Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 17388, Trustum Dickins, R.I.

SERVICE
NUMBER
R.I.
Dickins, Trustum or Dickens
S. 17388
CONTENTS
carded

33.295
Connecticut
Ebenezer or Duttons d
in the State of or Duttons
Inf y in the
commanded
by Captain Car y of the
commanded
in the Revolution
time for 9 mos & 7 days priv of art y
14 " 23 " " " Inf y
Rd.
Discribed on the Roll of Carleton at the rate of 126 Dollars 16, Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March. 1831. and 18 th September 1832.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 th day of March 1853 and sent to
Heirs to the 4th of J. M. Knight Pension. allowance ending Westerly R.S.
{ Revolutionary Claim. }
{ June 7. 1832. }
Recorded by Lilly Clerk E. Vol. 3 1/2 Page 9.

State of Connecticut New London County
Court of Probate, District of Stonington October 30 th A.D. 1833.
I, Isa Dike Judge of the Court of Probate, for the District of Stonington in the County and State aforesaid hereby certify that it has proved to the satisfaction of this Court that Martha Dickens is the widow of Trustum Dickens late of Stonington in said District & County deceased; That said Trustum Dickens died at said Stonington on the eighteenth day of September One Thousand Eight hundred & thirty two.
Isa Dike Judge
I, Nathan Daboll Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Stonington do hereby certify that the foregoing contains
The Original Proceedings of the said Court in the matter of Martha Dickens that the facts above stated have been proved and that the testimony adduced was satisfactory to the Court. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 3 rd day of December A.D. 1833.
Nathan Daboll Clerk
widow Martha Dickens 27.478
Joseph
John Barlin Esqr. Oct. 13. 1833.

State of Connecticut } New London County } S. Probate District of Stonington
On this 30 th day of October A. D. 1833 Personally appeared be- fore the Court of Probate, for the District aforesaid now sitting in Stonington, in & for said District, Martha Dickens, a resident of said Stonington, in said County of New London & State of Connecticut aged Seventy Three years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following Declaration and Statement, in order to obtain the Benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7 th , 1832.
That she is the widow of Instum Dickens late of said Stonington deceased. That said Instum Dickens died at said Stonington on the 18 th day of September A. D. 1832. That he was at the time of his death upwards of Seventy one years of age. That, on the 3 rd day of July 1832 the said Instum her deceased husband made a Declaration in order to obtain a Pension and signed the same wherein a Statement of his services as a soldier of the Revolution is set forth. That said Declaration and the Testimony to establish her alleged services, were forwarded to the War Department, and were returned, with the following objections con- tained in a Letter from Mr. J. L. Edwards, addressed to Mr. W. Parbe dated Aug 30 th 1832 "1 st The amt of service 1777 in a corps, whose duty it seems was to guard the court and in which he alleges he "served each succeeding guard is not set forth with suff- precision to admit of a satisfactory computation. 2 The character of the ser- vice renders it doubtful whether that Corps constituted any part of the force duly drafted & embodied for that military service contemplated by the act"
That she has been acquainted with her said deceased husband ever since he removed from Block Island to Watch Hill in said State of Rhode Island, to wit, ever since January 1777. That her place of residence, her father's house, was in Westerly in said State of Rhode Island & within a mile distance from said Watch Hill. That she well remembers and knows, that her deceased husband the said Instum Dickens, served constantly as a sol-

I hereby Certify that Tristram  Dickins son of N o  Isaac  Dick of New Shore Ham and Martha  Willis Daughter of M c  Keogh of Westerly were Lawfully joined together in Marriage in said Westerly on the 27 th Day of October Anno Domini 1782 By me the subscriber Joseph Crandall Justice Peace

dies in the Guard. Stationed at and near S. Watch Hill & that according to her memory and repeated statements of her deceased husband she verily believes, that he served as a private in the S. Guard, at least sixteen months. That she is however unable to state with precision the commencement & termination of his engagement in this kind of service and knows of no person whose testimony she can procure, that can testify further than contained in S. Dutton's declaration herewith forwarded & that, if according to the rules of the Department, this said 16 months service is not satisfactorily established, she respectfully waives the same.
That, she well remembers the S. Dutton, in the year 1778, in the month of June of said year, enlisted as a private in an artillery company, for nine months service, & that he went from home & was absent, as she verily believes, the full of term of his enlistment. The particular cir- cumstances and facts relating to this last alleged service of nine months as private of Artillery are set forth in his Declaration, to which she respectfully refers. That, Genl Wm Rhodes, a witness referred to in S. Declaration of her said husband, but not used, is now in a very low state of health and that his testimony cannot be procured.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid Signed in presence of John Davis } Susan Pickens } her Martha X Dickens mark
Sworn to & subscribed the day and year aforesaid before the Court aforesaid A. M. Fish Judge

I Nathan Daboll clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Stonington do hereby Certify that the foregoing contains the Original Proceedings of the S d Court in the matter of the appli- cation of Martha Dickens Widow of Nathaniel Dickens deceased for a Pension in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of office this 3 d day of December A D 1832
Nathan Daboll Clerk

State of Connecticut New London County } ss. Probate District of Stonington
On this thirtyfirst day of July A D. 1832. Personally appeared in open court before me Isa Fish Esquire Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Stonington now sitting in Stonington in said District. Trustum Dickens a resident of said Town of Stonington, aged seventy one years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the Benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, & served as herein stated. That in the winter 1776-77 he removed with his Father family from Block Island called a New Shoreham in the State of Rhode Island, to Westerly, in Washington County State aforesaid - & resided in his Father family a house by the seaside, at Watch Hill, which house was occupied as a Guard House by a company of Militia in service that he was enrolled in Capt Joshua Pendleton's Company of Militia in & Westerly, in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Joseph Cloyes. That early in the year 1777, he believes in the month of January, he voluntarily entered the service of said Guards, Capt Joshua Pendleton commanding the same. That the term of service of the Guards was one month generally when they were relieved, by another company & commanded by another commissioned officer. That living at the head quarter of the Guards, he joined the succeeding Guards who consisted of men drafted from the militia and volunteers - & continued to join & serve in each succeeding Guards, was accepted received pay & Rations, till he enlisted in the State Troops of Rhode Island as herein after stated - That he in the time which he served in said Guards - marched Eight times from Watch Hill to Point Judith, & was there Stationed, was some of time Stationed at Green Hill
Trustum Dickens P. 13

in South Kingston Rhode Island, that he was occasionally Stationed at Stoyes Neck, on the Sea Shore, about Eight miles easterly of said Water's Hell Point, at or near the Dwelling of said Colonel Joseph Stoyes — that he was doing duty in the Guard at Point Judith, when the British armed Ship Siren & two Transports got on Shore at Point Judith, that the said Guard by prevented the enemy getting off the Siren, & they the enemy burned her, that he con- tinued in said service, having actually served sixteen months, till the 1 st of June 1778, on which day he enlisted volun- tarily, in the Rhode Island State Troops, in a Company of Artillery, commanded by Capt Ebenezer Dames — for Nine months, that he joined the said Company at Siverton, Col Robert Elliott commanded, the Regiment of Artillery in which his company belonged & in Genl Cornett's Brigade — & he with his said Company was Stationed in Fort Barton in said Siverton & continued Stationed in said Fort, till Boats & other necessaries were prepared, when he with said Com- pany were transported across to New Port Island, General Sullivan commanding the expedition, that the British had possession of New Port at the time, that the object of this Expedition as was understood by him at the time, was to dispossess the Enemy — that he continued on said Islands in the performance of his duty as a private till the retreat of the American Army back to Siverton that he was engaged in the action or battle of the Enemy which was fought on the retreat of our army — the Battle commenced about 10 o'clock afternoon & con- tinued through the night and day following & the retreat was effected in the night, & that he with his company remained at Fort Barton aforesaid, Stationed & in service through the winter following and until the sixteenth day of March 1779 when Nine months service, the term of his Enlistment had expired, he then was honorably dis- charged, at which time the State Troops were all discharged

no written discharge was to him given, & he believes none were given to the Troops then discharged, he was paid in continental money. — he then returned home to his father's residence in Westerly at Watch Hill aforesaid — That afterwards he voluntarily served in the military Guard, on the sea shore, but cannot define the length of time or the Officers commanding — That to the Questions presented by the war Department, and propounded by this Court, he answers, that he was born at Block Island as aforesaid in the year 1761. March 9 th . — That he was living in S d Westerly in the State of Rhode Island, when he entered or was called into S d Service, that after the Revolutionary war, he lived in said Westerly till the year 1798 — when he removed with his family into Stonington in the State of Connecticut, S d Town being divided from S d Westerly by Prucatuc River — that the Record of his age he believes to be on the Town Records of S d New Shoreham — that he believes he was discharged at S d Tiverton, in no form except by General order, no written discharge being rec d by him — That S d is known to Lieutenant Timothy West and Genl W m Rhodes of S d Westerly now surviving, who were in the service of the United States in S d War S d Lieut West served in same Campaign, with himself that he is known to many of the aged men of the Town of Stonington
That he is also acquainted with Capt Lyman Hall of S d Westerly, who was a soldier of the Revolution & now living —
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 —
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid Elkanah Dickson Before me J. M. Fish, Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Stonington

I Timothy West of Westerly, in the County of Washington in the State of Rhode Island, in the Seventy third year of my age, being duly sworn according to Law, do now with certify and declare that I have been well acquainted with Trustum Dickens of Stonington who signed the foregoing Declaration for a Pension, for more than Fifty four years, that I know him to have been a soldier of the Revolution & that he served in a company of Artillery commanded by Capt Ebenezer Adams, in Rhode Island as he has stated, that I know him to have been at Piverton and on Rhode Island in Sullivan's expedition in 1778. — & that I know he was discharged & left Fort Barton at the time the above mentioned men in the Rhode Island State Troops were discharged, that I was at that time a Second Lieutenant in the company of Foot, com- manded by Capt Joshua Babcock, John Tappan was Col- onel of the regiment in which my company served — That I know the said Trustum Dickens to have lived, at the time of the Revolution in said Westerly, at the Dwelling house occupied for the head Quarters of the Guard, which house was at Walnut Hill as he has stated, & that he continued to live in said Westerly for some years after said war — & that he now lives in the Town of Stonington adjoining said Westerly. — That I believe him to be Seventy one years old as he has stated in his foregoing declaration — That in 1777 I had no personal knowledge of the services of said Dickens, being at that time a Sergeant & in service in Spencer's Expedition, but I believe the said Dickens served in the Guard as he states, that I have always un- derstood that he did so serve & that the facts stated in his Declaration are entitled to credit & Dated at Stonington this 18 th day of August A.D. 1832.
Sworn & Subscribed
Timothy West
Thirteenth day of August aforesaid Before me
in Open Court A. A. Fish Judge of the Court of Probate for the Dist. of Stonington

5 I Lyman Hall of Westerly in the County of Washington & State of Rhode Island aged Seventy one year, being duly confirmed & sworn, do on my oath certify and declare, that I am well acquainted with Trustum Decker of Stonington who signed the foregoing declaration for a Pension, that I have been well acquainted with said Decker ever since the year 1777 — that I know that he served in the military Guard which was stationed from Watch Hill in said Westerly, along the seashore to Point Judith, that this Guard consisted of Artillery and Infantry, their duty was to assist vessels — to prevent the Enemy landing in Boats, to alarm the People in the Country, to drive back the Cattle & other Stock &c. — that I frequently saw him the said Decker serving in said Guard in 1777 & 1778 — some times in the same Detachment with myself, some times he was sent to a different post, that I was serving in said Guard more than thirty months —
That I know him to be the identical Trustum Decker who rendered the services in said Guard & believe him to be of the age as stated by him — and also believe that he served nine months in the Company of Artillery in 1778 & 1779 as he states, that I remembered his enlisting in the same and recollect well his return, & understood he was honorably discharged, have never heard any thing to the contrary, that he lived in said Westerly during the Revolutionary war & now resides in said Stonington and do believe his statement of other facts in his said declaration to be entitled to credit —
Dated, Stonington, August 1 st 1832.
Lyman Hall
Sworn to & Subscribed Before me in Open Court, the day & year aforesaid,
A. N. Fish Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Stonington

I John Davis of Stonington, New London County & State of Connecticut, aged fifty four years, being duly sworn according to law, do on my Oath, certify, that I am well acquainted with Trustum Dickens of said Stonington who signed & swore to the within declaration in my presence on the 31 st July 1832, that I believe him to be of the age of seventy one, as he states — that I have known him more than forty years — that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution — & that I concur in that Opinion — That I am also acquainted with Lieut Timothy West & Lyman Hall who swore to & subscribed the foregoing deposition that they are reputed to be men of veracity & that their statements respectively are entitled to credit, Dated Stonington Aug. 1. 1832 John Davis
And the said Court doth hereby declare its opinion after the Investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department, that the above named applicant Trustum Dickens was a Revolutionary soldier & served as he states, and the said Court further certifies that it fully appears that Timothy West and Lyman Hall are residents of Westerly and John Davis Esq r is a resident of Stonington, all of whom respectively signed a foregoing certificate, that they are credible persons, and their statements are entitled to credit.
A. S. Fish Judge,
I Nathan Daboll Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Stonington Do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Trustum Dickens for a Pension; In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office This first Day of August A D 1832, Nathan Daboll Clerk

Tristram Dickens was born March 9 th 1761 Martha Wilcox was born Nov 3 rd 1760 Jesse Dickens was born August 9 th 1783 Amos Dickens was born July 14 th 1785 Keziah Dickens was born July 9 th 1787 Martha Dickens was born March 19 th 1789 Abby Dickens was born Jan 3 rd 1791 Tristram Dickens was born Nov 14 th 1793 Sylvester Dickens was born Jan 7 th 1795 Susan Dickens was born Sept 7 th 1796 Hannah Dickens was born June 30 th 1799 Margaret Dickens was born May 31 st 1801 Henry Dickens was born March 30 th 1804

Hannah wife of Asa Barnes Margaret wife of Amos Barnes

True Record
Wenzelick Dickens was lost at sea Jan 1810 aged 23 yrs Amos Dickens was lost at sea Dec 1811 aged 26 yrs Sylvester Dickens was lost at sea Dec 1811 aged 16 yrs Jesse Dickens was lost at sea Jan 21 st 1812 aged 29 yrs Tristam Dickens died Sept 18 th 1832 aged 71 yrs 6 m 9 day Martha Dickens died Feb 13 th 1840 aged 79 yrs 3 m 10 day Martha Bradford died May 29 th 1841 aged 52 yrs Abby Fitch died Oct 23 rd 1854 aged 63 yrs 9 m
Susan Wells

I, Martha Sisson, of Westerly, County of Washington and State of Rhode Island, aged thirty four years depose and say, that I will have know Mrs. Martha Dickens, widow of Capt. Fenwick Dickens, deceased, said Fenwick and Martha, being my Grandfather and Grandmother, and that said Martha Dickens died at Stonington (about one mile from my residence) on the thirteenth day of February 1840, and that I attended her funeral on the sixteenth day of said February.
Martha Sisson
State of Rhode Island County of Washington ss. At Westerly on twenty third day of February 1855 personally appeared Martha Sisson who gave and subscribed the preceding deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same.
I certify said Martha Sisson is well known to me, that she is a credible Witness, and that this her deposition is entitled to credit.
Isaac W. Knight Justice of the Peace.

John Davis of Stonington, County of New London and State of Connecticut, on oath testifies and says that he is seventy nine years of age, that he was well acquainted with Capt. Erasmus Dickens of said Stonington, now deceased; that said Dickens resided within a quarter of a mile of deponent's near the bank of Pawcatuck River, and their families were in neighborly intercourse for many years, and deponent visited said Dickens daily for a length of time previous to his death which took place on the night of the 18 th of September 1832, deponent was not present at the moment of his death, but assisted in laying him out, in making preparations for his burial, and attended his funeral. Deponent further says that at request of said Dickens during his last sickness, he wrote said Dickens' last Will and Testament, and at his solicitation was appointed his Executor, and afterwards settled his Estate, from these and other circumstances deponent is confident he is correct in the time of said Dickens' death. Deponent further says that he was well acquainted with all the children of Erasmus and Martha Dickens; that they had eleven children who attained maturing age, of which five only are now living (viz) Erasmus Dickens, Susan widow of Varnum Wells, Hannah Wife of Amos Banns, Margaret Wife of Amos Banns and Henry Dickens.
John Davis
State of Rhode Island,
County of Washington ss. At Westerly March 7 th 1855
Personally appeared John Davis Esquire and after being by me, carefully examined, cautioned, and sworn to testify the truth the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, gave the preceding deposition which was by me, reduced to writing in his presence and by him subscribed in my presence. And I further certify that said Davis is a person of veracity, and that his testimony is entitled to credit. I certify this from knowing his location to be such as to place all the facts sworn to, within his knowledge, and from a personal acquaintance of more than fifty years. Iss. W. Knight Justice of the Peace

The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Clerk's Office Supreme Court Washington sc South Kingston March 9. A.D. 1855 I Powell Melue, Clerk of the Supreme Court of said State within and for the County of Washington do hereby certify that Jedediah W. Knight Esq. whose name is subscribed to the within certificate, is a Justice of the Peace for the town of Westerly in said County duly qualified to act and that his name subscribed to said certificate are his genuine signatures
In attestation whereof I have unto set my name and affixed the seal of this Court aforesaid the day and year above written Powell Melue Clerk

Washington
Feb 26/55
Hon L P Wheeler
I herewith enclose you additional papers in the case of Tristam (Dickins) & Essex & Ware
J J S P Henderson

Tristram Dickinson died born!
Act June 7. 1832.
Admitted
Prio of Artillery 9m 7ds. $76.94
Do of Inf'y 14 " 23 " 49.22
at - $126.16
per annum, from March 4 th 1831 to Sept 18. 1832, when he died.
Certificate payable to John Davis, his Ex r for the benefit of Tristram Dickinson Susan Wells Hannah Barns Margaret Barns & Henry Dickinson, his only surviving children.
Atty
Jed. W. Knight Westerly R. I.

Breif in the case of Tristum Dickinson, deceased. New London County and State of Conn t act June 7, 1832.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
9 mos 87 days service in Capt Allen's Co & Col Elliott's Regt of Artillery, as private, proved by Elliott's original muster Rolls in this office - and by testimony of comrades. 16 months and more as private of coast guards, as declared by himself sustained, as the service shown by the rolls is by the testimony of comrades, who had personal knowledge of his service. (If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Marriage - Oct 27, 1832. - proved by original marriage certificate. and parole.
Death of Tristum, Sept 18, 1832. and of his widow, Martha, Feby 13, 1840. and names of surviving children proved by parole and certified
Name and residence of Agent
Jed. W. Knight Westerly R. I.
J. G. Dodge Examining Clerk.

In this case it is shown by the Secretary of State of R I that the officers under whom William Dickens professed to have served in 1778, were in service at the time he declares for, — Joseph Whaley swears that he enlisted under these officers in June 1778 & continued to March 1779, & that Dickens served the whole time with him, — Josiah Burdick did not serve under the same officers, but was in a Reg t that lay by „Dickens's, and knows Dickens was in service, & moreover had two brothers who served with Dickens & therefore he recollects the facts more particularly, Timothy West, Lyman Hall, Sylvester Burdick & Nathan Barker, all knew he served, Over

12 I think 9 months should be allowed under '32, Nothing can be allowed in the widows right as she Dies before 16 Aug 1872, Martha & Albert Dison are witnesses for her death,

Col Elliott Capt Adams - R.I. Matrofs
First am Dickins Ent June 9. '78
Rolls continued to Feb 20 '79 - Dickins still in service - which was to continue to Mar 16 -
Bundle 17. N o 1
This corps was raised to serve from Mar 16. '78 to Mar 16. '79. & claimant declared he served to 16 Mar '79 the term of his enlistment 9m 7 days

17 388 INVALID.
One
Apr. 13. 1897- Histor Miss. Hannah F. Die 47. Elm st. Westerly-
No. 17,388 Tristram Tristram  Dickens or Dickens. By Rev. W.W.
Act: June 7 th 82
Index: Vol. 1 , Page 97
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Connecticut
Witram Beckins
Suspended
In letter to Rev. Noyes
Boston Mar. 5 th 1834
Same 16 th June 1834
to George Brown 15 th Jan 1834
acts, 7 th June 1832
Hon
See letter in class of deposition to Rev. R. G. 56
B. B. Thurston
Dec 20 18
Same, March 1/53
J. N. Knight Mar 17/53

Walter D. Hink
ref. 1898 p. 81
Hon. N. Barber
return to N. Hink
1898 p. 81

Myrtle Bridge June 9. 1834
Dear Sir
Enclosed are the Depositions of Joseph Whaley, Isaiah Burdick and Thomas Ray — taken by Martha Dicken, widow of Instrum Dicken late of Stonington deceased, nearly two months ago — They have been, unfortunately mislaid
The objections to the admission of the claim of the Widow, are "that in the name of Capt Eben Adams, nor that of Instrum Dicken, could be found on the Roll of Elliott's reg t — that it is therefore extremely probable that some mistake has occurred as to this service" &c.
These witnesses testify directly that Adams was an officer in Elliott's reg t , and two of them to the service of Dicken — Dicken was a man esteemed for veracity, and I have no doubt served substantially as he deposed — though there may be some mistake as to rank of officer or other circumstances — please press the long delayed subject, and notify
Yours much obliged
Asa Fish
Hon Noyes Barber Washington

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations -
Secretarys Office, Providence Febry 20. 1855 I William R. Watson, Secretary of State of the State of Rhode Island and keeper of the Records of the same, hereby certify, that it appears by the Records of this State, that at the December Session of the General Assembly of said State, an act was passed "for raising, subsidizing, supplying and paying, two Regiments of Infantry, each consisting of Seven hundred and fifty men, and a Regiment or Train of Artillery, consisting of Three hundred Men; for the defence of the United States in general, and of this State in particular" - that these Regiments were first enlisted for the term of twelve months: - that Robert Alcott Senior was by the General Assembly of this State at said Session, appointed Colonel, William Hall Esq. Lieutenant Colonel and Col. Reuel St. Major, of the Regiment of the Train of Artillery; so raised, and that Ebenezer Adams , Gideon Westcott Sabes Westcott Junr.  Samuel Sweet and John Tillinghast were appointed Captains of the several Companies in the Regiment of the said Train of Artillery. I further certify, that it appears that these Regiments were, by different acts of the Assembly, continued in service until the Spring of 1780.
In testimony, whereof I hereunto set

my hand - and affix the Seal of said State at Providence this twentieth day of February in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty four.
W. L. Watson,
Secretary of the State of Rhode Island

I, Albert Sisson of Westerly, County of Washington and State of Rhode Island aged thirty six years, on oath depose and say, that I was well acquainted with Mrs Martha Dickens, widow of Capt Benjamin Dickens deceased, and that said Mrs Martha Dickens died at Stonington on the thirteenth day of February 1840 aged seventy nine years, and that I attended her funeral on the sixteenth day of said month, and Martha Sisson who has given her deposition in this case is my wife. ~ s Albert Sisson
State of Rhode Island County of Washington Ssc      In Westerly on the 23 day of February 1855 personally appeared Albert Sisson who gave and subscribed the preceding deposition, and made solemn oath to the truth of the same. And I certify that Albert is well known to me, that he is a credible witness and his testimony is entitled to full credit. ~ s Recd. W. Knight Justice of the Peace

Westerly R.I. Feby 22 1855.
Sir,
Your favor of 20. th Dec last was duly received containing objections to the several cases therein named, from my previous engagements I have been unable to give earlier attention to any of them. I now forward what evidence I have obtained of the case of Trustrim Dickens (no doubt a corruption of Tristram) having no opportunity to examine the others. From the accompanying certificate of the Secretary of State the Roll of Elliot's Regiment appears very defective, nor is it strange it should be so; for after the first enlistment for fifteen months ending in March 1778 the men, or those of them that chose were re-enlisted for twelve months, and afterwards again enlisted for twelve months more, ending March 1780. In the absence of panel evidence may I be permitted to call the attention of the department to the declarations of Joseph Whaley, Thomas Ray, and Sylvester Brundick (others might be named) who all drew Pensions, for precisely the same service Dickens claims to have performed in Captain Ebenezer Adams' company and Elliot's Regiment. In the summer of 1777 Capt. Adams commanded the party, chiefly volunteers from Col. Elliot's Regiment, who, under Col. Barton, stole Gen. Prescot out of his bed at Portsmouth on Rhode Island. A few days since I conversed with Mr. Ebenezer Adams of South Kingston who said his Father continued in the Army until his pay, from depreciation of paper Money, would not support his family when he resigned his Commission, he believes it was in 1779. Adams says he is eighty four years old. I trust the department will be satisfied that Capt. Ebenezer Adams was a Capt. in Col. Elliot's Regiment. I am informed that Mr. Dickens performed other service in an Artillery Company, stationed by order of the Genl. Assembly, in this Town during the Revolutionary War, but of which I have no proof. I trust however that his name not being found on the present Roll of Elliot's Regiment will not prejudice the Heirs of Mr. Dickens, who was a worthy man, and was unfortunate in making his application through those not well acquainted with the Rhode Island service.
Altho' I have assumed that Dickens served one year in Col. Elliot's Regiment I do not know how long he served but the length of service is easily ascertained from the time of enlistment to the 16. th March following as the Troops of that Brigade after the fifteen months

enlistment, were enlisted twice afterwards for twelve months each time. Mr Dickens made application as I am informed under the Act of Congress of 1832, and died on the 18 th of September of the same year and I am also informed his Widow, Mrs Martha Dickens, afterwards applied for a Pension on account of her said husband's service without success, and the subject has since remained without further action until now their sons have applied to me for assistance, altho' well acquainted with Capt Dickens when in life, I have no knowledge of the merits of his case until now, but from the little investigation I have been able to give this case, and the historical knowledge of "The Rhode Island Brigade" it does appear that the claim is just one for whatever time he served in that Brigade, as also, for his other service in the Militia which I am induced to believe to  cannot be less than a full private soldier's Pension, commencing on the 4 th March 1831 and continuing to the time of the death of his widow, Mrs Martha Dickens on the 13 th February 1840. The surviving children of Freedom and Martha Dickens are, Freedom Dickens, Henry Dickens, Susan Wells, widow of Elda Mansel Wells, Hannah Burns, wife of Acors Burns, and Margaret Burns, wife of James Burns.
Red W. Knight Agent

Thomas Ray of Westerly in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island on Oath deposeth and saith that he is in the eighty second year of his age, that in the month of March 1777 he enlisted as a private soldier in the Artillery company commanded by Capt Ebenezer Adams Lieutenant Colver in the Regiment of Col Elliot and served in said company at Providence, Warwick Neck, S't. Compton & Swanton until March 1778 when he was honorably discharged and returned to Westerly. During said service Capt Adams acted as Major of said Regiment, and Lieutenant Colver commanded said company, and received the pay and rations of a Captain, and this deponent was informed that Captain Adams received the pay and rations of a Major. This deponent was personally well acquainted with Mr. Jonathan Dickens formerly of said Westerly and late of Stonington in the State of Connecticut, but said Dickens was not a Member of said company in the year this deponent served as before stated. Thomas Ray
State of Rhode Island
Washington sc. Westerly March 28 th 1834. Personally appeared the above named Thomas Ray, who gave and subscribed the preceding Deposition before me, and was by me duly engaged thereto according to Law. And I further certify that the said Thomas Ray is personally well known to me, that he is a person of credit and that his said Deposition is entitled to credit. Col. W. Knight Justice of the Peace

I a representative on lawyers from the State of Rhode Island, hereby certify that Sed M c Knight Esq., before whom was taken the within Deposition of Thomas Ray, is a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Washington, in the State aforesaid, and that I believe the signature purporting to be that of said Justice Knight is in his own prop- er hand, his writing.
Washington Jan 1834.

Joseph Whaley of South Kingston in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island on Oath depose and sayeth, that he is seventy seven years of age; that in the year 1776 he served nine Months as a Soldier in Capt Benjamin Lipp's Company and Col. William Richerson's Regiment of Infantry; that in the Month of June 1777 he enlisted for nine Months in Capt Ebenezer Adams' Company and Col. Robert Elliott's Regiment of State Artillery, then stationed at Warwick Neck and served in said Regiment during said term of enlistment; and that in the Month of March 1778, he enlisted for twelve Months in the same Company and Regiment for twelve Months and was stationed at Fort Barton in Siverston, and was on Rhode Island in Sullivan's expedition; and in March 1779 was honorably discharged; and that in the year of 1778 & 79 he well remembers that Jeremiah Dickinson, of Westerly was a Private Soldier in said Adams' Company and served at the same time with this deponent.
Joseph his Whaley X mark
State of Rhode Island Washington County ss. South Kingston April 11. 1834. Personally appeared the above named Joseph Whaley who gave and subscribed the preceding Deposition before me, and was by me duly sworn thereto according to Law. I further certify that the said Joseph Whaley is personally well known to me, that he resides in my neighbourhood; and that his preceding Deposition is entitled to credit. Henry Tucker Justice of Peace

Isaiah Bruehick of Charlestown in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island on oath declares and says, that he is seventy three years of age; that in the year 1778 he was a private soldier in Capt Christopher Dyer's Company and Col John Sappington Regiment, and was stationed near Fort Barton in Scituate and that Fort Barton was then garrisoned by Capt Ebenezer Adams' Company of State Artillery; that in said Company this Deponent well remembers, that Gustum Dickens then of Westerly, was a private, and served in said Adams' Company, at Scituate and on Rhode Island in Sullivan's expedition; the reason why this Deponent so well remembers said Dickens' service in said Company is that he had two brothers Sylvester and Elisha serving at the same time in said Adams' Company and that they saw each other almost daily during said service. Isaiah Bruehick
State of Rhode Island Washington County ss. Charlestown April 11 th 1834
Personally appeared Isaiah Bruehick who gave and subscribed the preceding Deposition and was by me sworn to according to Law, and I further certify that the said Isaiah Bruehick is well known to me, that he is a person of veracity, and that his said Deposition is entitled to credit.
Asa Church Justice Peace

I a Representative in Congress from the State of Rhode Island, hereby certify that Perry Tucker Esq. before whom the foregoing deposition of Joseph Whaley was taken, and that Asa Church Esq. before whom the foregoing deposition of Isaac Burdick was taken, are Justices of the Peace, in and for the County of Washington, in the State aforesaid and that I believe the signatures, purporting to be those of said Justices Tucker and Church, are in their proper hands writing
Washington June 1834

I Sylvester Burdick of Charlestown in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island &c aged Seventy nine Years being duly Sworn according to Law, do on my oath Certify declare and say that I was well acquainted with Mr. Trustum Dikins late of Stonington, in the County of New London State of Connecticut Deceased, that I was acquainted with him in the Year 1778 till the time of his Death which was in September 1832. — that in the Year 1778 at Tiverton in said State of Rhode Island, — on or before the first day of March in said Year I Enlisted as a private in the Company of Artillery commanded by Cap. Ebenezer Adams, Robert Corver Lieutenant, in Colonel Robert Elliott's Regiment for twelve Months Service that on the day of the in the Year 1778 I joined said Company, and having served the full time of my Engagement (viz) twelve months was Honorably discharged by said Captain Adams; but received no written Discharge.
That I well remember and know that said Trustum Dikins was a private in the Company of Artillery commanded by Captain Ebenezer Adams in Elliott's Regiment in General Cornell's Brigade that he was serving in said Company at Tiverton before the American Troops landed on Rhode Island; that he was in said Company in the Expedition on said Island under General Sullivan; and that he was after said Expedition in service at said Tiverton until Discharged.
That I know that the said Dikins who lived and died as aforesaid in said Stonington, was the Identical Trustum Dikins who performed said Service in said Company; and that I believe him to have been Seventy two Years old (or upwards) at the time of his Death.
State of Rhode Island &c County of Washington ss At Charlestown in said County on the 11 th day of February A D 1834 personally appeared on the day and Year last aforesaid before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid Sylvester Burdick above named, and made solemn oath to the truth of the Deposition by him subscribed. And I hereby certify that said Sylvester Burdick is to me well known and is a credible person, and that his Certificate is entitled to Credit.
Samuel Stanton Justice of the Peace

I Nathan Barber of Westerly in the County of Washington in the State of Rhode Island aged seventy four years being duly sworn according to Law, do on my oath certify, declare, and say that I was well acquainted with Mr. Justinus Dickens formerly of said Westerly, but for many years past of Stonington in the State of Connecticut deceased, and well knowing to his service in the Militia Company commanded by Capt. Joshua P. Atherton, serving as a guard on the shores of said Town, in guarding the shores of said Town against the Enemy, during of 1777 said year; and afterwards in the year 1778 this Affiant, will remember, that the said Justinus Dickens served in a Company of Artillery commanded by Capt. Ebenezer Adams, in the expedition on the Island of Rhode Island, commanded by Genl. Sullivan, but the Regiment to which said Adams' Company belonged, this Affiant does not remember; but that said Dickens was in service in said Company, during said expedition, and retreated with the Army; how long said Dickens served in said Adams' Company or when he was discharged this Affiant was not knowing to, as this Affiant did not belong to the same Company or Regiment. This Affiant has been well acquainted with the said Justinus Dickens while residing in said Westerly & Stonington from 1777 to the time of his decease in the month of September 1832. and he believes aged seventy two years. Nathan Barber
State of Rhode Island Washington sc. Westerly February 12 th 1833. Personally appeared on the day and year last aforesaid Nathan Barber who gave and subscribed the

preceding Deposition, before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for the County of Washington; and made solemn Oath to the truth of the same. And I hereby certify that said Nathan Barber is well known to me, and is a credible person, and that his certificate is entitled to credit.
Ed. W. Knight Justice of the Peace.
State of Connecticut } ss. Probate District of Stonington New London County } February 18. 1834
The Court of Probate for the District aforesaid hereby declare therein that it appears to said Court that Sylvester Burdick, who signed a preceding certifi- cate is resident in the Town of Charlestown, Washington County in the State of Rhode Island, and that Nathan Barber who has signed a certificate preceding is a resident of Westerly in the County of Washington, and an credible person, and that their statements are entitled to credit.
A. M. Fish Judge
I Nathan Daboll Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Stonington, C.C. do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the Original Proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Martha Dickens for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 18 th day of February 1834
Nathan Daboll Clerk

I Deputy  Deputy J. Bane in Congress from the State of Rhode Island, hereby certify that Samuel Stanton Esquire before whom, the preceding  affidavit of Sylvester Burdick was taken, and that Jedediah Wright Esquire before whom, the preceding certificate of Nathan Barber, was sworn to, are Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Washington in the State aforesaid, and that I believe the signatures purporting to be theirs, are in their own proper hands writing.
Washington Feby 23 rd 1837
Deputy J. Bane

Westerly R.I. March 12 1855
Sir,
Your note to Hon d Mr Stanton requiring proof the time of Tristram Dickens' death was duly received from him. In compliance with the requirement I now forward the testimony of John Davis Esq. and his son John Davis Jun r two very respectable Gentlemen, which hope will be satisfactory and shall be glad to hear from you at your earliest convenience. There is no family record; except on scraps of paper kept by their daughter, Mrs Susan Wells, who being an heir I did consider a competent witness, she sent me the inclosure by Mr Davis, and by her request, forward them.
I have no doubt of their correctness having known all the persons named. Please give them the consideration they deserve.
Very Respectfully
Edw. W. Knight
Hon d Loren P. Waldo
Washington City