreed to consider the claim in its present form, whenever the money fraudulently obtained shall have been refunded - and as the parties allege that the sum so obtained has been refunded virtually by the Government having withheld a pension under the Act of July 7. 1838, to which they say the claimant is justly entitled, I proceeded to ascertain whether, in fact, the money had been refunded.

In making the calculation I felt it incumbent upon me to demand interest, because, if the money had been recovered under a suit at law the verdict of the jury, would have been for principal and interest until paid , and I saw no good reason why a person who had procured money by fraud should be placed upon a better footing than honest debtors to the United States who are, if I am not mistaken, always, or as a general rule, required to pay interest. I moreover believed it to be my duty to adopt the most rigid practice in ascertaining the amount actually due, morally and legally.
There are, as you are aware, two modes of calculating interest among business men. One is to calculate the interest at the end of each year and, if it be not paid, to make it a part of the principal and charge interest upon the whole amount due and unpaid, for the ensuing year. This is done upon the ground that a man is entitled to the interest upon his money at the end of each year, or at the time when it becomes due, and that, if it be not paid, it is in fact so much cash belonging to him and improperly withheld and, therefore, should produce interest. Another mode is to calculate interest and keep it separate from the principal, in which case it is estimated purely with reference to the time during which the principal remains unpaid.
I did not regard the claim of Prudence Clark

as entitled to any peculiar favor. She and her coadjutors had been, as the papers will shew, guilty of perjury, or forgery, or both, and I, therefore, thought that they should be rebuked, by being made to refund the money fraudulently obtained, according to the strictest rule in practice among business men. Nor did I adopt this course until I had ascertained, as I thought, the fact from men, whose experience in such matters was entitled to great weight, that it was customary among merchants when accounts are of long standing, to do so.
It has been intimated to me that, in cases where money has been improperly, but fairly , paid, it has not been the habit of the Government to claim interest. Such may be the fact, but whatever may have been the custom where the parties have acted in good faith, it can have no bearing in cases tainted by fraud and where the public money has been obtained by forgery and perjury.
This, however, is a matter upon which the Secretary of the Interior is to decide.
Enclosed are calculations of interest upon both principles, shewing, as I think, that in neither case has the claimant refunded the money procured fraudulently and its legitimate product, in the absence of which the Government has been paying interest in the form of loans.
J. E. Heath Esq. Commr of Pensions.
very Respectfully Yr Obt Servt H. H. Dodge Ear in the Pension Office

An Appeal from a decision of the commissioner of Pensions in the case of Prudence Clarke, Widow of Reuben Clarke of Connecticut. —
Washington Sept. 1851
Hon. Sir,
In the case of Prudence Clarke Widow of Reuben Clarke of Conn! She has been pensioned under Act July 4, 1836. In 1839 it was discovered that she was not entitled to the benefits of this, but of a less favorable Act Viz. the Act of July 7, 1838 consequently her name was stricken from the pension roll.
The claim now set up is for the benefit of the latter act.
Application had heretofore been made to the office for the benefits of the provisions of Act 1838 and the Office decided that before the demand could be granted she must first refund the Amount improperly drawn under act 1836 . Recently the demand has been repeated for restoration to the Roll under the proper Act (Viz Act July 7 th 1838) and the Commissioner of Pensions admits her right to its provisions is made to but decide that the Amount improperly drawn with interest under Act July 4 th 1836 has not been refunded and that the claimant is yet indebted on 4 th Sept r inst. $750.38. This part of his letter it becomes

2 nd page
it becomes necessary to be particularly analyzed.
The commissioner says, "on or about Jan y . 6 th 1838 "they received $1304.30 and subsequently three semiannu- "al payments of $93.16 each  each making $1583.33 or thereabouts "allowing the pension at the rate heretofore named $186.33 "per annum the total of credits up to March 4. 1831 would "be $2794.95. deducting this from the Amount due from "them to the Government the balance in favor of the latter, "due and unpaid will be found to be $750.38 or thereabouts.
It is known to every Tyro of the pension laws that the Act of 1836 gives but five years more pension than the Act of 1838 up to the period of its termination (the right to which it is conceded she is entitled).
At $186.33 per annum five years amount to $931.65. This sum was paid in 1838 and all sums paid over and above this were for payments accruing after March 4 th 1836 and hence Mrs Clark was entitled to then as though they had been paid under Act 1838 to which she is entitled.
Therefore if it be a correct principle to charge interest on an improper payment to the Widow of a Revolutionary Officer (a principle entirely unknown to the Pension Office heretofore) the interest would commence on March 4. 1838 on the sum of $931.33 only, and as the last semi-annual payment

payment to the Widow was on Sept r 4, 1839 would be from 4 th of  March 1838 to the next semi-annual payment due her Vis  March 4, 1840 and for the sake of illustration I subjoin the calculation of Interest to show more clearly the fallacy of the Commissioner's statement and conclusions.
   $931.65 Interest from March 4, 1838 to March 4, 1840 111.79 $1043.45   Deduct payment due M rs Clark March 4, 1840 93.16   Due the United States on March 4, 1840 950.29   950.29 Interest from March 4, 1840 to Sept r 4, 1840 $28.50 978.79   Deduct payment due Sept r 4, 1840 93.16   Due United States on Sept r 4, 1840 885.63   885.63 Interest from Sept r 4, 1840 to March 4, 1841 $26.56 912.19   Deduct payment due March 4, 1841 93.16   Due the United States on March 4, 1841 819.03   819.03 Int. from March 4, 1841 to Sept r 4, 1843 $122.85 941.88   Deduct payment Sept r 4, 1843 93.16   Due United States Sept r 4, 1843 848.72   848.72 Interest to March 4, 1844 $25.46 874.18   Deduct payment due March 4 th 1844 93.16   Due United States " " 781.02   781.02 Interest from March 4, 1844 to Sept r 4, 1844 $23.43 804.45   Deduct paym t due Sept r 4 th 1844 93.16   Due W fe at that time " " 711.29  

711.29 Int from Sept 4 th 1844 to March 4 th 1845 $21.33 $732.62
Deduct payment due " " 93.16
Due U.S. " " 639.46
639.46 Int. to Sept. 4 th 1845 $19.18 $658.64
Deduct payment due on Sept 4, 1845 93.16
Due U.S. " " 565.48
565.48 Int. to March 4, 1846 $16.96 = 582.44
Deduct payment due on March 4, 1846 93.16
Due U.S. " " 489.28
489.28 Int. to Sept. 4, 1846 $14.67 = 503.95
Deduct paym t due on Sept 4, 1846 93.16
Due U.S. " " 410.79
410.79 Int. to March 4, 1847 $12.31 = 423.10
Deduct payment due March 4, 1847 93.16
Due U.S. " " 329.94
329.94 Int. to Sept. 4, 1847 $9.89 = 339.83
Deduct payment due Sept 4, 1847 93.16
Due U.S. " " 246.67
246.67 Int. to March 4, 1848 $7.39 = 254.06
Deduct paym t due March 4, 1848 93.16
Due U.S. " " 160.90
160.90 Int. to Sept. 4, 1848 $4.82 = 165.72
Deduct paym t due Sept 4, 1848 93.16
Due U.S. " " 72.56

  72.56 Int. to March 4. 1849 $2.17 = 74.73   Deduct paym t due March 4. 1849 93.16   Due M rs Clark March 4. 1849 18.43   " " " 1850 186.33   " " " 1851 186.33   Sept. 4. 1851 93.16   Due M rs Clark, after Deducting Interest $484.25 
It will appear from the above computation in the Int. account that a blunder of more than $200 is made, against the widow even in the anomalous position assumed by the commissioner. — When such egregious blunders occur in matters of extreme simplicity in the head of the Bureau (or rather by his confidential clerk Mr. Davidge) (the commissioner not being able to examine in detail,) charity would dictate that in matters of more importance, when principles are concerned surely any error may be pardoned.
Reasoning from this basis if Interest is chargeable against the Widow surely, when payments are due her for years she should be entitled to receive Interest on them. But the whole ground of the decision, fraught as it is with blunders such as a lad in his teens would blush to commit, is in gross violation of the spirit and benevolent

along the line and of the benevolent intentions of the framers of the Law and a novelty to be engrafted on the former Practice of the Pension office. In this very case when application was made for restoration to the Pension Roll under the proper Acts the office decided that so soon as the amount which had been improperly paid should be refunded she would then be restored to the roll. How was it contemplated she should refund this sum, either by direct payment or by Money credits to accrue to her until the sum was paid. The latter was the only alternative left the poor Widow. Had she possessed other means of refunding the Government would soon have coerced payment. Will the Government now turn Shylock and divest itself of its benevolent spirit and intentions through the ministers of its law, or rather will the ministers of the law seek to obscure the intentions of the Government? Another novelty occurs in this case worthy of notice. It was carefully examined and allowed by the Chief Clerk of the Pension Office (Mr. Evans) and as usual the Certificate was made out and sent to the Commissioner for his signature who withheld his name from it and sent the case to a type in Office whose wisdom not only conceived the magnanimous idea of charging the Widow of a revolutionary Officer Interest on her pension, but who has made the wonderful

wonderful discovery, that the interest on $1583.78 (the sum he charges) for 14 Years , together with the principal amounts to $3545.33 — a mistake of only $631 25 more than the whole amount of interest actually due!! Whether Mr. Davidge intended an attack upon the integrity or understanding of the experienced Chief Clerk (Mr. Evans) is not for me to say. — I would respectfully direct the attention of the Secretary to another blunder in the paragraph recited above that exhibits such ignorance of the law applicable to this case as is truly astounding. The Commissioner is made to say, "Allowing the pension at the rate heretofore named $186.33 per annum the total of credits up to the 4 th of March 1851 would be $2794.95 25 ." From the sum of this calculation it is evident that the commissioner confidential Clerk Mr. Davidge is ignorant of the fact that there is no law applicable to this case that gives continuous pension from March 4. 1836, but that there being a lapse of two years between 1841 and 1843 before the pension would again commence, thus making the sum due for the whole period of time up to March 4 th 1851 $2422.29 only instead of $2794.95 as stated by the Commissioner there — making another error of over $400 against the Government. Is it either

8 Is it either safe to the Government as trustee for the revolutionary soldier or just to the widow that the adjudication of the law founded in gratitude to those who yet remain of the ever memorable struggle for American liberty should be committed to an intellect with such conclusive evidence of being the sad remnant of the past? Would it not be safer policy to take the decision of the experienced chief Clerk (W m Evans) rather than the decision of the tyro (W m Dridge) the author of these blunders.
In conclusion the case stands thus, the Widow has been pensioned for five years under the Act 1836 more than she is entitled to. — Under Act 1838 and subsequent acts, she would have been entitled to thirteen and a half Years pension on 4 th Sept r 1831, but having been pensioned eight years and a half of this thirteen and a half under Act 1836 instead of Act 1838, and subsequent Acts, there remains due her, under Act 1838, thirteen and a half Years less the number of Years she drew under the first named act, (1836) being five Years yet due her. — It is respectfully submitted is the interesta proper charge against the Widow of a revolutionary Officer and against the precedents of the Pension Officer ?

No. 12 Feb. 48. C.A.
Blyth.

JONATHAN TRUMBULL, Esquire, Captain-General and Commander in Chief in and over the State of CONNECTICUT, in AMERICA.
To,
Reuben Clark
Gen l ,
GREETING.
YOU being by the General Assembly of this State appointed to be Ensign of a Company in a Regiment of Infantry ordered to be raised for Defence of the Sea Coasts and Frontiers of this and the adjoining States, and to prevent the Incursions and Depredations of the Enemy, reposing special Trust and Confidence in your Fidelity, Courage, and good Conduct I DO by Virtue of the Laws of this State, me thereunto enabling, appoint and impower you to take the said Company into your Care and Charge as their Ensign — carefully and diligently to discharge that Office and Trust, exercising your inferior Officers and Soldiers in the use of their Arms, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, ordained and established by the Laws of this State, keeping them in good Order and Government, and commanding them to obey you as their Ensign — for the Service aforesaid; and you are to observe all such Orders and Directions as from Time you shall receive, either from Me, or from other your superior Officer, pursuant to the Trust hereby reposed in you.
GIVEN under my Hand, and the public Seal of this State, at Hartford the 21 st Day of June — Anno Domini 1779.
By His Excellency's Command,
George Wyllie Sec ry .
Jon. Trumbull

JONATHAN TRUMBULL, Esq;
Captain-General and Commander in Chief of the English Colony of Connecticut , in New-England , in America ,
To
Ruben Lord
Greeting.
YOU being by the General Assembly of this Colony, appointed to be Commissary of a Company now ordered to be raised in this Colony, and to join the Continental Army, reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Fidelity, Courage and good Conduct, I do, by Virtue of the Laws, of this Colony, me thereunto enabling, appoint and impower you, the said Ruben Lord to be Commissary of said Company you are therefore, carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of an Commissary in leading, ordering and exercising said Company in Arms, both inferior Officers and Sol- diers, in the Service aforesaid, and to keep them in good Order and Discipline, hereby com- manding them to obey you as their Commissary and yourself to observe and follow such Orders and Instructions, as you shall from Time to Time receive from me, or the Com- mander in Chief of said Colony, for the Time being, or other your superior Officer, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, ordained and established by the Continental Congress, pur- suant to the Trust hereby reposed in you.
Given under my Hand, and the public Seal of said Colony, at Hartford , the 20 th Day of June Anno Domini, 1776,
By His Honor's Command
George Wylly Sec'ry.
Jon: Trumbull

Samuel H. Parsons Esq; Colonel of the 13 th Regiment raised by the United Colonies of North America,
To Reuben Clark
Greeting.
B Y Virtue of the Power and Authority to me given, in and by the Delegates from the said Colonies in Congress assembled, I do, by these Presents, reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Loyalty, Courage, and good Conduct, constitute and appoint you the said Reuben Clark to be the Second Serjeant in the 9 th Company in the said Regiment: You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of a Serjeant, in ordering and exercising said Company in the Service aforesaid, commanding them to obey you as their Serjeant; and yourself to observe such Orders and Instructions as you shall from Time to Time receive from me or other your superior Officers, according to military Rules and Discipline, pursuant to the Trust reposed in you; for which this shall be your sufficient Warrant.
Given under my Hand and Seal this 12 th Day of Sept. in the Year of our Lord 1775.
Sam d H. Parsons

I Jeremiah Hull of Killingworth in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut, late Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth, do hereby certify, that I was Clerk of said Court at the time Mrs. Prudence Clark of Chester, in said County and State, made her declaration, for the purpose of obtaining a Pension, and that I had no doubt then, nor now, have, but that she was entitled to it, and that I never knew a person appear to be more cautious and circumspect, than she was, in making her declaration, and affirming to the same, and throughout the whole of the business, I never knew a person who appeared to be more careful, lest she should make some statements that were not strictly true.
Certified by me
Jeremiah Hull late Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth.
Dated at Killingworth this 10 th day of November D 1845

All artificers were pensioned at $144 per annum until Mr Ewing decided that Col Harker's Artillery Artificers were entitled to $20 per month, i.e., those who enlisted for 3 years and during the war and after 11 th Feb. 1778. - see journals of Congress 11 th Feb. 1778.
The Continental Congress by their action on the 11 th & 16 November 1779, placed Col Baldwin's Artificers upon the same footing with Col Harker's Artificers, i.e., the 11 Companies of said Regt. and Kingsley was one of those 11. Companies. He was Continental and not state allowance, and has been the practice of the office.
In regard to Prudence Clarke's case the last letter from the office, agreed to admit the claim under 38, when the money received under 36 should be refunded. This has been done & I do not conceive how we can do over

otherwise than admit the claim. I send Prudence Clarke papers Respg T. S. Eran

Oct 5- Killingworth Oct 2
from
Dear L. L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pension Washington City

Sturminster Newton Middlesex Co 20 Sept 1857
Sir!
I have answered a copy of a letter sent you on the 9 th instant, not having an answer I was fearful it had miscarried —
Your very Resp y Henry Harris
J. L. Edwards Esq
Sturminster Newton Middlesex Co 9 Sept 1857
(Copy)
Sir,
your letter of the 10 th inst enclosing a copy of your letter dated the 15 th of July (the original of which was lost) have been recd. — I have now enclosed the affidavit of Mr Joseph Clark of Chelmsford taken before Joshua L. Rommelien Esq a magistrate of Middlesex County which I believe contains the proof desired.
Your Resp y Henry Harris

Statement of account in the case of Prudence Clarke.
   Amount wrongfully paid. 6th Jany 1838. $931.66   Int to 4 th September 1839. 1 yr. 7 mo & 28 days. 92.85   1024.51   Deduct payt. of Pension due 4 th Sept. 39. 93.16   931.35   Interest to 4 th March 1840. $27.94   Deduct payt. of Pension due this date. 93.16   838.19   Interest to 4 th Sept. 1840. 25.14 33.08   891.27   Deduct payt. due 4 th Sept. 1840. 93.17   798.10   Interest to 4 th March 1841. 23.94   822.04   Deduct payt. due 4 th March 1841. 93.17   728.87   Interest to 4 th September 1843. ($109.32.)   Deduct payt. " " 93.16   Interest to 4 th March 1844 $16.16   21.86   38.02   Deduct payment 4 March 1844. 766.89   93.16   Interest to 4 th September 1844. $20.21 673.73   Deduct payt. 4 th Sept 1844. 93.17   580.56   Interest to 4 th March 1845. 17.41 27.62   618.18   Deduct payt. 4 th March 1845. 93.16   525.02   Interest to 4 th Sept. 1845. $15.75   Deduct payt. Sept 4, 1845. 93.17   431.85   Interest to 4 th March 1846. 12.95 28.70   460.55   Deduct payt. March 4, 46. 93.16   Interest to 4 th Sept. 1846. 11.02 367.39   Deduct payt. Sept 4, 1846. 93.17   Interest to 4 th March 1847. 8.22 274.22   19.24 19.24   Deduct payment Mar 4, 1847. 293.46   93.16   Interest to 4 Sept 1847. 6.00 200.30   Deduct payment 24 Sep. 1847. 93.17   Interest to 4 March 1848. 3.21 107.13   9.21 9.21   Deduct payt 4 March 1848. 116.34   93.16   Interest to 4 th Sept. 1848. 23.18   .69   23.87   Deduct payt. 4 th Sept. 1848. 93.16   due Mrs Clarke 4 Sept 1848 69.29   3 years pension at 186.33 hr annu. to 4 th Sep/48 558.99   due Mrs Clarke Sept. 4, 1851. $128.28  
E. E.
M. Cleary.

  Deduct payment 4 March 1844 93.16   673.93   Interest to 4 th September 1844 $20.21   Deduct payt. 4 th Sept 1844 93.17   580.56   Interest to 4 th March 1845 17.41 27.62   618.18   Deduct payt. 4 th March 1845 93.16   525.02   Interest to 4 th Sept. 1845 $13.75   Deduct payt. Sept 4. 1845 93.17   431.85   Interest to 4 th March 1846 12.95 28.70   460.55   Deduct payt. March 4. 46 93.16   Interest to 4 th Sept. 1846 11.02 367.39   Deduct payt Sept 4. 1846 93.17   Interest to 4 th March 1847 8.22 274.22   19.24 19.24   293.46   Deduct payment Mar 4. 1847 93.16   200.30   Interest to 4 Sept 1847 6.00   Deduct payment 24 Sept. 1847 93.17   Interest to 4 March 1848 3.21 107.13   9.21 9.21   116.34   Deduct payt 4 March 1848 93.16   23.18   Interest to 4 th Sept. 1848 .69   23.87   Deduct payt. 4 th Sept. 1848 93.16   due Mrs Clarke 4 Sept 1848 69.29   3 years pension at 186.33 pr annu. to 4 th Sept/51 558.99   due Mrs Clarke Sept 4. 1851 $628.28 
E. E.
W. Cleary

State of Connecticut Middlesex County ss.
I Jedediah Harris of Killingworth in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut aged Seventy two years depose and say, that I have been acquainted with the widow Prudence Clark the widow of Reuben Clark late of Chester in said Middlesex County now deceased ever since I was twelve years old, she lived in my father's family and in the neighborhood where I was brought up until she was married to Reuben Clark in the Spring of the year 1779 afterwards she lived in Chester within about three miles of me, where  they were married.
by Justus Buck Esq. There was no resident clergyman in that place at that time as I understood was the case that the said Justus Buck married a number of couples and there is no record to be found of the marriages the said Justus Buck made. That the said Reuben Clark is dead, that the said Prudence Clark remains the widow, and ever has since the death of her husband, and still is unmarried. That I know that the said Reuben Clark served in the war of the Revolution, that he was at Horse-neck in the years 1779 and 1780 a considerable time. I cannot state the particular time at that place of the service rendered. That I know the said Reuben & Prudence Clark had a large family of children most of whom I have been acquainted with. (the eldest Priscilla Clark is about fifty seven years old) now living in the state of New York. Sworn and subscribed this 13 th day of May 1837 and year last above Before me David Wright (Jedediah Harris) Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth

State of Connecticut Middlesex County ss.
On this 13 th day of May 1837 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth Jedediah Harris to me well known who being by me duly sworn deposeth and saith the facts set forth in the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed are true and I certify that I am well acquainted with the said Jedediah Harris that he is a man of truth and whose statements are entitled to full credit.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and office the day and year last abovenmentioned David Wright Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth
State of Connecticut Middlesex County ss.
I Jeremiah Hull Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that David Wright is a Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in the County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified that his commission was dated on the 3 rd day of June 1836 and will expire on the 20 th day of June 1837 and that his signature above written is genuine
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in the County and State aforesaid this 13 th day of May 1837 Test Jeremiah Hull Clerk

State of Connecticut Middlesex County SS.
I Dan Platts, of Madison, in the County of New Haven, in the State of Connecticut, aforesaid, aged Seventy two years, depose and say that I am a Son of Dan Platts late of Saybrook in the County and State aforesaid now deceased who served in the United States service during the Revolutionary war, that he received an Ensign's Commission and marched to Roxbury in Massachusetts in the year 1775 under Captain John Ely under Colonel Samuel H. Parsons, that he went out under a Commission from the authority of the State of Connecticut aforesaid, that after the Army was organized he received a Commission under the authority of the United States, and served in said tour in the United States service about eight months, to my knowledge, and that I know that Reuben Clark, late of said Saybrook, now deceased, joined and belonged to the same company, That I have been acquainted with Prudence Clark, now widow of the said Reuben Clark, deceased from my childhood up to the present time, that I was well acquainted with Reuben Clark, her late husband, who lived in that part of the town of Saybrook, now forming a part of the town of Chester, where he the said Reuben Clark died several years ago, and I well recollect that the said Reuben Clark, served as above stated, that the said Reuben Clark, served in the United States service in various capacities in the Revolutionary war, that I well recollect that the said Reuben Clark, _____ was married to

to Prudence Clark. (formerly Prudence Jones) at some period during the said Revolutionary war, and my belief is they were married several years before the termination of said war, or about the middle of said war. that the said Prudence Clark had by the said Prudence Clark a family of children some of them I have been partially acquainted with.
Dan Platts
Sworn and subscribed this 13 th day of May 1837 before me day and year last above written before me David Wright Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth
State of Connecticut Middlesex County ss.
On this 13 th day of May 1837 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in the County and State aforesaid Dan Platts to me well known who being by me duly sworn deposeth and saith that the facts set forth in the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed are true, and I certify that I am well acquainted with the said Dan Platts that he is a man of truth and whose statements are entitled to full credit.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and office the day and year above mentioned. David Wright Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth

State of Connecticut Middlesex County ss.
I Jeremiah Hull Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that David Wright is a Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in the County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified, that his commission was dated on the 3 rd day of June 1836 and will expire on the 20 th day of June 1837 and that his signature above or within written is genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in the County and State aforesaid this 13 th day of May 1837
Test Jeremiah Hull Clerk.

I Grindola Clark, of Chester, in the county of Middlesex, and State of Connecticut, Aged Seventy one years - Depose and say that I was well acquainted with Prudence Clark before and since her marriage - that she was married to Reuben Clark during the Revolutionary War, that she has a large family of Children consisting of three sons and five daughters and she was never married to any other man, I was well acquainted with the children - I was also well acquainted with the said Reuben Clark, residing in the same Town and most of the time in the same neighbourhood with him, from my youth up, and till his decease - and that I am well knowing to his being in the Revolutionary War, during the great part of the War - Furthermore deponent saith not - State of Connecticut Middlesex County - 388 Grind Clark
This 27 th day of April A 1837 - Be it remembred that on the day aforesaid Grindola Clark who hath subscribed the foregoing deposition appeared before me and after being examined and cautioned to speak the whole truth, made solemn oath to the same deposition - Said deposition drawn up and certified by Joshua H. Hoomedien Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the deponent, that he is a man of good moral character, and fair standing in society - Joshua H. Hoomedien Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut Middlesex County } I John Trull Clerk of the County Court of said County of Middlesex do Certify that Joshua L'Hommedieu Esq as a Justice of the Peace within & for said County of Middlesex as per Com d on file in my Office & that his name subscribed to the preceding Cert t mark d A. B. are his proper hand & signature In Testimony whereof I have here unto set my Hand & affixed the seal of said Court this 2 d day of May A.D. 1837 J. Trull

At a Court of Probate held in Killington within and for the District of Saybrook on the 5 th day of October A D 1813 -
Present Jonathan Day Esq. Judge Henry Clark, Executor of the last Will & Testament of Mr. Ruben Clark, late of Saybrook deceased, exhibited widows dower in the Real Estate of said deceased as set out by the Freeholders ap- pointed for that purpose which was accepted -
Attest Dan Lane Clerk
Saybrook October 2 d A D 1813 -
Set out to Mrs. Prudence Clark, the widow of Mr. Ruben Clark, late of Saybrook deceased, her right of dower in the estate of said deceased, as follows-viz. One half of the Dwelling house at the south end $50. Also one acre & 9 rods of Land in the homestead, bounded as follows-viz. Beginning at an angle near an apple tree by highway a little northerly of the house, thence running easterly 20 rods & 10 links to a turn by the brook thence still easterly 9 rods 10 links to Col. Daniel Willands line, being the Northeast corner of said homestead, thence southerly in said Willands line 5 rods to a stake & stones, thence westerly about 32 1/2 rods through the house to a stake & stones by highway, thence northerly 5 rods to the first mentioned bound. Also above 4 acres laid at the north end of the twenty acre piece being 13 rods & 10 links in width at each end - Total in lands $59.33 In above dower was set out by us the subscribers the date above written being appointed therefor and qualified according to law,
Thomas Silliman
Daniel Willand
Andrew Lewis
Freeholders

State of Connecticut Probate District of Saybrook J. March 21. 1837
The within and foregoing is a true copy of the Record of Distribution of Widow Bower in the Estate of Ruben Clark late of Saybrook deceased, and of the doings of this Court in relation thereto certified by
Hezekiah Spencer Judge of said Court

State of Connecticut Middlesex County ss. Killingworth June 14 th 1837 I Samuel Jones of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut aged seventy-nine years depose and say that I was well acquainted with Reuben Clark late of Chester in the County & State aforesaid now deceased before he was married to Prudence Jones and that I was well acquainted with the said Prudence Jones before she was married to the said Reuben Clark, that after they were married they lived within about two miles of me and had to my knowledge a large family of children. I did not see them married, but I know and remember the time of their marriage, and it was reported that they were married, and I know they lived together as man and wife until the time of the death of the said Reuben Clark, that I know that the said Prudence Clark is the widow of the said Reuben Clark deceased, that she still remains the widow of the said Reuben Clark deceased and unmarried.
Samuel Jones
State of the
Sworn and subscribed on this 14 th day of June 1837 before me David Wright Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth
State of Connecticut Middlesex County ss.
On this 14 th day of June 1837 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in the County and State aforesaid Samuel Jones Esq r to me well known who being by me duly sworn deposeth and saith that the facts set forth in the foregoing affidavit affidavit by him subscribed are true and I certify that I am well acquainted with the said Samuel Jones Esq r that he is a man of truth and whose statements are entitled to full credit.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and office the day and year last above mentioned David Wright Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth

State of Connecticut Middlesex County ss.
I Jeremiah Hull Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Fullingworth in the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that David Wright is a judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Fullingworth in the County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified that his commission was dated on the 3 rd day of June 1836 and will expire on the 20 th day of June 1837 and that his signature above or within written is genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court of Probate for the District of Fullingworth in the County and State aforesaid this 12 th day of June 1837
Test Jeremiah Hull Clerk.
1990

Depositions of Huldah Silliman and others —

Samuel Silliman of Chester in the County of Middlesex State of Connecticut deposes and says that he is in the 54 th year of his age, that he was well acquainted with Reuben Clark formerly of Chester, commonly called Ensign Clark that he has this 11 th day of July 1839 read the inscription upon the tombstone of said Ensign Reuben Clark who is stated to have died on the 18 th December 1812 in the 78 year of his age - that by his side is the grave of his wife Elizabeth Clark, upon whose tombstone is the following inscription " In memory of Mrs Elizabeth, wife of En s Reuben Clark who died August 31 st 1782 in ye 41 st year of her age - That on a hearing of a complaint against said Prudence Clark before the Church in Chester in February or March 1839 for falsely swearing to procure a pension - the said Prudence Clark stated very positively and without the least hesitation that she never made oath to the ages of her several children as stated in her supplementary declara- -tion before the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth on the 14 th of June 1837 to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the Act of Congress passed July 4 th 1836 and that the time of the births of her children as there stated was not true. The result of the inquiry before the Church was a suspension of the membership of said Prud- ence Clark for one year - The Deponent was during the time aforesaid one of the Deacons of said Church, and still is -
Samuel Silliman
David Baldwin of Chester in the County of Middlesex State of Connecticut deposes and says that he was present at the hearing of a complaint against the widow Prudence Clark formerly wife of Ensign Reuben Clark before the Church in Chester in February or March 1839 for falsely swearing to procure a pension, the said Prudence Clark stated

several times and with much assurance, that she never made oath to the ages of her several children as stated in her supplementary declaration before the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth on the 14 th June 1837 to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the Act of Congress of July, 4 th 1836 and that the times of the births of her children as there stated was not true. The result of the inquiry before the Church was a suspension of her membership for one year — David Baldwin
John Parker Sun of Chester in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut being first duly sworn deposes and says that he was fifty five years old the 15 th day of May 1839 that he has from a childhood acquainted with Priscilla Clark the eldest daughter of Reuben and Prudence Clark. the said Prudence being still living in said Chester, that she was ever considered younger than himself, and he has frequently living in the same neighborhood, heard her mother Prudence Clark say she was born the fall after the Deponent and in a conversation which I had with her mother about four weeks since I stated to the said Prudence that her daughter Priscilla would be fifty five years old this fall September next, to which she assented —
John Parker J r
State of Connecticut Middlesex County p 3 Chester. July 11 th 1839. Then personally appeared before the undersigned a Notary Public duly commissioned & qualified Huldah Silliman, Samuel Silliman, David Baldwin and John Parker Sun signers of the foregoing Depositions and respectively made oath in due form of law to the truth of the Depositions by them subscribed unsworn . — And I certify that the said Deponents are each known to me as credible persons & that their statements are entitled to full credit. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 11 th day of July 1839 Eliphalet A. Bicknell Notary Public

Huldah Silliman of Chester in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut being first duly sworn deposes and says that she is now in the eighty eighth year of her age, that in the month of August, the precise day she cannot recollect, in the year 1782 a few days before the death of Elizabeth Clark the first wife of Ensign Reuben Clark late of Chester, formerly Saybrook deceased, she together with her sister Esther Saunders watched during the night with the said Elizabeth Clark in her sickness - At the time I speak of August Seventeen hundred eighty two, Prudence Jones - who afterwards married Reuben Clark the husband of Elizabeth Clark lived with said Reuben Clark and assisted in taking care of his first wife Elizabeth -
The Deponent is able to state the year that she watched with Elizabeth Clark from the fact that she went with her sister Esther, who then lived in Chester, and who returned to Chester the year after the death of our Father, which occurred on the 28 th March, 1781 - The month Deponent recollects from the circumstance of its being but a few days before the death of Elizabeth Clark. - The following is an extract from the Family Record kept by my husband Thomas Silliman now deceased in his own handwriting - "My honored Father died on Monday the 9 th day of April A D 1781 in the 65 th year of his age and fortieth of his ministry" This was the Revd Robert Silliman who officiated as a clergyman in Chester society in Saybrook from the time of his settlement till his death and was pastor of the church in Chester -
Huldah Silliman

1688.
Connecticut Prudence Clark widow of Reuben Clark who died on the 18 th December 1812, of Middletown in the State of Conn t , who was a Ensign, in the 8 th Reg t , commanded by Captain Spivey of the Reg t , commanded by Col Mott in the Conn t line for 15 Mos 11 dys Ensign 3 " 8 " Sgt. 4 " 12 " private
Inscribed on the Roll of Hartford at the rate of 186 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1831
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 day of Jan y 1838 and sent to Hon J. Ingham
Arrears to the 4th of No of Rep s Semi-annual allowance ending
Dropped from Roll 11. Oct 1839.
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 }
Recorded by D. D. Addison Clerk, Book A Vol. 2 Page 10

See letter 5 Jan. 1839 to P. Agt. & Hon. S. Ingham - do. to S. Bishop, Jan. 23.
1839, do to Pension Agent & Hon. W. S. Ingraham 5 Aug 1839, do to S. Bishop 22 May 39 do to E. A. Buckley & Pension Agent 11 Augst 1839, do to W. S. H. Old- = line, W. S. Dist Atty. 17 Augst 39 do to S. Webb 20 Augst 1839,
Disbursed from Roll, Subletter to W. S. Bolafin & P. Agent Augst 11, 39 do to E. A. Buckley Feby 24, 40, do Hon. W. W. Boardman, W. R. June 21. 41, do to D. Ball June 23. 44, do to A. P. Haskell Mr. 14. 40 -
Connecticut 1.688 Prudence Clark widow of Reuben Clark dec?
who died on the 18 December 1812 of Middlesex in the State of Ct who was a Mrs. 19th Regt in the Company commanded by Captain Stevens of the 1st Regt commanded by Col. Hall in the Ct. time for 13 mos & 11 days Ensign 3 " 18 " Sgt. 4 " 12 " Private
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 186 Dollars 33 Cents, per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 6th day of Jan'y 1838 and sent Hon. S. Ingham Recd off. Rep!
Arrears to the 14th of Sept 1838 $1211. 14 Semi-annual allowance ending Feb 1838 - 93.16
$ 1304.30
Dropped from Roll 11 } Revolutionary Claim, Oct 1839 } Not July 4, 1838, Section the 3 }
Recorded by H. H. Wilson Clerk, Book 1. Vol. 2. Page 66

In the name of God Amen. I Reuben Clark of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut being advanced in age & infirm in health yet of sound mind & memory thanks be to God therefor. Calling to mind the mortality of my body knowing it is appointed unto all men once to die; do make and ordain this my last will & Testament. First & principally, I commit my soul to God who gave it and my body to a decent christian burial firmly believing its resurrection at the last day. And as to my worldly estate which it hath pleased God to bless me with I give & bequeath & dispose of in the following manner -
Imprimis. It is my will that all my lawful debts be paid out of my estate -
Item, I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Prudence Clark, the use of one third part of my Estate both real and personal. so long as she shall remain my widow -
Item. I give and bequeath all my estate in fee to my three sons, Henry, Jason Lee, and Jonathan, both real and personal, to them & their heirs forever, to be theirs, so soon as they shall pay or secure to be paid, my lawful debts -
Finally I nominate constitute and appoint my well beloved sons, Henry & Jason Lee, sole Executors of this my last will & Testament, revoking and disannulling all former & other wills & Testaments whatever, declaring this & no other to be my last will & Testament.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 13 th day of July in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & twelve -
Reuben Clark (L.S.)
The above & before written was signed sealed & acknowledged declared by Reuben Clark to be his

last Will & Testament, in the presence of us the subscribers, we being in the presence of each other, & we notice that the name Lee, is interlined above the sixth line, from the bottom on the first page, & the word sealed is interlined above the first line below the signing.
Richard Ely Jent. Josiah Waterhouse Jent. Benaiah Waterhouse
Probate Office District of Saybrook Febry 24th. 1837
The foregoing is a true copy of Record certified by
Reading Spencer Judge
Roxbury was a Parish of Saybrook, now Incorporated into a Town

Depositions of Hannah Douglass & others—
[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page. The text is mostly illegible but appears to be a continuous narrative.]

Hannah Douglass of Chester in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut being first duly sworn deposes and says that she was well acquainted with Ensign Reuben Clark late of Chester dec d and with his first wife Elizabeth Clark - The said Elizabeth died in the month of August 1782 - This she is able to state from her own age - Deponent was born in February 1768 and was some months over fourteen years old when Mrs Elizabeth Clark died - The deponent recollects having watched with her when she was fourteen years old in company with an elder person and that she died the summer afterwards - The Deponent further states that Priscilla Clark was born in September after the marriage of Reuben and Prudence Clark - The marriage was sometime after the death of Mr Clark's first wife and the Deponent is pretty confident in the spring of 1784 - Hannah Douglass
Charles Brooks of Chester in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut being first duly sworn deposes and says that he was acquainted with Ensign Reuben Clark and his first wife Elizabeth - That the said Elizabeth died in the month of August 1782 - The Deponent is able to state the year from the fact that it was the year before he removed from the town of Hadamard to Chester & when he was fourteen years old - Deponent was fifteen years old when he removed to Chester - The Deponent is now seventy one years of age - Reuben Clark was not married to his present widow Prudence Clark till sometime after the death of his first wife and Deponent thinks in 1784 - Charles Brooks

Rhoda Brooks of Chester in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut being first duly sworn, deposes and says that she came to Chester to live in the month of November 1795, at that time Deborah Clark daughter of Prudence and Keuben Clark was six or seven months old - My oldest daughter was born in September 1797 and the widow Prudence Clark's daughter Martha was born in June following - that is in 1798 - my third daughter was born in November 1800 - and Lydia Clark the youngest daughter of Prudence was born in September 1802 - R Rhoda Brooks
Mary Ann Bailey of Chester in Middlesex County and State of Connecticut, being first duly sworn, deposes and says that about four weeks since she heard a conversation between John Parker Jun and the widow Prudence Clark of said Chester in relation to the age of her eldest daughter Priscilla - Mr Parker stated that he was fifty five years old the 15 th May 1839, and that Priscilla daughter of said Prudence would be fifty five years old in September next - that there was but a few months difference in their ages, Mrs Clark said that it was so - that was her age, you are right, Mr Parker -
Maryann Bailey

State of Connecticut County of Middlesex
ss Chester July 12 th 1839
Then personally appeared before the undersigned a Notary Public duly comm- issioned and qualified Hannah Douglass, Charles Brooks - Rhoda Brooks and Mary Ann Bailey signers of the foregoing depositions and respe- ctively made oath in due form of law to the truth of the depositions by them subscribed -
And I certify that the said Deponents are each known to me as credible persons and that their statements are entitled to full credit. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 12 th day of July A D 1839
Elphalet A Bullock, Notary Public

Daniel Barker Jun. of Chester in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut deposes and says that he was present at the hearing of a complaint against the widow Prudence Clark formerly wife of Ensign Reuben Clark before the Church in said Chester in February or March 1839 for falsely swearing to procure a pension the said Prudence Prudence Clark then stated that the statement with regard to the ages of her children as contained in her supplementary declaration before the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth on the 14th June 1837 to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the Act of Congress of July 4th 1836, a copy of which, a copy of which certified by the Commissioner of Pensions was then read to her, was not true either as to the year, month or day, as in said supplementary declaration mentioned. The deponent further states that Priscilla Smith the eldest daughter of said Prudence Clark stated to him five years ago last October that she was then in the fiftieth year of her age - The said Priscilla lived in the State of New York and was at Chester on a visit - I have frequently heard Martha Clark a daughter of said Prudence speak of her age when a child, having a sister two days younger than her, who was born the 14th of June 1798. the said Martha was two days older than my sister as she and others declared,
Daniel Barker Jr.
Daniel Barker of Chester in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut being first duly sworn deposes and says that he was well acquainted with Ensign Reuben Clark late of Chester decd and Prudence Clark his present widow. The said Reuben was married to the said Prudence Prudence in the month of April 1784 - Deponent is able to state the year in consequence of its being the spring after the death of

his grandfather, who died in February 1784 - The first child of said Prudence Priscilla, was born in September of that year - I have frequently heard said Prudence Clark say she was not married till after the death of my grandfather - The deponent was born the 7th April 1772 -
Daniel Barker
State of Connecticut County of Middlesex } p Chester July 11 th 1839
Then personally appeared before the undersigned a Notary Public duly commissioned and qualified Daniel Barker Jun and Daniel Barker signers of the foregoing depositions and respectively made oath to the truth of the depositions by them subscribed - And I certify that the said deponents are each known to me as credible persons and that their statements are entitled to full credit - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 11 th day of July A D 1839
Eliphaleth A. Buttrick
Notary Public