Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 635, Thomas Curtis, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Curtis, Thomas
W 635
Anna
B.L.Wt. 13005-160-55
CONTENTS

27211 Massachusetts
Thomas Curtis
of Stoughton in the State of Mass. who was a private in the Comp y commanded by Captain Briggs of the Reg t commanded by Colo. Reed - in the Mass line for 14 Months private
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass at the rate of 46 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 th day of Mar. 1834 and sent to E. S. Leland Esq t Roxbury Mass
Arrears to the 4th of Mar. 1834 $ 139 ,, 98 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 th  Sep ,, 23 - 33
$163 ,, 31
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by George Taylor Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 2 Page 14

1933 Massachusetts Anna Curtis widow of Thomas Curtis who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 46 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848. 3 rd February 1833 Certificate of Pension issued the 14 th day of Sept r 1833 and sent to
M m S. Leland Roxbury Mass a
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act July 29, 1832, Page 38 Vol. A
1832 Febr y 3 rd 1833
1832

104. 606, Act Mech 3/55 Apt. 6 27/.
Sara Cautis, m d of Thomas Cautis. His Rev Ward
Capt.
Col.
Private Mil. Rel Reed
Cut
Dis. 1305 Ralph Dooops
War Rev.
Now a Pensioner of the U.S.
Map Feb 53-1933
Ad. 160 ac's Recd 19/55
Dodge
Map
Horatio Woodman, am Boston, Mass
Vol. 62-151.

State of Massachusetts, County of Norfolk on this tenth day of May in the year eighteen hundred and fifty three; personally appeared before me Sherman Leland Judge of the Probate Court within and for said County of Norfolk: Anna Curtis a resident of Stoughton in the County of Norfolk aged seventy three years, who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress; passed February 3 d 1853. That she is the Widow of Thomas Curtis late of Stoughton in said County deceased who was a Soldier in the War of the Revolution and served in Captain William Briggs company in Col Reeds Regiment at Roxbury eight Months in 1775. Also in Captain William Burbanks company in Col. Lovells Regiment at Rhode Island New York and other places in the year 1776 & 1777 three Months and fifteen days; Also in Captain Timothy Fosters & Capt. John Blunts company under Major William Lescho in the district of Maine now State of Maine four months in 1779. Also in Captain Robert Swans company at Dorchester in 1775 about eighteen days her said husband was a pensioner under the act of Congress of the 7 th June 1832 and drew for his services from forty seven to

forty eight dollars per annum to the time of his death according to the best of her memory which will more fully appear by the rolls and other records now in the Pension Office at Washington & the foregoing particulars of his services in the Revolutionary war are according to the best information she has
She further declares that she was married to the said Thomas Curtis on the fourth day of April eighteen hundred and thirty three by the Rev. Isaac Smith; That her husband the aforesaid Thomas Curtis died on the twenty ninth day of November eighteen hundred and forty two. She further swears that she is a Widow; that she has never before made an application for a Pension and she prays her certificate may be sent for her to William S. Leland at Roxbury (Massachusetts) and she further declares she has no discharge or other documentary evidence of his service other than what she has stated above
Anna Curtis
Subscribed and duly sworn to, in open court by the above said Anna Curtis this tenth day of May in the year eighteen hundred and fifty three and I certify I have no interest whatever in the prosecution or result of the claim for the Pensions for which this was taken for
Sherman Leland judge of Probate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Norfolk.
I Jonathan H. Cobb Registry of the County of Probate for said County do hereby hereby certify that Sherman Leland is Judge of said County of Probate & that his signature on the paper is genuine & true.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court of Probate this tenth day of May A.D. 1833.
Jonathan H. Cobb

State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk.
On this Twelfth day of April , A. D., 1855 personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County, Mrs. Anna Curtis aged Seventy five years, a resident of Stoughton in Massachusetts who being duly sworn according to law, declared that she is the widow of Thomas Curtis deceased, who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain in the Revolutionary in the war with Great Britain, declared  enlisted by the United States, on the 18th day of June 1812,—that her said husband was drafted  enlisted at on or about the day of A.D. 1817 for the term of and continued in actual service in the said war for the term of over one year and was honorably discharged at on or about the day of A.D. 1817 , as will appear by reference to the rolls, that he received no printed or written discharge, and that neither he nor she ever received or applied for, or is entitled to bounty land for any other service, except that  but she received for the same service, under the act of September 1850, a 40 acre warrant, No. 22 , which she had sold and cannot return, — February 3 d 1853, a pension of $46.66 pr. year, which is payable at Boston, and the certificate for which is to and dated  to
She further states that she was married to the said Thomas Curtis in Stoughton on the twelfth day of April 1855, by Deacon Warren a Christian minister and that her name before her said marriage was Anna Ingalls that her husband died at Stoughton Mass. on the twelfth day of December 1845, proof of which will be found on file with her previous  pension application, that she is still a widow,—that she makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act of Congress passed March 3, 1855, and that she prays that the certificate thereof may be sent for her to Horatio Woodman, Boston, Mass.
Anna Curtis
Subscribed and duly sworn to, the day and year first above written. I certify that she is the identical person above described. I have no interest in the case.
Clifford Smith Justice of the Peace.

State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk Town of Houghton
(a) "Married by the Rev. Isaac Smith Maj. Thomas Curtis and Mrs. Anna Ingols both of Houghton" April fourth Eighteen hun- dred and thirty three
I CERTIFY that the above is a true copy of the record, with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures, as follows: —(b) " 1833. April "4 th "
Attest Jabez Talbot Jr
I, Jabez Talbot Jr above named, depose and say, that I hold the office of Clerk in the town, county, and state afore- said, and that the above is a true copy from the records of said town, with the exception above named, as certified by me.
Jabez Talbot Jr } Clerk of the town } of Houghton
Subscribed and duly sworn to before me, this twenty first day of April A.D. 1853 by the said Jabez Talbot Jr. Town Clerk
Benjamin Richards Justice of the Peace.
(a) Here fill in an exact transcript of the record, except that, instead of copying the figures, the date must be written out in full. (b) Here give the date exactly as it is in the record.

Thomas Curtis 29069.
E. S. Ward Roxbury Mass

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
County of Norfolk ss. On this third day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two three , personally appeared in open court before the Honorable Judge of the Court of Probate now sitting at Dedham in and for said County, Thomas Curtis a resident of Stoughton in said County, aged seventy seven 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 7th, A. D. 1832.
THAT he was born at Stoughton  February  14th in the County of Norfolk on the fourteenth day of February A. D. 1757, and that there is a record of his birth on the town records of Stoughton : that he was in the United States service from the tenth day of May A. D. 1775, to the tenth day of January A. D. 1776 - eight months as a Private in the Massachusetts Militia : that he was residing at Stoughton when he entered the service; that he served as a volunteer under the
and served for the period aforesaid under the command of Captain William Briggs, and in Col. Joseph Reed's Regiment : that he marched from Stoughton to Roxbury
: that he served with none of the regular troops; and, Generals. Washington, Ward & Thomas, regular officers were known to him: that he was in no battle
and at the end of his service received a discharge but not in writing : that he left the service on or about the tenth of January 1776 and that since the Revolutionary war he has resided at Stoughton Bridge water and (Winthrop in the State of Maine)
ALSO: that he was in the United States service from the first day of December A. D. 1776, to the 14th  or 15th day of March A. 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Also that he was in the United States Service from the 19th Day of April 1775 to fifteen or eight days at Dorchester in the vicinity of Boston under the command of Capt. Robert Sneed that he marched from Shurton to said Dorchester as a minute man and went at the first Alarm as a Private in the Massachusetts Militia & received no written discharge at the time he was dismissed from said Service He also says that he has no documentary evidence of this service & that there is no person having to his knowledge by whom he can prove it
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.
Thomas Curtis
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year first aforesaid.
We Benjamin Richards Esq and Lewis Whitcomb
residing in the Town of Randolph residing in said Randolph who has
hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Thomas Curtis Twenty 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.
Benjamin Richards Lewis Whitcomb
Sworn and subscribed as aforesaid.
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 abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary Soldier and served as he states. And the court further certify that it appears to them that Benjamin Richards Esq who has signed the preceding certificate, is a resident in the Town of Randolph; and that Lewis Whitcomb who has also signed the same is a resident in said Randolph and both credible persons; and that their statement is entitled to credit. The court further certify that Benjamin Richards is a Justice of the Peace for said County of Norfolk & that the name signed to the certificate to the depositions of Benjamin Bicker, Robert Southworth, expressed is his signature.
I Jonathan H. Cobb Clerk of the Court of Probate do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Thomas Curtis for a pension.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal of office on the day and year first aforesaid.
Jonathan H. Cobb Reg: of Probate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Nassau ss. I Shuman Leland, Judge of the Court of Probate for said County, hereby certify that Jonathan H. Cobb is Register of said Court, & that the foregoing attestation by him made, is in due form.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & caused the seal of said Court to be affixed this sixth day of December AD 1833
S. Leland

635
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No.
635 Anna Curtis, Widow, Thomas Curtis, Pm. Rev. War.
Act:
Feb. 3, 1858.
Index:—Vol.
A
Page
160
[Arrangement of 1870.]

13005
3
New Aug

Rec. Ev. Sta. R. Ma: Nov. 29. 42, "Dighton."
Fenton Office, 9 th Sept. 1853.
Sir. Please Certify the transfer which the William names pensioner was paid on the date of his death.
Very Respectfully,
J. Cole
For the Commission.
Thomas Curtis, act 1832 $46.66. p. an. — Died 29 th Nov. 1842, Paid to his death,
F. Burt Auditor. "
Francis Burt Esq. } Min d Auditor } Jan.

June 30, 1853.
N o 2459
App l of Anna Curtis, widow of Thomas Curtis, Norfolk Co., Mass.
27211
Act 3 d Feb. 1853. $46. 66 Per An Com: 3 d Feb: 1853. Rev.
Wm G. Leland, Roybury, Mass.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, PENSION OFFICE, OFFICIAL BUSINESS
Commissioner

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Dec r 4 th 1833.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that The name of Thomas Curtis is borne upon a Muster roll of Capt William Briggs Company, in Col Joseph Read's Regt as a private, for the period of three months & five days* commencing May third 1775. Also upon a Pay roll of Capt Timothy Foster's Company, in Major William Lythgoe's detachment of Militia, as a Corporal, for the period of two months commencing September first 1779.
Also upon a Pay Roll of Capt John Blunt's Company, in Col Mc Cobb's Regt for the period of fifteen days as a private. This roll covers a period of three months from June 24 th to Sept 28 th but the time he commenced Thomas Curtis commenced, or ended does not appear.
I further certify that upon examination no rolls of Capt William Belcock's Company, in Col Lowell's Regt in 1776, nor any of Capt Robert Swan's Company, in 1775 were found.
Edward D Bangs. Secy
* The rolls of Capt Briggs Company, are supposed to be at Washington for the remainder of the service.

Thomas Curtis,
13,005
Power of Attorney to Andrew J. M c Calla.
Claim filed Aug 1, '55.
Johnson

To the Commissioner of Pensions Sir
Andrew J. McCalla Esqr of Washington City is hereby authorised to act as my attorney in prosecuting the Claims now pending before you in my name, for a land bounty warrant, you will please deliver him all Communications warrant etc, and oblige Thomas Curtis
State of Tennessee Powell County ss On this 10th day of August 1885— before me an examine for in and for the County and State aforesaid personally appeared Thomas Curtis above named and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be his act and for the purpose therein contained, whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year last above written A. C. McCalla Exammer for P. C.

104.606
ALLOCATION OF
Thomas Carter under Revolutionary War
for a place third warrant,
Act of March 3, 1855.
Chapman Keck Apl 4
WARRANT TO BE SENT TO HORATIO WOODMAN, Boston, Mass., AS WITHIN REQUESTED.

State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk Town of Houghton
(a) I hereby certify that the following persons have been duly joined in marriage by me viz Eighteen hundred and thirty three April fourth —
May Thomas Curtis and Mrs Anna Ingols.
Isaac Smith
I CERTIFY that the above is a true copy of the record, with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures, as follows: — (b)
“ 1833 April 4 th ”
Charles Upham D o
I, Charles Upham D o above named, depose and say, that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the town, county, and state aforesaid, and that the above is a true copy from the records of said city, with the exception above named, as certified by me.
Charles Upham D o }
Subscribed and duly sworn to before me, this 14 th day of April A. D. 1854. I have no interest in this case.
Clifford Smith Justice of the Peace.
(a) Here fill in an exact transcript of the record, except that, instead of copying the figures, the date must be written out in full. (b) Here give the date exactly as it is in the record

State of Massachusetts - County of Norfolk
We Samuel Page and Deborah Page having been duly sworn, depose and say, that we well knew Thomas Curtis who was a Revolutionary soldier, as we have always heard and verily believe whose widow now applies for bounty land, - that we knew him for more than twenty years before his death, which occurred at Stoneham, Mass., about twenty years ago, - that we know that he died about that time because we were in the neighborhood at the time, - that his widow now draws a pension for his Revolutionary services. That we are residents of Stoneham, in Massachusetts, that we have known his said widow from his death to this time, that she has remained unmarried, - that her declaration was signed and acknowledged by her in our presence, - that she is the identical person she represents herself to be, - and that we are disinterested.
Samuel Page
Deborah Page
Subscribed, and duly sworn to before me, this
A.D. 1855
day of
Clifford Keith
Justice of the Peace.
It is hereby certified that satisfactory proof has been exhibited before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, by the affidavits of Samuel Page and Deborah Page of the said county and state, who are personally known to me, who are entitled to credit, and who swear that they have no pecuniary interest in the result of the above application; that Mrs. Anna Curtis is the widow, remaining unmarried of the late Thomas Curtis who was a Revolutionary soldier and that the said Thomas Curtis died at Stoneham, Mass., on or about the 10th day of November A.D. 1822
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 10th day of April 1855. I have no interest in this case.
Clifford Keith
Justice of the Peace.
* "We attended his funeral," or "were in the neighborhood at the time," or some equally good reason.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, April 19, 1855
I Hereby Certify , That at the date of the attestation hereunto annexed,
Clifford Keith was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. M. Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office. Boston June 26 th 1852
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Sherman Leland was Judge of Probate and Benjamin Richards was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk,
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to their acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
W. M. D. Briggs Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Brief in the case of Anna Curtis, widow of Thomas. Norfolk County and State of Mass. act 3 d Feb y : 1853.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase?")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner, under the Act of 7 th June. 1832.
Record Evidence & parole proof of marriage.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
W m S. Seland Esq r . Roxbury, Mass. Name and residence of Agent
S. C. Dwyer, Examining Clerk

Norbury, Massachusetts June 27th 1883.
Sir
Herewith I transmit paper in the matter of Anna Curtis' application for a Pension.
Please communicate with me here on the subject.
Recd. College
Yours Very Respectfully
Wm L. Leland

I Daniel French of Stoughton in the county of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, being of Lawful Age do testify and declare, that I was well acquainted with Thomas Curtis of Stoughton in said county and State, the said Thomas Curtis was Married to Anna Ingalls of said Stoughton about twenty years since, I was with my wife to the Wedding and saw them married the said Thomas Curtis died some time in November 1842 (I think) I was at his Funeral the said Thomas Curtis was reputed to be a revolutionary soldier, and I heard him say he drew a pension for his services in the war, his Widow is now living in Stoughton in the same house where her deceased husband Thomas Curtis died, I live a near neighbour to her - she is now a Widow.
Daniel French Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Norfolk, ss June 24 th A.D. 1853 Then personally appeared the above named Daniel French, who is a credible witness and made oath that the foregoing Affidavit by him subscribed is true Before me Benjamin Richards, Justice of the Peace

I Phebe French wife of Daniel French of Stony- ton in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, being of Lawful Age do testify and declare, that I was with my husband Daniel French, at the Wedding of Thomas Curtis and Anna Ingall, of Stonyton when they were married which was about twenty years since, and that I was also present at the Funeral of said Thomas Curtis when he died with my husband Daniel French, the said Anna Ingall is now a Widow residing in the same House in which said Thomas died
(Commonwealth of Massachusetts) Phebe French
Norfolk ss June 24th A.D. 1853
then personally appeared the above named Phebe French who is a credible witness and made Oath that the foregoing affidavit by her subscribed is true
Before Me Benjamin Richards Justice of the Peace I certify the word Ingall was erased by me Benjamin Richards Justice of the Peace

I Benjamin Bisbee of Hanchton in the County of Norfolk, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being of Lawful Age, do testify and declare, that I was well acquainted with Thomas Curtis of Houghton, who was with me in the Revolutionary war of the United States, in the eight Months service at Roxbury, I was not in the same Company with him but frequently saw him - The eight Months service was in the year A.D. 1775 - In the years 1776 & part 1777 we were Soldiers together in the Company commanded by Captain William Babcock, in Col. Doolittle's regiment and we did duty in the State of New York and New Jersey - and according to the best of my recollection it was between three about four months from the time we marched till we arrived home - and said Curtis was with me the whole of the time -
Benjamin Bisbee
Nov 26th 1833.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Norfolk ss Nov 26th 1833. Then personally appeared the above named Benjamin Bisbee and made solemn oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed
Before me Benjamin Richards Justice of the Peace
I further now certify that the above named Benjamin Bisbee who subscribed and made oath to the above declaration is in my opinion a man of veracity and his word may be relied on as to truth -
Benj. Richards Justice of the Peace
I Robert Porter of Houghton in the County of Norfolk, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being of Lawful Age, do testify and declare that I am well acquainted with Thomas Curtis of Houghton, said Curtis was a Soldier in the War of the Revolution, in the Eight Months service, in the year A.D. 1775 - and was stationed in the vicinity of Boston, I saw him at Roxbury, he was in Capt. William Briggs, Company - why I know this is that I had a brother that

that served in the same company with D r Curtis, (who is now dead) and I was at their Quarters twice, while they were stationed at D r Roxbury, and saw said Curtis there - I am now in my seventy second year of my age and am a pensioner under the Act of Congress passed the 7 th of June 1832 - & further say not -
Robert Porter
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Norfolk County ss. November 29 th 1833
Then personally appeared the above said Robert Porter & made oath to the truth of the above declaration by him subscribed -
Before me Benjamin Richards Justice of the Peace
I further certify that the above D r Robert Porter is reputed to be a person of truth & veracity and his word may be relied upon -
Benj: Richards Just. Peace
Annexed order of Court S. L. Hemenway Probate

2907 Thomas Curtis Stoughton Mass 29069
E. i Acme? 111 st Capt Driggs Colo: Reed
E. I. Leland Esq Roxbury Mass

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
June 27 1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the 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 The Curts
   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,
JAMES L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops. 2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers. 3. Persons employed in the Naval Service. 4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
 [Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.] 
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the 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 [blank] and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank] 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, (1) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his.

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that 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 inquiry 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 [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.