Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 16711, Epaphroditus Champion, Conn.

SERVICE
born
Champion, Epaphroditus
NUMBER
S. 16711
CONTENTS
carded

28.064.
Connecticut
Abraham Chapman
He served in the State of Connecticut who was a _____ in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ in the _____ line for an Assistant Commissary of Purveyors
Inscribed on the Roll of Weyford at the rate of 1000 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 3 Engrs Dec 1834
Warrant of Pension issued the 10th day of 1831 and 24th
Abraham Chapman Esq
Present
as to the 4th of night allowance ending
now from 1831
{ Revolutionary Claim Act June 7, 1822
entered by Wightman
Ms. A. 9. 2. Vol. 3. P

State of Connecticut, County of Middlesex, Probate District of East Haddam. } p. East Haddam
On this 24 th day of December A. 1833, personally appeared, in open court, before the Court of Probate, for the District of East Haddam in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut, now sitting, Epaphroditus Chapman, aged seventy seven years, a resident of the town of East Haddam, in the Probate District, County, and State aforesaid, who being first duly sworn, doth on his oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed the 7 th day of June A. 1832 —
I was born in the town of Colchester, Connecticut, on the 6 th day of April 1756 and have no record of my age. — My domicile was in Colchester, until November 1782, when I removed to said East Haddam, where I have ever since resided. —
In July 1775, Congress appointed Colonel Joseph Trumbull Commissary General, to supply the American Army with provisions. — He resided with the Army and was Commissary General of issues and purchases. —
On the 9 th of April 1776, I left home, Colchester, for New York, and by the 12 th of April, joined the main Army, then in New York and assembling there. — On my arrival at New York, I was employed by the Commissary General Trumbull, as a Deputy Commissary

and acted under his orders. —
The appropriate duties of my office were to receive, provide for, and safely keep all the beef cattle, sheep, and live stock, which were purchased for the army — cause the same to be butchered, as the daily necessities of the army required — deliver the meat into the issuing stores — sell the hides and tallow — and keep and render all accounts of the weight of the meats, and of all issues of meat and fresh provisions, which I made to the issuing commissaries or stores. — In short, I had the sole charge of the magazine of fresh provisions for the use of the main army. —
The army was furnished with salt meat on Sundays, and with fresh meat the other six days of the week. —
I was also required, by the orders of the commissary General, to keep him constantly informed of the state of supplies of fresh provisions — and the number and condition of the beef cattle on hand — and to keep Colonel Henry Champion, the principal purchasing commissary of beef cattle, constantly informed of the consumption of beef by the army — the number of cattle on hand, and the number required. —
I continued with the army in its retreat to the White Plains. — After we were driven from our issuing stores in New York, I sometimes delivered the meat, and sometimes the beef cattle alive, to the issuing commissaries.
I attended the movements of the

main army in the years 1776 & 1777 through New-Jersey and Pennsylvania, untill I left it as herein after stated. — I continued with the army and discharged the duties of my office, from the time of my arrival, during the remaining period, that Col s Trumbull continued or acted as Commissary General. — But in August 1776, I was taken down with a fever, while with the army in New York, the only sickness which I have ever had in my life, and which I believe was occasioned by the excessive duties and labors of my office, and rendered incapable of attending to the duties of my office for about four weeks, in which time, my place was supplied by Capt. John Isham in Col s Chester Regiment in the Connecticut line, upon the request of Col s Trumbull, and with the permission of Col s Chester and Adjutant General Reed. —
A few days before the battle of the White Plains, the Commissary General being absent from the army and in Connecticut, I went to head quarters by order of General Washington, and received orders directly from him, relative to the beef cattle and their disposition.
About this time Capt. Delevan of the New York troops, with a party of men, returned from a tour of duty below our lines, and brought off nine beef cattle, and brought them to me to receive and receipt, I declined to receive

them, knowing them not to have been bought for the Army, upon which he obtained an order from Adjutant General Reed ordering me to receive and receipt for the same, which I did - The order I cannot find among my papers - some years afterwards Capt Delevan made an unsuccessful claim on me for the pay for these cattle. —
In consequence of the regulations of Congress of June 10 th 1777, Col s Trumbull resigned the office of Commissary General, but continued to act in that capacity some time longer, until the department could be re-organised under the new regulations. — I continued with the army acting under him. — The last delivery of beef cattle, which I made to the issuing commissaries, was at what was called the Crops Roads some fifteen or twenty miles northward of Philadelphia on the 21 st of August 1777. — I then left the army, and, by order of Col s Trumbull went to Ulster County, in the State of New York, to collect and deliver over, to the order of Colonel Ephraim Blaine, the Deputy commissary General of Purchases, five hundred head of beef cattle, which had been placed there for fattening, and as some security for supply, in case the enemy should get command of the North River, and cut off supply from the Eastward. — This delivery to the order of Col s Blaine was completed in September 1777. — I then returned to Colchester, Connecticut,

3 and closed my services under commissary General Trumbull, on the 2 nd of October 1777, making a service at this time of five hundred and forty two days. —
Col s Trumbull died not long after his resignation, and his brother the late Gov r Jonathan Trumbull, was appointed, as I understood, by Congress, sole commissioner to settle the accounts of the commissary General Trumbull.
My accounts were settled with Gov r Trumbull as such commissioner, in the year 1780. — My receipts and vouchers, were all delivered to him. — In the settlement of my account, I was allowed for my aforesaid services four dollars per day for the five hundred and forty two days. —
I had no written appointment from commissary General Trumbull, nor any written discharge, and I believe it was not his practice to give written appointments to his deputy commissaries, or those acting under him. — see Samuel Gray's Deposition. —
This term of service is proved by the letters of Colonel Trumbull and Chester, marked A.B. & C. and the depositions of Doct. John R. Watson, Gen t Henry Champion, Samuel Gray and Julius Derring marked D.E.F. & G. —

In August 1777, Peter Colt was appointed by Congress Deputy Commissary General of Purchases — On the 3 rd of September 1777, he wrote to me while I was at Pockskill, to accept from him the office of a Purchasing Commissary, as will appear by his letter of that date marked H. which office, I concluded to accept. — I received the appointment from him, and on the 3 rd day of October 1777, immediately after closing my services under Col s Trumbull, I commenced my services under Mr. Colt as a Purchasing Commissary. — Afterwards on the 23 rd day of November 1777, our first Gov r Trumbull gave his certificate of my appointment, upon a letter of Mr. Colt's marked I. — Whether that certificate was required by some law, or why it was made, I do not now recollect. I find no other written evidence of my appointment except the letters of Mr. Colt and the Certificate of Gov r Trumbull. —
I commenced my services under said Colt as Purchasing Commissary on the 3 rd of October 1777, and continued to serve in that capacity, untill the 31 st of January 1778 making 121 days, on daily pay, allowed by Congress at four dollars per day. — In addition to the daily allowance, the Deputy Commissary General was authorised to make an allowance for horse and expenses, not exceeding one dollar and one third per day. — By virtue of which I was allowed twenty four pounds sixteen shillings lawful money. —

For proof of this period of my service I refer to the letters of Mr. Cotts marked H.I. KL & M. —
In February 1778, my father Col. Henry Champion, received from Genl. Washington a letter dated February 17-1778 and marked N. — Under the pressure and necessity of the case, he considered this letter as an authority for him to act, as a deputy commissary General, for supplying the army with beef Cattle. He immediately commenced the most active exertions, using his own credit, and the credit of his purchasing commissaries, for the relief of the army. — He immediately visited those parts of the country most capable of fattening Cattle, in the winter season, particularly the towns bordering on Connecticut River in Massachusetts, a district of country at that time, far more capable of fattening cattle than any other in the United States. — His object was to induce the people to fill their stalls, and fatten their cattle, assuring them, that they should not be losers by it. — To promote that object, he read that letter, probably a hundred times over, which is the reason why it appears so much worn and defaced. —
In the month of February 1778, while I was serving under Mr. Cotts, Col. Champion appointed me a commissary under him, and

I continued to serve in that capacity until the 15 th of May 1778. — So active were our exertions, that on the 5 th of March 1778, I forwarded a drove of seventy three beef cattle to the army at Valley Forge. — Col d Champion directed the purchasing commissaries to conform as far as practicable to the regulations of June 10. 1777, which required them to make monthly returns of their purchases. — In consequence of that direction, I charged the whole of the month of February to Col d Champion, instead of dividing it, and charging a part to Mr s Cobb and a part to him. — Including the time I served under Mr s Cobb, in the month of February 1778, my service under Col d Champion amounted to 104 days, for which I was allowed by Congress four dollars per day with an allowance for horse and expenses. — At the time my father received General Washington's letter, I resided in his family, and was well acquainted with the measures he adopted to carry into effect the requirements of General Washington. —
In proof of the services during this period, I refer to the letters of General Washington marked N o 80 — also, the deposition of Reuben Champion. —

On the 15 th of May 1778. I commenced my services as purchasing commissary under Henry Champion Deputy Commissary General of Purchases, who was appointed by Jeremiah Wadsworth commissary General of Purchases. — From this time, my compensation as commissary, was not a per diem compensation, as formerly, but a commission of two per cent, under the Resolutions of Congress of April 14 th 1778 — In pursuance of these Resolutions I gave, if I mistake not, the bond required of 10,000 dollars, with two good & sufficient sureties, which was, as I have understood lodged in the Treasury Office. — I also, as I think, took the oath prescribed in the Resolutions of Congress before the Hon. William Williams of Sebanon, Connecticut, then a magistrate, and an assistant or member of the Upper House of Connecticut.
I continued a purchasing commissary in constant service, from the 15 th of May 1778 to the 22 nd of January 1780. — In January 1780 I purchased a drove of 142 head of fat cattle, in the County of Hampshire, Massachusetts. — The last of this drove were purchased on the 22 nd of January 1780. — When I made this purchase, I was in Massachusetts, where I had

to remain, collect and deliver the cattle to the drovers, and then return home to Colchester, and settle my accounts. — How long after the 22 nd of January 1780 I was employed, I do not recollect. —
Exclusive of that, my service in this last term, viz from May 15 th 1778 to January 22 nd 1780 was one year eight months and eight days —
It is my belief, that I received a written appointment from Col d Champion on or about the 15 th of May 1778, at the time of giving the bond, but I cannot find any such document. — Prior to the 27 th of July 1778 my purchasing district was much larger than afterwards, but at that time, it seems, by the paper marked R. I was limited to a particular district. — Yet notwithstanding that, I afterwards by direction of Col d Champion, went into Massachusetts and there made large purchases.
In proof of my services during this period, I refer to the deposition of Julius Deming marked G. and the document from Col d Champion marked R. — I also refer to the letters of John Chaloner to Col d Champion marked.
SHT. —

From the year 1776 to the year 1780, both inclusive, Col. Henry Chapman was the great purchasing commissary of fresh provisions, and furnished the army with the greater part of the beef, during these years. —
During the 542 days, I was with the army under Col. Trumbull, I received, alive, and delivered, slaughtered or dressed, for the use of the Army 3.019.554 pounds of beef — 40.275 pounds of mutton — 18.639 pounds of Pork — 19.913 pounds of offal — Also, I received and delivered alive 3257 beef cattle — 657 fat sheep and 35 fat hogs. —
During the aforesaid time, that I acted as purchasing commissary, I purchased and delivered for the use of the Army 3710 fat cattle and 758 fat sheep. —
My terms of service are as follows, viz:
 1 — 542 days under Col. Trumbull C. G. for which I was allowed at $4. per day $2168. —  2 — 121 days under Peter Colt D. C. G. — Do. — 484. —  3 — 104 do. under Col. Chapman D. C. G. — do. — 416. —  Making 767 days or 2 years 1 month 9 days including allowance for horse & expenses } $3280. —  4 — 617 days or 1 year 8 months & 8 days as commissary on Commission —  Making 1384 days or 3 years 9 months 21 days in the public service, exclusive of my service after the 22 nd of January 1780. —

During the whole of that period my time was wholly devoted to the public service, and I did no other business whatever. — My credit and at all times my wages, except what was necessary for my personal expenses, were made use of for purchases for the army, and no part of my pay was realised by me until July 1778, when, owing to the depreciation of the currency, the price of Common beef cattle for the army was twenty five dollars per hundred weight, computing the weight of the beef, hide & Tallow. —
I am known to Oliver Green, Noah Butkeley, and many other inhabitants of East Haddam, who can testify to my character for veracity, and their belief of my services in the revolution — I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the Agency of any State. —
Sworn to, and subscribed ? the day and year aforesaid
Ephraim Champion

We Isaac Parsons a Clergyman residing in the Town of East Haddam in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut, and Oliver Green residing in the same town of East Haddam, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Epaphroditus Champion, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy seven 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 } Isaac Parsons the day and year aforesaid } Oliver Green —
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 certify that it appears to them that the Rev d Isaac Parsons who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman, resident in the said town of East Haddam,

and that Oliver Green Esq. who has signed the same, is a resident in the same town of East Haddam, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to Credit Stephen Conn Judge of sd Court
I John C. Palmer, Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of East Had- dam aforesaid, do hereby certify that the fore- going contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Epaphroditus Champion for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have here- unto set my hand and the seal of said Court of Probate this 24 th day of December A D 1833.
John C Palmer Clerk —

State of Connecticut ss
At a Court of Probate held at Litchfield within and for the District of Litchfield on the 18 th day of November AD 1850
Present Oliver A. G. Tada Judge Satisfactory Evidence being presented to this court to prove the following facts this court doth find that the same has been proved to wit, that General Epaphroditus Champion late of East Haddam in the County of Middlesex in said State was a revolutionary pensioner at the rate of four hundred and fifty dollars per annum - That he resided in and died in said East Haddam on the 22 nd day of December AD 1834 leaving a widow and two children viz a son Epaphroditus and a daughter Lucretia the said widow died on the 20 th day of June AD 1836 the said son was never married & died without issue on the 15 th day of July 1841 having the said daughter Lucretia the only surviving child & sole heir at law of the said General Epaphroditus Champion - That said daughter Lucretia was married to Asa Bacon Esquire of the Town & County of Litchfield in said State with whom she now resides in said Town & who is now living And that this declaration is made to obtain any arrears or increase of pension due her as the only surviving child and heir at law of the said General Epaphroditus Champion
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and covered the seal of this court to be seen this 18 th day of November AD 1850
Oliver A. G. Tada Judge

Genl Epaphroditus Champion
Litchfield Jan. 12. 1843.
Hon Truman Smith
Dear Sir
At the request of my mother I write for the purpose of ascertaining the practicability of obtaining from Government the amount of back pay due to my deceased Grandfather Champion for his services as an officer in the Revolutionary war.
He was an assistant Commissary General & received the pay of a Captain of the line.
In 1831 or 32 he received a pension of $480 per annum which continued until the time of his death in 1834. - this amount as we are informed should have been $600 per annum & the Government have recently paid the balance due in several cases precisely similar.
A travelling agent has lately been around here on this sort of business & has endeavored to procure the job, but my mother prefers having some one attend to it in whom she has confidence.
Will you do us the favor to ascertain the prospect of procuring the amount due & the nature of the proof that will be required to enable my mother to draw it - We are apprehensive that a Mrs. Cowdry has made application of the same nature in behalf of my deceased uncle, as his executrix -
Will you inform me whether such is the fact, & whether it will at all invalidate my mother's claim -
Respectfully
Your obed Servt
Francis Bacon.
My mother's name is...

Hon John C. Spencer Secretary War
Sir - I respectfully refer to your last the foregoing letter from Francis Bacon Esq of Ditchfield Court, the son of whom he speaks as his "grandfather's champion" was Genl Ephraim Bates champion who no doubt served in the revolutionary war as stated by Mr Bacon and who was for many years a member of Congress from Kent. From the action of your Dept in a similar case I labor under the impression that the Estate of Mr C is entitled to the arrears to which such refers. If you will have the good up to communicate the information which will enable me to reply to the Enquiries of Mr Bacon you will oblige.
your obed Servt William Smith

State of Connecticut County of New London } S. Colchester Nov. 18. 1833
On this 18 day of November A D 1833 personally appeared before the court of Probate for the District of Colchester in the County of New London Aforesaid Henry Champion Esq. a resident of Colchester Aforesaid age eighty two years who being duly sworn according to Law in Open Court deposes and says.
That in the year 1776 he was Lieutenant in Col. Mylly's Regiment in the Revolutionary Army And Marched from Roxbury Massachusetts About the fourth of April for New York where he Arrived about the middle of said April and found his Brother Epaphroditus Champion in the Commissary line, a receiver of Beef Cattle, and distributor of Beef for the Army, and was knowing to his continuing in that business until the Army left New York and for some time longer, cannot positively say how long, as he (the Deponent) was detached from the Main Army; but understood and believe as long as Joseph Trumbull Esq. continued to supply the Army as Commissary General.
That his (the Deponent's) Father Col. Henry Champion of the said Colchester late Deputy Commissary General of purchases in the Rev- olutionary Army, died in the year 1797, that he (the Deponent) was Executor of his last Will & Testament and found among his papers, his Appointment as Deputy Commis- sary General of purchases, under the hand of Jeremiah

Wadsworth Commissary General, whose hand writing he well knew, which appointment is mentioned or recited.
Sworn to & Subscribed the year and day last Aforesaid —
Henry Chapman
And the Said Court hereby Certifies, that Henry Chapman Esq. who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing Deposition in Open Court, is a resident in the Town of Colchester Aforesaid, and well known to this Court & is a credible person and that his statements are entitled to full credit.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this 18 th day of November A D 1833
B. M. Turnbull Clerk

Rev.& 1812 Wars Section AWF:MLB
September 17, 1930
Hon. Richard P. Freeman House of Representatives
My dear Mr. Freeman:
Reference is made to Mrs. Mary B. Bishop's letter of September 12, 1930, addressed to you, and by you transmitted to this bureau for reply, relative to the following Revolutionary War soldiers:
It appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 16711, that Epaphroditus Champion, the son of Henry Champion, was born April 6, 1756, in Colchester, Connecticut.
While residing in said Colchester, he joined the army April 12, 1776, and was appointed deputy commissary and served under Colonel Joseph Trumbull, Commissary General, until October 2, 1777; October 3, 1777, he was appointed purchasing commissary and served under Peter Colt, Deputy Commissary General of Purchases, until January 31, 1778.
His father, Colonel Henry Champion, in February, 1778, was appointed deputy commissary general for supplies, and he served under him as purchasing commissary, until January 22, 1780.
He was allowed pension on his application executed December 24, 1833, at which time he was living in East Haddam, Connecticut, having moved there in November, 1782. It is stated that the soldier was at one time a member of Congress from Connecticut.
The soldier's father died in 1797.
The soldier died December 22, 1834, in East Haddam,

Connecticut, leaving a widow, Lucretia, and two children, Epaphroditus and Lucretia.
The widow, Lucretia, died June 20, 1836, in East Haddam, Connecticut.
It is stated that the son, Epaphroditus, never married. He died July 15 or 16, 1841. The daughter, Lucretia, married Asa Bacon, of Litchfield, Connecticut.
The grandchild, Francis Bacon, was living in 1843.
a
*****

Spaphroditus Champion. S. file 16711
Two auto. letters from Gen. Washington dated Valley Forge Feb. 27, 1778, and Head Quarters May 26, 1780, respectively, are missing from this case.
And The signature of Gen. Washington, has been cut from his letter dated Valley Forge Mar: 9, 1778.
Irma Reinburg
O. W. H. Div.
Missing
Exhibits A. B. C. D. E. F. G. and R.
A. E. Pope. July 28, 1905.
Lt. governor  from dated illegible 1777 Lebanon Conn. Signed by John Trumbull has been removed from this case and may be found in the room of the Chief. O. W. H. Div.
April 17, 1903.
A. E. Pope.

Mr. C. H. Lyne Nov 12 1897 Questions of your dumbbells certificate -
Mr. Ephraim Champion A. C. P. End Dept Colchester
E. Champion Nov 12 1897

State of Connecticut
By the Governor
Here certify That Mr Ephraim Chapman hath produced to me, His Appointment, and directions to purchase supplies for the Army of the United States - from Mr Peter Colt
D.L. - J. - P. Given at Lebanon 25 th Sept r 1777
Jon s Trumbull

28 06/4 Connecticut Paprodius Champion of Haddam in the State of Conn he was a _____ in the _____ commanded _____ of the _____ commanded in the _____ * assistant deputy company of Purchasers Conn. Line, July 28/05. Recd. complete.
Letter to Sec. of State 4/3 to H. L. Ellsworth 2 Nov. 1841 Let to Hon. Truman Smith Jan 28/43 let to A. Ray April 12
inserted on the Roll of Conn at the rate of $80 Dollars _____ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 day of Feb 1834 and Lieut. J. W. Huntington H. J. R. Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1838. $1200 Semi-ann. allowance ending Mar 4. 34 240 $1440
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. } Recorded by E. D. Bullock Clerk, Book E. 2 Vol. 3 Page 7.

H. Peterbolt Sept. 3. 1777-
CHAMPION, EPAPHRODITUS

W. Gen. Champion a. c.
P. S. Suck's hills

Sir
Farmington Sept. 3. 1777
Last wednesday I met your Father at Hartford, to consult with him upon supplying the Army with Forage upon the New plan — He declines serving any longer at any Rate, as he must attend to the settling his old accounts with the Late  former B.G. But will advise you to undertake, in case Congress so far abate the rigour of their plan, as to make it tolerable —
I have wrote the Compt. of my Embarrassments; & that its impossible to fix Beef purchasers, upon the Terms offered by Congress — If they adhere strictly to their former Resolutions, he must consider my Department as vacant, & appoint some other Deputy accordingly
I understand you are soon to return home; Should be glad of an opportunity of conversing with you on these Matters, — you'll please to call on me here as you pass to your Father
I'm Sir your humble Servt — W. Ep. Champion — Peter Colth

Head Quarters Valley Forge 9 th March 1778
Sir
The rec d of your fav r of the 28 th last month gave me much pleasure as it relieved me from a State of the greatest anxiety on account of provisions. I hope you will steadily persevere in sending forward supplies of Cattle, and if it is yet possible to put up any salt meat, I beg it may be done, for during our late want we have been obliged to consume most of the little that was cured in this quarter. I am endeavouring to draw as many Cattle as possible from Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, but they are in general small and very thin; nor can we expect any quantity from those parts till next fall.
I shall lay your petition for a temporary suspension of the limitation law before Congress, with your Reasons for the measure, and I hope they will consider the propriety and expediency of it —
I am Sir
Yr. most ob t Serv t

Mrs. Mary B. Bishop's (142 - Grove St. - Putnam - Conn) letter dated Sept. 12 - 1930 addressed to Hon. Richard P. Freeman - forwarded to this bureau for reply - requesting Rev. War records of the following Rev. War pensioners Epaphroditus Champion S. 16711
Levi Hayward - S. 16141
Elisha Hubbard - S. 18457
Ebenezer Phelps - W. 3591
Histories furnished Sept. 18 - 1930 & Mrs. Bishop's letter returned to Hon. Richard P. Freeman Geo. F.

16 711 INVALID.
File No. 16 711
Chaplin's Plantation
Wistard Commission Re War ★
Act: June 7 th 32
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 427
[Arrangement of 1870.]
★ Conn. Line July 28/05, Records completed S.
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Increase,
Ephraim or Champion. Who has an option com- pany of Burchess; Increased from $480 to $600 per annum, from March 4, 1831, to Dec. 22, 1834, when he died. For- mer payments at the rate of $480 per annum to be deducted.
Payable to
Lucretia Bacon, only surviving child.
To
Alexander Ray,
Present The case of Stella Osborn, Con. Nubert Roe.

Sir
I have the honor to inform you that the Committee has been instructed to establish the claim of Theodore Tullard and of both, for the things of the estate of July 29, 1848. The requisition of my letter of the 1st of Nov. last as to the manner of the settlement of the Tullard, and the settlement of the Club having charge of the money of the estate of a certain Tullard in hand; but the estate of the Tullard's money must be collected by the Board of Directors and the

Litt le Alexander May 3 rd Oct 1850

(copy)
Pension Office June 1 st 1843
Sir
The application of the children of Captain Charles Chapman dec d . for an increase of pension from the 4 March 1831. to the day of his death is again disallowed and you are referred to the enclosed copy of my letter to Hon. J. Smith of 28 January last.
I am very respectfully Yours. On. Serv. (Signed) J. G. Edwards.
A. May Esq. Present

Washington city Apr 27/50
My Dear Sir
I have before me your letter of the 28 th of Jany 1843 in the case of the late Genl Ephraim Chambers late of Court clay I not ask whether under recent decisions by the Department of the Interior the pension claim may not be increased at the rate of $600 per annum with much respect I am truly Yours Norman Smith
P.S. Please address your answer to Mr Ray business agent in this city who is acting in the parties in interest

Washington
March 7. 1843.
Sir:
I enclose an application from Judge. Henry McNaught Esq. in the name of the surviving heir of the late Captain Knowlton Chapman Esq. who was during his life time a revolutionary pension- er under the act 1832 on the Connecticut roll at the rate of $480 per annum as an off. Sep. Company of Mich. Fus. The claim is now opened in right of the executor and the surviving heir to an increase of said Chapman's late pension at the rate of $600 per annum. The certificate from the clerk of Probate and the necessary application you will herewith receive.
I remain Your Hon. Ex-LEN Rev. Pray
J. L. Edwards & Power of Attorney

Washington Nov 21. 1850.
James L. Edwards Esq. Com r of Pensions Sir,
In compliance with your letter of the 3 rd ulto. in the case of Benjamin Champion dec d . late a pensioner on the Connecticut roll, under an act 1831. I enclose, herewith, the evidence of the time of his death, and the name of the only child that survives him.
I remain your most. Hon. Sir Step. May

Epiphany Church Rev. Act 32, Ct.
Mr. Francis, will please file this paper with the case Nov. 22/64 Bristol.
No Conn/62 28064
Conn. Rev. Act / 32

Washington Feb. 9 th 1844.
Sir,
In the case of Epaphroditus Champion dec d . late of Connecticut, I ask with great deference to submit a few remarks.
We do not perceive by the journals of the Continental Congress any settled regulation in the commissary of Purchases department till June 10 th 1777. Journals 11 page 154. Under a resolution of congress for the appointment of one commissary general of purchases, one commissary of stores, their deputies &c. Agreeably to the 3 rd article "the deputy commissary general are authorized to appoint as many assistant commissaries to act under them as may from time to time be necessary." The VII articles defines. "That it shall be the duty of the commissary-general of purchases with the assistant of the deputy commissary-general and assistant commissary of purchases, to purchase all provisions and other necessaries allowed, or which may hereafter be allowed by congress to the troops of the United States, and deliver the same to the commissary general of stores, or his deputies or assistants, in such quantities, and at such places or magazines as the commander in chief, or the commander in the respective departments may direct."
We find on the 16 June 1777. Vol 11. page 167. congress considered and fixed the compensation to the officers of the commissary department.
  To the commissary general of purchases.  8 dollars  60  ration a day    To the deputy commissary "  5 "  4 "  "    To the assistant commissary. "  4 "  - "  "    To the commissary general of stores.  150 $ per mo.  6  per day    To the deputy commissary " - .  75 "  4 - .  "    To the assistant commissary of stores  40 - "  2 "  "  

Subsequently we said under the resolution of July 1. 1777. "that the deputy commissary of purchases respectively be autho- rized to make reasonable allowance to such of the assistant commiss- aries, as are employed in buying and collecting live stock for all extraordinary traveling expenses, which they may be necessarily put to, not exceeding 1.50 dollars per day for such additional allowance.
That there be paid to the assistant commissary of stores each 60 dollars a month."
In the case of Epaphroditus Chapman late of Connecticut; You say, "his claim was allowed in 1834. for the full pension of an assistant deputy commissary of Purchases at the rate of four hundred and eighty dollars per annum. This grade is established by the documents filed in his case & commissary of Purchases would be entitled to six hundred dollars per annum for two years service; but his assistant deputies are not entitled to more than the allowance made to Mr. Chapman." Since the allowance of this claim in 1834. the Department has considered, and decided more favorably the claims of officers in the commissary department.
I do not design to enter into any argument to elucidate the merits of the claim in question: I desire to bring your mind for a few moments to the subject. And while it is ad- mitted on the one hand that a commissary-general, a deputy commissary, and an assistant commissary of stores is entitled to the highest rate of pension, and as it is stated too, in your letter of the 28 th Jan y 1833. "a commissary of purchases would be entitled to six hundred dollars for two years service." It now appears under the resolution of June 16. 1777. if adopted as a rule of action, and I see no other that can be: Then, under this resolu- -tion, fixing the pay of assistant commissaries of Purchases, that officer would clearly come within the late decisions of your Office

and entitle the applicant to the highest rate of pension, having received while in the line of duty a higher rate of pay per month, than was allowed to an assistant commissary of subs.
I would beg further to remark; the only assistant commissary of Purchases case, that has passed through my hands. Was that of Shabrick Osborne of Connecticut his pension as assistant commissary of Purchases was raised from $320. to $600 per annum under act 7 th Jan. 1832. and a pension at the same rate was extended to his widow under act 7 th July 1838.
I submit this statement with the view to bring this claim fully before you. & with the hope too, you will see the justice in granting an increase of my constituents claim from the 4 th March 1831. to the time of his decease. at the rate of 50 th per me.
I remain, with great respect Your Hon Sir Alex. Ray
James L Edwards Esq Commissary of Pensions

State of Connecticut County of Middlesex ss. Probate District of East Haddam
I Stephen Cones Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of East Haddam, held at East Haddam in and for said District, do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court that Gen Epaphroditus Champion late of said East Haddam deceased was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of Four Hundred and Eighty Dollars per annum. That he was a resident of East Haddam in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut and died in said East Haddam State of Connecticut in the year of our Lord Eighteen Hundred and Thirty Four on the twenty second day of December. That he left a widow, whose name was Secretia Champion, and two children only, whose names were Epaphroditus Champion, and Secretia Bacon wife of Asa Bacon of the Town of Litchfield in Litchfield County State of Connecticut. That said Secretia Champion was a resident of said East Haddam and died in the year of our Lord Eighteen Hundred and Thirty Six on the twentieth day of June at said East Haddam. That she left two children only, whose names were Epaphroditus Champion aforesaid and Secretia Bacon. That said Secretia Champion left a Will of which said Epaphroditus Champion Esq. was appointed sole Executor, and that he accepted the trust, and that afterwards in the year of our Lord Eighteen Hundred and Forty one on the sixteenth day of July said Epaphroditus Champion Esq. died. That he was a resident of said East Haddam, That he left no widow or children. That he made his Will previous to his decease and appointed None

Henry M Write of Lynn in New London County his Executor who accepted the trust and gave bonds according to law for a faithful discharge of his trust. That said Lucia Bacon still survives and resides in said Litchfield.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court at East Haddam this twenty third day of January in the year of our Lord Eighteen Hundred and Forty Three.
Test Stephen Coon Judge

State of Connecticut County of New-London I ss Dyme
On this twenty fourth day of February A D 1843 before me Stephen J. Lura a justice of the peace for the County of New-London aforesaid, personally came Henry M. Waite, a resident of the town of Dyme in said County, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare, that he is the sole Executor of the last will and testament of Epaphroditus Champion Esq, late of East Haddam in the County of Middlesex deceased, an only son of General Epaphroditus Champion, late of said East Haddam deceased, - that the said Gen. Champion, in his life time, and at the time of his decease, was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, on the Roll of the Connecticut Agency - that he died at said East Haddam about the year 1834 leaving his widow Lucetta Champion and two children only to wit the said Epaphroditus and Lucetta Bacon, then and still the wife of Asa Bacon of Litchfield in the County of Litchfield in the State of Connecticut, him surviving - that afterwards to wit, about the year 1836 the said Lucetta Champion, the widow, died at said East Haddam, leaving the said Epaphroditus the younger and the said Lucetta Bacon her only children surviving her, and having by her last will appointed her son, the said Epaphroditus, Executor of her said will - that afterwards in the year 1841 the said E- paphroditus Champion the younger, died at the City of New- York, having by his last will and testament appointed the de- ponent his Executor, and being at the time of his decease the Executor of the last will of his mother the said Lucetta Champion. The sister of the Epaphroditus Champion, the said Lucetta Bacon still survives -
The several times of the decease of the said General Champion and his said widow and son will more particularly appear from the Certificate of the Clerk of Probate for the District of East Haddam, to which District they all belonged -
Now the object of making this declaration is to obtain in virtue of the said General Champion and his said widow, through the agent of this deponent, Alexander Ray Esq of Washington, an increased rate of pen- sion on account of the services of the said General Champion, as a Commissions in the Army of the United

States in time of the Revolutionary war -
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid }
Henry M. Waite Executor of the last will of E. Chapman decd
Before me
Stephen J Lord Justice of Peace
No: of Rep 2 o March 1843
I am acquainted with Stephen J Lord Esq of Lyme Common he is a Justice of the Peace & I believe the above to be his signature
M. W. Williams

Reuben Champion's Deposition

I Reuben Champion of East Windsor in the County of Hartford & State of Connecticut being duly sworn depose and saith That I was born in the Town of East Haddam now in the County of Middlesex State of Connecticut March 1759 & am now seventy four years of age. The place of my birth & residence until the Revolutionary war & most of the time during that war was about Six miles from the residence of Epaphroditus Champion (now Genl. Epaphroditus Champion) except when he was with the army in the commissary line. The said Epaphroditus Champion then of Colchester County of New London in said State but now belonging to & residing in East Haddam in the County of Middlesex in said State was a purchasing commissary in the eastern part of said State & purchased a large number of beef cattle in the above mentioned towns & beginning in October 1777 & continuing through that year & the year 1778. after that time his purchases were made principally if not wholly in Massachusetts in the district of country adjoining Connecticut River. I was employed under Col. Henry Champion Depy Comy Genl. of purchases as a drover to receive beef cattle from the purchasing commissaries & drive to the Army. I received of the said Epaphroditus Champion a drover of 73 beef cattle at S th Colchester March 5 th 1778 & made up the drover to 136 head of beef cattle from other purchasing commissaries in Connecticut & drove them to the Army at Valley Forge & found the Army destitute of any meat & understood that they

had been without any provision of the meat kind for several days, - I was continually employed in the business of a drover & received beef cattle from the S r Epaphroditus when he was purchasing in Massachusetts. I know of no drover living except myself who was employed under Supt y Com y Gen l Henry Champion or any of his purchasing companies. Dated at East Windsor the 12 th day of December 1833. Reuben Champion
State of Connecticut
County of Hartford S.S. East Windsor Dec r 12 th 1833
Then personally appeared Reuben Champion, who signed the foregoing deposition in my presence, & made Solemn Oath to the truth of the same before me
Henry Watson Justice of Peace
I certify, that the aforesaid deponent Reuben Champion is to me personally known & that he is a Creditable witness
Henry Watson Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut County of Hartford } ss
I, Izaad Griswold, Clerk of the County Court for said County of Hartford, do hereby certify, That Henry Watson Esquire, before whom the foregoing Affidavit of Reuben Champion was taken, was, and is, on this 12 th day of December A.D. 1833 a Justice of the Peace in & for said County of Hartford, duly commissioned & qualified according to Law, & that the signature, purporting to be his, is genuine. And also that said Justice has full power to administer oaths, &c. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said County Court this 12 th Day of December A.D. 1833.
Izaad Griswold, Clerk

State of Connecticut County of New London
ss. Colchester Nov. 18 th 1833
On this 18 th day of November A D 1833 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Colchester in the County of New London aforesaid De ft John R. Waters a resident of Colchester aforesaid aged ninety nine years, who being duly sworn according to Law, in open Court deposes and says, That in the year 1776 he was surgeons first mate in the Army of the Revolution, in a Regiment of Connecticut Troops, commanded by Col. Samuel Myles, and was the first part of the said year stationed near Boston, After the Enemy left that place, the American Army Also moved on for New York; that he arrived in New York about the first of May of said year, where he found his Friend an Ephraim Champion, in the Commissary line of the Army who had in charge the beef cattle and other live stock, and the delivery of the fresh provisions for the main Army then assembling there. That in August 1776 he the said Champion was taken sick with a fever; that he attended him as his physician as he would any other Officer in the Army not thinking of any other reward than his monthly pay - from the manner in which he gradually became sick it was his Opinion at the time that the said Champions sickness was occasioned by constant duty and exertion in the Commissary line as above - That in the year 1777 he was surgeon of said Myles Regiment, denominated the 3 rd Connecticut Regt.

and was stationed part of the time in New Jersey and a part of the time near the North River in the state of New York, and was personally knowing to the said Chapman's being in the Army in the year 1777 according to my understanding as long as Col. Joseph Trumbull remained comman- ding Genl. of the Army, which I believe was the latter part of the said year 1777 sworn to & subscribed the day & John R. Watrous year aforesaid
And the said Court of Probate hereby Certifies, that Doct. John R. Watrous who has sub- scribed and sworn to the foregoing deposition in Open Court, is a Resident in the Town of Colchester aforesaid, and well known to this Court & is a credible person, and his statements are entitled to full credit
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office this 18 th day of November A D 1833
B. M. Trumbull Clerk

State of Connecticut } County of Windham } up Windham Nov. 11. 1833.
On this 11 th day of November AD 1833 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Windham in the County of Windham aforesaid.
Samuel Gray Esq. a resident of Windham aforesaid aged Eighty two years, who being duly sworn according to law, in open Court depose & says, That he entered the Army of the Revolution in November AD 1775 as assistant to Col o Joseph Trumbull Commissary General at Cambridge Ms. Where he continued until March 1776 when he was removed to New York and there had charge of the public Magazine about 4 months then went to Fort Washington & Peekskill & Tiskill on the North River where he remained until August 1777. That in August 1777 he rec d the Commission of Deputy Commissary General & served under the same nearly five years - He would further state that during the time he served as assistant to Col o Joseph Trumbull he had no commission nor any written appointment, and that according to his best recollection & belief Col o Trumbull did not practice giving written appointments to his assistants. In presence of { Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid. Sam Gray

And The said Court of Probate hereby certifies that Samuel Gray Esq r who has subscribed & sworn to the foregoing deposition in open Court, is a resident of the town of Windham aforesaid and well known to this Court as a credible person & his statements are entitled to full credit —
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 11 th day of November A.D. 1833 —
Thomas Gray Clerk

Earthadlam Dec. 26. 1833
Hon. J. W. Huntington
Sir—
I do not know whether it is proper for me to write anything or for you to say any thing in my behalf at the Pension Office—
From the time of Commissary General Turnbull's appointment (July 1775) to June 10. 1777 there were no regulations by Congress for the commissary department but every thing with regard to feeding the army was placed without any restriction in the hands of the Commissary General—
When I was with the army in 1776 and in 1777 I was considered as belonging to the army and subject to military orders as well as to the orders of the commissary general and did occasionally receive orders from several General Officers and when sick and unfit for duty in 1776 my place was supplied by a military officer Capt. John Isham—and I was attended by an army surgeon.
By the Resolves of Congress of June 10. 1777 for regulating the commissary department Assistant Commissaries of purchases were subjected to trials by courts martial in the same manner of officers in the army. These regulations were modified by the Resolves of Congress of April 14. 1778 but the liability of purchasing commissaries to trials by courts martial remained unchanged—
Nehemiah Hubbard acted as Deputy Quarter Master General resided at Hartford and bought horses for the army on commission Pension $400 per year—
Samuel Gray of Windham was Deputy commissary general of issues—pension $600 per year—
My services in the army in 1776 and 1777 a period of one year and a half (lacking six days) were of the same nature and character of Mr. Grays—viz Issuing provision daily to the army—In addition I was keeper of the stores of fresh provision for the army—

If pensions are graded by the amount of pay and the importance of the trust my application for services when with the army in 1776 and 1777 - 542 days will perhaps stand as fair as any one.
Probably no distinction will be made between a purchasing commissary on daily pay and a purchasing commissary on commissions if any should be made one would think it would be in favor of daily pay
It also appears to me probable that no distinction in principle will be perceived between a Quarter Master residing in Connecticut purchasing horses on commission for the use of the army - constantly employ'd in and a Commissary residing in Connecticut purchasing beef cattle on commission for the use of the army
Very respectfully your obedient servant
Ephraim Champion

House of Reps. Jan 2. 1834.
My dear Sir,
I transmit you herewith, the application of Genl Epaphroditus Champion of East Haddam, (Conn) for a pension, with the accompanying proofs in support of it. This petition & proof, I hope you will examine personally. I take leave to mention to you, that Genl Champion was, for many years, a member of Congress from Conn. - is a gentleman of the strictest honor & integrity: No man is more entitled to unlimited confidence in regard to truth & veracity - no one possesses more fully, the esteem & regard of his numerous friends & acquaintances, for all the qualities which constitute the gentleman - the man of honor, & of moral worth.
I am, very respectfully W. D. Sedgwick J. M. Huntington
The subscribers are well acquainted with Genl. Champion, & fully concur in the foregoing statement made by Mr. Huntington.
House of Reps Jan 2. 34
W. D. Sedgwick Noyes Barber Othniel Rose Samuel Trumbull Samuel A. Root

Julius Deming of the town & county of Litchfield, State of Connecticut (being) duly sworn, deposeth and saith— That I am seventy eight years of age. In my youth I became acquainted with Col. Henry Champion, then of Colchester Connecticut now deceased, and with his family, I was intimately acquainted with his son Epaphroditus Champion, who was near my age, I lived in Colchester from the year 1771 to about the latter part of December 1780, except when absent on business in the Commissary Department during the Revolutionary war; and resided a considerable part of the time during the Revolutionary war in the family of Col. Champion. In December 1780 or January 1781 I removed to the town of Litchfield where I have ever since resided
The said Epaphroditus Champion (now deceased) Epaphroditus Champion of East Haddam according to my best recollection and full belief left his home in Colchester in the spring of 1776, to join the American Army in New York, in the Commissary Department under Commissary General Joseph Trumbull.
In July 1776, I went to New York with a drove of Beef cattle, purchased for the Army. The cattle were to be delivered to Epaphroditus Champion or his order in the vicinity of New York; this drove of cattle were halted at New Rochelle, or Eastchester, and delivered to some person employed by said C Champion, whose receipt for the cattle I took (according to my best recollection and belief) and proceeded with it to Varian's— at the Bull's Head in New York, and exchanged it for said C Champion's receipt— I then and ever understood that said Champion

resided with the Army in the Commissary Department under said Trumbull. — That he received the beef cattle, sheep &c. that he superintended and caused the cattle and live stock to be butchered, and the proceeds to be delivered to the issuing commissaries for the use of the Army. — But as I was not constantly with the Army during the fore part of the campaign of 1776, I cannot testify that the said Ephraim, received & distributed all the fresh provisions to the issuing commissaries for the Army. I only mean to say that he was reputed to be the general receiver & distributor of fresh provisions under said Trumbull to the issuing commissaries for the Army.
I went to York Island again, in September 1776. I arrived on the Island the same day of the battle of Harlem heights, the said Champion had been sick a short time before, but had so far recovered as to be able to attend to the duties of his office. — whether I saw said Champion on York Island in September 1776. I cannot say, it was a period of distress and difficulty, — but soon after when our Army had marched to White Plains, I well remember that said Champion was there in the discharge of the duties of his office, in the commissary department, receiving and delivering fresh provisions to the issuing commissaries, for the use of the Army, and remained with the army at North Castle & Peekskill.
In the summer of 1777 said Champion was in New Jersey & Pennsylvania, following the Army, receiving and delivering Beef cattle to the issuing commissaries for the use of the Army. — I was with him in these services performed under Joseph Trumbull, Commissary General, until August 1777, at which time the said Champion, & myself left the Army, then in Pennsylvania, near the cross roads, about 15 miles northerly of Philadelphia.

In May 1778, Jeremiah Wadsworth was Commissary General of Purchases, & Col. Henry Champion, as I then understood & believe, was Deputy Commissary General of Purchases by appointment from said Wadsworth; - I cannot positively say that I ever saw his appointment, but I do say, that said Henry Champion was reputed to be Deputy Commissary General of Purchases, & I do know that he acted as such from a period as early as the 15 th of May 1778 to February or March 1780, during which time said Henry Champion by his Purchasing Commissary purchased a very large number of Beef cattle & sheep & mainly supplied the Army with fresh provisions.
I was appointed Purchasing Commissary by Henry Champion as Deputy Commissary General of Purchases on the 15 th day of May 1778, & I have no doubt but that the said Epaphroditus Champion was appointed a Purchasing Commissary by said Henry at the same time - To testify that I remember his appointment I cannot, but I do remember that the said Epaphroditus Champion & I together rode over from Colchester to Lebanon, & took the oath prescribed by the Resolves of Congress, before the Hon. William Williams, a Magistrate & Assistant, or member of the Upper House of Connecticut. - I also gave the bond required by the resolution of Congress in the penal sum of ten thousand dollars, Hon. Deming & the said Epaphroditus Champion were my sureties, & it is my impression & full belief that said Epaphroditus Champion gave a similar bond at the same time, & that Hon. Deming & I were his sureties, but to this I cannot positively testify -
I well know that the said Epaphroditus Champion was an acting & very efficient Purchasing Commissary during the aforesaid Period, & that he was supplied with Public money from time to time by Col. Henry Champion,

Deputy Commissary General of Purchases, to make his Purchases. I know of no other Purchasing Commissary appointed by Col. Henry Champion P. G. of Purchases, now living but Epaphroditus Champion & myself — Julius Deming
State of Connecticut County of Litchfield ss Litchfield November 9. 1833. Then personally appeared Julius Deming, who signed the foregoing deposition in my presence, and made solemn oaths to the truth of the same Before me Origen S. Seymour, Justice of the Peace.
I certify, that the aforesaid deponent, Julius Deming Esq., is to me personally known, and that he is a credible witness. Origen S. Seymour Justice of the Peace —
I Frederick Wolcott, Clerk of the County Court for the County of Litchfield & State of Connecticut, hereby certify that Origen S. Seymour Esq., whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate, is, & for more than a year last past, has been a Justice of the Peace in & for said County, & duly qualified & authorized to administer oaths according to the laws of this State, & that the signature to said certificate, purporting to be his, are genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this 9 th day of November 1833
Frederick Wolcott, Clerk
Julius Deming's deposition