Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 16079, Peter Chapin, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Chapin Peter
S. 16079
CONTENTS
carded

Massachusetts 15258
Peter Chapin
Berkshire in the State of Mass ts who was a Pen s : in the company commanded by Captain Deming of the Reg t commanded by Col. Jackson in the Mass ts line for Tmo. 23 days
M ts
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 25 Dollars 88 Cents per annum, commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4 th day of June '33 and sent H. W. Bishop Senax Mass.
Arrears to the 4th of March '33 - 51.76 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept " - 22.94
$ 74.70
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Wm Miller Clerk, book E. Vol. 2 Page 11
Paid at the above the Act to the 4 th Modified
the Treasury under 1838 from the 4 th Sept 1837. March 1838. age 4 Jan'y 1839.
Date of death not on A.B.
78 Berkshire

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
COUNTY OF BERKSHIRE, ss.
ON this _____ day of _____ personally appeared before the _____ of the _____ a resident of _____ in the county of Berkshire and Commonwealth aforesaid, aged _____ 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 provisions made by the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832:—That he enlisted in the army of the United States in the year _____ with _____ and served in the regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
Peter Schuyler Berkshire Application for Pension Nov 14 1832 18747

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
COUNTY OF BERKSHIRE, ss.
ON this fourth day of November personally appeared in open Court before the Hon. William O. Walker Judge of the Court of Probate now sitting, Peter Chapin a resident of Sheffield in the county of Berkshire and Commonwealth aforesaid, aged Seventy Six - years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832:—That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
In the fore part of April 1776. he was drafted from New Marlborough where he then resided and marched in the company commanded by Lieut. Warner of said New Marlborough in which company Gideon Canfield was 2 nd Lieut. in the Reg t of Col. Giles Jackson. They were on Genl. Lee's march firstly to Albany and staid there three or four weeks to guard the Public Stores. Thence thro' Hoosac & Stillwater to Saratoga and guarded the Public Stores deposited in the mill and barns of Genl. Skuyler till the fore part of June - when they discharged served in this town two months the term for which he was drafted had no merit then discharge - he has no documentary evidence and knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to this term of service and must depend upon his own statement under oath for its allowance - voluntarily from
In the fore part of April 1777. He was again drafted from the Militia in New Marlborough where he then resided to march to Saratoga and he marched in the company commanded by Lieut. Samuel Warner and Gideon Canfield was 2 nd Lieut. in the Reg t of Col. Giles Jackson of Tyringham in P cy County to oppose the British Army and guard the Public Stores - The company staid in and about Saratoga till into June - he served two months  voluntarily had no written discharge knows of no person who can testify this term of service and must also depend upon his own declaration under oath for its allowance - has no documentary evidence of this term.
In the fore part of September 1777. The Militia of New Marlborough were called upon to march to the northward to oppose the British Army under Genl. Burgoyne. He enlisted as a volunteer in the company commanded by Elijah Dilling & Canfield in which company Elias Payson of New Marlborough was Lieut. in the Reg t commanded by John Ashley of Sheffield. Col. and Genl. John Williams of Sheffield marched in P cy Company thro' New Canaan & Hoosac to Stillwater where they staid two or three weeks then marched to Battle Hill where he remained till after Genl. Burgoyne surrendered to Genl. Gates.

and near then discharged had no written discharge. He performed one and one half months service in this town. In proof this term of service he transmits the deposition of Simon Wheeler of P. Williamstown.
On the 10th part of July 1777. he enlisted as a volunteer in the company commanded by John Galloway of P. Williamstown. Capt. in which company Nath Wright of P. Williamstown was first Lieut. and John of Sandisfield in P. County was 2nd Lieut. And he marched in said company through Litchfield to New Haven but to defend the place against the British force which came into New Haven and destroyed the Public Stores but before we arrived they had retreated and kept we were kept as a guard at New Haven and on the sea coast near there till the 10th part of September and the company were discharged in the 10th part of Sept. and we returned home - had no written discharge. He performed one  one month & twenty eight days service in this town. In proof of this term of service he transmits the deposition of Amos Lanydon of Tyringham.
In the year 1777. Same time near the middle of August he enlisted in the 6 company commanded by the P. Lieut. Samuel Warren and Eleazar Taylor 2nd Lieut. And marched in P. Company through Limerick Pittsfield Williamstown to Bennington to oppose the British army then at Bennington but before P. Company arrived and while we were in camp near the battle at Bennington the fight & Col. Brown was defeated & made prisoner near Bennington. The Americans were commanded by Genl. Stark after staying three or four days he was discharged and returned home. Second discharge  time results in this term had no written discharge and has promised no evidence to this term of service and must depend for its allowance on his own declaration under oath.
He was born at Mendon in Massachusetts September 1756. He lived during the Revolution in New Marlborough above and has lived there most of the time since he removed to Sheffield where he now resides about three years since. He refers to Edward Stevens Esq. Benjamin Wheeler Esq. Benjamin Sheldon Joseph Galloway of New Marlborough and Larkwich Put William Putnam of Sheffield who can testify to his character for honesty. His services are sold in the resolution.

And as to P. Peter Chapin says that for reason of old age & the cons- equent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of service in the year 1779. at Walnut Hill nor as to the precise length of service in the year 1779 in the town to Birmingham but according to his best recollection he served not less than the period men- tioned above.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a Pension, or an annuity, except the present, and he de- clares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any agency in any state.
S.
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
W. P. Walker J. Probate
Peter Chapin
We, Harley Goodwin a clergyman residing in the town of New Marlborough and Benjamin Sheldon residing in New Marlborough hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Peter Chapin who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 76 years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he re- sides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Harley Goodwin Benjamin Sheldon
S.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
W. P. Walker J. Probate
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and putting the in- terrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary sol- dier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Harley Goodwin is a clergyman resident in the town of New Marlborough and that Benjamin Sheldon who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of New Marlborough and that their statement is entitled to credit.
W. P. Walker J. Probate
I, Henry W. Bishop Register of the Court of Probate do hereby certify, that the foregoing con- tains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Peter Chapin for a Pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this fourteenth day of November A.D. 1832.
Henry W. Bishop Register of Probate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
COUNTY OF BERKSHIRE, ss.
ON this _____ day of _____ personally appeared before the _____ of the _____ a resident of _____ in the county of Berkshire and Commonwealth aforesaid, aged _____ 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 provisions made by the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832:—That he enlisted in the army of the United States in the year _____ with _____ and served in the regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
Peter Chapman Pittsfield Application for Pension Nov 14 1832 18747
He hereby relinquishes every claim 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.
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I, _____ 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 _____

1871 Otis Chapin Map
Amount of account 7 mo and 28 days $25.88

BRIEF in the case of  Peter Chapin  Co. of Berkshire in the State of Mass  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? open court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 76  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days. As a Gen.     April In 17 76. at the 2 Private Lieut Warner Gen. Shugler   " 1777 Columbia 2 " " Col. Jackson   Sept " " 1 15 " Capt Dunning Col. Ashley   July 1779 " 1 28 " Capt Collins   Aug 5. 1779 " " 10 " Lieut Warner   23  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? none  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? New Marlborough  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? traditional  Van or two living witnesses  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? 
I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
George Payson
Examining Clerk.

April 1, 1940
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mrs. Frank Farwell 4345 Lake Park Chicago, Illinois
PETER CHAPIN S. 16079 BA-J/MLB Chapin
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Peter Chapin, of Berkshire County, Massachusetts.
The record of Peter Chapin follows as found in the papers of pension claim, S. 16079, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
Peter Chapin was born in Mendon, Massachusetts, in September, 1756; the names of his parents are not shown.
While residing in New Marlborough, Massachusetts, he enlisted in April, 1776, and served two months as private in a company commanded by Lieutenant Warner, in the Massachusetts troops. He volunteered in April, 1777, and served two months as private in a company commanded by Lieutenant Samuel Warner, Colonel Giles Jackson's Massachusetts regiment. He volunteered about the middle of August, 1777, and served ten days as private in a company commanded by Lieutenant Samuel Warner, in the Massachusetts troops. He volunteered in September, 1777, and served as private in Captain Elijah Deming's company, Colonel John Ashley's Massachusetts regiment, and was discharged after the surrender of Burgoyne, having served a tour of one and one half months. He volunteered in July, 1779, and served one month twenty-eight days as private in Captain John Gollar's Massachusetts company.
Peter Chapin was allowed pension on his application executed November 14, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Sheffield, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, to which place he had moved three years before.

It is not stated in the claim whether Peter Chapin ever married.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of the person paid and possibly the date of death of the soldier, Peter Chapin, you should write to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data:
Peter Chapin Certificate #15259 Issued June 4, 1833 Rate $25.88 per annum Commenced March 4, 1831 Act June 7, 1832 Massachusetts Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. MILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Berkshire, ss. I, HENRY W. BISHOP, Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County, do hereby certify that Benjamin Sheldon Esquire, before whom the annexed deposition was taken is one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly and regularly appointed, and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and have no doubt that the Signature annexed to said deposition is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this fifteenth day of November A. D. 1832.
Henry W Bishop Register of Probate

October 30, 1934
XXXXXXXXXX XXX
Mrs. H. V. Mercer 3900 Eighth Avenue, South Minneapolis, Minnesota
PETER CHAPIN S. 16079 BA-J/MLB
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of one Peter Chapin, born in 1756, served in Colonel John Ashley's Massachusetts regiment, and died in Tyringham, Massachusetts, in 1839.
The record of Peter Chapin follows as found in the papers on file in pension claim, S. 16079, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
He was born in Mendon, Massachusetts, in September, 1756; the names of his parents are not stated.
While residing in New Marlborough, Massachusetts, he enlisted in April, 1776, and served two months as private in a company commanded by Lieutenant Warner, in the Massachusetts troops. He volunteered in April, 1777, and served two months as private in a company commanded by Lieutenant Samuel Warner, Colonel Giles Jackson's Massachusetts regiment. He volunteered about the middle of August, 1777, and served ten days as private in a company commanded by Lieutenant Samuel Warner, in the Massachusetts troops. He volunteered in September, 1777, and served as private in Captain Elijah Deming's company, Colonel John Ashley's Massachusetts regiment, and was discharged after the surrender of Burgoyne, having served one and one months on this tour. He volunteered in July, 1779, and served one month twenty-eight days as private in Captain John Gollar's Massachusetts company.
Peter Chapin was allowed pension on his application executed November 14, 1832, while a resident of Sheffield, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, to which place he had moved three years before.
There are no family data shown in the claim.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator

January 29, 1924.
Mrs. David Perry, 514 Edgewood Place, Ithaca, N. Y.
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in pension claim S.16079 it appears that Peter Chapin was born at Mendon, Massachusetts, in September 1756. While a resident of New Marlborough, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, he enlisted in April 1776 and served 2 months as a private in Lieutenant Warner's Massachusetts Company.
He enlisted in April 1777 and served 2 months as a private in Lieutenant Samuel Warner's Company, Colonel Giles Jackson's Massachusetts Regiment.
He enlisted in August 1777 and served 10 days as a private in Lieutenant Samuel Warner's Company.
He enlisted in September 1777 and served one and one half months as a private in Captain Elijah Deming's Company, Colonel John Ashley's Massachusetts Regiment.
He enlisted in July 1779 and served nearly 2 months as a private in Captain John Collar's Massachusetts Company.
He was allowed pension on his application executed Nov-

ember 14, 1832, while living at Sheffield, Berkshire County, Massachusetts.
There is no data on file as to his family.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

Mrs. David Perry 514 Eagewood Pl. Ithaca NY
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF PENSIONS RECORD DIVISION
Briefed by MMS Jan 11-12
Orig.
Cert.
Claimant Soldier Peter Chapin & June 12-1736 - died prior to Service Dec. 21-1793. Do of Berkshire Co Mass. Wife Tamar maiden name No. claim, Service record 100 In Capt Elijah Demings Co Clerk. Col John Ashley's Mass No. claim, Alph'b record 192 Regt. Clerk.
REMARKS: No Ch. as above. Had the service & told her the man of sd. reg. did was alive in 1832

To the Pension Bureau, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir, - Sometime ago I wrote- asking for information concerning date of marriage (full name of wife and her birth and death) of Percy Chapin who enlisted as a private in Capt. Elijah Jennings Co. Col. Ashleys regt. (Berksshire Co.)

Apr. 26, 1777. His will was probated. Dec. 31st, 1793.
My letter to the Pension Bureau may have gone astray as I am writing again hoping that his pen- sion (or his wife's Pension — ) form may reveal her last name, date of birth & death and the date of their marriage. Any expense incurred I will gladly meet. Very sincerely yours, V. J. Mrs. David Perry, 574 Edgewood R. Astoria

4345 Lake Park Chicago Ill.
March 10-1940
Veterans Administration, Washington D.C.
I am seeking information of service in Revolutionary War of one Peter Chapin from Berkshire Co. Mass. Did he receive a Pension ? I will appreciate any information concerning this soldier. I understand two men by this name were in this war I hope your records will help identify them. I thank you.
Sincerely
Cora L Farwell
(Mrs Frank)

MRS. HUGH V. MERCER 3800 Zenith Avenue South Minneapolis, Minnesota
U.S. Pension Department. Revolutionary Records.
Please advise me if your records contain any information of one Peter Chapin , who served in the Revolution in Berkshire County Mass, in Col John Ashley's Regiment under several different different Captains. He was born 1756 and died in Tyringham Mass 1839.
Sincerely yours,
Edith C. Mercer.
Mrs H.V. Mercer. 3800 Zenith Ave S. Minneapolis.

514 Edgewood Ithaca, N. Y.
Jan. 14, 1924
To Mr. Washington Gardner, Bureau of Pensions, Dept. of Interior, Washington, D. C.
My dear Mr. Gardner:-
I was much disappointed in your report concerning the Record of Peter Chapin and of course there is a mistake in records somewhere. Will you send me full report on

Record of Peter Chapin of Berkshire County, Mass. especially whether (1) he had a pen- sion and whether his (2) wife received one, (3) her full name, (4) and the dates of her birth, marriage & death, (5) Also the date of birth and death of Peter Chapin, himself and the place where he died.
With this data I can check him up with our line or find if he belongs to some other. They are all descended from Deacon Samuel Chapin who was one of the founders of Springfield, Mass.
Very sincerely yours, Mrs. David Elizabeth H. Perry
Please apprise me of any bill for clerical services.

1124 East Superior St.,
Duluth, Minnesota.
April 7 th 1904.
Pension Department,
Sir: — I don't know just whom to address but I want to find the record of services of Peter Chapin of New Marlboro, Mass in the Revolutionary war — Did he have a pension?
Yours,
(Miss) Julia Barber.

1924, Jan. 29 - Hist. to Mrs. David Perry 26 Mar. 1934 Oct. 30 - Hist. to Mrs. H. V. Mercer - 20/13 1940 Apr. 1 - Hist. to Mrs. Frank Arvell 20/13
16.079  INVALID.
Apr. 14 1904 - Miss Miss Ina Barbara Duluth
File No. 16.079
Peter Chapman  Rev. Rev. War
Act: June 7 th 32
Index: Vol. 1 , Page 67
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1841 Dear Cousin
country which knows how to value its natural resources and the wealth of its citizens. To achieve this goal, it is essential to promote sustainable development and protect the environment. This requires a commitment from all sectors of society, including governments, businesses, and individuals. By working together, we can build a better future for ourselves and for generations to come.

B R I E F objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Peter Chapin which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yy II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yy III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yy V. * Has he mentioned 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? yy VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yy VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yy VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yy IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yy X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yy

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? yy
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? yy
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? yy
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yy
XVI. † Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yy
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? —  at 2-6
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. 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 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 shewn 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.
QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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.
QUERE XVI.  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 paper 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.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
Second Comptroller's Office,
Dec r 24 th 1838
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838 entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Peter Chapin — a Pensioner on the Roll of the Massachusetts — Agency, at the rate of Twenty five Dollars and Eighty Eight Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832 — has been paid at this Department, from the Fourth of Sept r 1837 to the Fourth, March 1838 —
Respectfully, yours.
William B. Parrish Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions, Present.

I Lucas Wheeler of Adams a township in the County of Berkshire and Co. of Massachusetts aged seventy five being only sworn as an oath dispace and say that in the year 1777. about the first days of September the militia were called upon to march to Saratoga to oppose the British army under the Command of Genl. Burgoyne I volunteered and in the Company commanded by Capt. Elijah Dunning of Sandisfield in which company Ebenezer Taylor of said Adams aforesaid was Lieut. and in the Regiment of Col. John Ashley of Sheffield and John Talcott was our Genl. We marched to Saratoga Stillwater and then Battle Kill and continued there till after Genl. Burgoyne surrendered and we were dismissed about the twentieth day of October had no month's discharge I served one month and one half month in this Town and the adjutant further says that he has always been well acquainted with Peter Chapin now residing in Sheffield in the County of Berkshire then resident in Adams aforesaid having always resided near him and I well remember that the said Peter Chapin marched in the same company and continued the same term of time & returned home with me and he served one month and one half in the aforesaid Town - This I ascertain to be true from the pay roll which I lately found in the possession of the heirs of said Lieutenant Taylor late of Adams aforesaid and some time in my possession said Peter is about one month older than myself -
Dear Phoebe
Comm. of Massachusetts } S. Messrs and others say to September 28. 1832 Berkshire County } June 1832

I Amos Langdon of Tyringham in the county of Berkshire & Com. of Massachusetts aged seventy years being duly sworn to an oath depose and say that in the year 1779, about the eighth or tenth of July the militia of Tyringham & Sandisfield and New Marlborough three adjoining Towns were called upon to go to New Haven in the State of Connecticut to defend the place against the British force which had come to New Haven I volunteered and marched in the company commanded by John Calkins of New Marlborough Lieut. and Nathl Wright of said New Marlborough was Lieut. to New Haven, the British force had retreated and we left New Haven and near New Haven on the sea shore till the first part of September and we were dismissed and returned home I served in this War according to my best recollection about two months I am of the opinion it was a few days short of three months. In early life I was and have now been well acquainted with Peter Chapin who then lived in said New Marlborough and has most part of the time since lived in said New Marlborough he having about two years since last spring removed to Sheffield in the county of Berkshire where he now lives and I still remember that Peter marched in the same company with me to New Haven as aforesaid & continued in the company and returned home with me and served the same term of time being as I believe a little short of three months said Chapin is older than myself
Amos Langdon
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Berkshire
On this day personally appeared the above named Amos Langdon a respectable citizen to me well known, and made oath to the truth of the facts in the foregoing deposition by him subscribed in my presence
Before me Benjamin Sheldon Just. of the Peace