Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 985, Obadiah Crane, New Jersey

SERVICE
NUMBER
New Jersey
Crane, Obadiah
5,985
carded
CONTENTS

New Jersey - N o 28,141 Obadiah Crane -
Orange in the State of New Jersey who was a Jon. H gt in the Comp y commanded by Captain Brown of the Reg t commanded by Col. Van Arsdale in the N. J. Troops one for private 6 m o S gt 1 m o
and 11 th April 1833 - Mary widow
Enscribed on the Roll of New Jersey at the rate of 25 Dollars — Cents per annum, commence on the 14 th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 th day of Mar. 1834 and Am. L. Conduct
Arrears to the 14 th of Sept r 1833 — $2. 50 Pemi-ant. allowance ending 1 st Sept r — 2. 50 = $5. 00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by R. Burdine Clerk, Book 8. Vol. 3. Page 106.

12 N o 4,445
Application of Mr Obad h Crane for Pension -
head

State of New Jersey Essex County, ss:
On this seventeenth day of August , in the year of our Lord, eighteen hundred and thirty two, personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for the said County now sitting Obadiah Crane, a resident of the Township of Orange in the County aforesaid, aged Seventy Six 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 act of Congress passed June 7. 1832.
That he was born on the tenth day of March, in the year of our Lord, Seventeen hundred and fifty six; at Connecticut Farms in the County of Essex aforesaid; that the original record of his age is either lost or destroyed, but that he has a copy of the same made by himself more than thirty five years ago. That he was living at Woodbridge, in the County of Middlesex in this State when he entered first into service during the Revolutionary war - and shortly after removed to Orange township, where he has continued to reside ever since - he volunteered at various times as a Soldier of the Revolutionary war - Served by classification for several months, and never acted as a substitute in the war - among other regular officers, recollects to have seen Col. Vanbourtlandt, Major Hayes, Generals Washington and Maxwell Col. Bott - remembers a Continental Regiment under Col. Matthias Ogden of Elizabeth town; another regiment under Col. Thomas, and knew Gen. Williamson of this State. He has never received a written discharge from the service. Deponent is personally acquainted with the Hon. Silas Condit, Hon. Isaac Pierson, Joseph C. Hornblower Esq. Dr. John Condit, Messrs William Tuttle, Israel Brown and Ezra Durand all of this County, who can testify as to his character, and to the general belief as to his services in the Revolutionary war.
He first entered the service of the United States, at Woodbridge, as a Volunteer, in the fall of Seventeen

hundred and seventy five, and was absent upwards of three weeks, think about four - his Captain was Samuel T. Parker; the deponent was appointed at this time Orderly Sergeant - Col. Hebard commanded the reg- iment - went to Long Island to disarm the Tories, and got thirteen or fourteen loads of muskets.
3 weeks In the spring or summer of Seventeen hundred and Seventy Six, he volunteered at Woodbridge under Capt. John Brown - went to Pauls Hook or Jersey City, and was absent one month - there was no battle or skirmish - Saw the Fireship burned on the river Hudson - the British fleet fired at the troops rendezvoused at the Hook when they passed up the Hudson.
✓ He removed to Essex County in the winter of 1776-7, and again volunteered and was in actual service at least three months - thinks them the three winter months. The Captain was Eliakim Little; Lieutenant, Josiah Crane; Ensign, Abraham Shipman. The company had quarters at the Short hills near Woodbridge aforesaid - was in skirmishes every few days against the foraging parties, and lost large numbers of men - does not know of any one living, who was with him in this service.
✓ He volunteered again in the Spring of Seventeen hundred and Seventy Seven, under Capt. Elijah Squier - was marched to Newark and was quartered there for three months out of six, having returned home every other month. He was in an engagement at Staten Island under Col. Seely, where he went with others in consequence of an alarm sent to Newark. The contest was very severe, altho there were but few on the battle - Jonathan Clisby, an intimate friend of deponent was killed while standing near him - recollects to have fired nineteen rounds at the enemy, and getting new supplies of ammunition from one of the enemy.
After his last return from this service, he was clapped under Capt. Gellam in the winter of 1777-8 - was out one month and at home the next, successively, for a period of two years. He was at the engagement of Connecticut Farms, when the enemy came

from Elizabeth town to burn the church - was in the battle of Springfield, where one Robert Pollard, a friend of deponent's was shot, and shortly afterwards, died - laid at Chatham about two months and was in no skirmishes - was at Vauxhall - was in different companies under Capt. Reeves, Speer, Nichols, Smith & Little - went also to Newark, Elizabethtown and Westfield. Remembers to have seen within this term Gen. Washington at Springfield - also Genl. Maxwell, Lee & Hurd.
He was in Service nearly the whole of the last two years of the war, and quartered in Newark at the house of Mrs. Obi Bruen - drew his rations and carried them to that house - went once to Hackensack on a detachment for prisoners - cannot specify the names of many of the officers but remembers Capt. Nichols, Major Hayes and Col. Van Courtlandt for a greater part of the two years - drew pay for nearly two years of this term in Continental money.
Deponent thinks he was absent in actual service about four years, but is not willing to testify to more than two years and a half, altho he is confident of more than three years service - he cannot mention the dates more particularly than in the foregoing deposition on account of the lapse of time and the want of any memorandums.
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 or Territory in the United States.
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid. in open Court E. M c Adams Clerk
Obadiah Crane
We, Stephen Thompson a clergyman residing at Connecticut Farms, in the County of Essex and Israel Brown Abraham Baldwin

residing in the township of Orange aforesaid do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Obadiah Crane who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be Seventy Six years of age; that he is reputed and believed to have been a Soldier of the Revolution, in the neighbourhood where he resides, and that we concur in the opinion. Stephen Thompson
Sworn and Subscribed the day and year first aforesaid in open Court E. M. Airdale J. Clerk
Abraham Baldwin
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 Stephen Thompson who has signed the preceding certificate, is a gentleman resident at Connecticut farms aforesaid, and that Abraham Baldwin Israel Brown Esq. who has also signed the same is a resident in the Township of Orange and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
E. M. Airdale J. Clerk
I, Elias Van Arsdale junr. Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Essex and State of New Jersey, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Obadiah Crane for a Pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this twenty first day of August, in the year of our Lord, eighteen hundred and thirty two.
E. M. Airdale J. Clerk

Specf. by claimt 7. 21 ds " Col Hand - 1 8 mo. 21.
Comd 7 mo. 21 ds per 1. v. Seryt 8. 21.

In the Matter of the Application of Obadiah Crane for a pension under the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832.
State of New-Jersey,
Essex County ss. Personally appeared before me Samuel B. Miller A Justice of the peace in and for said County The Widow Mary Crane of the Township of Orange County of Essex and State of New-Jersey. — Who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath depose and say that she is aged Sixtyseven years That she is the Widow of the said Obadiah Crane late of the Township of Orange County of Essex and State of New-Jersey deceased. Who made a declaration for a pension dated the Seventeenth day of August last past. — That the said Obadiah Crane died on the Eleventh day of April in the year of Our Lord One thousand eight hundred and thirtythree at his residence in said County in the seventyeighth year of his age. That she was the second wife of the said Obadiah Crane and that she was married to the said Obadiah Crane thirty years ago last March, but don't now recollect the day of the Month. And has resided with him ever since up to the day of his death and was present with him at the time he died. — And this deponent further saith that she has frequently heard the said Obadiah Crane say that he was in actual service during the Revolutionary War as much as three years at different periods. — And further saith not sworn to and subscribed at Newark in said County, the 25 th day of May 1833. } Mary Crane before me, Sam B . Miller Justice of the peace

I Samuel B. Miller Before whom the above Affidavit of Mary Crane was taken do hereby Certify that I am acquainted with the said Mary Crane that she is a Woman of good character and that her statement is entitled to full credit & belief. May 25 th 1833.
Sam d B. Miller
State of New Jersey Essex County ss Personally appeared before me Samuel B. Miller a Justice of the peace in and for said County, William Tutell of the Township of Newark County and State aforesaid of full age who being first duly sworn on his Oath deposeth and saith. — That he was well acquainted with Chadiak Crane late of the Township of Orange County of Es x and State of New Jersey deceased. Who made a Declaration for a pension on the seventeenth day of August last past. That the said Chadiak Crane died on or about the Eleventh day of April last past in the seventy eighth year of his age as he has been credibly informed and fully believes. That he is one of the Executors named in the last will and Testament of the said Chadiak Crane deceased and has taken upon himself the due administration of the Estate. — That Mary Crane who has subscribed and sworn to the above Affidavit is the widow of the said Chadiak Crane deceased and that she now resides in the said County of Es x in said State. — And further saith not.

Sworn to and subscribed at Newark in said County the 28 th  William Tuttle Twenty eighth day of May A. D. 1833 before me Sam l B. Miller Justice of the peace
I Samuel B. Miller before whom the above affidavit of W m Tuttle was taken do certify that I am well acquainted with the said William Tuttle and that his statement is entitled to full credit and belief.
May 29 th 1833.
Sam l B. Miller
State of New Jersey } County of Essex }
I Elias Van Arsdale Junior Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for said County of Essex do hereby certify That Samuel B Miller Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavit of William Tuttle was made and taken By whom the Certificate thereunder written attested is signed, was when the said affidavit was made That he when he signed the said Certificate a Justice of the peace for said County residing therein, duly Commissioned & Sworn - and that the signature "Sam l B. Miller" affixed thereto is the proper hand writing of said Justice In Witness Whereof I have here set my hand and the Seal of said Court at Newark in the County aforesaid the Thirtieth day of May A D Eighteen hundred and thirty three - (1833) - Elias Arsdale Jr. Clerk.

New Jersey, Essex County ss: Col. Aaron Hand of Springfield in the County aforesaid being duly sworn ac- cording to law before me, Samuel B. Miller Esq. a jus- tice of the Peace in and for said County to whom the said Col. Hand is known as a man of truth and unimpeached character, on his oath deposes and saith that he is sixty nine years of age; was a Soldier in the Revolutionary war, and was intimate with many doing duty in that war, from and after the year 1776 - that he was well acquainted with Capt Isaac Gillam who is deponent's brother in law, but since deceased: that said Gillam, who was a resident of Essex Co. aforesaid, commanded a company of militia, before  after being for some time in the year service of the said war: thinks said Gil- lam commanded the said militia company for as much as four years: - that deponent well recollects Obadiah Crane of Essex County, a Revolutionary soldier, who died on or about the 11 th day of April last past, and remembers to have seen him in the said Revolutionary service - that deponent remembers to have seen the said Crane under the said Gillam several times, doing military duty; to wit, once at the burning of Connecticut Farms, and at the burn- ing of Springfield, a fortnight subsequently, in the month of June 1780 - and before that period several times, but how often, when or where, he does not recollect, except one month at Newark, when deponent was with him: Is confident that said Crane was regularly clapped in the winter of 1777-78 under said Gillam, as stated in the declaration of said Crane - but does not know about his successive services every alternate month - but believes from personal observation said Crane was out as often as once in three months for two years, succeeding the said clapping - Does not doubt in the least, but said Crane did at least three or four years service, certainly not less than three - from the times and places where and when deponent met him doing duty - Deponent recollects Capt s Reeves, Nichols, Speer, Smith and Little and served personally under Capt s Nichols, Speer & Gillam

Deponent does not recollect whether said Crane was a Sergeant or Private at the times before spoken of, and does not know of any persons, or documents to prove whether  that said Crane was an officer or not - thinks if Crane had been an officer during the services before mentioned deponent would recollect it - Says that said Crane was a very active and stirring man; always ready to do his military duty, and able to engage strictly and promptly in the service, which he did: that said Crane was before his death a man of strict integrity and recollected the military events of the Revolution with much distinctness and certainty. - That deponent does not recollect any particulars, except as before stated, which are important to be stated, either for or against his right and claim to a Pension.
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 11 th day of October A D eighteen hundred & thirty three
Aaron Hand
Sam l B. Miller - Justice of the peace

New York
INVALID.
File No.
985
Obediah Brane Priv. and Supt. N.Y. Dist.
Act: June 7, 1892.
Index:—Vol.
a
, Page
80
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Affidavit of Joseph Pierson on behalf of Obadiah Crane

State of New Jersey Essex County Jo: }
Joseph Pierson of the Township of Orange, in the County and State aforesaid, being first sworn according to law, deposeth & saith; That he is personally acquainted with Obadiah Crane of the said Township, that he saw him frequently during the Revolutionary war, to wit, at Newark; and was at Staten island when Jonathan Glisby was killed. Recollects Captains Reeves, Speer, Nichols, and Little, also Genls Lee & Howe. Deponent went to Hackensack under General Mines. Thinks from the times and places when and where he saw Mr. Crane that there can be no doubt that the said Obadiah Crane was in actual service in the old war more than two years and that he served as he states, in the declaration made by the said Crane before the Court of Common Pleas of this county and State. Is intimately acquainted with the said Crane, and knows his general character for veracity and honesty to be unimpeached.
Sworn and Subscribed to, this 15 th day of August A.D. 1832
Joseph Pierson
Elias E. Bordinot a judge of the Court of Com. Pleas for the County of Essex aforesaid.
State of New Jersey
County of Essex Jo: }
Elias Van Andale. Junior Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Essex aforesaid. Do hereby certify that Elias E. Bordinot Esquire before whom the foregoing Affidavit of Joseph Pierson was taken, was at the time of taking the said Affidavit and now is one of the Judges of said Court, residing in said County, duly commissioned and sworn and authorized to take the same. That I am acquainted with the handwriting of said Judge and verily believe the foregoing signature "Elias E. Bordinot" is

genuine. — In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto subscribed, my name, & affixed the seal of said Court, at Newark in the County aforesaid, the Twenty second day of August A.D. Eighteen hundred and thirty two. —
Edw. Redden Clerk
I do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Joseph Tison the person who has subscribed the within affi- -davit and do not hesitate to say that his character for ver- -acity is of the first order — In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name at Newark N.J. this thirteenth day of May A.D. 1833. —
Abraham Smith

New Jersey Essex County ss: William Brown of Jeffer- -son, in the County aforesaid, being duly sworn according to law, before me, Samuel B. Miller Esq. a Justice of the peace for said County, deposes and saith, that he is seventy six years of age, was a Revolutionary Sol- dier in the American Army, at different periods during the war, from the year Seventeen hundred and seventy five - that The said Brown is known to the subscriber, as a man of integrity and good reputation and fully entitled to belief. And the said deponent further saith, that he was well acquainted with Mr Obadiah Crane, a Revolutionary Soldier, who died at his residence in Essex county on or about the eleventh day of April last - that he served with him in the Revolutionary war - that deponent recollects Capt. Isaac Gillam who commanded a company in that service - that he well remembers of the said Obadiah Crane doing military duty as a militia man under the said Gillam, in the war, but for how long he cannot say; but is under the im- pression & belief that said Crane  he continued in his company for as much as three or four years, & whenever he was called out on alarms or for other service, that the said Crane did duty in that company, as a militia man, ex- cepting at times that said Crane was engaged in a reg- ular term of service under other officers, of which deponent recollects none. That deponent well remem- bers Capt Reeves, Speer, Nichols, Smith and Little, of whom said Crane speaks in his declaration but does not remember whether or not said Crane was under  one of them, altho deponent has full confidence & belief in what said Crane has said in relation to his doing duty under them. That deponents age & recollection are such, that he is unable to state with more certain- ty any facts relating to Mr Crane's services in the said Revolutionary war, except as above.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this eleventh day of October A.D. 1833
William Brown
Sam B. Miller Justice of the peace.

Hon. L. Condit.
Obadiah Branch can.
under Capt. Parkin 75 Capt. Brown 76 Capt. Smith 77 Capt. Lewis 78 Capt. Gillam 78 79 & 80 etc. etc.
21-
Suspended
71 30 3- 21
John Branch

1 State of the Case
The original affidavit was first sent, and returned for further evidence
Additional testimony was obtained by Judge Miller, and was attached to the original papers, under the seal of the Court, and the papers again forwarded
The papers were subsequently returned, with certain memorandums noted on the private letter of the department, with an understanding that the Commissioner would grant a certificate for seven months, if nothing further could be obtained, as essential evidence. An effort was made but no one could be found, who could testify materially to the service of Mr Crane, and the papers were returned through Hon L. Condict with instructions to receive the seven months certificate, if nothing more could be had on a re-hearing.
The department then amended their requisition, and having endorsed on the back of their letter two particulars with which they, on this last application intimated they would be satisfied - at much trouble and expense, two persons have been found whose testimony is clear and to the point as far as it goes, and the papers are herewith returned. No proof can be obtained that Mr Crane acted as a Sergeant more time than is stated in the original

Obad. Cram of N. J. Pension claim. Evidence of his death etc. —
Hon. Lewis Condick, Morristown, N. J.
Feb.
Hon. T. Frelinghuysen Secy of War

Common Pleas January Term 1834
State of New Jersey County of Essex ss. I Elias Van Arsdale junior Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of the County of Essex, Do hereby certify That satisfactory evidence has been produced before said Court shewing that Obediah Greene, late of the township of Orange in said County who was an Applicant for a pension from the United States under the act of Congress of June Seventh 1832 - died at his residence in Orange in said County on the Eleventh day of April 1833 - leaving a widow Mary Greene now a resident of said County - In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed the Seal of said Court at Newark in said County this Twenty fifth day of January A.D. 1834 - By Order of the Court
E. Van Arsdale Jr. Clerk
paper wanted suspended
Mr. Lockmeyer informed about

4445
Phidiah Crane
Several survivors who allege service in Gillams Company at this period are living whose testimony showed he obtained
He served as Sergeant at any time after the field it should be proved,
Hen L. Pardon Pardon

Suspended
Mary Crane widow of Abadiah Crane died 11 th April 1833 Leng 1 m o Wid 6 w o $ 25 —
Has L Canout

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. These 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, shewing the Service of
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.              
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 and C. D. residing in (the same) , who has hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with 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 days 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
It is necessary in this case that the witness or witnesses the deceased soldier - It is presumed that witnesses may be found

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 the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was 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.
should state definitely what they may know of the services of [unclear] from the service under Col Van Cortlandt