Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 2181, Richard Collins, Mass

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Collins, Richard Mary
R 2181
CONTENTS

Maine D. 860
Richard Collins of Washington in the State of Maine who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Tyler of the 1st Regt commanded by Col. Phinney in the Battle line for 12 months
Sacc. A.G. Lane, Apr. 6: '39
Inscribed on the Roll of NAME at the rate of $10 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 th day of March 1835 and Unit Mmo Nemiah Cherryfield "Me."
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1835 $100.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending Feb 34 - 20.00 $120.00
Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by W. Addison Clerk Book E Vol. 150 Page 9

State of Maine
County of Washington
On this eleventh day of September A D 1832 personally appeared before the Hon John Dick- inson Judge of the Court of Probate of wills & in and for the County of Washington Richard Collaps Aged Seventy nine years a Resident of the Town of Harrington in said County, 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 as a volunteer in the service of the United States at Cape Elizabeth County of Cumberland, State of Maine in 1776 under Capt Tyler, Col Phinney's Regiment, when the British were drove out of Boston - continued in this service Nine months - during which time was engaged with the enemy three days, throwing shells and shot from Carriage - Capt Dunne and Capt Benbank were in the same Regiment - In 1777 entered as volunteer in Capt Dancil Shoul's Company at North River (John Arm- strong was Lieut) and was princi- pally employed during that time in scouting parties, and hunting up

up Tories - In the Summer following enlisted as Volunteered with Capt Wentworth at Spring Point Fort, and was stationed and served there three months - was afterwards drafted for three months service to go to Rhode Island, and hired Le Coultre Hatch as a substitute to perform this duty - was employed in the Cape Breton Company as before mentioned three months - After these services I went to the West Indies in a private vessel and in coming back was taken Prisoner and confined on board an English Guard ship at New York three months, lost every thing and when discharged went home poor and sick - was born at Cape Elizabeth afore said, and has the record of his age at home - always lived at said Cape Elizabeth except when absent as aforesaid, until he moved to Harrington, where he has resided for forty two years - He hereby relinquishes every claim whatsoever to a Pension or annuity except the pension and and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the Agency of any State Person to and subscribed Richard Collins the day and year aforesaid -
John Dickinson Judge

We Joseph Wallace, James Hubbs and Richard Collins residing in the Town of Harrington Roxbury Co. City that we are well acquainted with Richard Collins who has sub- scribed and sworn to the above declaration - that we believe him to be seventy nine eighty years of age - that he is reputed and believed in the Neighbor- hood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion soon subscribed the day and year aforesaid - Jos: Wallace Richard Collins Jr John Dickinson Judge
And the said Court do hereby declare his opinion after the investigation of the matter and after fur- nishing the interrogatories forecited by the War Department, that the above named Applicant was a Revolution- ary Soldier, and served as he states - And the Court further certifies that it appears to him that Joseph Wallace, James Hubbs and Richard Collins Jr who have signed the foregoing certificate are residents of Harrington aforesaid and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit
John Dickinson Judge

State of Maine.
Washington Co.
Probate Office, Machias.
I Aaron S. Raymond Register of the Court of Probate for and within the County of Washington. do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the
Application of Richard Collins for a Pension.
In testimony whereof. I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of office this thirteenth day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two -
Aaron S. Raymond Reg. of Probate
Richard Collins Application for Pension Sept. 11 th 1832 92414
Capt West Worth vol 24 p 71 - from July 60 to Dec 78 X not on 126. Jan 15 77 - X 127. Aug - 76 X 158. Jan 77 X
Capt Stroup in 75 only guard at Elizabeth

X 3601
Previously ent.
Mary Collins
July 4 1830
widow of Richard
Me
act. 4 July '36
Bundle 25 to 1. deserted 8 aug 76. from Capt Tyler at Shimmy

I Leekula Frickette of Harrington County of Darlington State of Maine certify and say that I am well acquainted with Mary Collins, the Widow of Richard Collins late of said Harrington deceased and a Soldier in the Regular Army and late a Prisoner of war of the United States, and I have been acquainted with her ever since she was a child - Her Father and my Mother were Brothers and Cousin in Law Elizabeth Neighbors to each other I was at the House where she was married and at the time she was married to said Richard Collins but did not see the ceremony - I was in the room just before and after - The company were assembled and the Minister Rev Ephraim Clark was there to marry them but just before they were married I was called out of the room, and when I returned, they were leaving the floor, and I understood and supposed they were married - She said Richard Collins had been in the service as a Soldier as he was before that time and continued in the service after that time - I further certify that she and her husband, the

said Richard Collins, moved with me in the same vessel to Harrington over fifty years ago and I have known her in said Harrington ever since, and know that she is the widow of the iden- tical Richard Collins who was a Colonel in the Revolutionary war and who received a pen- sion as such, and who died in said Harrington about four years ago - and I know that she has remained a widow ever since the death of said Richard Collins
Nov 12
William H. S. Kett
Washington D.C.
Nov 12 1830
This day subscribed and sworn to Before me
D. Freeman J. of Peace
I hereby certify, that I am personally acquainted with the above named Colonel Kettle, and that his statement under oath is entitled to credit
D. Freeman

I James Fickett of Haring ton County of Washington State of Maine, State of Maine that I am acquainted with and say that I am acquaint- ed with Mary Collins of said Harington, the widow of Richard Collins late of said Harington, deceased, and who was a revolutionary soldier, and received a pension as such under the United States, and I have been acquainted with said Mary Collins since five years - She was married to Capt Elizabeth to said Richard Collins about thirty five years ago and was presented at the wedding which took place at my Grandfather's, John Fickett - Said Richard Collins was in the revolutionary service after his marriage onwards, for I know that after the said marriage he went with my Father as a Soldier to Peskikille and was gone three months - I further certify & declare that said Mary Collins is the widow of the identical Richard Collins, a revolutionary soldier and Pensioner onwards and that she has remained a widow ever since the death of her said Husband Richard Collins) James Fickett

Darlington J Nov 19 1830
Then the within named James Fitchett personally appeared and made oath to the within statement by him signed
Before me J. Fullman Jms Deane
I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named James Fitchett who is a Magistrate of the County and his statement under oath is entitled to credit
J. Fullman
Mary Collins

I the subscriber Register of the Court of Probate for the County aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains all the proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Mary Collins for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court, this 26th day of November A.D. 1838.
Albert G. Lane
[Faint, mirrored handwriting from the reverse side of the page, likely bleed-through from the original document.]

State of Maine ss
On this seventh day of November A D 1830 personally appeared before the Hon John C. Sweet Judge of the Court of Probate in and for the County of Washington and State aforesaid, Mary Collins a resident of Harrington in said County aged Seventy seven years, who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Provision made by the Act of Congress, passed July 4 th 1836 — That she is the widow of Richard Collins, late of said Harrington deceased, who was a Pensioner or drawee in the Militia during the Revolutionary war, and who was a Pensioner of the United States under the act of June 7 1832 — She further declares that she was married to the said Richard Collins on the seventeenth day of April in the year seventeen hundred and seventy seven, and before the period expiration of the period last period of his service in said

Revolutionary war - that her Husband the aforesaid Richard Collins died on the thirty first day of August eighteen hundred and thirty four, and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proofs herewith annexed
Witness
J. H. H. H.
for Mary T Collins mark
Given to and subscribed on the day and year before written
Before
J. C. T. T.

I Joseph Ray of Milbridge in the County of Washington State of Maine before and say that I am acquainted with Mrs Sophia Ray, who subscribed the foregoing declaration in my presence, she was the daughter of Richard and Mary Collins of Milbridge, (formerly Harrington). She is the only surviving child of said Collins, - she is sister to my wife, deceased. I am Seventy six years old, Married the daughter of Richard Collins, about fifty four years ago was well acquainted with Richard & Mary Collins, the Father and Mother of said Sophia Ray, they both lived with me in their old age - and both died at my house, Richard Collins died in the summer of 1835 - and Mary Collins lived his widow until her death which occurred in April 1847 - they lived together as man & wife about 35 years after I was acquainted them and until the death of Mr Collins. His wife Mary Collins lived about 12 years after the death of her husband. Richard Collins received a Pension quite a number of years and until his death, Joseph Ray
Washington ss Dec 31 st 1855 Personally appeared before me Joseph Ray and made oath to the truth of the foregoing Statement by him signed - I am acquainted with the above named Joseph Ray believe him to be a man of credibility. Warren Lighton {Justice of the peace
I Moses Fickett of Milbridge, in the County of Washington & State of Maine, before & say that I was acquainted with Richard Collins (formerly of Cape Elizabeth Me) I was present at his marriage - he married Mary Fickett - was married at Cape Elizabeth - by Rev. Ephraim Clark - I think in the year 1779 or thereabouts I was acquainted with him from that time until his death, which was about 56 years - he never married but one wife and I should think she lived about 12 years after the death of her husband - I am well acquainted with Mrs Sophia Ray - that signed the foregoing declaration - she was the daughter of Richard and Mary Collins. I am Eighty nine years old, live at Milbridge, Maine Moses Fickett
Washington ss Dec 31 st 1855 personally appeared before me Moses Fickett and made oath to the truth of the foregoing statement by him signed - I am acquainted with the above named Moses Fickett and know him to be a man of credibility Warren Lighton {Justice of the peace

State of Maine
Washington Is. I Albert G. Lane Clerk of all the Judicial Courts in said County certify that Warren Leighton Esquire is and was at the date of his certificate hereunto annexed an acting Justice of the Peace in & for the said County that he is and was then duly qualified to act as such; and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for the State aforesaid this third day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & fifty six - Albert G. Lane Clerk

Personally appeared in open Court Sophia Ray who upon her solemn oath deposes and saith as follows that she is the only surviving child of Richard Collins dec d & the widow of William Ray deceased - that her mother was Mary Collins the lawful wife of said Richard aforesaid, that her mother died in Harrington (now Milbridge,) Maine on or about the 15 th day of April AD 1847 That Richard Collins her father was an US Pensioner for many years previous to, and up to the time of his decease which occurred on or about the 10 th day of August
1835 A.D. 1835 and that his widow Mary Collins the mother of this deponent did not receive any pension after the decease of Richard Collins her husband, the father of this deponent, and she further deposes that her mother Mary Collins continued a widow from the time of the decease of said Richard, and was at the time of her decease his widow
That she makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the pension or arrearages to which her mother was entitled as the widow of Rich d Collins aforesaid and she hereby authorizes Mr. C. G. Kennedy of the City of Washington to prosecute her claim and receive for her the arrearages of pension to which she may be lawfully entitled.
Sworn & subscribed this 14 th day of November, A.D. 1855. in open Court
Sophia Ray
At a Court of Probate held at Cherryfield within & for the County of Washington in the State of Maine, on the fourteenth day of November in the year Eighteen hundred & fifty five, - being a court of Record - and in open Court personally appeared the above named Sophia Ray who after being duly cautioned & sworn made oath, before me, to the truth of the foregoing statement by her subscribed. Witness my hand & the seal of this court the day & year above stated.
Y. B. Tuttle Judge. W. B. Sweet, Register
If possible it were better to have all the testimony on this one sheet

Richard Collins Washington Co. Maine
Print 12 Months
It must appear that the applicant made his declaration in open court & application must be made to the King of the State of Massachusetts for evidence of his service
W m Freeman Esq r Cherryfield
Aron L. Raymond Washington Co. Maine

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
May 18 th 1833 3
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. Those 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 Richard Collins Washington  Co. Me.
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     1776 9 for. Capt. Tyler Col. — Phinney Mass. 79 Cape Elizabeth   1777 " Capt. Stuart Lumberland Co. Maine Traditionary   " 3 " Capt. Wentworth   6 as same   12  
Bundle - No 1
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , 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 day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons - one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____; 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, 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.
His service on board a private armed vessel cannot be taken into the computation of his pension as such service is not provided for by the law.
R Newman Gen

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section AWF/cel
January 5, 1929
Mrs. Marion Wood Ballston Virginia
Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 2181, it appears that Richard Collins was born at Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland County, Maine District, date not stated.
While residing at said Cape Elizabeth, he enlisted in 1776 and served in Captain Tyler's Company, Colonel Phinney's Massachusetts Regiment. In 1777, he served three months in Captain Daniel Sprout's Company, and in the summer following three months in Captain Wentworth's Company.
After this service he went to the West Indies in a private vessel and on his return he was taken prisoner and confined three months on board an English Guard Ship at New York.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 11, 1832, at which time he was living in Harrington, Washington County, Maine, aged seventy-nine years.

He died there August 31, 1834.
The soldier married, April 17, 1777, at Cape Elizabeth, Maine, Mary Fickett, of Cape Elizabeth. She applied for pension November 7, 1838, at which time she was living at Harrington, Maine, aged seventy-nine years. She died April 15, 1847.
The claim was not allowed as on a re-examination of the Maine Rolls, it was found that her husband had deserted from Colonel Phinney's Regiment, August 8, 1776, † which fact had not been discovered when he was placed on the pension rolls.
James Fickett, in 1855, stated that the soldier and Mary were married "at his grandfather's, John Fickett". In 1855, Sophia, widow of William Ray, stated that she was the only surviving child of the soldier and widow, Mary, and at the same time, Joseph Ray stated that he married the daughter of Richard Collins "about fifty-four years ago", that his wife (then deceased) was the sister of Sophia Ray.
Richard Collins, Jun r , in 1832 residing at Harrington, Maine, testified in the case, relationship not shown.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.
† See Mass. Soldiers & Sailors - Volume 3 - Page 827

Richard Collins died 10 Aug 1835 } m? Mary Collins died 15 April 1847 }
Sophia Ray -

Washington 2 nd Jan 1857
Sir:
The Application of Mary Collins of Maine, (for a pension, on account of the service of Richard Collins, during the Revolution) has been placed on the rejected files, in your Office. The reason given for so doing is - the rolls show that Mr. Collins deserted.
Mr. Collins, soon after his desertion, returned to his duty, and served to the end of the war. Please cause the papers, of Mary, and Richard Collins, to be reexamined,
Hon Geo. B. Whiting Comr. of Pensions.
I have the honor to be Your obed Servt.
J. M. Kennedy for J. G. Kennedy

Ballston, Va., March 20, 1928.
Commissioner of Pensions, Bureau of Pensions.
In the Bangor Historical Magazine , Vols. 7 and 8, I find Moses Butler and Richard Collins , both of Maine, named as pensioners under the Act of Congress of June 7, 1832.
Do you have a record of the dependents of these

men, and could you furnish me with such information as you have?
Respectfully, (Mrs.) Marion Wood Beeleston, Va.

1893 Feb 2 Draft to CB Collins Calais Maine. H.S.
Dec 8-1900
Mrs. Paul Dudley Sargent Calais Me.
1929 Jan 5 - Hist Lr Mrs. Marion Wood awf.
Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
2187
P. O. _____
Mary Collins
Service: _____
widow of Richard
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

I Lebulon Fisher of Harrington, County of Washington State of Maine, and a Soldier in the Revolutionary war testify and say, that I am well acquainted with Richard Collins of said Harrington and a Soldier in said war - that I was born in the same town with said Collins in Cape Eliza - Beth and have always lived a Neighbor to him - I know that he enlisted in Cape Elizabeth, Capt. Tyler's Company, Col. O'Finney's Regiment, as he has stated in his decla- ration - that he was gone about nine months and that he returned with the rest of the Troops who were engaged in this service - I also know, that he served in Capt. Daniel P'rooks Company as he said Collins has stated - that he enlisted for six months and served that time - He went away on the fall of the year and returned in the Spring following I also know, that he served with Capt. Bentworth at Spring Point Fort for three months - I further testify, that he was afterwards drafted for three months to go to Rhode Island, and that he employed one to perform this duty as a Substitute and gave one fifteen dollars for this service I afterwards employed a man by the name of Jordan to go in my room and gave said Jordan the money, and said Jordan performed this service - Zellus B. Smith
Washington 8 May 29 1833
Then the above named Lebulon Fisher personally appeared and made oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration by him signed Before me, J. H. Allen, Jmt of Peace

I Joseph C. Spitzwell a Clergyman and residing in the Town of Hampton County of Washington and State of Maine her by certify that I am well acquainted with Richard Collins within mentioned - that I believe him to be now eighty years of age - that he is respected and be- lieved in the neighborhood, where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution and that I concur in that opinion -
Joseph C. Spitzwell
Washington 30 May 30 1833
Then the above named Joseph C. Spitzwell personally appeared and made oath to the foregoing declaration by him signed -
Before me J. H. Freeman Just of Peace
I hereby certify that I
am acquainted with Deborah Fester and in my opinion the statement she has here made is entitled to credit I also certify that Joseph C. Spitzwell above named is a Preacher of the Gospel and a person of piety and worth
J. H. Freeman
State of Maine.
I Aaron S. Raymond Clerk of the Courts of Washington County certify that William Freeman is a magistrate as above and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his is genuine - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court and subscribed my name this Twenty sixth day of June A.D. 1833
Aaron S. Raymond Clerk of the Courts of Washington County

3607
Mary Collins Widow of Richard Moaine
As. Lane April 6 1839 of Thomas Octo 30 1844 Nicholas Thomas Aug 28 1846 H. G. Kennedy Jan'y 30 1856 Same Jan'y 27 1857
3181
1836

3607 Mary Collins Mrs
Rejected
Set to A. G. Lane April 1844 " " L. J. Thomas Oct 30 1844 " " Nicholas Thomas Aug 28 1846
act 4 July 1836

X 3601.
me
Rejected
Lotz A. G. Lane, Apr. 6: '39
" to L. J. Mearns, Oct. 30. 1844.
at 4 July 36

J. B. Kennedy Jan'y 27/57

Pension Office, January, 27, 1857.
Sir,
In your letter of the 2 d Inst in relation to the case of Mary Collins of Maine, you state that "soon after his" (her husband's) "desertion he returned to his duty, and served to the end of the war," but you do not furnish the proof of this fact! and as the rolls contradict the statement I shall be obliged to require the most conclusive evidence of his return to duty and of the duration of his service after his return before any allowance can be made,
H. G. Kennedy, Esq Present

Hamagnago Me of Sept 25
Free
Oct.
11.10
11.10
Anne L Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington City

Cherryfield Apr 23 1893
James L Edwards Esq Dear Sir
In your letter accompanying the return of the papers of Richard Collins you say - They are returned, "That he may "state the length of the time service under "his second term of engagement " - If you will turn to his declaration, you will find, that the length of the period of this service, altho omitted in its proper place is stated in that part of his declaration marked || — || The time of this service is limited by Mr Collins at three months . The witness makes it six months - The witness may be mistaken about the exact time, but as there can be no doubt of his (Mr Collins) being engaged on this service and he is willing to have the shorter period of three months , allowed, it is to be hoped, the difference on these declarations will not prevent the allowance of this time ( three months ) - You will find the different terms of service will amount to fifteen months —
Respectfully
Yrs
J. H. Freeman

J. C. G. Kennedy Jan'y 30/56

Pension Office Jan'y 30 1856
Sir
Mary Collins widow of Richard of Maine applied for a pension in 1839; but her claim was disallowed because her husband was shown by our rolls to have deserted the service. His name had been placed on the pension roll before this fact was discovered,
1836,
J. C. G. Kennedy Esq
Present

3601 June 2 Danagaput N.Y. June 20 James L. Edwards 4 July 1836 30 Sec
James L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington City

Cherryfield June 20 1878
James L Edwards Esq Sir
Will you be good enough to examine the enclosed declaration and let me know whether the case of Mr Bellows comes within the provisions of the Act of July 4 1876, and if so if you will return this paper to me I will procure the necessary evidence and return it again to your Office I suppose in common cases the rules of your department require the declaration to be made before a Court of Record . But where the husband had a pension and the evidence of rank, the date and time of service on which it was granted is on file, I have suggested that this rule might be dispensed with,
Respectfully
Yr Affec Servant J. H. Kimball

Richard Collins Maine Rolls Feb. 1832
Mary Collins widow of Richard Maine Suspended Rolls. act 1836
R. W. Gann

I obtained also under the same law a pension for Richard Collins after his death, the widow applied for its continuance - The objection was that he appeared to be a deserter . This I understand was not the case. A Mr. Hickett now living, will swear that during a temporary absence he, Hickett, was employed as a substitute, and served 'Fill Collins' return.

Richard Thomas
Aug 28: 46
[Faint mirrored text from the reverse side of the page]

307 Pension Office August 28th 1846
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 26 th inst o I have to inform you that Mary Collins widow of Richard Collins asserted a claim under the act of 4 July 1836, and that she was informed by my letter to her agent A. St Same date April 6 1839, that the records of the Massachusetts Service obtained since the adjustment of her husband's claim, shews that he deserted before the time of his enlist- ment expired. Consequently, he had been  been properly  extended  a pension , forfeited all claim to a pension to himself or to his widow
Nicholas Thomas Esq Essex Hanco St Mr

L J Thayer
Oct 30 1844
✓

Pension office
Oct 30. 1844.
Sir,
In the case of Mary Collins, I have to inform you that her claim to a pension under the act of July 4. 1836 was rejected in 1839, as it appeared from a re-examination of her husband's service, that he deserted from Col. Phinney's regiment on the 8th of August 1776.
L. J. Thayer, Esq. Eden Me.
3601 me act 1836 up

War Dep Genl Off Apl 6 39
Be
The claim of Mrs Mary Collins, widow of Richard Collins dec d has been disallowed and her papers filed under the act of July 26. Her late husband was allowed a pension under the act of June '32 for 12 months service upon the proofs exhibited by him but since the adjustment of his claim, the Mass rolls have been rec d which shew that he had forfeited by desertion from Col t Shinneg's reg t on 8 aug 76 the previous service rendered therein. That service was estimated at 9 mos in the computation of his pension. The other 3 mos which are not supported by the rolls, is not sufficient to entitle her to a pension.
In the case of Mrs Rachel Ray, widow of Wm Ray dec d the service

was on board a privateer is not provided for by the pension laws.
In the forgoing cases and in those of Mrs Mary Perry & Abigail Planty the date of their respective marriages is not established by that grade of proof which that fact is so universally susceptible from the records of marriages - births & baptisms kept with much care by Friends Churches & families.
Their papers are placed in our files.
Albert G Lane Esq. Mechias Me
2
Apr 6. 1839
Albert H. Lane

Wife of Sophia Ray, child for Ancestry of Pension of Mary Collins - wid of Richard Me - sus - 1836
filed by
Job G. Kennedy.

Washington 27 th Oct 1856
Sir -
Sometime in the latter part of January or the 1 st of February "last", I filed "in your Office" a claim of Mrs Sophia Ray, for Arrears of Pension. I should be very happy to hear, what disposition has been made of her claim, at your earliest convenience.
I am
Very Respectfully -
Yor. M c Kennedy
Yor J. A. C. G. Kennedy
Hon L. P. Cole.
Chf Clk.
Pens n Off.

Oct 30 44
May Collins
One
See of habeas
in filed
Hon. J. S. Edwards
Room of Superior
Washington
D.C.

Eden (Maine)
October 25 1844
Hon. J. S. Edwards
Dear Sir,
Will you do me the favor to inform me if Mary Collins now of Harrington, Washington Co. in this State has ever applied for a pension on account of the services of her late husband Richard Collins, who as she says was a Soldier in the Revolutionary war and drew a pension — She formerly employed an agent but does not know whether he did anything about it which is the cause of the above inquiry —
For Mary Collins
J. S. Thomas
her Atty.

July 26 1878 Eden - County of Hancock, Maine
Hon J. L. Edwards Dear Sir at the request of Mrs Mary Collins, addresing this to you for information She states that her husband, Richard Collins, was placed on the pension list in November 5. 1833 at $40 per year that he died August 31. 1834 that after his death she had her papers properly made out in order to obtain her pension and sent to your department, and that they were put on file; But that she has never received a pension certificate, and has not been able to obtain any information on the subject, Now Sir will you do her the favor to write me the state her papers are in, and what further proof is wanting to complete them. She is about 85 years old and cannot give much information in the case
Your Humble Servant
Nicholas Thomas
Said Richard Collins & believe resided in the County of Washington, Maine at the time he received a pension

own E.C. Commissioner of Pensions
Sir. Will you please forward to me, an abstract of the records of Richard Collins . Pensioner of the War of the Revolution . Who resided and died in Harrington. Washington Co. Maine. If there are any fees, and you will notify me I will gladly

Hermit,
Respectfully Yours
(Mrs) Paul Dudley Sargent Leblanc Maine
Nov 30. 1900.

Calais, Me. Jan'y 14 th 1893.
My dear Sir.
— My great grandfather Richard Collins was a pensioner of the revolution. He died about 1840. at that time living — or rather residing, in the town of Harrington, in this, Washington County. His home was near the Cherryfield line, and his P.O. address may have been Cherryfield.
I would like to have legal evidence of the fact that my ancestor was a soldier in the revolutionary war. I know that he was in the army, and was a pensioner, from my mother. But what I want is a certified copy of records which I suppose must be in the pension bureau.
If you can get such a document for me without too much trouble or expense

your kind oblige me very much,
I do not care for the record so much for my self as for my boys - for on the other side we have printed evidence of their descent from Clapps who were among the earlier settlers of Massachusetts. One of whom, "a mighty man of war" - was Capt of the "Castle" now I think Fort Warren - below Boston, on an Island in the Harbor. In the future - it may be that our boys may be glad and proud to know that they are descendants of revolutionary sires -
We are, and for three weeks have been having cold weather - the thermometer running down below Zero nearly every morning - and today only rising 15-20° above - So cold to make sleigh riding much pleasure - We have only had snow enough for that for a week.
I intend now to leave home on the 21 st inst - though possibly if my severe cold continues I may wait longer, as the intense cold is closing up the harbors, and the Streets

and Long Id Sound may become impassible - In that Case to attempt to reach New York via Sandy Hook might involve a loss bill amounting to half our freight -
The home news you will get through Annie's letters to Marie - as she is writing to night -
With love to M - and regards to your self -
Very truly Yours - O. Bloollins -

Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Washington, D. C., _____, 189___
In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of Richard Collins , a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you will please find below the desired information as contained in his application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1776 9 mo Pri Tyler Shirney Mass.   1777 3 " " Stout, Daniel — —   1777 3 " " Wentworth — —      
Battles engaged in, None.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Cape Elizabeth, Maine.
Date of application for pension, Sept. 11, 1832.
Residence at date of application, Harrington, Me.
Age at date of application, 79.
Remarks: _____
Very respectfully,
C. B. Collins Calais, Me.
Commissioner.

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Collins, Richard GRADE Private LINE Pennsylvania
WARRANT NUMBER 9167 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED October 24, 1792 To Henry Ridgway, assignee
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Collins, Robert GRADE Private LINE Pennsylvania
WARRANT NUMBER 9192 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED March 10, 1795 To Robert Hunter, assignee
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.