Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 14589, Robert Davis, Continental (N.H.) Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental (7th.)
Davis, Robert
W 14589
Mass.
Mary
CONTENTS

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of 7th July 1838. entitled "Act granting half pay, and pensions to certain widows."
State of Massachusetts - Essex County ss. - On this eleventh day of December, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight - before the Honorable Daniel A. White, Judge of Probate for said county of Essex, personally appeared Mary Darris, resident of Newbury, county and State aforesaid aged eighty two 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 provisions made by the Act of Congress passed July 7th 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay of pensions to certain widows."
That she is widow of Robert Darris, who was late a private and served in the Army of the United States, in the war of the Revolution, as she has always understood faithfully believes, and does now believe the term of twelve months.
That he entered said service at Cambridge in 1775, in which as she understands he was engaged three months, and that afterwards in the year 1776 entered in a company commanded by Capt. Puchard under Colonel Stark New Hampshire line, in which he served at New York and other places twelve months - for service of all which she asks leave respectfully to refer to the papers and documents which she believes to be on file in the War Department, at Washington, with such as she may be enabled to annex to this Declaration.
And the said Mary Darris doth further on her said oath declare, that she was lawfully married to the said Robert Darris, at Gloucester, in the State of Massachusetts, by Rev Mr. Colby, on the twenty fifth day of December, one thousand seven hundred and eighty three; That the said Robert Darris, her said husband died at Nantucket, formerly said Chester, on the first day of August, one thousand eight hundred and five.
That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the said service, but that the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety five; that at the time she has above stated as will appear by the papers annexed,
Sworn and subscribed the day and year above written.
before
D A White Judge of Probate
Mary Darris

5557 Massachusetts
Mary Davis widow of Robert Davis
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private N. H.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
70 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the
23 day of Dec 1857
and sent to
Mrs. Richard Hoxby Present
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under February 2, 1848, Page 42 Vol. 2
Reputed

Certificate of Marriage -
Robert Davis & Mary Brown
Dec r 25, 1783 -
"E"
E No. 1.

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Office of Secretary of State.
I, Thomas P. Treadwell , Secretary of State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that Jeremiah H. Wilkins is an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for the County of Merrimack duly commissioned and qualified, and duly authorized by the Laws of said State to administer Oaths, take the acknowledgment of Deeds, &c. His Commission was dated on the twenty fifth — day of Novm. 1844 and will expired on the twent fifth — day of November — 1849 and his signature, as such, to the annexed instrument is genuine. His Commission was renewed for five years. Novm. 23. 1849.
Given under my hand and the Seal of the State, this 28 th — day of Novm. 1849.
Thos P. Treadwell , Secretary of State.

State of New Hampshire Extract from the records of the Town of Pembroke in the County of Merrimack in said State. Marriages by Rev. Ichabud Colby minister of the Gospel.
"Robert Davis and Mary Brown both of Chester married December twentyfifth Seventeen Hundred and eightythree."
I hereby certify that the above record is a true copy, with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows— "Married December 25. 1783".
Attest— William Haseltine Jr. Town-Clerk
Pembroke (Town Clerks Office) Nov 19 th 1849.
I William Haseltine Jr. above named depose and say that I hold the office of Clerk in the Town of Pembroke and State aforesaid, and the above is a true copy from the records of said Town, with the exception above named, as certified by me.
William Haseltine Jr. Clerk } of the Town of Pembroke }
State of New Hampshire } County of Merrimack } } Pembroke Nov 19 th 1849.
Then personally appeared, before me the subscriber a justice of the Peace within and for the County of Merrimack aforesaid William Haseltine Jr. above named and made solemn oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed.
Before me—
Jeremiah H. Wilkins Justice of the Peace

I, Daniel Davis, of Hooksett, in the County of Merrimack, & State of New Hampshire, aged eighty years - on oath depose and say that Robert Davis, late of this town (formerly Chester) deceased, was my brother - that I very well recollect that he served in the Army of the United States in the revolution- ary war, several different campaigns - first, he went to Bunker Hill in 1776, and served but a short time - he after- wards, enlisted again I think in the next year - and I think he served in a Captain Richards' company in the Regiment of Col. Stark, he served at that time nine months - - he was also out in the service a year at another time and either a part or the whole of that time was in Capt. McCawley's Company - I cannot recollect particularly the names of the officers under whom he served, but I am certain that he was out - a year at one time, and nine months at another time - he afterwards married Molly Brown of this town - he was drowned in this town many years ago - Seth H. Jones. Daniel his Davis mark
State of New Hampshire Merrimack ss. May 20. 1827 Then the above named Daniel Davis made oath that the above deposition by him subscribed is true
Before me Seth H. Jones. Jns. Pease I certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Daniel Davis and believe him to be a credible witness. Seth H. Jones

N.Y.
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 14589
Mary Davis
Widow
Robert Davis
Pr. Rev. Wash
Act: Feb. 2, 1848
Index:—Vol. a , Page 145
[Arrangement of 1870.]

No 5724 Mary Davis Map
Sit to Mr D. D. Davis July 11 1840 at Salem D. D. Davis 21st Feb 1840 in Salem the 21st Sept 1850
W.
Set 7 July 1828

Admit
1. year & 9. months $70. Act 1838.
Dickins & Coonlee Washington City

11020.
Massachusetts.
Mary Davis
Widow of Robert Davis
who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 1 August 1805 of in the State of Mass.
who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain of the
the commanded by in line for 1 year & 9 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Boston at the rate of 70 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 day of Sept 1857 and sent to Dickens & Coomb, print
Total amount,
$
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Book
Vol. 1
Page
Clerk,
47

8929 Massachusetts.
Mary Davis widow of Robert Davis who was a Private in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 70 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 day of Dec 1850 and sent to
Messrs Dickens & Coombs Present
[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book  A Vol.  2  Page  28

On the 11 th of Decr. 1838 Mary Davis of Newbury of Massachusetts aged 82 years on oath makes the following declaration, in order to enable her to obtain the benefit of the provisions under the act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838. That she is the widow of Robert Davis who was late a Private & served in the Army of the U.S. in the war of the Revolution and as she always understood & believes for the term of 12 months - That he entered said service at Cambridge in 1775 in which as she believes he was engaged three months and that afterwards in the year 1776 enlisted in a Company commanded by Capt. Richards under Col. Stark, New Hampshire line in which he served at New York & other places twelve months, for proof of all which she refers to the papers and documents which she believes to be on file in the War Department, with such as are annexed to her Declaration. At No 1
J. A. E. Long being sworn says that he was well acquainted with Mary Davis now resident of Newbury & widow of Robert Davis late of _____ in the State of New Hampshire and that she is at this time 26 th of June 1839 remaining the widow of said Davis - that she has not married since his decease (At No 2)
Oliver Hale sworn says that the above named Mary Davis is personally known to him and that he knows that she is at this time remaining the widow of said Robert Davis and that she has not been married since his decease. Certificate of Magistrate as to respectability & veracity and that full confidence may be put in this declaration (At No 3)
Certificate of Benjamin Gushing Town Clerk of the marriage of Robert Davis and Mary Brown on the 25 th of December 1783 sworn to before Justice of the Peace as a true copy of the record in his

proportion 6 at 1804
Moses Turner of Canobie in the county of Rockingham State of New Hampshire aged 80 years & upwards, on oath, says that in 1775 he was in the service of the United States and in the month of December was at Winter Hill in company with a Mr Robert Davis of Chester three months and that he was personally acquainted with said Davis during that time and that he served with him three months during that time. Commencing in December A.D. 1775
Certificate of Magistrate that he is personally acquainted with Deponent and should consider him a competent witness.
(A.D. 1775) Thomas Colby county of Merrimack State of New Hampshire aged 80 years upwards on oath says that in 1776 he enlisted in the service of the United States under ensign Timothy Blake in a company commanded by Capt. Samuel Richards in a Regiment under Colonel Stark - that he commenced said service at Winter Hill in the State of Massachusetts in the month of January of that year & went from thence to New York and from thence up North River to Albany thence to Lake George thence to Lake Champlain thence to Montreal from which place retreated to St. Johns, and does know that Robert Davis who then belonged to Chester in State of New Hamp- shire was a private in same company & enlisted at the same time and served with him in said company in the war of the Revolution twelve months, the said Robert Davis was then and afterwards well known to him
Certificate of Justice before whom the oath was taken, that he is well acquainted with Deponent and believes him to be a credible witness (A.D. 1776.)
Certificate of a Lord Justice of Probate of Essex County as to the genuineness of the signature of L. White Judge of Probate and that he is a Judge of the Probate Court for said County

Thomas Colby of Bow New Hampshire aged 80 years and upwards on oath says in addition to his former deposition that the said Robert Davis in his former deposition was personally known to me from the fact that they both had the smallpox together at Woburn and that they both belonged to the of Capt Samuel Richards on the Regiment under Col. Harker in the year 1776 and that he parted with the said Robert Davis at Albany in January 1777 and that the same Robert Davis returned to Hooksett formerly Chester and married Mary Brown and that afterwards he was drowned in a pond a mile or two from where he lived (B. No. 1)
John Wason of Auburn County of Rockingham state of New Hampshire a revolutionary soldier sworn says that he was well acquainted with Robert Davis of Chester (now Hooksett) that he with several others were hired to go to Massachusetts & enlist in service - that he knows he went away for that purpose & came back after serving 9 months as he has always understood - that he knew before he went away & after his return until he was drowned which he thinks was in 1805 - He was a very respectable man & esteemed as a good citizen. John Nathan Davis a Brother of Robert was with him in Capt. Boyers Company Col. Mann's Regiment at West Point in 1780.
Certificate of Justice that he is personally acquainted with Defendant and that he is a credible witness (b. No. 1)
Daniel Davis of Hooksett county of Merrimack State of Massachusetts New Hampshire aged 80 years on oath says that Robert Davis late of this town (formerly Chester) was my Brother - that he very well recollects that he served in the army of the U States in the revolutionary war, several different campaigns - first he went to Bunker Hill in 1776 and served

4 but a short time - He afterwards enlisted again in the next year and thinks he served in a Captain Richards Company in the Regiment of Col. Clarke - He served at that time nine months - He was also out in the service a year at another time and either a part or the whole of that time was in Capt. McCawley's company, cannot re- collect particularly the names of the officers under whom he served, but is certain that he was out, a year at one time and nine months at another - He afterwards married Mary Brown - and was divorced many years ago.
Certificate of Justice that he is personally acquainted with Deponent and believes him to be a credible witness (D No 1)
Samuel Head of the same Town on oath says aged 69 years that he formerly knew Robert Davis of this town (then called Chester) was a near neighbor of his and was well acquainted with him, was deceased near the place about the year 1805 - That he always has understood that he was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and was so generally understood in the town - has often heard him relate anecdotes of matters which occurred while he was in the service and has no doubt that he was a very respectable man
Certificate of Justice before whom he took the oath that he was personally acquainted with Deponent and that he is a credible witness (D No 2)
A certificate of marriage by the Rev Zachariah Colby minister of the Gospel. Extract "Robert Davis and Mary Brown both of Chester married 25 th December 1783. Certificate of William Hasbrouck that the above extract is a true copy - Certificate of oath of W. Hasbrouck Town Clerk that the above extract is a true copy of the records in his possession (E No 1)

Application of Mary Davis widow of Robert Davis to the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to furnish evidence from the rolls of his office of husband's service in the war of the revolution says she enlisted in the town of Chester in the County of Berkshire as she thinks but by reason of her age and loss of memory is unable to state her service with accuracy - understood while living in Chester engaged to serve in a Massachusetts regiment in consequence of an application having been made from Salem for volun- teers to serve instead of men who were drafted and that she received a Bounty in addition to her wages, she was out at several different times but is not able to state under what officers she served and has no means of ascertaining She is now 89 years old and her memory does not enable her to state her husband's services more fully. (P. 1.
Certificate from the office of secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Boston October 14 1847 -
Certifies from an examination of books & documents relating to military services in the war of the Revolution. It appears that the name of Robert Davis is borne upon a list of men drafted for the term of nine months from the time of their arrival at Fish Kill as a Private of Salem 17 years of age 5 feet 6 inches high arrived at Fish Kill June 23 1778.
Not upon rolls of any Capt. Richards or Richardson."
Application of John Bedel of Bath New Hampshire Nov 10th 1849. to the same office for ascertaining whether there is not upon the list mentioned something in the case mentioned of Robert Davis. showing more definitely whether the

was an inhabitant of Salem or whether he was only one of the Quota for Salem.
In reply Mr. Tufts deputy secretary of the Commonwealth of Mass acknowledges Dec. 1 1849 certifies under seal of office "that the name of Robert Davis as certified October 14 1847 is borne upon the lists as one of the Quota furnished by the Town of Salem - neither of the lists state he was an inhabitant of Salem. His name does not appear in any Roll of Captain Richards or Richardson No officer of the name of the Canby so high in rank as Captain." (G No 1

Claim of Mary Davis, widow of Robert Davis, dec d for Pension under the Act of 1838.
It is admitted that the Claimant was married to Robert Davis, formerly of Chester (now called Hooksett) in the year 1783; that her husband died in 1805, and she has since remained his widow.
The only question in the case, therefore, is as to the services of her said husband. She claims that her husband served three months in the latter part of 1775; twelve months in 1776, under Capt. Samuel Richards, Col. Stark's regiment, of the New Hampshire line; and nine months in a company from Salem, Massachusetts, commencing 23 d June 1778.
The claim for 3 months service in 1775, is sustained only by the testimony of one witness, who is evidently mistaken as to a date.
Moses Turner , testifies that in the year 1775 he was in the service of the United States and in the months of December was at Win-

ter Hill and in company with a Mr. Robert Davis of Chester three months and was personally acquainted with the said Robert Davis during that time, and that the said Robert Davis served with him during the three months commencing in December .
If this witness refers to the same Robert Davis who afterwards married the claimant, he is evidently mistaken in supposing said three months service commenced in December , as it is most clearly proved that said Robert Davis enlisted for 12 months in Capt. Richards Company, Col. Hark's Regiment, in January 1876. We have very little doubt that this is a mere clerical error, and that what the witness intended to say, was that the service ended in December. As, however, this is mere conjecture on our part, we cannot ask that it be adopted, and shall not complain if the three months service in 1875 is rejected, as not being proved with sufficient certainty.
The next service claimed, is that of 12 months in 1876, in Captain Samuel Richards' Company,

Col. Stark's Regiment, New Hampshire line. This service we consider proved beyond all shadow of doubt. It is a well known fact that the service in New Hampshire for the year 1776, consisted, in a good degree, of year's men, enlisted in the beginning of said year, for 12 months; but none of the rolls of said year are known to exist. They are supposed to have been destroyed at the burning off the War Department in 1814. Rolls of Col. Stark's Regiment for 1775 are in the Pension Office, but none for 1776. As there is no record evidence therefore in regard to the service in Col. Stark's Regiment during the time it is claimed that said Robert Davis served therein, the next best evidence that the nature of the case admits of, has been resorted to. It consists of the testimony of those who were in service with him, and is as follows:
1 st  Thomas Colby aged Eighty years, in May 1839, testifies that in January 1776 he enlisted in the service of the United States, under Ensign Timothy Blake , in a Company

Commanded by Captain Samuel Richards, Col. Stark's Regiment at Winter Hill - went to New York, thence up North River to Albany, thence to Lake George, thence to Lake Champlain, thence to Montreal, and the River Sorelle, and from thence retreated to St. Johns. He does know that Robert Davis , who then belonged to Chester, N.H. was a private in the same Company , enlisted at the same time , and served with him in said Company, in the war of the Revolution twelve months. Said Robt. Davis was then and afterwards well known to him. (See dep. in filed marked "A No. 1". Also, his deposition to same effect, dated April 8 th 1839, attached to marked "B.")
The same witness, in October 1839, makes another deposition in which he states that he well recollects the said Robert Davis from the fact that they both had the small pay together at "Hiram" while in the service, in the Company and Regiment aforesaid. He repeats the fact that he well knows that said Robert Davis served with him

in said Company and Regt. one whole year, and that he parted with him at Albany in 1777 January 1777 - That the same Robt. Davis returned to Hooksett (formerly Chester) and there married Mary Brooks, (the claimant) and was afterwards drowned &c. (Marked "B. No. 1")
[The very clear and intelligent account which this witness gives of his own services, shows that he cannot be mis- taken in regard to the facts of which he speaks. He has told his story three different times, and it is always substantially the same]
2 d  Daniel Davis , the brother of said Robert Davis, testifies that he knows the fact that said Robert Davis was out several times during the revolutionary war; at one time in the Company of said Capt. Richards. There are perhaps other witnesses who speak of the same services, but as none of them were in service with him during this tour, we have not thought it worth while to notice their testimony very particularly. They only go to corroborate the statements of Colby.

We take it for granted the Hon. Secretary of the Interior cannot hesitate as to the service of one year in Col. Stark's Regt. under Capt. Richards; and therefore pass on to the next service claimed, viz: 9 months in 1778, in the Company from Salem, Mass.
Before proceeding to examine the evidence in support of this part of the claim, we would remark, that before the Secretary of State of Massachusetts will examine the rolls in his office, or permit them to be examined by others, the applicant must make an affidavit setting forth what it is believed said rolls will prove. This is adopted to prevent persons from first getting the facts from the records, and then making out a case agreeing with said facts.
Accordingly the claimant, in August 1847, made an affidavit in which she stated that she understood that her husband, while living at Chester N.H. engaged to serve in a Massachusetts Regiment, in consequence of an application having been made from Salem for volunteers to serve instead of

men who were drafted, &c. Thereupon the Secy. of State examined the rolls of the Salem Company, and finds the name of Robert Davis "upon a list of men drafted for the term of nine months from the time of their arrival at Fish Kill, as a private of Salem, 17 years of age 5 feet 6 inches high, arrived at Fish Kill June 23 d 1778."
It having been objected by the Pen- sion Office that this evidence showed that the Robt. Davis referred to was of Salem , the Secy. of State on the 1 st of December 1849 gave another Cer- tificate, in which he is more specific. In this Certificate he states that the name of Robt. Davis is borne upon the lists as one of the quota fur- nished by the Town of Salem , but neither of the lists state that he was an inhabitant of Salem .
Now this testimony is perfectly con- sistent with the statement made by the claimant. She says she under- stood that he engaged to serve in a Salem Company, in lieu of of a drafted man. This being the case, his name would of course appear

upon the lists as one of the quota furnished by the town of Salem - that is to say, his name would take the place of the drafted man for whom he was a substitute.
This is fully explained by the testimony of John Wason a Revolutionary Pensioner, who swears that he was formerly well acquainted with said Robert Davis, of Chester (now Hooksett) - that he with several others were hired from said town to go to Massachusetts and enlist in the service. Knows that he went away for that purpose, and came back after serving nine months, as witness understood and believed. Knew him before he went away and after his return, until he was drowned, in 1805.
Clearly, this is sufficient to identify the claimant's husband with the soldier of that name mentioned in the Ctg. of the Secy. of State of Massachusetts. In fact that the widow set up a claim that her husband went to Salem Massachusetts to serve as a substitute for

Draftsman, before she knew, or could have known what the records would show, is a strong circumstance in the case.
It will be observed that the Secy. of State Secy. of Mass. certifies that the name of Robt. Davis does not appear upon any roll by his office of Capt. Richards or Richardson . Of course the rolls of the Capt. Richardson under whom Davis served would not be in his office, as he belonged to the New Hampshire line. His state- ment was made by the Secy. of State, because the widow, in her applica- tion to him, stated that she believed that her husband served under a Capt. Richards or Richardson, with- out mentioning the fact that it was in the New Hampshire line.
It is said by the Commissioner of Pen- sions, in his report in this case, that there are in the declaration of the widow, and the testimony of the witnesses, "discrepancies and contradictions which are irreconcilable."
As to the declaration of the claim- ant, we would remark, that she

does not pretend to state facts within her own knowledge, or even to state with accuracy what she has heard in regard to her husband's services. She was not married to him until some years after he left the service, and he died in 1805. Under these circumstances it would have been very strange indeed if she had been able to give any thing like an accurate history of his services.
The only material discrepancy between the statements of the witnesses, is that already referred to between Moses Turner, who says he served with him 3 months commencing in December 1775, and of the other witnesses who state that he enlisted in Richards Co. Stark's regt. in January 1776. As we have already stated, Turner must be mistaken as to the date, and as we do not claim that the 3 months service to which he testifies should, upon the evidence, be allowed, it is unnecessary to say more upon that point.
It is also objected, that if the soldier in the Salem Company, who was but 17 years old in June 1778, was the claim-

anti husband, he was but 14 years old in 1775, and consequently too young to be in the service.
In the first place we would remark, that there were many soldiers in the service in the time of the revolution of from 14 to 15 years of age. In the next place, that if the evidence is considered with a view to reconciling it, and not to finding discrepancies, it does not show that Davis was only 14 years of age in the latter part of 1775. In June 1778 his age was put down as 17 - that only shows that he was not yet 18: he may have been 17 & 11 months: that being the case, (which is equally as probable as that he was then just 17) - it would follow, that in the Fall of 1775 he was between the ages of fifteen and sixteen ; which was a very common age at which young men entered the service in the War of the Revolution. But, as we have already stated, we do not claim any service in 1775 - although we do not doubt that he served 3 months ending in Dec r of that year.

We feel well assured, that upon a careful examination of the case the Hon. Secy. of the Interior will be satisfied that there is nothing in the pretended discrepancies which the Com r . of Pensions has pointed out, which should pre- judice the claim for one year and 9 months service
Very Respectfully
Submitted
Dickins & Coombs Atty's for Claimt.
Nov. 20/1850.

I Thomas Colby of Bow (Newhamp- shire) aged eighty years & upwards on oath do testify & declare in addition to my for- mer deposition that I do know that the said Robert Davis mentioned in my deposition was personally known to me from the fact that we both had the small pox together at "L'Anore", & that we were together in the company of Capt. Samuel Richards & in the Regiment under Colonel Stark in the year 1776, and I do testify & declare that I parted with the said Rob- ert Davis at Albany in January 1777, And I do testify & declare that the same Robert Davis returned to Hooksett formerly Ches- ter & married Mary Brown, & that the said Robert Davis was drowned in a pond a mile or two from where he lived, which is known by the name of "Lakins Pond". Thomas Colby.
Merrimack ss. Bow Oct. 29 1839 The above named Thomas Colby made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true before me Reuben Colby jus Peace

Bair October 29 th 1839
This May certify that I have been Personally acquainted with the within named Thomas Colby for several years and I consider him to be a competent witness Nathan Colby Jus Peace

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE.
I JOSIAH STEVENS, JR. Secretary of the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Amher Colby is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Stratham duly Commissioned and qualified; that his Commission was dated on the twenty ninth day of June 1838 and will expire on the twenty ninth day of June 1843 and that his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine.
Given under my hand and the Seal of said State this 29 th day of October 1839
Josiah Stevens Secretary of State.

572
Mary Davis
Mass.
Act. J. July 38
p r 83-205.
A. 1.
M m Woart Esq Newburyport Mass.

STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE,
OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE,
Concord, May 27 18 39
I hereby certify, that from the Records in this office it appears that on the seventeenth day of May A. D. 1839  Thomas Colby was duly in Commission as a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County of Merrimack and that his signature as such to the annexed Instrument is true and genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of said State.
Leah Stevens Secretary of State.

I Thomas Colby of Bow, in the county of Merrimack and State of Newhampshire aged Eighty years and upwards, on oath do testify and declare that in the year of our Lord one thousand, seven hundred and seventy six, I enlisted in the service of the United States, under Ensign Timothy Blake, in a company commanded by Captain Samuel Richards, and in a regiment commanded by Colonel Stark - that I commenced said service at Winter hill in the State of Massachusetts, in the month of January in that year went from thence to New York and from thence up North river to Albany, from thence to Lake George, from thence to Lake Champlain from thence to Montreal and the River Suvielle, from thence which place we retreated to St. Johns, and I do know that, that Robert Davis, who then belonged to Chester in said State of Newhampshire was a private in the same company, and enlisted at the same time, and he the said Robert Davis, served with me in said Company Company in the war of the revolution twelve months, the said Robert Davis was then and afterwards well known to me.
Thomas Colby
Merrimack ss Bow May 17 th 1939
The above named Thomas Colby made oath that the affidavit above by him subscribed is true before me Reuben Colby J. Geo. Pease
This May certify that I have seen personally acquainted with the above named Thomas Colby and consider him to be a credible witness Reuben Colby J. Geo. Pease

STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE,
OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE,
Concord, May 27- 1839
I hereby certify, that from the Records in this office it appears that on the thirteenth day of May A. D. 1839 Wm Sumner was duly in Commission as a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County of Rockingham and that his signature as such to the annexed Instrument is true and genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of said State.
Josiah Stevens Secretary of State.

I Moses Turner of Candia, in the County of Rockingham & State of New-Hampshire, aged eighty years & upwards, on oath do testify & declare that in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy five I was in the service of the United States, and in the month of December was at Winter Hill & in company with a Mr Robert Davis of Chester, three months, and do testify that I was personally acquainted with the said Robert Davis during that time and that the said Robert Davis served with me during the three months commencing in December.
Moses Turner
State of New Hampshire Rockingham ss } May 13 th 1889
Subscribed & sworn to before me
Wm Turner Justice Peace
This may certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Moses Turner and should consider him a competent witness
Wm Turner Justice Peace

Robt Davis & Mary Brown both of Chester married December the twentyfifth one thousand seven hundred and eighty three.
I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the record with the exception of the exception of the date which is expressed in the record in fair legible figures thus (Dec r 25 1983)
Benjamin Cushing Town Clerk
I Benjamin Cushing above named depose and say that I hold the office of Clerk of the Town of Pembroke in the County of Merrim- ack & State of New Hampshire; and that the above is a true extract from the records of said town, with the exception above named as certified by me
Benjamin Cushing Town Clerk
State of New Hampshire } Merrimack ss }
Sworn this 23 rd day of January 1839
before me Jeremiah H. Wilkins Justice of peace
A

STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE,
OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE,
Concord, February 22 1839
I hereby certify, that from the Records in this office it appears that on the twenty third day of January A. D. 1839 Jeremiah H. Witham was duly in Commission as a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County of Merrimack and that his signature as such to the annexed Instrument is true and genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of said State.
Frederick Stevens
Secretary of State.

I J A & Long, of Newbury, in the county of Essex, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on oath do declare, that I am well acquainted with Mary Darris now resident of said Newbury and widow of Robert Darris, late of Newbury, in the State of New Hampshire deceased, and do know, that the said Mary is, at this time remaining the widow of said Robert Darris, and that she has not intermarried since his decease. Newbury June 26 th 1839
J. A. E. Long
J. Oliver Hale, of Newbury aforesaid, on oath do declare, that the above named Mary Darris, widow of Robert Darris above named is personally known to me, and I do know that she is at this time remaining the widow of said Robert Darris; and that she has not intermarried since his decease. Newbury June 26 th 1839
Oliver Hale
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Essex ss. I, Clerk of Newbury June 26 th 1839. Then the above named J. A. E. Long & Oliver Hale personally appeared, and made Oath, in due form of Law, to the truth of the above written depositions by them respectively subscribed, in my presence. I do further certify that said J. A. E. Long and Oliver Hale are both personally well known to me, and that they are both respectable Citizens, in whose declarations full confidence may be placed.
W. W. Dorr, Clerk of the Court

Bath N.H.
Sept. 26. 1857
Sir
Your communication to Hon. N. Hibbard of the 28 th Inst. in the application of Mary Davis, Widow of Robert Davis, under act July 7 th 1838 &c has been forwarded to me - Enclosed please find additional evidence in this case marked G. - Soon after my letter to you in this case of the 14 th March last was forwarded you, I was at our Secy. of State's office and fortunately found the matter contained in this certificate, which I should have forwarded you immediately had I not confidently anticipated action in this case ere the present time -
I look upon this certificate as most unqualifiedly obviating all the objections set up in your letter of Feby. 21 st 1850, referred to by you, in regard to the two tours of service testified to by Moses Turner & Thomas Colby, in 1775 & 1776 - I have marked in the margin of this certificate with a pencil the two clauses to which I would respectfully and earnestly call your more particular attention - In the first place this certificate positively shows that the service spoken of by Turner was not a tour of three months , but only for six weeks i.e. from the first of Dec r 1775 to Jan y . 15 th 1776, and in the second place, that liberty was given "for all the soldiers in this Colony service to enlist in Continental service " Is not the explanation asked for in the 4 th paragraph of your letter of Feby 21 st 1850 here fully and satisfactorily supplied? I trust so.
The supplemental certificate of the Secretary of War of Dec r . 1. 1849 shows the assertion in the 8 th paragraph of your

letter of Feby. 21 st 1850. The substantially erroneous, and that though Robert Davis was one of the quota raised by Salem, nothing appears at all inconsistent with his being an inhabitant of Chester C.H. In this light I considered it as furnishing essentially additional evidence to his previous certificate on the application of Mrs Davis.
Taking into consideration that Moses Turner positively swears that applicant's husband, Robert Davis, served with him in a tour commencing in Decr. 1775, and Thomas Colby positively swears that said Davis served with him one year in Capt. Sam l Richards company in Col l Starkes Regt. in 1776, and that their statements are sustained by the rolls of Col l Starkes Regt. for 1776 in your Office, and the traditional evidence of Sam l Davis, and Sam l Head, I trust I shall be excused for insisting upon a reexamination of this case; for if there is nothing more in this case than has come to my knowledge, such evidence cannot be coolly set one side - And viewing Mrs. Davis' application under oath to the Secretary of Mass. as entitled to the slightest credit, sustained as it is by the certificates of the Secretary, and the evidence of Sam l Davis and John Wason, there can be no doubt, she is as fully entitled to an allowance for the tour of 9 months in 1778 - I cannot therefore cease to contend that Justice demands at your hands a speedy adjustment and allowance of this claim.
I am Very Respectfully Your Obed Servt.
Wm Bedel
Hon. J. S. Edwards Comr. of Pensions Washington D.C.

18 Washington Oct 12/80
Dickens & Hoombs
Appeal from the decision of the Comt of Pensions in the case of Mary Davis, widow of Robert Davis
Oct 13/80
Capt. Tipton Col.
Ref'd to Comt of Pensions for a Report.
Dep. Interior Secy Oct 15 1880

Washington 12 Oct. 1858
Sir,
The Commissioners of Pensions having rejected the claim of Mary Davis widow of Robert Davis, under the act 7 July 1838. We beg leave to appeal from his decision and ask your action on the claim. — When the papers come before you we shall be glad to see them and submit a few remarks. —
Yours very respectfully Dickins & Coombs.
The Hon Secretary of the Interior

J. L. Edwards Comr. of Pensions Washington D.C.
October 25. 1850.
Relation to Mary Davis. Papers 11 in number enclosed.

Pension Office October 25 th 1850.
Sir:
I have the honor to transmit to you the papers in the case of the application of Mary Davis a widow for a pension (numbering 11) on which Dickens & Coombs appeal, accompanied by a brief of the evidence.
An examination of this case will exhibit discrepancies and contradictions irreconcilable, and which no subsequent testimony has been introduced to explain and reconcile.
Mary Davis in her Declaration states that her husband entered the Service in 1775 for a term of 3 months, and that he served 12 months in 1776 under Captain Richards.
Moses Turner, a witness, testifies, that in December 1775 he was in the service of the United States, was acquainted with Robert Davis of Chester, and said Davis served with him during that tour of 3 months, commencing from December. J. Colby testifies that he enlisted in January 1776 under Captain Samuel Richards, of Col. Stark's Regiment for 12 months; Robert

Davis of Chester, enlisted at the same time, and served with him in the same company for 12 months. He is thus made to serve in two companies at the same time, a contradiction in terms. Robert Davis referred to in the certificate of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as being upon the list, drafted for the term of 9 months, belonged to Salem of that State. He was, it appears, at that time (1778) but 17 years of age, and Mrs Davis states her husband was in service in 1775, so that if he was the soldier from Salem, he would have been in 1775 only 14 years old. It is therefore clear, if her own statement be true, that her husband could not have been the soldier who was drafted into the Massachusetts troops in 1778. Under such irreconcilable statements, the claim was rejected, and no subsequent proof has been received of witnesses who knew any thing of their own knowledge.
I have the honor to be Very Respectfully Your obed Servant J L Edwards
Hon. A. A. A. Stuart Secretary of the Interior.

There are, in this Office, no rolls of the Com- pany and Regiment in which it is asserted that the claimants served, for the year 1776. H. J. C. 7.
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]

Bath N.H.
March 14, 1850
Sir Your communication of the 21 st Ult o in the case of Mary Davis Widow of Robert Davis is rec d , and in relation to the discrepancy that is asserted to exist in regard to the testimony of Moses Turner v Thomas Colby, I can only say that it would seem either an error of the Magistrate in taking the testimony of Turner, or an error in Turners own recollection as to the time period of time at which the three months service spoken of commenced — It is a well known matter of history, that no person in New Hampshire was engaged in 1775 to serve longer than the 31 st day of December of that year, and that the only engagements of about the period of three months in that year commenced in October 1775 instead of December , and the service of that nature was familiarly known as the "seacoast service" and continued from 6 weeks to three months according to the date of engagement; and that this species of troops were all mustered on the 5 th day of November 1775 and that such engagements were frequently terminated early in Jan y , 1776 by enlistment into the Continental service for a period of 12 months; and that Stark's Regt. in particular remained in service over 12 months, nearly if not quite 14 months, on account of his retaining his Regt. beyond the period of the enlistment to participate in the battle of Princeton in Jan y , 1777 — If Turner states in his testimony that Davis enlisted at the same time that he did and served in the same company with him three months commencing in December 1775, it is most assuredly an error, and cannot be viewed in any other light; for there was no such service —

You do not inform me in what company he states he was in that three months, it would have seemed nothing contrary to propriety, at least, to have stated informed me, if a satisfactory explanation was expected of me, totally ignorant as I am of what Turner has stated — Perhaps by a reference to Turner's declaration for a pension under act Mar. 18, 1818 the facts as to this matter may be there more clearly stated, when probably his recollection was clearer than when his testimony was taken in this case —
I take it, that it is not disputed that Robert Davis did serve in Capt. Saml. Richards Co. Starks Regt. 12 or 14 months commencing in Jan'y. 1776; the records as I suppose are at your Department of the service of that Regt. that year — If this service appears of record, it would seem carrying objections too far to say that Turner's testimony discredits it —
I do not know that Mrs Davis has stated anything incompatible with the fact of the age of her husband as stated in Secy. of Mass. certificate of October 14, 1847 — He is there as you say stated to be 17 in 1778 which I believe to be his correct age, let it have what effect or bearing it may upon the fact of his service in 1775 & 1776 — Enclosed herewith please find additional certificate from Secy. of Mass. marked "F" where the assertion that the Robert Davis there mentioned belonged to Salem Mass. is more clearly refuted —
I do think that taking into consideration the consistency of Mrs Davis's application to Secy. of Mass., with the service as proved, (to which allow me to call your particular attention) and the additional traditional evidence adduced

in this case, and the apparent promptness and honesty in asserting her claim, that Justice demands its allowance, and that Speedily—
I am, Very respectfully, Your Obs. Serv.
John Beebe
Hon. D. L. Edwards Comm: of Pensions Washington D.C.

Robert Davis Certificate of Seeley State of N.H. March 28. 1850
" "

Adjourned to Monday next at Exeter
In consequence of a Letter from Genl. Sullivan by Express informing of the withdrawing of the Connecticut Troops from the Lines at Cambridge, & desiring a number of Troops to be sent from this colony to supply their Place the Committee met at Portsmouth on the 2 d day of Dec. — &
Dec 2 d . Gave orders to the following Gentlemen each to enlist a company of Sixty one able bodied men including 3 Serjeants & 3 corporals well provided with Arms & Blankets to serve in the continental Army under the command of Genl Washington until the 15 th Jany. next unless sooner discharged & as soon as enlisted to march them immediately to join Genl. Sullivan's Brigade — viz:
Capt. David Place Henry Elkins Daniel Rounnels & John Waldron Alpheus Chesley David Copp Moses Baker Mark Wiggins Joseph Parsons Moses Yeaton Elijah Denbo Jacob Webster Nathl. Odiorne Peter Coffin Stephen Clark Greenleaf Clark
1775 Dec. 3 d . Wrote to Saml. Hobart Esq (sent him a copy of Genl Sullivan's Letter — & six blank enlisting orders desiring him to give them to suitable Persons towards & in the County of Hillsboro' — copy filed
Wrote to Col. Tim y . Walker sent him blank orders for three Capt. — copy filed —
Delivered orders for one Capt. to Genl Folsom to be by him given to such Person as he should judge proper — Sent enlisting orders to Capt. James Hill of Newmarket & to Majr Thomas Bartlett of Nottingham
Delivered like orders for one Capt. to Col: Evans to be by him disposed of —
Wrote Col: David Gilman & enclosed like orders for three Captains — to be by him disposed of — with each of the aforementioned orders were likewise delivered & sent forms of Enlistments a copy of which as

well as of the orders is filed
Ordered Receiver Genl. to pay capt. Moses Baker thirty five pounds to be by him accounted for } 35. 0 -
Ordered D o to pay George Gains Quartermaster one hundred pounds to be by him accounted for } 100
Ordered D o to pay W m Parker three hundred pounds for payment of Troops in this colony service } 300
Ordered capt. Moses Baker to dismiss his company Examined & allowed capt. David Copp Pay Roll of his Company & ordered it to be paid being 52 - 3 -
Examined & allowed capt. Stephen Hodgdon's pay Roll of his Company & ordered it to be paid being 75 - 15 - 8
D o capt. David Place's 72 - 19 - 10
2 d D o capt. Alpheus Chesley 34 - 9 - 5
2 d D o capt. Mark Wiggins 31 - 4 -
3 d D o capt. Hall Jackson field artillery comp y 39 - 13 - 3
4 th D o capt. Caleb Hodgdon's comp y 51 - 3 - 3
D o capt. John Hills 59 - 17 - 7
D o John Taylor 38 - 13 - 3
D o capt. James Hills 64 - 18 - 1
D o capt. Moses Yeaton 5 Days Roll 14 - 18 - 8
D o his 15 Day Do. 46 - 12 -
D o capt. Joseph Parsons 61 - 5 - 2
D o capt. Henry Perkins 60 - 19 - 6
D o capt. Eliz t . Daniel, over plus men
1775 Dec 4 rec d a Letter from Genl Sullivan filed
Ordered receiver Genl. to pay capt. Stephen Clark to be by him accounted for } - 65 -
Gave liberty for all the Soldiers in this colony service to enlist in continental service
5 th Ordered W m Parker to pay capt. David Copp three pounds out of the money in his hands } - 3 -
Ordered D o to pay Lt. And r Gilman forty shillings out of Do. - in part of wages due to them } 2 -

Ordered Receiver Genl. to Pay capt. Peter Coffin Sixty five pounds for him to be accountable out of his } 65 — company wages Wrote to General Sullivan pr. post copy filed recd a Letter from him filed Recd. a Petition from Mrs Hart. ordered that it lay Ordered Receiver Genl. to pay Mrs Parker two hundred pounds for payment of Troops } 200 — in N. H. Service Examined & Allowed capt. John Waldrons pay Roll of his company & ordered it to be pr d being 39-11-4 D o . capt Thomas Berrys 20-5 6 D o . capt. Nath l . Hobbs 42.8 11 D o . capt. Nick l . Rollings 21-10 2 6 Gave col o . Wirgate orders respecting the Soldiers in this colony Service — copy filed 7 Wrote to Genl. Folsom to deliver the Guns at Eg r Pines to capt Alpheus Chesley taking his rec d for the same Ordered Receiver Genl. to pay Nath l . Folsom pr. Eight pounds four Shillings & Eleven pence } 8-4-11 this committees expence ordered D o . to pay Mrs Parker two hundred pounds for payment Troops in colony Service } 200.00 — Adjourned to Exeter to meet on the 11 th curr t 
State of New Hampshire Office of Secretary of State
I do hereby certify, That the foregoing is a true extract from the Journal of the Committee of Safety of this State, which Journal remains in this Office
Given under my hand & the Seal of the State, this 28 th day of March A.D. 1850
Thomas P. Treadwell Secretary of State

Dark N.H.
Nov. 30, 1849
Sir
In the application of Mary Davis of Newburyport Mass. Widow of Robert Davis formerly of Chester N.H. Sec y , for a pension under law July 7, 1838 which was made sometime in 1838 or 1839 I now submit the enclosed papers from A. to E. inclusive as A, B, C, & D. were forwarded to me by John Merrill Esq. of Newburyport Mass. in behalf of Mrs. Davis, and are now forwarded in support of her declaration, now supposed to be on file in your Office as a matter of course.
It is alleged that she made a declaration sometime the last of 1838 or first of 1839 before Esq o White Judge of Probate, for the benefit of law July 7, 1838. I cannot learn that Mr. Merrill or any one else has a very intimate knowledge of the present standing of her case, and from the accompanying papers marked "B," it would seem that no papers have been forwarded to your Office since April 1839.
From the aff ts . of Thomas Colby, Daniel Davis, and Sam l Head contained in B. V. C. the the fact that her husband Robert Davis served one year in Capt. Sam l Richards Company in Col. Stark's Regt. 1776 appears to me to be very fully established, and it is hoped that if you have the rolls of that Regt. for 1776 you will find this fact sustained by them - there are no such rolls in our Secy. of States Office. From Mrs. Davis' application and the Secy. of Mass. certificate thereon marked "A," and the aff t . of John Warner marked "D," and the aff t . of Daniel Davis in "C," it would seem satisfactorily established that her husband Robert Davis did serve in Massachusetts Line 9 months in 1778 & 79.

For satisfactory evidence of marriage, if such has not already been introduced I refer to E. —
Should anything remain to be supplied in this case I trust to be early advised of it; as I am wholly ignorant of what has been done other than above, and know nothing of the objections that may have been justly raised in the case —
I am, Very respectfully, Your Ob. Servt.
J. M. Bedel
Hon. S. V. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

William Tufts Certificate - Deputy Secy. of the Navy. Dec 1. 1849
"F" "
Colt Davis G. No 1 )

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston :
December 1. 1849.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Robert Davis as certified Oct 14. 1847. is borne on the lists as one of the quota furnished by the town of Salem: - neither of the lists state the was an inhabitant of Salem. His name does not appear on any roll of Capt Richard or Richardson: No officer of the name of M c Cauley. So high in rank as capt.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
W. L. Chaplin Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Bath New Hamp Nov. 12. 1849
Sir
Enclosed please find copies of application and certificate made in 1847 in the case of Mary Davis - I wish to ascertain whether there is not something upon the list mentioned showing more definitely whether he was an inhabitant of Salem Mass. or whether he was only one of the quota for Salem, which I think very important in this case. Amongst a mass of evidence, recently put into my hands, by John Merrill Esq. of Newburyport Mass. that has been accumulating in this case ever since 1839 I find one of the witnesses, Daniel Davis of Hooksett N.H. states in his afft. that said Robert Davis served in Capt. Richards Co. Col. Starks Regt. in 1776 and at another time served nearly a year under a Capt. M c Cawley or Capt. M c Cawley - I wish to know whether you have any evidence in your Department of the service of such a captain or officer in the Massachusetts Line, during the war & more especially during the period of the nine months mentioned in the accompanying copy of Secy. Palfrey -
I am, Very respectfully, Your Ob dt . Servt.
John Bedel
Hon. Fr o Tufts Depy. Secy. Mass. Boston Mass.

APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF REVOLUTIONARY SERVICES, MADE BY THE WIDOW OF THE PARTY WHO RENDERED THE SERVICE.
State of Massachusetts - County of Essex Town of Newburyport -
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office, of my husband's service in the war of the Revolution, viz Robert Davis
He enlisted from the town of Chester in the County of Rockingham and State of New Hampshire , in the year 1776, as a private in the Company commanded by Captain Richards, or Richardson , in Regiment  and he served as follows,* viz:
as I think, but by reason of my age and loss of memory, I am unable to state his service with accuracy - I have understood that he engaged while living at Chester, to serve in a Massachusetts Regiment, in consequence of an application having been made from Salem, for volunteers to serve instead of men who were drafted, and that he received a bounty in addition to his wages - he was out at several different times, but I am not able to state under what officers he served and I have no means of ascertaining.
*Here describe as fully as may be, the length of service, the rank &c. of the soldier, or the capacity in which he served, and all other particulars known.

3025
I am now eighty  eighty nine years old, and my memory does not enable me to state my husband's services more fully than above stated.
WITNESS my hand, this twentieth  seventh day of August— A. D. 1847.
  Signed by said in my presence,   Mary Davis   }   Mary Davis X her mark      Jacob Atkinson    Attest Jacob Atkinson   
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE,

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston: October 14 1847.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Robert Daves, is borne upon a List of Men drafted for the term of Nine Months from the time of their arrival at Fresh Kill, as a private of Salem of years of age, 5 feet 6 inches high, arrived at Fresh Kill June 23 1778. — Not upon Rolls of any Capt Richards or Richardson
1848 61 89

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Parsons,
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

"D"
(C 101)
Capt Bayard Company, Col Regiment Sept 1780 Machen Davis Creek John Fraser No 3 H. area
92

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Secretary of State's Office.
I, Thomas P. Treadwell , Secretary of State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that Thomas J. Melvin is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Rockingham duly commissioned and qualified, and duly authorized by the laws of said State to administer Oaths, take the acknowledgment of Deeds, &c. His Commission was dated on the twenty-first day of June — 1845 and will expire on the twenty-first day of June — 1850. and I do believe that the signature of said Thos. J. Melvin to the annexed instrument is genuine,
Given under my hand and the Seal of the State, this 13 th day of
Novm r 1849.
Thomas P. Treadwell Secretary of State.

I, John Wason, of Auburn, in the County of Rockingham  Strickland , and State of New Hampshire, a revolutionary pensioner, on oath depose and say that I was formerly well acquainted with Robert Davis, of Chester (now Hooksett) - that he with several others were hired from said town as I understood to go to Massachusetts, and enlist in the service - I know that he went away for that purpose, and came back after serving nine months, as I have always understood and believed - I knew him before he went away and after his return until he was drowned, I think in the year 1805 - he was a very respectable man and esteemed as a good citizen - Jonathan Davis, a brother of said Robert was with me in Capt. Boyers Company Col. Runnels' Regt. at West Point in 1780. - John Wason
State of New Hampshire - Rockingham  Strickland ss. May 21 st 1847. Then personally appeared before me, John Wason, who has signed the above deposition, & made oath that the same is true; and I also certify that I am personally acquainted with him and that he is a credible witness - Thomas J. Melvin Jus. Peace

SECRETARY OF STATE
day of 184
GIVEN under my hand and the Seal of the State, this
and his signature to the annexed instrument in presence of and will certify the day of 18
Handwritten: "b" (Act 1.2) incompetent and other legal instruments. His commission expires on the day of 18
the Power of the County of ... in an action for ...

STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
Office of Secretary of State.
I, GEORGE G. FOGG, Secretary of State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that Seth H. Jones is an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for the County of Merrimack duly commissioned, qualified, and authorized to administer oaths, take acknowledgement of deeds, and other legal instruments. His commission was dated on the ninth day of January 1843 and will expire on the ninth day of January 1848 and his signatures to the annexed instruments are genuine.
GIVEN under my hand and the Seal of the State, this twentieth day of May 1847
George G. Fogg
SECRETARY OF STATE.

Merrimack I. Samuel Head, of Hooksett, in the County of Rockingham and State of New Hampshire, aged sixty nine years, on oath depose and say that I formerly knew Robert Davis of this town (then called Chester) - he was a near neighbor of mine and I was very well acquainted with him - he was drowned near this place in or about the year 1805 - I have always understood that he was a soldier in the revolutionary war - and it was so understood generally in town - I have often heard him relate anecdotes of matters which occurred while he was in the service, and I have no doubt of the fact as he was a very respect- able man - Samuel Head
Merrimack Rockingham ss. May 20 19 1847. Then Samuel Head abovenamed personally appeared before me and made oath that the above deposition is true; and I certify that he is personally known to me, and is a credible witness -
Seth H. Jones Jus. Peace.

Newburyport, November 11th 1839
J. L. Edwards Esquire Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
Will you allow me to return you herewith, the application of Mrs Mary Davis, widow of Robert Davis, amended as directed?
with great respect
Yr Mo. Obed Servt
(W. W. Gann)

April 5 th 1839
I Thomas Colby of Bow County of  of the State of Maine do hereby depose and say that in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy six I enlisted in to the service of my country under Ensign Timothy Blake and in the Company under the Command Captain Samuel Richards and in the Regiment commanded by Col. Stark I Depose and say that I commenced my service at Winter Hill in the State of Massachusetts and from thence to New York and from thence up North to Albany from thence to Lake George from there to Lake Champlain from thence to Montreal and from thence to the River Senne from which place we made our retreat to St. Johns.
I further Depose and say I was in the service one year and was in the same Company with one Robert Davis belonging to Chester now Hooksett.
Thomas Colby.
April 5 th 1839
The above Named Thomas Colby personally appeared before me and made oath that the above Deposition by him subscribed is true
Reuben Colby Jus peace
This may certify that I have been personally acquainted with the above named Thomas Colby and should consider him a competent witness in any case
Reuben Colby

STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
Office of Secretary of State.
I, GEORGE G. FOGG, Secretary of State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that Reuben Colby was is an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for the County of Merrimack duly commissioned, qualified, and authorized to administer oaths, take acknowledgement of deeds, and other legal instruments. His commission was dated on the twenty ninth day of June 1838 and will expired on the twenty ninth day of June 1843 and his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine. Do
GIVEN under my hand and the Seal of the State, this twentieth day of May 1847
George G. Fogg
SECRETARY OF STATE.