Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17672, Peter Cunningham, Conn. Mass Sea Service

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Conn
Cunningham, Peter
W. 17 672
Mass Sea Service
Elizabeth
CONTENTS

2.277 Connecticut
Elizabeth Cunningham etc? late widow of Peter Cunningham etc? who died on the 26 th April 1827 of Mendham in the State of Ct. who was a Lieutenant in the Hazard commanded by Captain [blank] of the [blank] commanded by [blank] in the Continental line for 18 mos. and 29 days Mass
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 284 Dollars 57 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of Aug. 1838 and Lieut Right L. Cunningham Washington. Arrears to the 4 th of March 1837 $1707.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 31 st March 1837 the day of her death } 23.00 $1730.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 rd }
Recorded by H.H. Addison Clerk, Book, 7 Vol. 2 nd Page 66
amt payable to the children of said de ce .
Dea d
Order to pay 3. Oct. 1838 Set to R. P. Cunningham & Co 8 th Audited 27. Sep. 1839.
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6 th July April 1838 from 4 March 1831. to 31. March 1837 the day of her death. Age Notified 1. Oct 1837.
H. C. F. Clutland, May 7/52,
Aug. 29. 1838 L. Re R. P. Cunningham reported Sept 13. 1838

Declaration
unrelated to past papers & exam - 2007/11/11

State of Vermont
Windham County ss. On this Twenty first day of June A.D. 1838, personally appeared before the Hon: court of Probate within and for the District of Pomfret in the county aforesaid, Robert Pierpont Cunningham, a resident of said District aged 56 years and over who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his said Oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the act of Congress passed July 4. 1836. for himself & Peter Cunningham of Pomfret, Nancy T. Sumner wife of Azel Sumner of Ashford. James Cunningham of Thompson, Susan: Widow of the late Daniel Denison of Hampton, all of the County of Windham aforesaid, and John Cunningham late of the State of State of Maine, now gone to parts unknown for more than one year, and who has been repeatedly written to and enquired for, by this deponent.
That he and the above named persons are the only surviving Children of Capt: Peter Cunningham & Elizabeth his wife both late of Pomfret aforesaid deceased. That according to his best belief and knowledge, their father the said Capt: Peter Cunningham, served in the War of the Revolution, over two and a half years, & nearly three years. That previous to June 1778 he was nearly one year on board the Brig te Hazard, an armed Vessel of the state of Massachusetts, employed in the capture of British vessels, during which time he acted as First Lieutenant, or Second Lieutenant or as Sailing Master. That on the 26 of June 1778 he had a Commission appointing him First Lieut of said Brig te Hazard, in which capacity he served untill after the capture of the British Brig te Active, by the Hazard and Gates, some time previous to May 1779, and brought in the Active as Prize Master, in which capacity, and as First Lieut, and in command of the Hazard, in the absence of his superior officer, he continued untill the time of the distrac

destruction of the Hazard, in the summer of 1779.
After the destruction of the Hazard, he was in service, nearly another year, in what vessel or capacity is unknown to the claimants.
That she said Cunningham removed into the District of Pomquet aforesaid some time in 1780 and was called out in the Militia to go to New-London in 1781 when that place was burned by Arnold, but was ordered to return, before they reached there, as the enemy had retreated.
That the said Peter Cunningham & the said Elizabeth were married on the 20 Day of May A.D. 1779. and that he died on the 26 day of April 1827. and the said Elizabeth continued his widow until the the 31 Day of March 1837. when she died.
That the above named persons are their only surviving children of 16.
That he believes his mother the said Elizabeth would have been entitled to a pension, under the aforesaid act of Congress, but from want of information on the subject, had neglected to make application, & that the same is due to them, as by reference to the Evidence hereto annexed, will more fully appear.
Sworn & subscribed the Day & Year aforesaid Before me
Robert P. Cunningham
Job Williams Judge of Probate
State of Connecticut, Windham County ss I, Job Williams, Judge of Probate, do hereby certify that Robert P. Cunningham, who made oath to the truth of the above declaration by him subscribed, before me, is believed to be a man of truth and veracity, & what he declares is entitled to full faith & credit - Job Williams, Judge of Probate

State of Connecticut, Windham County ss I Lorenzo Gilbert Clerk of the court of Probate for the district of Pomfret in the state & County aforesaid, do hereby certify that Job Williams is a Judge of a court of record, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
Given under my hand and seal of the said Probate court this 22 day of June A.D. 1838
Lorenzo Gilbert Clerk

Copy Town Records, Pomfret.

Peter Cunningham son of Major James Cunningham of Boston by Elizabeth his wife was born August fourteenth one thousand seven hundred and fifty
Elizabeth Pierpont daughter of Robert Pierpont of Boston by Susannah his wife was born June twentieth one thousand seven hundred and sixty
A marriage between Peter Cunningham and Elizabeth Pierpont solemnized May twentieth one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine
Their children are as follows
1 st A son born Tuesday January 20 th 1780-10 O'clock P.M. died January 26 th 1780-5 O'clock A.M. 2 nd A son born Thursday December 28 th 1780-9 O'clock A.M. died January 7 th 1781-1 O'clock A.M. 3 rd A son Robert Pierpont born Sunday Feb 17 th 1782-5 O'clock P.M. 4 th A son Peter born Monday Decem r 15 th 1783-4 O'clock P.M. 5 th A daughter born July 8 th 1785-8 O'clock A.M. died July 8 th 1785 half after 9 O'clock A.M. 6 th A daughter Elizabeth born Saturday June 17 th 1786 10 O'clock A.M. died June 25 th 1786-11 O'clock P.M. 7 th A son born Wednesday March 28 th 1787-2 O'clock A.M. died March 28 th 1787-3 O'clock A.M. 8 th A daughter, Elizabeth Boylston, born Wednesday June 18 th 1788 died July 27 th 1830 half past 7 A.M. 9 th A son John Morey born Tuesday May 4 th 1790-11 O'clock P.M. died February 8 th 1791-2 O'clock A.M. 10 th A son, James, born Tuesday Nov r 29 th 1791-4 O'clock A.M. 11 th A daughter, Mary, born Saturday Dec r 21 st 1793 12 th A daughter Lucretia born Sunday Jan y 11 th 1796 11 1 / 2 O'clock P.M. 13 th A son born Jan y 6 th 1798-Saturday 5 1 / 2 O'clock A.M. died January 6 th 1798-6 1 / 2 O'clock A.M. 14 th A daughter-Susannah born April 4 th 1799 15 th A daughter Mary Dnick born March 6 th 1802-6 1 / 2 O'clock P.M. died April 30 th 1829-1/2 past 12 O'clock A.M. 16. A son-John-born June 27 th 1806

Capt Peter Cunningham the father of the foregoing family died April 26 th 1827 - 11 1 / 2 O'Clock P.M.
Elizabeth Cunningham widow of said Peter Cunningham and mother of the foregoing family died Friday March 31 st 1837 at 3 hours & 35 minutes P.M.
The foregoing is a true Copy from the records of Marriages births and deaths in the town of Pomfret, in the County of Windham and state of Connecticut. Book No 2 page 138 with the exception of the dates in the births and marriage of the Peter Cunningham and Elizabeth Pierpont which are expressed on the records in fair legible figures as follows - August 14 th 1750 - June 20 th 1760 - May 20 th 1779 - April 26 th 1827 - March 31 st 1837
Job Williams Town Clerk
I Job Williams above named do hereby certify that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the town of Pomfret in the County and state aforesaid, and that the foregoing is a true extract from the records of said town with the exception above named as certified by me -
Job Williams
Sworn before me
Thos M. Grover Justice of the Peace -

State of Connecticut, Windham County, ss I Lorenzo Gilbert Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Pomfret in the State & County aforesaid, do hereby certify that Thomas M. Grosvenor is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly qualified to administer oaths, and that his signature within written is genuine.
Given under my hand and seal of the said Probate Court this 22 nd day of June A.D. 1838
Lorenzo Gilbert Clerk

Free
Aug 6 Summersburg Va August 2 1836 M rs Mary H. ... The Susp. Pensions to you
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner War Department - Pension Office Washington District Columbia
To be filed with the Admiral's papers of Com d Elizabeth Cunningham in the Com d

Postfree
Aug 6 Lunenburg Ms August 2 1836 Hansham Pension Office add: Eliz. H.
The Supr. Pension Commissioner to go to
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner War Department - Pension Office Washington District Columbia
To be filed with the Annual Report of Commr. Elizabeth Cunningham on the Commr.

State of Massachusetts,
Worcester County } ss. Lundenburg July A.D. 1838
Personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace, within, and for the said County, Nathl F. Cunningham Esqr ; and made solemn oath to the truth of the following deposition, by him subscribed.
That the deponent holds the original Bible of his Grandfather, James Cunningham Esqr, containing his original Family-Records, from which the following extract is taken. Namely.
My son Peter Cunningham, was Married to Miss Elizabeth Pierpont, a Thursday the Seventieth day of May One Thousand Seven hundred and Seventy nine, he being in the Twenty ninth year of his age, and she in the of of her age. Was married by the Reverend Ebenezer Wight of Boston, at the Reverend Mr Wights House. — Their Father Pierpont, I, and my Wife, Mrs Dunde, and Mrs Wight was at the Wedding.
The above is a true copy of the record, with the exception of the dates, which are expressed, on the record, in legible figures, as follows. "Thursday 20 th day of May 1779 He being in the 29 year of his age."
I Nathaniel F. Cunningham above named, aged 68 years, depose and say, That I hold the original Family Bible of my Grandfather, and that the above, is a true extract from his original Records in the same, with the exception above named; and That the late Capt Peter Cunningham and Elizabeth Cunningham his wife, deceased, of Pomfret in the State of Connecticut, were the persons whose marriage was thus recorded and here extracted and certified, as by me.
Nathl F. Cunningham Sworn before me Esqk Whiting Justice of the Peace
I do hereby certify that Nathaniel F. Cunningham Esqr the deponent, is a respectable inhabitant of the town of Lundenburg in said County, and that his testimony is entitled to full credit.
In testimony whereof I have signed the same with my hand. Esqk Whiting Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
By His Excellency EDWARD EVERETT , Governor and Commander in Chief in and over said Commonwealth.
To all whom it may concern:
Edward Everett Know Ye , That Ezek Whiting is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Worcester
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commission- ed, and that to his Acts and Attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given in out of Court.
68
In Testimony Whereof , I have caused the Public Seal of the Commonwealth to be hereunto affixed, this thirteenth day of July A. D. 1838 and in the Sixty third Year of the Independence of the United States of America.
By His Excellency the Governor.
John P. Bigelow Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Certificate of Marriage, of Peter & Elizabeth Cunningham late of Pomfret, Conn: Deceased. To be used in the application of R P Cunningham and others, for the Pension on the Revolutionary services of the said Peter, their Father, under the third section of the act of Congress of July 4, 1836.
add: H H Aug 6 Eliz Cunningham H H July 1836
The Supp. Papers Charged to you 9 August
J. S. Edwards Esq. Commissioner
War Department - Pension Office
Washington District Columbia
Josephine

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
September 26 th , 1839.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6 th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," John Cunningham, one of the 6 children of Elizabeth Cunningham, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Hartford, 6 th Agency, at the rate of two hundred eighty four Dollars and fifty — Cents per annum, under the law of the 4 th July 1836 — has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of March 1831, to the 31 st March, 1837, the day of her death —
Respectfully, yours,
Alison N. Parrish Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.

State of Massachusetts Bay
The Major Part of the COUNCIL of said State
to PETER CUNNINGHAM Gentleman
Greeting
Whereas being appointed First Lieutenant of the Armed Brig Hazard Commanded by John East William fitted out at the expense of this State.
By Virtue of the Power vested in us We do by these Presents reposing special Trust & Confidence in your Ability, Courage & good Conduct Commission you accordingly. You are therefore carefully & diligently to discharge the duty of a First Lieutenant on board said Brig in Ordering & coercing the Men on board said Brig (both inferior Officers & Sailors) And to keep them in good Order & Discipline And they are hereby commanded to obey you as their first Lieutenant & you on yourself to observe & follow such Orders & Instructions as you from Time to Time receive from the Commanding Officer of said Brig. This Commission to continue in force till further Order.
Given under our Hands & the Seal of the said State at Watertown the Twenty Sixth day of June in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred & Seventy Eight.
By their Honors Command. John Avery Jr. Secy
 Gen. Bowdoin  Thomas Ward  Jedidiah Preble  Benj. Russell  James Fisher  Sam Davis  Sam. Danforth  John Miller  W. Cushing  Josiah Stone  D. Hopkins  B. White  Oliver Wendell  J. Pitts 
AM
RT

Wid. F. 17672
Conn. and
Peter Cunningham
Mass. Sea Service.
A list of the Officers and Seamen Belonging to the Brig "Hazard," Capt Simeon Samson, dated 1777 has been removed from this case and will be forwarded to the Navy Dept. (now locked up)
in Rev. Rec Section
M.B.H.
and though dated
Mch. 23. 1911.
1777, must have been written later as it is on machine made paper

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
Rev
File No. 17672
Elizabeth Cunningham Wid. of
Peter Cunningham Lieut Rev. War
Act: July 4, 1836
Index:—Vol. A , Page 162
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Copied
Instruction to Agent written for Addison 13 Sept. 1838.
He promised to make a copy of my letter signed before 3 P.M.
✓ Elizabeth Cunningham Elizabeth Cunningham of Connecticut Suspended See let. to R. B. Cunningham June 29. 1838
act July 4. 1838

May 6/12
Washington D.C. May 1
Rev. Chauncey T. Cleveland M.A. Washington D.C.
Rev.
Cale.

SM Wilson Mar 29 78 Cunningham in San Sept 79
Vol 374 141. June 25 1978 3 23 Tue
1977 142 Oct 1977 20 May 9 mo Mark
Pb. p 146 Sun Oct 15 78 to Apr 20 79 6 6 m a
Pileus m. aboard 2 Feb 79

Rev. Cunningham to M rs Johanna F. Cleveland M c E. Washington
Copy of Pension Certificate N o 2277.
The original, I think, was delivered to Mr. Pitkin at Hartford.

Copy of the Certificate No: 2277
War Department Revolutionary Claim
I certify that in conformity with the third section of the law of the United States of the 4 th July, 1836, Elizabeth Cunningham dec d late of Connecticut, late widow of Peter Cunningham dec d who was a Lieutenant in the Revolution was entitled to receive pay at the rate of Two hundred and Eighty-four dollars and fifty cents per annum, commencing on the 4 th of March, 1831, and terminating on the 31 st day of March 1837, the day of the death of the said Elizabeth Cunningham. — Payments to be made to Robert Cunningham, Peter Cunningham, Nancy Sumner, James Cunningham, Susan Denison, and John Cunningham. Children of said deceased.
Given at the War Office of the United States this 20 th day of August, one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight.
S. Cooper
Acting Secretary of War.
Examined and countersigned J. L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions.
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book A. Vol. 2 page 66 by D. D. Addison
Clerk.
Amount received From Sam l L. Pitkin Esq. $1446, 2 / 100 ditto from Washington $288 1 / 100 for John Cunningham's share and in all to $1728 4 / 100 —

Aug 21 Washington D.C. Aug 23
June
Madam C. T. Hon. J. L. Edwards War Department Pension Office Washington D. C.

(Pomfret) Abington August 23, 1838
Sir
Having the honor of receiving your report of June 29. 1838. on the services of the late (Capt.) Peter Cunningham, requiring proof of his last service in the war of the revolution; — I obtained the testimony of two, who were out in the regiment at the time, and, one, who was in the neighborhood, a boy of 15, at the time, and forwarded the same through the Howard-Valley-Post Office on July 31 — If it has miscarried, or any other instruction be necessary, it will be gratefully recd.
Very respectfully I am Sir Yr most Obedt Servant
Hon: J L Edwards War Department. Pension Office
Robert P Cunningham
Address Abington Post Office Conn:

J. L. Edwards Esq. Comm'r of Pensions Washington

Pension Agency Hartford Sept 27. 1838
Sir
Herewith I transmit the papers of Five of the Heirs of Elizabeth Cunningham dec. They claim that the share due John Cunningham should be paid to them as from the accompanying certificate it appears that he has been absent for one year or more and his residence cannot be ascertained
Will you please inform me of under these circumstances I should be justified in paying the whole amount due to those who have applied
I am Very Respectfully Your ob lt Servant Sam l L. Pitkin. Agent.
J. S. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington.

Shington Ct Aug 25 th
Dear
Inat Mr Sy
Hon: J L Edwards Esqr
War Department Pension Office Dist Col:

Abington August 25. 1838
Sir
Your Certificate of 20 Instant (2277) in favour of the children of late Peter & Elizabeth Cunningham is received. — Under the impression that Naval Officers out-ranked, something, those of like grades in the Infantry service, and likewise, that their pay, was, for thirteen, instead of twelve months to the year; I anticipated something above that due to a Lieut. of the line. — However if there be no mistake, I cannot, with much grace, ask any thing beyond the customary allowances in like cases.
Not knowing but I might draw the amt. awarded, from your Office, I left my Power of attorney without reserving a duplicate. If it is not necessary there, you will favour me by transmitting it, or otherwise a copy, with Bill of any extra Office service.
I am very respectfully
Yr most Obedt. Servant
Robert P. Cunningham

Sept 7.
J
ck. wd. Name not right.
J L Edwards Esqr Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Hartford Conn: September 11. 1838
Sir
Your Certificate No 2277. in favour of the children of late Peter & Elizabeth Cunningham, on being presented, this day, for payment at the Office of Sam l L. Pitkin Esq. agent for paying Pensions in Connecticut. — payment is refused in consequence of no instruction from your Office, being received, ordering the same. to be enrolled:
I am Respectfully Yr Most Humble Servant Robert P. Cunningham
Address Abington P.O. Conn:

Ro. Cunningham Peter Cunningham Nancy T. Sumner, wife of Abel Sumner James Cunningham Susan Denison, wife of David Denison, (adm.) M c Cunningham Will dated 31. March 1837
Aug 20. 77 to May 20. 78 9 m. 23 d. M c ash $ 15 3 m 23 d. Lint. 6. 6 do $15 50 100 19 511 135 15 285 50 284 50
Rec d ann. from 4 March 1831 to 31 March 1837

Abingdon Ct Oct 11 1/2
Free
Hon J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.
Oct 11 from M c Ilvaine

Abington Conn: October 8. 1838.
Sir
On the 27 th ult, I delivered up the Pension Certificate of late Elizabeth Cunningham and receipted five sixth parts of its amount on the books at the Office of the Conn: Agency at Hartford, perhaps I ought to have taken a Receipt, the part made payable to John Cunningham, was reserved for advise —
I rec d . a letter this day as follows. "Pension Agency
Hartford Oct r . 6. 1838."
"Sir We have this day received from the Commissioner of Pensions directions to reserve the portion of John Cunningham, one of the heirs of Elizabeth Cunningham, in case he should apply therefor."
Yours Respectfully I am &c H Fowler Pension Clerk."
The brevity of the above notice, leaves an uncertainty as to the cause of withholding the fraction, Is it my fault? or default?
I have been at some expense, say $38 to obtain it, and were it at interest think no one could object to reservation of amt:.
As to my brother John being alive I think there is uncertainty, we have not heard from him since April 1837. I rec d . on the 2 nd Instant in answer to enquiries for him, of a friend in Cambridge Mass: the following extract.
"Last winter we saw in the paper the death of a John Cunningham in New York of his age, and both Edward and myself concluded it must be him, in this however we may be mistaken, If we should have any intelligence of him, I will give you the earliest information."
Although aware of intricacy & pressure of business, I shall be very much obliged in the honor of yr communications - And am Sir Respectfully Yr Most humble Serv t . Robt J Cunningham

36 76
82 77

I, John Stowell of Brooklyn in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut aged seventy one years, being first cautioned and sworn, do testify and say, that in the year 1780 when Capt. Peter Cunningham late of Pomfret deceased came to that town to reside, I was living in said town of Pomfret and continued to live there for many years. In 1781 when the alarm was given that the British forces under the command of Benedict Arnold had entered New London I lived a near neighbor to said Cunningham. And the said Cunningham with many others was ordered to repair to Brooklyn in said County, which at that time was an Alarm Post, and make preparations to proceed thence forthwith to New London to act in defence of that town; and he, immediately upon receiving said orders, joined the "alarm list" Company which was commanded by Captain Samuel Craft, and went to Brooklyn as aforesaid, and remained from Friday until Sunday, when information was received that the British had evacuated New London, and those who had assembled at Brooklyn as aforesaid were dismissed and returned home.
John Stowell
State of Connecticut, Windham County, ss. Hampton. — On this 21 st day of July 1838, personally appeared before me the subscriber, a Notary public within and for said

State, Mr. John Stowell, and made solemn oath to the truth of the within Deposition by him subscribed. I do hereby certify that the said John Stowell is a respectable inhabitant of the town of Brooklyn in said County, and that his testimony is entitled to full credit. —
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my Seal of Office, and have signed the same with my hand. —
James A. Hovey, Notary Public.

I, Samuel White of Pomfret in Windham County and the State of Connecticut, aged eighty years, being first duly cautioned and sworn according to law, do testify and say that in the year 1781 when the British forces entered New London in this State and burnt that town, I lived in Pomfret within three miles of Capt. Peter Cunningham, late of said Pomfret, deceased, and was well acquainted with him; and when the alarm was given that the British had entered New London as aforesaid, orders were given for all able bodied men in the section in which I lived to meet forthwith at Brooklyn which was an alarm post, and thence march as soon as possible to New London to defend that town. - I was one of the number who went to Brooklyn as aforesaid. - I belonged to the first Company of the eleventh Reg. t of Infantry commanded by Capt. Asa Grosvenor. - Gen. l Sam. l M. c Lellan was the commander in chief of the forces assembled at Brooklyn. Capt. Cunningham belonged, I believe, to the Abington alarm list Company, which Company was at Brooklyn; and although I did not see him after we reached Brooklyn, still I have not the least doubt that he was there from the circumstance of the Company to which he belonged having been there, and his having been ordered out at the time. - We reached Brooklyn (I think) on Saturday and remained until Sunday when information was rec. d by Gen. l M. c Lellan that the enemy had evacuated New London, and we were dismissed and returned home. - Samuel White

State of Connecticut
Windham County ss. Hampton.-
On this 21 st day of July, 1838, personally appeared before me the Subscriber, a Notary Public within and for said State, Mr. Samuel White, and made solemn oath to the truth of the facts contained in the within deposition by him subscribed. - I do hereby certify that Mr. White the deponent is a respectable individual of the town of Pomfret, and that his testimony is entitled to full credit. -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my Seal of Office and have signed the same with my hands. -
James A. Hovey, Notary Public.

I, Samuel Inzalls of Pomfret in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut aged eighty two years, being first duly cautioned and sworn according to law, do testify and say, that I was well acquainted with & lived a neighbor to Captain Peter Cunningham from the time he first came to Pomfret in 1780 till his death. And when the British forces under Benedict Arnold entered and destroyed New London in the fall of 1781, I held a Commission of Ensign in a Company of Militia in said town of Pomfret; and when the alarm was given on that occasion, all able bodied men in the section of country in which I lived, received orders to meet at Brooklyn in said County, and make preparations to march to New- London. - I was one of the number who went to Brooklyn at that time with the Company to which I was attached. - Another Company went from Pomfret to Brooklyn at the same time called the "Alarm List Company", which was commanded by Capt. Crafts. - Capt. Peter Cunningham, according to my best recollection, belonged to that Com- pany. - We received orders on Friday, marched to Brooklyn on Saturday, and remained in Brooklyn until Sunday, when intelligence was received that the enemy had left New- London, and we were discharged and returned home. - According to my best recollection and belief Capt. Cun- ningham went with Capt. Crafts Company to Brooklyn at the time, and for the purpose aforesaid. - Col. Cady or Mt. Sellan commanded the Reg t to which I belonged. -
Sam l Inzalls

State of Connecticut Windham County p. Hampton. —
On this 21 st day of July 1838, personally appeared before me the subscriber, a Notary Public within & for said State, Judge Samuel Ingalls who made solemn oath to the truth of the facts contained in the within deposition, by him subscribed. — I do hereby certify that Judge Ingalls, the deponent is a respectable inhabitant of the town of Pomfret in said County, and that his testimony is enti- tled to full credit. —
In testimony whereof I have here- unto affixed my Seal of Office, and have signed the same with my hands. —
James A. Hovey, Notary Public.

Howard's Valley CA July 23.
Free
CB (3676) July 26
4 July 1836 Don: 30 Rec
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions War Department Pension Office Washington Dis. Col.

Hampton July 21, 1838
Sir
In support of claims of the living children of late Capt. Peter Cunningham, I have herein, enclosed an additional Declaration, and evidence in support of it. For The prompt action I had the honor to receive, flatter myself, you will decide the evidence conclusive, and peremptory , within the least convenient period of time. Of four men seen, who were at Brooklyn, we have obtained the testimony of two - We cannot find any of the Staff Officers remaining.
Please address any communication to Abington Port Office (Windham County, Me.)
I am very Respectfully
Your most Obedient Servant
Robert Cunningham.

State of Connecticut
County of Windham ss. On this fourteenth day of July 1838
Personally appeared before the Hon. Court of Probate, within and for the district of Pomfret in the county aforesaid, Robert Pierpont Cunningham a resident of said district aged 56 years & over, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his said oath make the following additional declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision of the third section of the act of Congress of July 4, 1836, for himself and others, orphan children of late Peter and Elizabeth Cunningham of Pomfret aforesaid.
That according to the best of his knowledge, and belief, Their father the said Peter, removed to Pomfret aforesaid in the year 1780, and thence was one of a company of persons, classed, that furnished a man, as substitute, exempting them from subjection to a draft for the regular service.
That from his narration in after times to the deponent, and with others, in conversation on the subject - The deponent is confident, That he, the father, was called and turned out on the occasion, of burning New-London by British forces in 1781; and that he proceeded to the adjoining town of Brooklyn. (Which rallying-point, has since been understood, was a regular Alarm-Post.) That while there he was received at head-quarters, and by Abijah Waldo the acting Surgeon received into the surgeons department as mate, or assistant surgeon, He, having been two or three years of the last preceding four, acting in grades from fourth to first officer Commanding on board men-of-war, where many wounded were under his frequent observation: - That was comfortably provided, in accomodation at head quarters for the term, of two or three days, and a night or two, and that they were paraded on a morning, received intelligence of the evacuation of the neighborhood of New-London by the enemies forces, and were ordered home, or disbanded.
The claimants have no documentary evidence in support of their claim, to this service yet. - See History, "Fort Griswold was stormed and New-London burned Thursday Sept. 6, 1781." Robert P. Cunningham

The interlineation above the second line from the bottom, namely "to this service" was made before the execution of this instrument.
State of Connecticut Windham County } ss
On this fourteenth day of July Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight Personally appeared Robert P. Cunningham (before the Court of Probate for the district of Pomfret in said County) a resident of Pomfret in said County of Windham and state of Connecticut, aged fifty six years, who being first duly sworn according to law, clothed on his oath, make the annexed declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Corrups July 4 th 1836. Job Williams. Judge
This certifies that Robert P. Cunningham the Signer of the foregoing declaration, and who made oath to the truth of the same as above stated, before me, is a man whose testimony is entitled to full faith and credit, as believed by this court
Job Williams Judge of Probate
State of Connecticut. Windham County ss. I Lorenzo Gilbert, Clerk of the Court of Probate for the district of Pomfret in the state & County aforesaid, do hereby testify certify that Job Williams is Judge of the Court of Probate for the district of Pomfret aforesaid, duly qualified to administer oaths and that his signature above is genuine. Given under my hand and seal of the court this 18 th  day of July A.D. 1838
Lorenzo Gilbert Clerk

John Attorney Eliz Cunningham de Consol-31 Mar 37
Maria 1779
deed 1827
Allow. for 18 mo. L
29 days a Master L
Trust of the Long Hazard
Coal. Navy, Out t.
Robt. P. Cunningham
Peter Cunningham
Mary J. Sumner wife of Aspel Sum
James Cunningham
Susan Denison widow
of Sam Denison &
Mr. Cunningham, children
of Elizabeth de
Robert P. Cunningham
Prest.
Mar 29 th .

Know all men by these presents that We Peter Cunningham of Pomfret, Nancy T. Sumner wife of Abel Sumner of Ashford, James Cunningham of Thompson Susan, widow of the late Daniel Denison of Hampton all in the County of Windham & State of Connecticut. As by these presents constitute & appoint our brother Robert P. Cunningham of said Pomfret, who are the only surviving children and heirs of Captain Peter Cunningham, by Elizabeth his wife both late of said Pomfret deceased, excepting John, a brother of the above named children and heirs, late of the state of Maine, now gone to parts unknown, our true and lawful Attorney, for us and in our names to take and pursue all legal and proper measures to obtain a pension from the United States for services rendered by our said father to his country, during the war of the Revolution, under a law of Congress passed July 4 th 1836, under which law of Congress we consider the said Robert P. and ourselves entitled to the pension that our said mother might have received had she presented her claim for the same during her life time - and further should our said Attorney suc- -ceed in establishing our said claim at the war Office of the United States, and obtain a certificate for a pension We do fully authorise our said Attorney to ask for & receive from the Agent for paying pensions at the city of Washington or any other person agent of the United States who may be directed to pay the same, any and all such sum or sums of money as may be granted to him and us as aforesaid, and further generally to pursue all such measures to obtain said pension, to receive the money that may be granted to us, and to sign a receipt or acquittance for the same together with all legal

acts and things in and concerning the premises, in as full and ample manner as we ourselves could or might have done had we been personally present. In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals this 21 st day of June A.D. 1838
Signed sealed & delivered in presence of Stephen S. Williams
Peter Cunningham. James Cunningham. Susan Denison
Nancy Sumner Abel Sumner
State of Connecticut } ss Windham County }
Be it remembered that on the 21 st day of June A.D. 1838 - before the subscribers, a justice of the Peace for Windham County in said State, personally appeared Abel Sumner & Nancy Sumner wife of the said Abel Sumner above named, and acknowledged the foregoing power of Attorney to be their free act and deed. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day & year last above named. Job Williams Justice of the Peace
State of Connecticut } ss Windham County }
Be it known that on the 21 st day of June A.D. 1838, before the subscribers a justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Peter Cunningham & James Cunningham
above named and acknowledged the foregoing power of Attorney to be their free act and deed. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year last above mentioned.
Job Williams Justice of the Peace
State of Connecticut. Windham County, ss
Be it known that on the 22 nd day of June A.D. 1838 before me, the subscriber, a justice of the Peace in and for the County of Windham aforesaid personally appeared Susan Denison above named and acknowledged the foregoing power of Attorney to be her free act and deed. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the day and year last above written -
Job Williams Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut Windham County for
Be it known that on the 22 nd day of June 1838, before the subscriber, a justice of the peace in and for said County personally appeared Robert P. Cunningham, the Attorney named in the foregoing Power of Attorney, and made oath that the same was not given him by reason of any sale transfer, or mortgage of the pension (in case one should be obtained) or arrears of pension, therein authorized to be received by him and that he does not know or believe that the same has been so disposed of to any person whatever.
Robert P. Cunningham
Sworn and subscribed the day and year last above mentioned, before me -
Job Williams - Justice of the Peace
State of Connecticut, Windham County for
I Job Williams Justice of the peace, do hereby certify that Robert P. Cunningham who made oath to the truth of the above, by him subscribed, before me is believed to be a man of truth and veracity and that the the same is entitled to full faith & credit
Job Williams Justice of the Peace
State of Connecticut Windham County for
I Lorenzo Gilbert clerk of the court of probate for the district of Pomfret in the state and County aforesaid do certify that Job Williams is a justice of the peace in & for said County, duly qualified to administer oaths and that this signature annexed is his genuine signature.
Given under my hand & seal of the said probate court this 22 nd day of June A.D. 1838
Lorenzo Gilbert Clerk