Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 30,351, Rufus Cogswell, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Cogswell, Rufus
S 30,351
B.L.Wt. 24758-160-55
CONTENTS

see letter to R. Choate at Sept. 9. 1835 - same day sent Trans. Cir. to all. Agt.
To Mass. fr. 4. Sept. 1834 - Oct. 5. 1835. -
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 10. April 1838 from 4. March to 4. Sept 1840. Cgt. Notified 22 June 1841.
see letter to Hon. C. Hudson, 5. April 1841 - 666 3 d Aud. March 30. 1849.
Reg 3 mar 55-171379
14233 16131 Massachusetts Rev War
Rufus Cogswell Herdim or Co in the State of New York who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Wilson of the Regt. commanded by Col. Smith in the Chap's ma time for 9 mo
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 30 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 day of May 1833 and sent to Sherman Wooster Newport Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $60.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept " 15.00
$75.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk, Book Vol. 4 Page 49

Act Mar. 31, 191379 June 28/55 Rufus Cogswell May Prin
Rev. B. - Act. 7 June 1832 Map Plant line No 24
War. Revolution AD 1600 - May 6 1856 Map Line
Rufus Cogswell care of John Choute Essex Mass.
Vol. 42 20.

State of New York & ss. County of Herkimer ss.
On the 8th day of October 1832 personally appeared before the court of common pleas in and for the said county the now sitting, Rufus Cogswell a resident in the town of Russia in the same county aged seventy two years, who first being duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of congress passed June 7. 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as here in stated (to wit) he enlisted in the town of Westport in the county of Worcester and state of Massachusetts, in or about the month of August 1779 (he then being a resident of the town of Paxton in the same county) for three months service under Capt. Wilson of the said town of Westport  Paxton last mentioned in the Massachusetts line and served out all of the said three months under the said Capt. Wilson. And further the said Rufus Cogswell declares that after the above service was out, he enlisted in the continental service in June or July 1780. under Lieut. Col. Smith, in the town of Paxton aforesaid was mustered at Springfield in Massachusetts on the 12. day of July 1780. and served in said Lieut. Col. Smiths Regiment being  the 13. Regiment in said Massachusetts line under the command of General Glover, and served in that Regiment six months. And the said Rufus Cogswell was stationed at West Point during both en- listments and served faithfully in the two towns nine months. he has no documentary evidence and says Josiah Simmore & Bradley  Simmore Simmore of Massachusetts are each of them knowing to his observance during the service before set forth and who's affidavits are herewith presented . And he hereby relinquishes any claim what ever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any state

or the agency of any states, and the said Clapp further says he was born in the town of Ipswich in the state of Massachusetts, (county not remembered) does not know or recollect his birth day but knows by the best information in his power that he is twenty two years of age the 9. day of Dec. last; has no record of his age. Lived in the town of Boston after the war about one year, then in Otsego county, and lived there about three years, and then moved to Boston in the county of Monroe, and lived there about twenty years, and then moved to the county of Schuylkill, remained in the town of Schuylkill, and then moved to the town of Rappahannock in said county in April 1832. to Rappahannock in said county where he now resides. Lived in said town of Boston at the time he entered the service of the United States as above said. Does not recollect exactly days on which he had enlisted in some of the said enlistments, but has stated according to the best of his recollection.
Francy E. D. ...
Sworn in Open Court Oct. 9th 1832 before me
J. E. D. Pinner Dist. Clerk
And the said Court do hereby declare their Opinion that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states
J. Francis E. D. Pinner
Deputy Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the Original Proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Rufus Dogswell for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this ninth day of October in the Year 1832
J. E. D. Pinner Dist. Clerk

Worthington County SS
Josiah Livermore being duly sworn saith that that in the month of August (as he verily believes) in the year 1779 that the Town of Paxton in the State of Massachusetts raised five men for the term of three months to go to head Quarters near West Point that Rufus Bagg was one of the five men that he went away with the others was gone until late in the fall or beginning of Winter that he understood & believes that the said Rufus Bagg actually did the three months service —
Josiah Livermore
Sworn & Subscribed this 18 th day of August 1832
before me Samuel Brainerd Justice of the peace

his name is not on the foundation roll of any estate
State of New York Washington County, ss;
I Jesse S. Leigh Clerk of the said County do certify that Samuel Bennet Esquire before whom the within and above affidavits purport to have been sworn was at the date of the same a Justice of the peace in and for the said County duly and sworn and duly authorized by law to administer oaths and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and only believe the name of the said Justice subscribed to the said affidavits and also to the within certificate, to be genuine, and his professed hand writing designation.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the said County this 13 th day of August 1832.
J. S. Leigh C.R.

Washington County SS.
Josiah Livermore being duly sworn deposes & saith that he is personally acquainted with Rufus Caggwell that the said Rufus Caggwell did enlist in the continental service of the United States under Lieutenant Col. Smith in the Town of Paxton in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the month of June or July 1780 that this deponent intested at the same time & place that this deponent & the said Rufus Caggwell did muster at Springfield in Massachusetts on the 12 th day of July 1780. that the said Rufus Caggwell did serve as a soldier in said Regiment for the term of six months. & further that it was the 13 th Massachusetts Regiment under General John Glover and further this deponent saith not. Subscribed & sworn before me this 13 th day of August 1832 Josiah Livermore Samuel Brainerd Justice of the Peace
I certify that I have been personally acquainted with Josiah Livermore the above deponent for more than 25 years & that the above affidavit may be relied on as true Samuel Brainerd Justice

Revolutionary Pensioners.
Philip Delano of New Braintree in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Esquire, do testify and say, that I was acquainted with Rufus Coggswell, now resident in Phipia in the County of Herkimer and State of New York, while he was a soldier in the Army of the Revolution. I first became acquainted with him at a place called Robinson's Farm's, near West Point; in 1780 he was then a soldier with me in the 13 th Massachusetts Regiment, commanded by Lt. Col. — Smith, I think it was Calvin Smith. — I saw him frequently through the season until I left the service and further your deponent saith not — New Braintree } August 1-1832 } Philip Delano
Worcester ss. August 1 st 1832
Personally appeared the above named Philip Delano and made Oath, that the above declar- ation by him subscribed is just and true.
Before me Samuel Minter Justice of the Peace
And I further state that the said Philip Delano Esq. is well known to me, and that his declaration is entitled to perfect confidence
Samuel Minter

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Wus I S C h S of in the a of S of C a a by of Worcester ss. I Abijah Bigelow, Clerk of the Judicial Court held within and for the County of Worcester, do hereby certify, that Nathaniel Crocker, Esquire, before whom the foregoing affidavits of Brad- -dy Livermore and Tyler Goddard, were made and sworn to, and that Samuel Mixter, Esquire, before whom the foregoing Affidavit of Philip Delano was made and sworn to, are Justices of the Peace within and for said County, and that their signatures thereto appear to me to be in their own proper handwriting.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the County Seal, this third day of August in the Year of our Lord one thousand, eight hundred and thirty two.
Abijah Bigelow, Clerk.
one my Samuel Mixter Justice

Abdell Livermore of Paxton in the city of Worcester and commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawfull age do testify and say that in the month of June in the year of A.D., 1780 that said Town of Paxton was called upon to raise a number of men to go into the service of the United States to fill up the ranks of the Continental Army for the term of six months and that Rufus Cogswell turned out for one of the men and did actually go out of Town with the other men that turned out at that time for the same purpose, and that he was absent from Town until some time in the Winter following when he returned into Town again as as the others did.
Test. by Magistrate by what means do you remember the circum- stances after so great a length of time
answer I had a Brother that insisted and went with Cogswell at the same time and further your deponent saith not
Paxton Augt 3rd 1832
Bradl Livermore
Worcester ss
Paxton Augt 3rd 1832 Then personally appeared Bradl Livermore above named and made oath to the truth of the above Deposition by him signed - Before me, Nathl Crocker Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted With Bradl Livermore Esq's signed of the above Deposition and that his character for truth is unim- peachable &c Nathl Crocker

STATE OF Massachusetts COUNTY OF Essex
We, Henry Mears and Graver Dodge residents of Essex in the State of Massachusetts upon our oaths declare that the declaration foregoing was signed and acknowledged by John Choate in our presence, and that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant that Rufus Boquist he is the identical person said John Choate represents himself to be; we also declare that Rufus Boquist is still living, and is ninety five years of age. Henry Mears Graver Dodge
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person he represents himself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim. I also certify that the foregoing words were stricken out before signing, and the pages & letters 18th, also the pages 18th and letters A. & B. also that 13th word of applicant's declaration, since 12 words in the foregoing affidavit. Dana Choate Justice of the Peace.
STATE OF COUNTY OF ss.
For evidence that the magistrate is duly commissioned and qualified, the Department is respectfully referred to the certificate of Justice Watson of Salem Police Court, attached to the application of Henry Burdick of said town of Essex , of recent date and now on file of the Department. I, Dana Choate Justice of the Peace certify that
whose genuine signature appears above, is, and was at the time of signing the same, a Justice of the Peace for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified; that his Commission is dated on the _____ day of _____ A. D. 185____ that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit.
Given under my hand this _____ day of _____ A. D. 185____

APPLICATION FOR BOUNTY LAND.
(By a person who has never before had a Land Warrant, or made a declaration therefor.)
STATE OF Massachusetts COUNTY OF Essex
b6 b7C 12/1
On this twenty fifth day of June A. D., one thousand eight hundred and fifty- five personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, John Choate aged
sixty seven years, a resident of Essex in the State of Massachusetts who being duly sworn according to law declares
that he is the identical Rufus Cogswell who was a private in the company commanded by Captain in the War of the Revolution , and as such was allowed a pension of thirty dollars a year, in conformity with the U.S. Law of 7th June 1832, the certificate granting the same being dated on 15th day of May, 1833. Signed by Levi Woodbury then Secretary of War and counter-signed by J. S. Edwards, for evidence of which reference may be made to the War Department. — Said John Choate , as guardian in the of said Rufus Regiment of Cogswell further declares , that said commanded by Rufus Cogswell is in the war with Great Britain declared by the United States on the 18th day of June, 1812, being that he
is an honest person , and that said John Choate was duly appointed guardian of said Rufus Cogswell in account of said Rufus , as shown by the Probate Certificate hereto annexed , said guardian also declares that said Cogswell is ninety five years of age .
that he at  on or about the day of A. D. for the term of and continued in actual service in said war for the term of fourteen days , and was honorably discharged at on the day of A. D.
He makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which he as said Rufus Cogswell his said ward may be entitled under the act approved March, 3d 1855. He also declares that he has not received a warrant for bounty land under this or any other act of Congress, nor made any other application therefor, in behalf of his said ward, Rufus Cogswell ,
John Choate guardian of Rufus Cogswell
STATE OF Massachusetts COUNTY OF Essex
We, Henry Mears and Graver Dodge residents of Essex in the State of Massachusetts upon our oaths declare that
the declaration foregoing was signed and acknowledged by John Choate in
our presence, and that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant that he is the identical person he represents himself to be; we also declare that said Rufus Cogswell is still living, and is ninety five years of age.
Henry Mears  Graver Dodge
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person he represents himself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim. I also certify that said John Choate is the person he represents himself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
shaken and before signing, and the signatures of the affiants to be the true signatures of the persons described in and who executed the foregoing declaration and affidavit.
David Choate Justice of the Peace
STATE OF COUNTY OF ss.
For evidence that the magistrate is duly commissioned and qualified, the Department is respectfully referred to the certificate of Justice Waters of Salem Police Court, attached to the application of Henry Mears of said town of Essex, of present date and now on file of the Department.
David Choate Justice of the Peace
I, David Choate certify that whose genuine signature appears above, is, and was at the time of signing the same, a Justice of the Peace for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified; that my Commission is dated on the day of A. D. 185 5 that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit.
Given under my hand this day of A. D. 185 5

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
County of Essex, ss. Probate Office. I James Ropes , register of probate for said county, hereby certify, that on the sixth day of February , A. D. 1849,
John Choate,
of Essex in said county, housewright , was appointed guardian of
Rufus Cogswell, (an insane person,)
himself of Essex in said county, laborer ; having given bond according to law for the faithful discharge of his said trust; as appears by the records in said office; and that it does not appear by said records, that said John Choate has become disqualified to act in his capacity of guardian as aforesaid.
Given under my hand and seal of office this twenty third day of April , A. D. 1855.
James Ropes.

N o 16131
Rufus Leaguer Herkensville N.Y.
admitted.
9 mo. Private.
Shannon Wooster Newport Herkensville N.Y.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, showing the Service of Rufus Cogswell Herewith attached
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Enlisted Aug 4 1779 Discharged June 1780. 3 Private Captain Wilson Coldsmith Gamble West Point 21 years offspring of Paston Country - of Worcester Joseph Dine man - Rutland June 1780 6 mo - thereon other evidence my but I have not mentioned the rest - & Traditional evidence   6  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops. 2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers. 3. Persons employed in the Naval service. 4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
 [Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.] 
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. D. _____ who has signed the preceding _____
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c. proof in his power. This is the _____
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (1) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was there in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

May 22, 1935
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/MCS
Rufus Cogswell, S. 30351
Mrs. George W. Newman Worcester New York
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter of May 3, 1935, requesting the record of a Revolutionary War soldier, Rufus Cogswell.
On October 12, 1929, you were furnished the full history of Rufus Cogswell as shown by papers on file in his pension claim, S. 30351. This is the only soldier of that name that is found in the Revolutionary War records of this office.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator

and 1812 wars Section
MOS/HMM
October 12, 1929.
Mrs. George W. Newman 19 Meredith Street Rochester New York.
Dear Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 30351, it appears that Rufus Cogswell was born December 9, 1759 in Essex or Ipswich, Massachusetts.
While a resident of Paxton, Massachusetts, he enlisted about August 1779 and served three months as a private in Captain Wilson's Massachusetts Company. He enlisted in June or July 1780 in Captain Miller's Massachusetts Company under Lieutenant Colonel Calvin Smith and served six months.
About one year after the Revolution he moved to Otsego County, New York and lived there about three years. He then moved to Monroe County and lived there about twenty years when he moved to Schuyler, Herkimer County, New York, and from there he moved to Russia, Herkimer County, New York, in April 1832.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 8, 1832, at which time he was living in Russia, New York.
In 1855 he was living in Essex, Massachusetts.

Rev.
There are no data relative to family.
Very truly yours,
EARL D. CHURCH Commissioner.

Rufus L. G. Smith
Albany
to
Maple

APPLICATION FOR A TRANSFER.
County of Essex ss. in Massachusetts
On this nineteenth day of September , 1892  1935
before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for the said County of Essex personally appeared Rufus Cogswell
who, on his oath, declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain
Miller, according to the best of his knowledge and belief in the 13th Regiment commanded by Colonel Smith in the service of the United States; that
his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of New York from whence he has lately removed; that he now resides in the State (District,
or Territory,) of Massachusetts where he intends to remain, and wishes his pension to be there payable, in future. The follow-
ing are his reasons for removing from said New York to said Essex , viz. a wish and desire to spend the remainder of his days among his relations and friends
Sworn and subscribed to, before me, } the day and year aforesaid. }
Rufus Cogswell
David Groate Just. Peace
The oath to be taken before a duly qualified Magistrates, whose official character and signature must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. The county Clerk, Secretary of State, or some other officer, must certify, under his seal of office, that the officer who administered the oath is a Justice of the Peace, Judge, Mayor, Alderman, or Notary Public, as the case may be, and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
The oath must be supported by the testimony of some respectable person, as to the Pensioner's identity. He must swear that the person who has taken the above oath is the person described in the affidavit. The Magistrate must certify, that the witness is a person of veracity; and the affidavit must also be authenticated in the manner above directed.

County of Essex ss. State of Massachusetts.
On this nineteenth day of September, 1835 before me the subscriber, a justice of the Peace for the county of Essex, personally appeared Thomas Perkins of said county of Essex, and town of Essex, who on his oath declares that Rufus Cogswell who has sworn to and sub- scribed the within affidavit, is the same person de- scribed in the said affidavit.
Sworn and subscribed to before me, the day & year aforesaid.
Thomas Perkins.
David Choate, Just. Peace.
Essex ss. September 19. 1835. I hereby certify that the above named Thomas Perkins is a person of veracity, and entitled to full credit and belief. —
David Choate, Just. Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Essex ss.
I John Prince Jr. Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within & for said County do hereby certify that David Choate is a Justice of the Peace within & for said County and that his signatures hereon are genuine.
Witness my hand & the seal of said Court at Salem September 19 th 1835.
John Prince Jr. Clerk.

30 351 INVALID. Rev
File No. 30,351
Rufus Cogswell Dis Rev me
Act: June 7 th 32 nd
Index: — Vol. 2 , Page 82
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1929 Oct. 17 hist. to Mrs. George W. Newman Wed
1931 May 22 Mrs. Geo. W. Newman info. hist. from her Oct. 12, 1929. Wed

Acto. Rufus Cogswell Mass.
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Pension Office Washington
FREE

Rufus Cogswell Pension Papers No 14238
12.

B.
State of New-York, } ss. Herkimer COUNTY, }
Be it known, That before me, Richard Herendeen a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Rufus Cogswell and made oath, in due form of law, that he is the identical person named in an original Certificate, in his possession, of which (I certify) the following is a true copy:
War Department Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that in conformity with the Law of the United States of the 7 th June, 1832, Rufus Cogswell of the State of New York who was a Private in the War of the Revolution is entitled to receive Thirty dollars and 00 cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4 th of March 1833 and payable semiannually on the 4 th of March and 4 th of September, in every year, given at the War Office of the United States this 15 day of May one thousand eight hundred and thirty three
Examined and Countersigned
J. S. Edwards
Secy of War Secretary of War,
that he now resides in Newport and has resided there for the space of One year thereto he resided in Russia
and that previous
SWORN and Subscribed before me, this 5 day of May 1834
Rufus Cogswell
Richard Herendeen J. Peace.
Know all Men by these Presents, That I Rufus Cogswell of Newport a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, do hereby constitute and appoint my true and lawful Attorney, for me, and in my name, to receive from the Agent of the United States for paying Pensions in the City of New York my Pension, from the fourth day of September 1833 to the fourth day of March 1834 WITNESS my hand and seal this fifth day of May 1834
Sealed and delivered in presence of
Richard Herendeen Benjamin R Collins
Rufus Cogswell (L.S.)
State of New-York, } ss. Herkimer COUNTY, }
Be it known, That on the fifth day of May 1834 before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared Rufus Cogswell above named, and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be his act and deed.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, the day and year last above mentioned.
Richard Herendeen Justice of the Peace
Note the alteration of the (W) in the 8 th line and (th) in the 10 th line from the top made before signing
Richard Herendeen P. Peace
N.B. The deposition, as well as the Power of Attorney, must be signed by the Pensioner; and every interlineation, erasure, or alteration of a word or figure, must be noted, in due form, by the Magistrate.

Certificate above referred to —
Essex Sept 2. 1835
I Rufus Cogswell, now of Essex, in the County of Essex in Massachusetts, on oath depose and say, that I am the identical person named in the pension papers A. & B. accompanying this, and that my name is signed on that marked B. in two places in my own hand writing — that I have formerly resided in the towns of Russia and Newport in the County of Herkimer, State of New York and that I have now taken up my residence in the town of Essex aforesaid, in which I was born, with the intention of passing the rest of my life there. Under these circumstances it is my desire that my pension be made payable in Boston in Massachusetts. I also declare that I am still solely entitled to my pension and that one years payment thereof is now in arrear. —
Rufus Cogswell
Essex, Sept. 2. 1835
The said Cogswell made oath to the truth of the above declaration by him subscribed. — Before me
David Groate Just. Peace,

I Thomas Perkins of Essex, in the County of Essex in Massachusetts, of lawful age to testify and on oath depose and say that I saw Rufus Cogswell sign the certificate hereto annexed dated this Sept. 2. 1835 to which my name is set as an attesting witness. The same man came to Essex in May last, from Worcester in Massachusetts to which place he had come a few months before from the State of New York and as he has uniformly represented from Newport and Russia in the County of Herkimer in that State. When he came he brought the pension papers A. & B. which accompany this as his papers and he has uniformly represented that he is the same Rufus Cogswell named therein. He was born in Essex has always been known there by the name of Rufus Cogswell and is reputed and universally believed to have served in the revolutionary army. He left Essex when quite young and had as I am informed occasionally visited there before his return in May. The above facts, that he was born in Essex, served in the army, had occasionally visited there, I know only from common report.
Thomas Perkins.
Essex ss Sept 2. 1835
The said Perkins made oath to the truth of the declaration aforesaid by him subscribed. — Before me
David Groat Just. Peace

Box 132, Mpls. South

10 Carolina Militia & nine months in 1781 & 2 under Capt: Nathaniel Martin Col. Wm. Polk of the North Carolina State Troops.
I am, with much respect.

E. Ames
Sept. 12: '35
Rufus Cogswell

Albany
Sept 12 th 1835-
(Extract)
Sir,
"In reply to your letter of the 9 th inst. I have to state that Samuel Dahn was last paid to the 4 th March 1835; and Rufus Cogswell, to the 4 th Sept 1834"
E. Ames
The original returned { by Mr. Wilson, Sept 19 th 35 { R. Burdick

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office, June 18 th 1841.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Rufus Cagswell, — a Pensioner on the Roll of the Massachusetts Agency, at the rate of Thirty — Dollars and  Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 1 st of March, to the 4 th Sept. 1840.
Respectfully yours,
William B. Harris
Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.

✓ 24/758
5 No 1111

145-8-49
FREE
Hon. Robert McCelland Secretary of the Interior. Washington.
Referred to person
26

Rufus Goss will affirmation & testimony for at Pensylvania 18131

I Tyler Goddard Clerk of the Town of Paxton in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts do certify that it appears by the records of S d Town that at a meeting of the inhabitants of S d Town in Town meeting held on October 18. 1779 for the purpose of hiring five men to go into the continental army for 3 months agreeably to a resolution of the General Court the Town voted not to be bound either to hire the five men as mentioned in the warrant and at an adjourned meeting on the 19th of the same month voted to grant money for that purpose. And at a meeting the 23 d of November following to see if the Town will vote to assess the money granted the 19th of last October for the purpose of hiring five men to go into the continental army as soon as may be the town voted to assess 930 £ for the purpose mentioned in the warrant I further certify that at a Town meeting held June 11 th 1780 To see what method the Town will take into to raise men to go into the Continental army agreeably to a late resolution of the General Court. The town voted to try to raise the men by hiring and chose a committee for that purpose and at an adjourned meeting the 21 st of the same month the committee reported that they had agreed with eight men to go into the Continental army for six months for thirty pounds per man and S d report was accepted by the Town
Tyler Goddard
Worcester ss August 2 nd 1832
Then personally appeared the above named Tyler Goddard and made oath to the truth of the above declaration by him signed before me Nath l Crocker Justice of the Peace
I hereby state that the above named Tyler Goddard is well known to me and that his declaration is entitled to full credit. Nath l Crocker

War Department.
Pension Office.
August 23. 1832.
Sir.
Agreeably to the request contained in your letter of the 28 th ult.; I have examined the Roll of Massachusetts, and both the names "Rufus Cogswell," and "William Tyler," are to be found thereon.
In order to substantiate their claims to Pensions, they must make a declaration in conformity with the regulations herewith enclosed for their guidance.
very respectfully your obedt. servant.
J. L. Edwards
W. Darius Hawkins. New Port. Herkinner Co. New York.

Mrs. George W. Newman.
IROQUOIS CHAPTER DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION WORCESTER, NEW YORK
Veterans Administration,
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:-
May we ask what records you have of the family and also the Rev. War record and pension record of one, RUFUS COGSWELL ? He lived to be very old, nearly one hundred years. He was a Mass. man but at different times lived in Saratoga and Herkimer Counties, N.Y. Y
We thank you.
Mrs. George W. Newman, Worcester, N.Y.
5/3/35
Mrs. George W. Newman

19 MEREDITH STREET ROCHESTER, N. Y.
Aug. 8, 1929.
Bureau of Pensions, Revolutionary War Dept., Washington, D. C.,
Gentlemen:—
Will you please give me a copy of all information in regard to Rufus Cogswell and his family as given in his application for a pension? I believe he enlisted from Paxton, Mass., and his pension granted when he was a resident of Herkimer Co., N.Y.
I thank you for the information. Respectfully yours, Lillian F. Newman (Mrs. Geo. W.)