Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 19143, Richard Dikins, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Dikins, Richard or Dickens
W 19143
Mercy
CONTENTS

Hezekiah Tinkins was born the 4 day of September in the year 1795
Richard Tinkins was born the 20 day in the year 1800
Sarah Tinkins was born the 12 day of May in the year 1822
Richard Tinkins was born the nineteenth day of December in the year of our Lord 1762
Mary Tinkins was born the 12 day of June in the year of our Lord 1754
Hannah Tinkins was born the 11 day of May in the year of our Lord 1780
Mary Tinkins was born the 27 day of June in the year 1704
Mary Tinkins was born the 23 day of December in the year 1790
Abraham Tinkins was born the 29 day of March in the year 1781
Caleb Tinkins was born the 2 day of February in the year 1787
Nancy Tinkins was born the 1 day of July in the year 1792
1/

DIKINS, RICHARD (N.P.) W-19143

New York City 48
Letter to Hon. J. D. L. Montanya 1. April 1840
Richard Dikins
of Rockland Co in the State of New York who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Carden in the Regt. commanded by Col. Hays in the A.M. line for Lycon.
Enrolled on the Roll of New York at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 2 day of January 1834 and last to Hon. A. Ward A Rep.
Arrears to the 14th of Sept 1833 - $200.00 Pension allowance ending March 31. 40.00 $240.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Not June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk Book C Vol. 4 Page 96

6643.
New York City
Mercy Dickens, widow of Richard Dickens, N.Y. who was a Private in the N.Y. Line,
2 Early
act '38-
act 43 V. 11
Repe
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 3 day of Feby 1843 and sent to
David Rye Esq., Clarksburg Nyack Tompkins, N.York
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
and June 17 1843
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 2
Page 74

Declaration of Richard Dykens
21387

State of New York. Rockland County.
On this twenty ninth day of November in the year A.D. 1832. personally appeared in open court, before the judges of the court of Common Pleas, now sitting, Richard Dykens, a resident of the town of Haverstraw, in the county of Rockland and State of New York, aged Seventy two years the nineteenth day of January, 1832. — who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7. 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers, and served as herein stated. That on or about the first of July 1776. at Haverstraw aforesaid, he volunteered for nine months, in a company commanded by Capt Richard Acker. John Waldron was a lieutenant, in a Regiment commanded by Col d A Hawkes Hay, and served the time of his enlistment a guarding along the west Shoar of the Hudson River from Stony point to Closter, in Bergen County and State of New Jersey, and was discharged at Clarkstown in the County of Rockland county. he then entered the Service in a company commanded by Capt John Gardner, the aforesaid Waldron was then Lieutenant of said company, in the aforesaid Regiment, and served in the said company until the close of the Revolutionary war, and during the said term of service their duty was various, sometimes a guarding along the aforesaid river, some times stationed as guards back from the river in the now counties of Rockland and Bergen aforesaid, sometimes a scouting thro' the counties aforesaid counties, and sometimes he was by his officers permitted to stay a short time at home to recruit. he under the directions of his capt. (to procure some person who was acquainted with the garrison at Stony point) hired Pomp the Black Man, who was the person who was guide to Gen d Wayne, the night it was taken by Gen d Wayne, and was at Stony point at the time and had many a serious engagement with the enemy at different places as they had the enemy that would from time to time land from the shipping the enemy that from time salied out of New York, and the Refugees who was always on the move from place to place stealing horses cattle and taking them away and destroying what they did not take, to contend with. That the precise time he was out on duty, (not including the time he was at home to recruit) he is now unable precisely to state but can positively say that it exceeds eighteen months exclusive of his first enlistment, that he always has resided in the town of Haverstraw aforesaid. That he has no Documentary evidence of any of his services as he did not receive any written discharge, and all the positive testimony.

is some of the men who served with him in the war as his Officers are dead. He hereby Relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. Signed and subscribed, } the day and year aforesaid } Richard D. Perkins
We Tunis Vanhouten and Eli Phillips, the said Tunis being a resident of the Town of Ramapo, and the said Eli a resident of the Town of Haverstraw in the county of Rockland, being duly sworn according to Law, doth depose and say, that they are well acquainted with Richard D. Perkins during the Revolutionary war, and since, have perfect recollection of his service to his Country in the Revolutionary war, in a Company commanded by Capt. Derrick Acker, and also in a company (under command of Capt. John Gardner, the said Tunis does not so perfectly remember his service said to be under Capt. Acker, believes it to be correct, has seen him he thinks under the command of some other Capt. than Capt. Gardner, they both believe him to have been a faithful soldier in supporting the cause of his country and believe he served as by him set forth. That they believe him to be worthy of Credit, and a man of Veracity. Sworn and subscribed in open Court, the day of November 10 32. Tunis Vanhouten Eli Phillips
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 Tunis Vanhouten and Eli Philips, who have signed the preceding certificate, are residents in the county of Rockland aforesaid, and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit. And also, that they are acquainted with the said Tunis Vanhouten and Eli Philips, and believe them to be credible persons, and that their statement is

entitled to credit. And also, that all the above proceedings were in open court.
Per curiam David Pye clerk— I, David Pye, clerk of the court of common Pleas aforesaid, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court, in the matter of the application of Richard Dickens, for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this twenty ninth day of November 1832.
David Pye

State of New York Rockland County
Personally appeared before the Subordinate Justice of the peace in and for said County Richard Dykeman of the same place aged 78 years who being duly sworn saith as follows viz
He is the same Richard Dykeman who on the 29 th day of November 1832 made a Declaration before the Court of Common Pleas to obtain a pension under the Law of June 7 th 1832 which Declaration has been returned as defective in its specification
To the Interrogatories He answers and saith (which were Questioned in open Court on the 29 th day of November 1832) that he was born at Middletown in the County of Monmouth and State of New Jersey in the year 1760 and the Record of his age is Recorded in his father's family Bible
That he entered the Service of the United States in the War of the Revolution under the following named officers for the Month of July 1776 He volunteered for nine months under Capt Richard Acker & Lieut John Waldron then Stationed at Haverstraw now County of Rockland and State of New York from which place (Haverstraw) they were marched to Stony Point Nyack, and to Dobber in the County of Bergen guarding the shores and Landing places, marching from place to place as Necessity required Col A Hawks Way commanded the Regiment, of which this Company was a part, the British had free access on the North River with their man of war who often would send out their Row galleys and land their men ashore to plunder and destroy the Inhabitants during the time and was Honorably Discharged in the month of April 1777 at Clarkstown in now County of Rockland
In the year 1777 in addition to my services stated in my first Declaration He well Recollects that he served one year by enlistment commencing in April of the same year Under Capt William Shaw in a Regiment Commanded by Col Ulney Way, then Stationed at Stony Point where the Company remained doing duty until sometime in October when the British Army took possession of the

12 Said west point - the deponent with the company then went to fort Montgomery here we were stationed sometime doing duty from which place we went to west Point and from there to fishkill where we remained until the British army returned to New York, at which time the deponent with the company returned to their former station (Stony Point) where they remained on duty until the first of April 1778 when and where he was Honorably discharged. In the above named service he recollects that Daniel Coquelet John Fitter Jacob Lent, John Springstead & Eli Philips who served with the deponent in the same company whose testimony he hopes to procure to testify to the above services.
5 In the month of May 1778 He enlisted for five months at Haverstraw in a company commanded by Capt John Ganner in St Marks Hays Regiment at which time the deponent was regularly shown by the said company to be not in the least duty accordingly at which place (Haverstraw) we remained a few days doing guard duty. From there we were marched to Clarkstown where we remained sometime doing guard duty and from there to a place called Tappan town here we were sta- tioned performing guard duty, whilst stationed at Tappan town we would often be marched to the Liberty pole Cluster and along the north River in the county of Bergen guarding the shores and landing places also defending the inhabitants as the Brit- ish had possession of the city of New York and the lower part of the said county of Bergen who were constantly committing Depredations - when we were marched from the said Tappan town to Clarkstown before mentioned here we again were station- for sometime performing guard duty of the North River from Snedens ferry to Haverstraw watching the movement of the Brit- ish vessels, whose commanders would often send out their Row- =galls and land their men to forage or plunder the inhabi- tants then was marched to Haverstraw here we were station- sometime doing guard duty from there to Nyack here we were station a short time performing guard duty from there back again to Haverstraw here we were stationed until sometime in October when his term of enlistment expired when and where he was Honorably discharged.

In the month April 1779 He enlisted for six months under the above Named John Gamer in St Hawks Hays Regiment at Haverstraw in the now county of Rockland S. New York at which time He was appointed sergeant and authorized to act as such and performed accordingly Then we continued for sometime from there we were marched to Clarkstown Nyack and back again to Haverstraw marching from place to place as security Required performing guard duty - The British had possession of Stony point during the time (Except a short period at which time Genl Wayne took it and demolished some part of the fort He then left it) where men would often sally out to plunder and disturb the inhabitants Served the full period in actual service when he was Discharged in October 1779.
In the foregoing recital of his Revolutionary services the deponent has stated none but such as he conscientiously knows he actually performed. He has faithfully endeavoured to adhere to the truth in all the events and occurrences of which he has spoken and he verily believes that he faithfully served his country in the war of the Revolution for the full period of the time enlisted and  thirty two months as a private being in actual service in the field & Garrison for each term alleged and was not employed in any civil pursuit during the above mentioned services and does not know of any more living witnesses who he has promised to testify to his services than now will be annexed to his amended Declaration - for which he claims a pension under the Law of Congress of June 9 th 1832.
The deponent further saith that he served to the end of the war in different tours but cannot with precision relate the periods
He
Sworn and Subscribed the day of Thursday December 1832
Before me J. S. Allison Justice

We James Sherwood a Clergyman, residing in the town of Ramapo, in said County and John Fetter of the town of Haverstraw in said county, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Richard Dikens who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be seventy three years of age, that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn and subscribed this third day of December 1833 Before me. James Sherwood John Fetter G. Allison Justice
I, the said Justice do hereby certify, that I know that James Sherwood, who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman residing in the town of Ramapo, in the county of Rockland, and that John Fetter, who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Haverstraw, in said County, and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to Credit.
G. Allison
State of New York Rockland County ss. I, David Pye, Clerk of said county Do hereby certify, that George S Allison, before whom the preceding amended declaration of Richard Dikens and the affidavits of James Sherwood and John Fetter and the annexed affidavits of Eli Philips, John Spring steel, Jacob Lent, and John Fetter, was sworn, and whose name is subscribed to the different certificates is a Justice of the peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his Name subscribed thereto is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this fourth day of December 1833.
David Pye

State of New York Rockland County
On the 20 th Day of February in the Year Eighteen hundred and thirty. Personally appeared before me J. C. Allison one of the Judges of said County. Mary Levison a resident of the Town of Haverstraw in said County of Rockland and State of New York. Aged about Eighty three Years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declarations in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed July 4 th 1836. That she is the widow of Richard D. Levison late of the Town of Haverstraw in the County aforesaid who was a Private in the Revolutionary War in the service of the United States, and a Pensioner under the act of Congress of 7 th June 1832 as by reference to his Certificate given at the War office of the United States and dated second day of January one thousand Eight hundred and thirty four. Signed by Lewis Cass Secretary of War. and J. Edwards Commissioner of Pension will fully appear.
She further declared that she was married to the said Richard D. Levison on the fourth day of March she thinks the Year 1780. but will not be very positive as to the Year. but her memory fully serves her to know and say it was the 9 th day of March surrounding the Battle of Stony Point under General Wayne. that she was married by the Reverend Robert Burns at his own dwelling in the Town of Haverstraw in Rockland County but cannot find any Record of the marriage and that her Husband, the aforesaid Richard D. Levison

died at Harristown in the County of Rockland on the fifteenth day of December last being the year Eighteen Hundred and Thirty Nine, and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed
Sworn to and subscribed for Mercy Dickins  Mark on the day and year above written before me J. S. Allison one of the Judges aforesaid
Rockland County ss
Thomas Dickins Maketh oath and says that Mercy Dickins the widow of Richard Dickins mentioned in the above affidavit is now unmarried, and has remained unmarried since the death of her husband the said Richard Dickins which was on the 15. Dec. 1839 Sworn and subscribed before me this 20. day of February 1840. Thomas Dickins
J. S. Allison one of the Judges of Rockland County

State of New York Rockland County ss
Mary L e kins of the Town of Haverstraw in Rockland County makes oath and says that some time in the Spring of the Year Seventeen hundred and Eighty the present day. nor the Month she cannot now recollect she was present at the House of Reverend Robert Burns Pastor of the Presbyterian Church in the Town of Haverstraw in Rockland County and saw Mercy L e kins and Richard L e kins married that they lived together as man and wife until his death which was on the fifteenth day of December last being the Year 1839. and that she has remained unmarried since that period
Sworn and Subscribed Mary L e kins This 21. day of February Mark in the Year 1840.
Before me J. C. Allison one of the Judges of of Rockland County I hereby Certify that Mercy L e kins the appli- -cant within named from bodily infirmity and old age is unable to attend court. and that Mercy L e kins, Thomas L e kins, and Mary L e kins the persons above named, are persons of good standing and whose statements are entitled to Credit
J. C. Allison Judge as aforesaid

Blank Rockland County } Clerks Office }
I Abraham Hogenkamp Clerk of the County of Rockland do hereby certify that George T. Allison Esq. before whom the foregoing deposition of Mercy Dikins and the Affidavits of Thomas Dikins & Mary Dikins was taken was at the time of signing said County Commissioner & sworn and that his signature thereto are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County This 26 th day of February 1840 — Abraham Hogenkamp Clerk

105124
Mercy Dickens
NY.
Act 4 July 30.
1 st class June 80. d 39
Hon
J. D. L. Montgomery

M. 2/1.2387
Richard Dykeman Rockland County New York
Mr. Ward
David Pyle Agt. Clarkstown P.O. Rockland Co. New York

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
May 28 1833
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 subjunctive notes you will readily perceive that objections exist which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show 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 Richard Dyrness Rockland County New York
   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.     Rev 1776 9 Private Capt R. Acker St. Malden C. S. H. May On Hudson River From New York to Albany in Poughkeepsie 72 years Rockland Co. New York Living, Mitcheff   { not stated agreed 1 6 " Capt Gardner St. Malden  
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 of the Court of 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. B.
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.
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 (l) 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.
[2] 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, deposes 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 term, 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 place, where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either 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 [j] 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.
Daniel D. Davidson Examiner

Rev WIDOW, & Co. ✓
File No. 19143 Mercy Dickens Widow of Boickard Dickens Prv. Rev. War.
Act: Mar. 3 rd 1873
Index:—Vol. 24 , Page 184
[Arrangement of 1870.]

9037
New York,
Mercy Dikens widow of Richard Dikens who was a pensioner under the Act of '32 and who died on the 15 Decem 1839 of Rockland Co. in the State of N.Y. who was a Private in the Com- manded by Captain Garmet, of the Reg commanded by Col. May in the N.Y. line for 6 mos
Inscribed on the Roll of N.Y. City at the rate of 20 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. 15 Dec. 1839
Certificate of Pension issued the 3 rd day of Feby '45 and sent to David Rye Esq.
Total amount, $
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by J. L. Swann Clerk, Book 2 Vol. 1 Page 153
Cert. Corrected with to David Rye Esq Myack Tompkins NY Mar. 15-1845

5728-5124. K Ellery Dikens.
let to Hon. J. D. L. Montanya. 17 July 1840.
let to same May 9 1843 -
" Land P. G. S. 1844
" same P. G. S. 1844 Gump to July 36

State of New York Secretary's office
I certify that it appears by the records of the Provincial Congress of New York in this office that on the 16 th day of February 1776 the following persons were duly appointed and Commissioned Officers of a Company in the Regiment of Militia in Haverstraw Precinct Orange County whereof Am Hawkes Hay was Colonel Viz.
Edward Wm Kierns Captain
James Rumsay 1 st Lieut.
John Gardener 2 d Lieut.
Richard Ackerson Ensign
And I further certify that on the 28 th day of May 1778 the following persons were duly appointed and Commissioned officers of a Company in the said Regiment as appears by the minutes of the Council of Appointment Viz
John Gardiner Captain vice Kierns promoted
Richard Ackerson 1 st Lieutenant
John Waldron 2 d Lieutenant
William Concklin Ensign
Arch d Campbell Dep Sec. of State
Albany September 18. 1844
fees 25 cents

Act 1832
Richard Pickins of N.Y.
Admitted Case
24,489
1843
6647
Papers
Jas G. Austin
Mr Anderson

Mar 27. 1820
Re Dykin my will.
St. Martin
St. Martin H. J. de la Martinière H. R.
J. L. Edward Esq. Commissioner of Pensions

House of Representatives
26 th March 1840
J. S. Edwards Esq.
Sir,
The person I mentioned to you this morning is the widow of Richard Dykins who was a Pensioner under the act of 1832, who died in December last. The marriage took place 9 th March 1780. Please to inform me under what act her application must be made.
Respectfully Your Obedt Servt
J. S. Pettontanya (JH)

11.542.
Mercy Dikens
N.Y.
Act July 7 th '38
add
6m
priv
$20 per an
to commence Dec 15 th '39.
Also
Act March 3 rd '43
June 17 th '44.
No. act 43 (6942) " " 44 402
David P. Edg — Nyack Turnpike N.Y.

Nicholas Hill
Florida
Montgomery Co.
Cont 4.278

In pursuance of a law passed the 27th of April, 1784, entitled "An act for the settlement of the pay of the Levies and Militia, for their services in the late War, and for other purposes therein mentioned," the following certificates have been issued, bearing interest at five per cent per annum, viz :
  1780 Jan. 20 Rich d Dyer Priv. 11:16258 £ 7 5 9   1779 Oct. 15 ditto. " 16.877 5 15 6   13 1 3   2   26   8.50   32.50 
STATE OF NEW-YORK, COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE, Albany, Sep r 18 th 1844.
I hereby certify the above to be true extracts from Book No. 4 now remaining in this office, and that the service for which the certificates above named were issued, were performed under the following officers, viz :
  First—under Capt. De o Gardner in Col. Gilbert Cooper Regt.   Second " " do " " A. Hawk. Ray "   Third " " " " "   Fourth " " " " "   Fifth " " " " "   Sixth " " " " "   Seventh " " " " "   Eighth " " " " "   Ninth " " " " "   Tenth " " " " " 
Philip Schepe Dep Comptroller

Clarkstown March the 12 th 1845
Hon d Sir
I enclose to you the certificate issued to Mrs Dikins for a Pension under the act of July 7. 1830. in which her name is written Mary instead of Mercy Dikins. her right name On the receipt of the two certificates to her issued the first I looked at I found to be written Mercy Dikins and did not discover that the other was written Mary Dikins until a few days since when I went to deliver to her the certificates and make out powers of Attorney for her to draw the amount due on each. and yesterday I found by the books of the agent in New York that the direction to pay said certificate was to be paid to Mercy Dikins
You will therefore confer a favour on Mrs Dikins by altering the name Mary to Mercy and send the certificate to me on the receipt of this.
I remain Hon d Sir
your B t Serv t
David Pye

Clarkstown Jan'y 10 th 1844
Hon d Sir
Inclosed I send you the application of Mercy Dikins widow of Richard Dikins, for a pension. I had it drawn under the act of 1830. Y: but when I called upon her to have it executed, and was informed that the Marriage took place in March 1780, and knowing that Mr Dikins had served since that period I altered it to the Act of 1836, before it was executed, as is stated in the judges certificate. Her Declaration refers you to her husbands declaration and the proof thereunto annexed on your files and perhaps she may be mistaken as to the Capt under whom he rendered the years service her memory being imperfect and the paper on which I had entered his services as by him was stated to me previous to drawing his amended declaration I have not been able to find among my papers.
The Hon d James D L Montanye has had something to do respecting getting her pension allowed, but I could not ascertain that she had made a previous Declaration, which has induced me to make out her papers herewith sent - if has anything has been done by him I wish to be informed thereof as soon as can be convenient
I Remain Hon d Sir your Ob t Serv t .
David Pyle
Hon d James L Edwards

Clarkstown Dec. 10 th 1844
Hon d Sir In your letter of the 20 th of Dec r you say that the claim of M rs Dikens is rejected under the act of 31 st as no proof satisfactory to establish the marriage prior to the last period has been sufficiently made out. I am at a loss to determine what proof is now necessary to satisfy the Com ee of Pensions as to the legality of the claim. In the case of M rs Dikens proof has been offered that her husband enlisted for one year under Capt Row in April 1779 and was d until April 1780 (See the affidavit of Col Deyo ) proof has been afforded that they were married on the 9 th of March 1780, now if the solemnity of an oath is anything in the department, then proof has been sufficiently made out that the marriage took place before the expiration of the last period of her husband's service. If a knowledge of the Service of the Claimant (which I expect is in the War department) is the only evidence that is to be received in adjusting the claims of the applicants, then it would be only necessary to send the Name of the Widows and who was her husband, but the rules require that the services shall be set forth and proven, (what need if not effectual) — I thought and firmly believed that the proof was sufficient to establish her claim under the act of 31 st — I now send her declaration under 30 th & 31 st but would again ask you to overlook the Affidavit of M c Deyo, and her own publish of marriage 24 th Feb y 1780 and by a reference to the Minutes of the provincial Congress of this City you will see that half of the services rendered by the Militia in Col Hays Reg t has not been claimed
I am Hon d Sir your Ob t Serv t
David P ip

Clarkstown Oct 1 st 1844
Hon d Sir
Inclosed in the certificate of the Comptroller shewing a service rendered by Richard Dikens under Capt Gardner of nearly six Months, the affidavit of Cornelius Depew shewing that Dikens did serve under Capt Slow from April 1779 to April 1780, after the time of the marriage as proven to be in March 1780 - the affidavit of Mrs Dikens setting forth the service rendered by her late husband as particularly as her memory would enable her to do - and the certificate of the Dept Secretary of State shewing the time the Officers was appointed to the company called the Haverstraw company. Mr Dears (as informed) in the year 1776 altho appointed Capt d had then the command of the commissary store then kept at what was called the lower deck at Haverstraw, his then residence and the company was then principally commanded by the Ensign Mr Atkinson, which was the reason that some have stated their services under him as Capt.
If my memory is correct Mr Dikens in his amended Declaration set forth six Months service under Capt Dears in 1776, during 77 & 78, under Atkinson and Gardner in 79 under Capt Slow and after that time under Gardner & and by the proof annexed substantiated more than two years service during the war for which his pension was allow'd at $80
In your letter to the Hon d J D L Montanye you say "The rolls at Albany will shew all the service rendered under those Officers which was Military in the contemplation of the pension law" The books there (of which I am inform d you have copies, shows but one return of a short tour by all the Capt s in Col a Hays Regiment except that of Gardner, and his but two, now to presume that during the whole 7 years war, the British with their ships in the North river, the Refugees and tories infesting the country in every direction, nearly if not more than half disaffected, and the where or nearly so of the defence - depending on the Militia, would be disregarding the baths of the Old soldiers who fought and bleed for the defence of their country and nearly all now in the silent tomb, and it must also be presumed that the company did no duty until Capt d Gardner took the command, if the service under Capt d Slow is said to be in 1777, there must be and error in the date as all who did serve in that service here said it was in 79 when it commenced, Capt d William Cooley did command a company of Years men that commenced in 1777, Her claim is again submitted with all the addition testimony of importance that at this late period can be obtained.
I remain Hon d Sir your obed Servt David Dyer
Hon d James L Edwards

State of New York, ) Rockland County, ss. On this tenth day of December 1844, personally appeared before me George S. Allison, one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for said county, Mercy Dickens, a resident of the town of Haverstraw, in said county aged eighty seven years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed July 7, 1830, entitled: "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows." That she is the widow of Richard Dickens, who was a private and served during the Revolutionary War, under Captains Wm. Kearse, John Gardner, William Sloy and others, in Col. J. Hays Regiment the proof of which services will appear by the evidence on file in the Pension Office in her late husband's and her own claim formerly presented to the Hon. The Commissioner of Pensions. She further declares that she was married to the said Richard Dickens on the Ninth March, in the year Seventeen hundred and eighty; that her husband the aforesaid Richard Dickens, died on the fifteenth day of December in the year eighteen hundred and thirty Nine that she has not been able to prove to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Pensions that she was married to him prior to his leaving the service, but that the marriage took place previous to the first day of January, seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz. at the time above stated. Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before me
G. S. Allison one of the Judges of Rockland Co. Pleas
her Mercy Dickens Mark
I Certify That I am acquainted with Mercy Dickens the above deponent. Know her to be the Widow of Richard Dickens deceased and that by reason of Bodily infirmities she is unable to attend Court
G. S. Allison one of the Judges of Rockland Co. Pleas
Rockland County ss
I, Abraham Hogenkamp, Clerk of the County of Rockland Do hereby certify that George S. Allison is a Judge as aforesaid, and that the signature attesting to be his are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County this 10th Day of Decr. 1844. H. Hogenkamp Clerk

State of New York, Rockland County ss. On this tenth day of December, 1844, personally appeared before me George S. Allison, one of the judges in and for said county, Mercy Dickens, a resident of the town of Haverstraw, in said county, aged 87 years, who, being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the acts of Congress, passed on the 3 d March 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War, and the act of the 17 th June, 1844, entitled "An act to continue the pensions of certain widows." That she is the widow of Richard Dickens, who was a Private and served under Capt s W m Hays, John Gurner W m Slow and others, in Col a A. Stokes Hays Regiment as will appear by the testimony on file in the Pension Office annexed to her said husbands and her former declaration. That she has not received a pension under the act of July 7, 1838. She further declares, that she was married to the said Richard Dickens, on the 11 th of March, seventeen hundred and eighty, and that her husband the aforesaid Richard Dickens, died on the fifteenth - day of December eighteen hundred and thirty nine and that she is still his widow -
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before me
G. S. Allison Judge H.
her Mercy Dickens Mark
I Certify, that I am acquainted with Mercy Dickens the above deponent, and know her to be the widow of Richard Dickens deceased, and that by reason of bodily infirmities, she is unable to attend Court
G. S. Allison one of the judges of Rockland Co. N.Y.
Rockland County ss.
I, Abraham Hogenkamp, Clerk of the County of Rockland Do certify that George S. Allison is a Magistrate as above said and that the signature purporting to be his are genuine
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said County - this tenth day of December 1844
Abm Hogenkamp Clerk

Widow of Richard Dikings Deceased a Pensioner of the United States under the act of 7 th June 1832 being authorized to obtain a Certificate for to draw such sum or amount as may be thought I am in justice entitled to, I having applied for a Pension as the widow of said Dikings. I do hereby constitute and ap- -point James D. Montague Esq. My lawful Attorney and authorize him in my name to obtain, accept and receive from the Department a Certificate for such allowance as may be determined I am entitled
Satue Hambleton April 11 th 1843 Witness Present
J. S. Allison
Mary his Dikings Mark
Rockland County ss Be it remembered that on the 11 th day of April 1843 Before me J. S. Allison one of the Judges of the County of Rockland personally appeared the above named Mary Dikings to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the above Power of Attorney and who acknowledged she did execute the same
J. S. Allison Judge H.

I James D. L. Montanya, formerly a Member of Congress from the State of New York, do hereby certify that George J. Allison, who has signed the within, is a Judge of the County of Rockland in said State. Given under my hand at Washington City Mar. 6. 1843.
Secy
James D. L. Montanya

State of New York Rockland County } ss -
Personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said county Eli Philips of the Town of Haverstraw in said county, now aged fifty three years, being duly sworn, doth depose and say that he was well acquainted with Richard Dikens, who has made applications under the Law of June 7 th 1832 for a pension. That he knew him in the Revolutionary War, positively knows that the said Richard Dikens served in a company under the command of Capt Richard Ecker for the period of nine months in the year 1776. That he the said Eli Philips was a fellow soldier in the same company that the said Dikens served out the said nine months faithfully. That he also knows that the said Dikens also served, served in a company commanded by Capt Hoss, in the year 1777, for the term of one year that the said Philips was in the company at the same time a soldier. And the said Philips further saith that he verily believes that the said Dikens also served five months in Capt John Garner's Company in the year 1778. That his belief is predicated upon the fact that he the said Philips served two months in the company same in the Spring & fall of that year and that he then saw Dikens in said company, and often saw him doing duty in said company, after when he the said Philips had left the same. The said Philips further saith that he also verily believes that the said Dikens served six months in the company of Capt John Garner in the year 1779. And his belief of this fact is predicated upon the fact that he the said Philips served that year two months in the same company, and then the said Dikens was doing duty in said company, and after the said Philips had served his two months and left, he often after saw said Dikens doing duty in the company. So that he has no doubt that he the

said Schenk served out his six months faithfully as a good soldier. The said Philips further saith that the said company of Capt Richard Schenk was stationed at Haverstraw, and from there were marched to Stony Point, Nyack, and to Blotter in Bergen County in the State of N. Jersey, were engaged in guarding the shores & landing places on the North River. That said company was under the command by Colonel Col Barnes Hays. That Capt William Hays's company belonged to a Regiment commanded by Col. Hays Hays and said company were stationed at Stony Point and there remained until the British took possession in October 1777. That said company afterwards went or were marched to Fort Montgomery, and were stationed at Fort Montgomery some time doing duty, afterwards were marched to West Point. From there to Fishkill and there remained until the British Army returned to New York, at which time the said company were marched to Stony Point again, and there remained on duty until the years service was expired and was discharged.
The said Philips further saith that Capt Garmy company was in the year 1778. Stationed for a short period, at Haverstraw in Rockland County doing guard duty, from Haverstraw were marched to Clarkstown some time doing guard duty and from Clarkstown were marched to Lappan Town where we were stationed doing guard duty, and where often marched to the Liberty Pole, Blotter, and along the North River, and in the County of Bergen -
The said Philips further saith that the company of Capt Garmy in the year 1779 were also stationed at Haverstraw, and after remaining there some time, & from there were marched to Clarkstown, from Clarkstown Nyack, and from Nyack were marched back again to Haverstraw, and were engaged in doing guard duty, as as necessity required, the British had

possession of Stony Point during this time that the red coat John Gurney's company was stationed at Newburgh, NY in 1779 as lately stated by the late Philips (except a short period at which time General Wayne took and destroyed in part the fort  the fort  the fort The British after wards got possession, and their men were continually sallying out and plundering the inhabitants and further this deponent saith not -
Eliz. Phillips I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Eli Phillips. That I believe him to be a credible person. His statement is entitled to credit J. S. Alliston Justice

State of New York } Rockland County } ss
Personally appeared Before me a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Rockland John Springstead of the Town of Haverstraw in the said County now aged seventy eight years who being duly sworn doth depose and say that he was well acquainted with Richard Dykens during the Revolution & who has made application under the Law of Congress of June 7 th 1832 for a pension. That he knows that the said Richard Dykens served in the Company of capt Richard Cheker that he the said Dykens entered in said company on or about the first day of August 1776. How long the said Dykens served exactly, cannot say, but thus far he is enabled to give testimony, that he this deponent at the same time was in service in the company of captain Reuse in the same Regiment, and served for the term of four months, and that during that period the said Dykens was in the company of capt Cheker doing duty. That the said company of capt Cheker was then stationed at Haverstraw, and from Haverstraw Marched to Stony Point, and from thence to Nyack on the Hudson River, and to Blauvelt in the County of Bergen in the State of New Jersey and was at those several places engaged in doing guard duty. That said company of capt Cheker was under the command of Colonel A. Hawks Bay.
And this deponent further saith that he knows that the said Richard Dykens also served one year in the company of capt William Slocum in the year 1777 in a Regiment commanded by Colonel Otney Hays. That this deponent was a fellow soldier with the said

Richard Dykens in the same Company - That the said Company was stationed at Stony Point and there remained until the British got possession sometime in the month of October 1777 - That the said Company were after that marched to Fort Montgomery and were there some time doing duty, and were then marched from thence to West Point, and from there were marched to Fishkill, and there remained until the British Army returned to New York and after that they were marched back again to Stony Point and there remained until discharged -
This deponent further saith that he also well knows that the said Richard Dykens did also serve for the the three months in the Company of Capt John Gurnee in the year 1778 - That the deponent served in the same Company at the same time That said Company was stationed at Haverstraw in the County of Rockland and were engaged in doing guard duty, from Haverstraw were marched to Clarkstown and after laying at Clarkstown some time doing guard service duty, and were afterwards marched to Tappan Town, That while stationed at Tappan Town, the company was frequently marched to different places, such as to the Liberty Pole, Bloster and places along the North River as well as in the County of Bergen in the State of New Jersey
And this deponent further saith that he well believes that the said Richard Dykens served as much as two months in the Company of Capt John Gurnee - in 1779, and that his belief is predicated upon his knowledge, that the said Richard Dykens came out different times to draw provisions for the said Company, at the commissary's store kept by

Major Kease, so that he has not a doubt upon the subject, and this deponent further saith that the said Richard Dykens was considered a faithful soldier, and further this deponent saith not -
Subscribed and sworn This 11 th day of Decem r . 3 1833 Before me - G. S. Alliston Justice
His John Springstead Mark
I hereby certify that I am acquainted with John Springstead, that I believe him to be a credible person, and his statement is entitled to credit.
State of New York Rockland County ss -
G. S. Alliston Justice
Personally appeared Before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Rockland, Jacob Lent of the Town of Haverstraw in said County now aged Seventy nine years who being duly sworn doth depose and say that he was well acquainted with Richard Dykens during the Revolution, and who has made application under the Act of Congress of June 7 th 1832 for a pension. That he knows that the said Richard Dykens served in the Company of Capt Richard Cooke, - that he the said Richard Dykens entered the Company on or about the first day of August 1776 - How long the said Dykens served at this time cannot positively say, but this much he can testify that he this deponent at the same time was in service in Capt Kease Company in the same Regiment, and served in the same for the term of four months and that during that time the said Dykens was in the Company of Capt Cooke doing duty - That Capt Cookes Company was stationed at Haverstraw, Nyack, and at Closter in the County of Bergen in the State of New Jersey, and was engaged in doing Guard duty, That the Company

was under the command of Colonel Col. Hawks May — And this deponent further saith that he also knows that the said Richard Dykens also served one year in the company of Capt. Sloss, in the year 1777 in a Regiment commanded by Col. Utney May, that this deponent was a fellow soldier with him in the same company — That said Capt. Sloss's company was Stationed at Stony Point, at Fort Montgomery West Point & Fishkill & Haver, and back to Stony Point and was there discharged.
This deponent further saith that the said Richard Dykens was also a soldier in the company of Capt. John Garner, in the year 1778. That this deponent served three months in said company in the said year, and that the said Dykens was doing duty during the time that deponent served how much longer cannot say — That the said company was stationed at Haverthurn, Clarkstown, Tappan — Troy, and at Clinton in Bergen County New Jersey
This deponent further saith that he was also was in the year 1779 a soldier in the company of Capt. Garner for five months, and that the said Richard Dykens was during his this deponent's five months service, also doing duty with him, and further this deponent saith not —
Sworn & Subscribed before me this 2. day of Decem. 1833
Jacob his Leut Mark
G. Allison Justice
I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Jacob Leut, and believe him to be a credible person. When statement is entitled to credit
G. Allison Justice

State of New York Rocklands County ss. fs.
Personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Rockland John Fetter of the Town of Haverstraw in said County aged seventy five years, who being duly sworn doth depose and say, That he was well acquainted with Richard Dykens during the Revolution, and who has made application under the law of Congress of June 7 th 1832. for a pension - That he knows that the said Richard Dykens served in a company commanded by Capt William Flos, in the year 1777 for the term of one year that this deponent was a fellow soldier with him in the same company and stationed at Stony Point and remained there until the British got possession, in the month of October 1777. That the said Company, was after that marched to Fort Montgomery, there were stationed for some time doing duty, and were afterwards again marched from Fort Montgomery to West Point. After doing duty some time at West Point were marched to Fishkill, and there remained until the British Army returned to New York and the Company were marched back Stony Point and remained on duty until they were discharged honorably.
Sworn & Subscribed
Before me this 3. day of Dec. 1833
John Fetter
J. S. Allisoo Justice
I hereby Certify that I am personally acquainted with John Fetter, and believe him to be a credible person. Whose statement is entitled to credit
J. S. Allisoo Justice

In No 4. p 21 no dup 225-1779 21. 2.22 - 80 4.2)
adm c 24 mo. pri 80 $

State of New York,
Rockland County, ss
On this Ninth day of January, 1844 personally appeared before me George S. Allison, one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for said County, Mercy Dikins, a resident of the town of Haverstraw, in said County, aged Eighty six years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Acts of Congress, passed July 4, 1836, and the 22 d of August, 1842, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Richard Dikins, who was a Private and served for one year under Capt d William Slocum, and during the remainder of said War, under Capt d John Garner and other captains in Col d A. Hays Regiment, all which services is particularly set forth in the amended declaration of the said Richard Dikins, now on file in the War Department, for which said services her said husband was allowed a Pension of Eighty dollars per annum, which will appear reference being had to the said papers. She also declares that she was married to the said Richard Dikins by the Rev d Mr. Burns on the Ninth of March, in the year Seventeen hundred and eighty that she has no record of her marriage, Nor has she been able to find a record thereof among the papers of the said Minister, but was informed that after a diligent search among all his papers, there is no record of any marriages to be found among said papers, but that she well recollects that it was in the next March after Stony Point was taken by Genl d Wayne, that her aforesaid husband Richard Dikins died on the fifteenth day of December, eighteen hundred and thirty nine, and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will appear by the testimony hereto annexed, sworn to and subscribed on the day and year aforesaid before me
G. S. Allison Judge etc.
Mercy Dikins (mark)
Rockland County, ss I do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Mercy Dikins the above deponent, and know her to be the widow of Richard Dikins deceased, who was a pensioner, and that by reason of old age she is unable to attend court. And that she being illiterate and is unable to write her name, and that the figures 478 & the cross was done before appointed
G. S. Allison Judge etc.

State of New York. Rockland County. } ss
On this Ninth — day of January, 1844. personally appeared before me George S. Allison, one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for said County. Mary — Dikins — who being first duly sworn according to law, doth de- pose and say that she was well acquainted with Richard Dikins and Mercy his wife, now his widow, and was that she is now 70 — years past, and was at the wedding and present when the said Richard and Mercy was married, and did see them legally married by the the Revd Mr Burns, the day, month or year she is now unable positively to state but recollects it was early in the spring of the year, remembers it was sloppy going, and that it was the next spring after that Stony Point was taken by Genl Hane
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me — G. S. Allison Judge etc. } Mary his Dikins (mark)
Rockland County ss. I certify that I am personally ac- quainted with the above deponent Mary Dikins, and — know her to be a person of truth and veracity, whose state- ment may be relied on, and that she being illiterate is unable to write her name —
G. S. Allison Judge.

State of New York, } Rockland County, } ss. On this Ninth day of January, 1844. personally appeared before me George S Allison, one of the judges of the court of Common Pleas, in and for said county. Thomas - Dikins, aged 63 years ————— Residents of the town of Haverstraw in said county, who being first duly sworn according to law, do depose and say, that he is the son of Richard Dikins and knows — that his father died on the fifteenth day of December, in the year Eighteen hundred and thirty nine, and that his Mother Mercy Dikins has remained a widow ever since that period —
Sworn to and subscribed { Thomas Dikins the day and year aforesaid { before me
G. S. Allison one of the judges of Rockland Common Pleas Rockland County ss. I certify that I am personally acquainted with the above deponent Thomas Dikins and know him to be a man of truth and veracity whose statement may be relied on.
G. S. Allison Judge.
Rockland County, ss.
I, Abraham Hogenkamp, Clerk of the county of Rockland Do certify that George S Allison is a Magistrate as above and that the signatures purporting to be his, on the declaration annexed of Mercy Dikins and the annexed Affidavit of Mary Dikins and the above of Thomas Dikins are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said county this Ninth day of January 1844 Abm Hogenkamp Clerk

State of New York } Rockland County }
I, Abraham Hogenkamp, Clerk of the County of Rockland, Do hereby Certify, that at a Court of Common Pleas, held in and for the said County on the 21 st day of April 1840, It was proven to the satisfaction of the said Court that Richard Dikins who was a pensioner at the rate of Eighty dollars per annum died on the fifteenth day of December eighteen hundred and thirty Nine, and left a widow named Mercy — In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said county, this Ninth day of January 1844.
Abraham Hogenkamp Clerk
widow of Richard Dikins deceased, who was a pensioner, and that by reason of old age she is unable to attend court, And that she being illiterate and is unable to write her name, and } G. S. Allison Judge &c. that the foregoing is the true and correct copy of the original as shown before appointed }

State of New York } Rockland County. ss On the thirtieth Day of September 1844 personally appeared before me Peter I Stephens, a justice of the peace in and for said County, Mercy Dickens, widow of Richard Dickens, a resident of the town of Haverstraw in said County, who being first duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that she well recollects that she was married to her late husband during his term of service under Capt William Slow at Stony Point, that his term of duty did not expire until some time in the month of April following her marriage, that after his term of service expi- red she knows that her said husband did serve under Capt John Gardner much of his time during the remainder of the year 1780, as he was full half of his time from home, and as he informed her, he was guarding along the shores of the Hudson River at Haverstraw Bay and mostly at Stony Point to secure and defend that station, she often during that year saw him on duty. And further that her said husband served during the years 1781 & 1782, much of his time on duty at station aforesaid under (after the death of Capt Gardner) Capt Peter Allison, who then took the com- mand of said Company. She further says that she cannot state the length of the term nor the exact time of the commence- ment or end of the term, as she has no particular recollection now thereof.
Sworn to and subscribed } The day and year first above } written before me }
her Mercy X Dickens & Snack
Peter I Stephens Justice
I certify that I am acquainted with the above named deponent and know her to be a woman of truth and veracity whose statement is entitled to credit, and that she is illiterate and unable to write her name.
Peter I Stephens
Justice of the peace

Rockland county ss. I Abraham Hogenkamp, Clerk of the county of Rockland Do certify That Peter T. Stephens is a Magistrate as aforesaid, and that the signatures subscri- bed to the foregoing affidavit of Mercy Dikens and the an- d affidavit of Cornelius Depew are genuine —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county this thirtieth day of September, 1844
Abm. Hogenkamp Clerk

State of New York
Rockland County, ss. On the twenty eighth day of September 1844, personally appeared before me Peter T Stephens, a justice of the peace, in and for the county aforesaid, personally Cornelius Depue, a resident of the town of Clarkstown in said county who being duly sworn, doth depose and say, That he was personally acquainted with the late Richard Dickens during the Revolutionary war, and since until the time of his death, and well recollects that the said Richard Dickens did or about the first of April 1779 for one year in a company commanded by Capt William Slaw, for the purpose of attending the ferry at Stony point and guarding the continental stores, and continued to serve under the said Capt until some time in the month of April in the year 1780, as the term for which he was enlisted, that the company continued to serve at that place from the time of enlistment in said company in April 1779, until the British took possession of the said point when they had to retreat to West point and continued to serve in ferrying and guarding at that place and at Fishkill until the British evacuated said point late in the fall of the year 1779, when they took the former station and continued to serve at that place until the term of enlistment was expired during all which time the said Richard Dickens did faithfully serve therein, this deponent did also serve in said company during the said term and believes he is the last survivor of all that served therein. And this deponent doth further depose and say that previously to the expiration of the said service, he heard that the said Richard Dickens was married to his present widow Mercy Dickens and that the said Dickens did treat the company, at least some of them and this deponent among them and acknowledged that he was married
Sworn to and subscribed the 28th day of Sept r 1844 before me
Peter T Stephens Justice of the peace
his Cornelius X Depue mark

I certify that I am well acquainted with the within named respondent and know him to be a man of truth and veracity whose statement is entitled to credit, and by reason of old age and infirmities is unable to write his name.
Peter J. Stephens Justice