Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 2,328, Benjamin Cornell, R. I.

SERVICE
NUMBER
R.I.
Cornell, Benjamin Martha
R. 2,328
CONTENTS

State of Rhode-Island & Providence Plantations.- Newport sc.
At Newport on this twenty first day of Febru- ary A. D. 1839, personally appeared before the underwritten Justice of the Court of Com- mon Pleas for the County of Newport, - said Court being a Court of Records, Mar- tha Cornell a resident of the town of Newport in said County in the eighty fourth year of her age, Who, being first duly affirmed according to law, does on her affirmation make the follow- ing Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of a provision made by Act of Congress, passed July 7 th 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to Certain widows."
I Martha Cornell of the town and county of Newport, on solemn affirmation declare as follows: viz. I am the widow of Benja- min Cornell formerly of Middletown and late of Newport, both in said County, deceas- ed. I learned from said Cornell, in his life time, and now firmly believe, that he was in actual service in the war of the Revolu- tion.
I intermarried with the said Cornell, not previously to his leaving the service aforesaid, but prior to the first day of January A. D. 1794, - to wit, I was married to the said Cornell by the Rev. Gardner Thurlston, in Mid- dletown aforesaid, on the sixteenth day of January in the year of our Lord seventeen hundred and seventy eight.

I was left a widow by the death of said Cornell, my husband, which occurred, in said town of Newport, on the sixth day of February A.D. 1838. And I have remained the widow of my said husband ever since the time aforesaid of his decease; and have not, since the time of his decease, intermarried with another.
And I further declare, in order to facilitate the investigation of my claim, that, as I have been informed and verily believe, the said Cornell, my husband, had been, before we were married, and at different times, both a private soldier and officer, as well as artisan, in the war of the Revolution.
That, in the Spring of 1775, he belonged to, and did duty in a Militia Company in Middletown aforesaid; — and, in the Summer following, enlisted into a Company of Minute Men, commanded by Captain Gifford. — Where he served in the grade of armourer; and, upon being ordered to Newport, he was chiefly employed in repairing the guns of said company and those of the Regiment of Col. Richmond, — in which Company and Regiment he continued to serve until February 1776, when the Minute Men were discharged.
That my said husband again enlisted in said Richmond's Regiment, in the grade of armourer, — and was fi-

nally transferred to Col. Olney's Regiment where he served till July. —
That he was then appointed Ensign of a Militia Company in Middletown, where he served in that capacity until Novem- ber, — When he was appointed Ensign of of Capt. Wing Spurr's Company, which was raised for the defence of Newport, and enlisted for three months. And in the month of December and while in the service last mentioned, he was taken a prisoner and remained one until after his commission expired.
I have no documentary proof of these services, but have understood that my said hus- band lost his discharge and commission either at the time he was taken, or while he remained a prisoner.
Signed with her mark in presence of H. Taylor —
Martha her X Cornell marks
Subscribed with her marks and affirmed to be true, before me, on the day and year before written.
Joseph Doshen, C. Jus. C.C. Pheas, Newport

State of Rhode-Islands &c. County of Newport &c.
Newport February 21 st A. D. 1839— personally appeared the before named Martha Cornell, and, after having subscribed and made affirmation as aforesaid to the foregoing Decla- ration at her residence, also stated, that, from her age and infirmity, she was, and had for some time been, unable to go abroad for any purpose. And I further certify, that I believe her to be a credible person, and respectable in character.
Joseph Tosten, C. Jus. C. C. Pleas, Newport.
Clerks office, Court of Common Pleas County of Newport R.I. Feb. 23 d 1839.
I Daniel C. Denham, Clerk of said Court for said County do hereby certify that Joseph Tosten above named is Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas (a Court of Record) for the County of Newport and is duly qualified to act in said capacity and that his signature above written is Genuine.
I also further certify that William Gilpin is a Justice of the peace duly appointed by the Gen- eral Assembly and commissioned by the Governor of this State bearing date the 7 th day of May eighteen hundred & thirty eight and is duly qualified to act in his said capacity and that his signature hereafter written is Genuine. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court on the day & year above written. Daniel C. Denham, Clerk

State of Rhode Island
County of Providence
On this 22 d day of August 1854 personally appeared in open court being the Municipal Court of the City of Providence Martha C. Taylor now resident in the City of Providence aged 64 years who being duly sworn makes the following declaration as well for herself as her sister Harriet Stanhope in order to obtain all the means of pension due their Mother Martha Cornell widow of Benjamin Cornell, late of Newport in said State, both deceased, That she the said Martha C & her sister the said Harriet Stanhope are the only surviving children of the said Benjamin & Martha Cornell.
And she further declares that her father and Mother were lawfully married on the sixteenth day of January A D 1778 as will appear by the evidence now in the Pension office at Washington & that her father died February 6 1838 leaving her Mother a widow, and that her said Mother made an application for a pension in her life time on account of the services of her father in the war of the Revolution under the act of Congress of July 7 1838, granting pensions to the widows of those officers and soldiers who had served in said War. But her mother's application was not granted for the reason as she has understood that her mother did not state more particularly the services of her father, the name, of the officers & the reason why her father did not apply for a pension in his life time.

And the said Martha further says and declares in regard to the reason why her father did not apply that when the pension act of June 7 1832 was passed her father was possessed of a handsome property & did not much care for it, being dilatory & careless, but after he lost his property, by becoming security for others & loaning money & became poor he used to talk about it and she well remembers of hearing his conversation with Capt Benjamin Fry - Capt Fry used to tell him he was entitled to a pension & he ought to apply for one, but he was always very dilatory, & finally died without making any effort to get it
And the said Martha C Taylor further declares that her Mother died on the Eleventh day of June 1852 leaving this declarant, & her Sister Harriet her only surviving children, and she further declares that her father was a Soldier of the Revolution & served in various capacities as private, Armo ur & Ensign; that in August in the year 1775 he enlisted in a company of minute men belonging as she believes, to Portsmouth on the Island of Rhode Island & as she believes commanded by Capt John Earle (or served Ensign a militia company of Capt David Gifford) In this company he served three months until November, as Armo ur , Her father was a blacksmith by trade & was for that reason, taken to repair Guns, as she believes.

And the said Martha C. further declares that in November as she believes, her father enlisted in Col William Rittenmeyer's Regiment of Rhode Island Troops in a Company, first commanded by Col Caleb Gardner, Benjamin Fry, Lieut, & after said Col's promotion, by Capt Benjamin Fry said Regiment was raised for one year & she believes, he enlisted as a private but was selected as a man or assistant Quartermaster to said Regiment & served as such until said Regiment was ordered by Congress to join the Continental Army in New York in September 1776, nine months at least
And the said Martha C further declares that in the fall of 1776 he was appointed an Ensign in Capt Wm Spicer's Company in a Regiment raised for three months, commanded by Col John Sayre which Company was stationed at Newport as a guard & in which he served until taken a prisoner of war when the British Army evacuated & took possession of Newport in December 1776 & he continued a prisoner until after his time expired, - previous to the last appointment she believes her father had been appointed an Ensign in another Company of Militia, but did no service. That before the war of the Revolution her father lived in Middletown but near by Portsmouth, and learned

the Trade of a Blacksmith of Richland Land as she has often heard, but moved into Newport soon after his marriage to my mother - She believes her father served fifteen months, three months in the Minute Company, nine months in Col. Richmonds Regiment & three months in Capt. Wing Spencers Company for which she claims a pension
Martha C Taylor
In Municipal Court of the City of Providence.
August 22 d 1858.
Subscribed and sworn to by Martha C. Taylor, in open court.
Albert Greene, Clerk.

44621
Petition of Martha Cornell
by R. B. Cranston
R. S. at 7 July 38
m 78 d 38
H. R. B. Cranston AR

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Newport ss I Daniel C. Denham clerk of the 2 d Baptist Church in the town of Newport do certify that I find recorded the following marriage, viz.
(One Thousand, seven hundred & seventy eight Jan y twenty eighth) "1778 Jan. 28. Benjamin Cornell & Martha Wilbour of Newport. I Daniel C. Denham above named, depose and say that I hold the office of Clerk of the 2 d Baptist Church in the town of Newport County & State aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the records of Rev. Gardner Thurston late Pastor of said Church with the exception of the date expressed in writing the same being expressed in fair legible figures as above written, and certified by me.
Daniel C. Denham, clerk Sworn before me
Newport Sc
Newport Feb. 23. 1839.
Then personally appeared before me Daniel C. Denham and made oath in due form of law to the truth of the above statements by him subscribed.
Wm Gilpin
Just. Peace.

24 10 Grull
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House of

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Benjamin Cornell  Newport Rho Island
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     From the 15 th of May to the last of June 1775 1 0 0 he was employed by Capt. Simmons to make intrenching tools for the Pickensville Enlg. 82 1/2 Newport R.I. Traditional Evidence { Living Witness   From July 1775 to Decr. 1776 1 5 0 was employed as an Armourer in Capt. Safford's Company Col. Hays's Regt. with the exception of 3 months which time he served in Capt. Thorne's Company as an Ensign. The Secy of State of R.I. certifies that he was appointed an Ensign July 18, 1776 by the Genl Assembly   July 1777 3 Ensign Capt. Thorne  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of } On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And _____ 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) _____, who has 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 days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____ 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 inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territorial Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

War Section.
October 14, 1915.
Mrs. R. H. Boone, Jefferson, Ohio.
Madam:
In response to your undated letter which was received on the twelfth instant, you are advised that in the claim, R. File No. 2,328, Rev. War , it is alleged that Benjamin Cornell was engaged in the Spring of 1775, and employed as an Armourer in repairing guns at Newport, Rhode Island, for Colonel William Richmond's regiment; that in 1776, he was appointed Ensign of a Militia company in Middletown, Rhode Island, and in November 1776, was appointed Ensign in Captain Wing Spooner's company, Colonel John Sayles' regiment and served until taken prisoner by the British at Newport, in December 1776.
The soldier married January 28, 1778, at Newport, Rhode Island, Martha Wilbour. He died February 6, 1838, at Newport, Rhode Island, where she was residing when on February 21, 1839, at the age of eighty-three years, she applied for pension. Her application was rejected on the ground of insufficient proof of six months actual

military service as required by the Act of July 7, 1838, under which she applied.
The widow died June 11, 1852, leaving two children, Martha C. Taylor and Harriet, wife of Captain John R. Stanhope.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

State of Rhode Island
I Benjamin Cornell of the City & County of Providence do further testify & say in reference to the claim of Martha Cornell widow of Benjamin Cornell a soldier of the Revolution for a pension, as I have before testified I have a distinct recollection that after the act of Congress of March 18 1818 was passed granting pensions to certain officers & soldiers of the army of the Revolution I had occasion to examine the Military papers of Capt Benjamin Fry who had been a Captain in Col. Richmonds regiment of Rhode Island Troops during the war of the Revolution; among them I found the Roll of his company. From this Roll I took an extract of a considerable number of his men & wrote their names on a blank leaf in my pocket book and among the names so copied was that of Benjamin Cornell. This copy or extract I kept in my possession until I sent it to the Pension office attached to my affidavit as evidence in the above mentioned case - And I further testify that sometime

afterwards, I was employed by Joseph Whaley who asserted & claimed for services in Capt Frye Company to assist him to obtain a pension under the acts of March 18, 1818 & May 1 1820 that I again examined said Roll and found the name of Joseph Whaley upon it, I remember that sometime during the pendency of Whaleys claim that Capt Frye permitted me to take the Roll and send it to the Pension office to prove Whaleys services, and I think also, either at the same time or shortly afterwards Capt Frye made an affidavit for the same purpose - The proof was then satisfactory.
And I further testify that in the year 1849 when I was preparing my work, "The Spirit of '76 in Rhode Island" I was desirous of regaining the Roll of Capt Frye Company or a copy of it for publication and I addressed a letter to J. L. Edwards, Esq. then Commissioner of Pensions stating the circumstances of my sending it to the Pension office & requesting him to return it to me or a copy of it, for the purpose above mentioned - In answer to my letter the Commissioner wrote me that the Roll could not be found,

I then thought it best however to publish the names on the imperfect copy of the Roll which I had obtained, and I did so, and the names of the same copy will be found on page 26, of my work with the addition of Joseph Whaley's name who also belonged to that company — and I know that the name of Benjamin Cornell as published, was taken by me from the original Roll & from the same copy annexed to my former affidavit and that that same copy was always in my possession from the time I took it to the time I sent it to the Pension office as before mentioned
Providence May 22 1855
Benja Cornell
Providence May 22 1855
Subscribed and sworn to before me and I further Certify that the said Benjamin Cornell is a credible Witness
Sylvester Hutchinson Justice of the Peace

THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
PROVIDENCE, SC.
CLERK'S OFFICE, COURT OF COMMON PLEAS,
PROVIDENCE,
May 23 d A. D., 1855
I, Amasa J. Wetmore
Clerk of the COURT OF COMMON PLEAS of said State, within and for the County of Providence:
DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Sylvester Hazard was on the tenth second day of May A.D. 1855 a Justice of the Peace for said County of Providence
duly appointed and qualified, and authorized to administer oaths and take depositions and the acknowledgment of deeds and other instruments, and that the signature to the annexed Certificate, purporting to be his, is genuine.
IN ATTESTATION WHEREOF, I hereto subscribe my name, and affix the Seal of said Court, the day and year above written.
Amasa J. Wetmore Clerk.

Providence Aug 29 1854 Sir
I herewith enclose the claim of Martha C. Taylor & her sister for the amount of pension due their Mother Martha Cornell at the time of her death, widow of Benjamin Cornell a soldier of the Revolution. He served in the early part of the war in the "Minute Company," by order of the Legislature in Aug 1775, in Capt John Earle's Company or in Capt David Gifford's Company of Militia. The widow alleged served in the latter, but if in a "Minute Company" it must have been in the former, as Capt Gifford never did command a "Minute Company" — In October 1775 a Regiment was raised by order of the Legislature consisting of five hundred men for one year. In this Regiment Benjamin Cornell enlisted & being a Blacksmith by trade, was taken for an armorer & served in that capacity until the Regiment was ordered to join the Continental Army in September 1776. This Regiment was commanded by Col William Richmond & Benjamin Cornell's services were rendered in Capt Gardner's Co. & then in Capt Benjamin Fogg's Company; after Capt Gardner's resignation this Regiment was taken into "Continental pay."

May 11, 1776 (See the Resolves of Congress of that date) In September following the officers of this Regiment received new Commissions from Congress & the Regiment was ordered to join the Continental Army in New York (See the Resolves of Congress of Sept 30 th 1776) This was a "State" Regiment at first, but was afterwards a "Continental Regiment" The services of Benjamin Cornell were rendered while it was a State Regiment, & up to the time it was ordered to New York. All the preceding facts are proved by the Resolves of Congress the Records of this State certified by the Secretary & herewith transmitted, & the parol testimony of Capt Benjamin on file, as I understand, in this case. I refer also to a copy of part of a Roll of Capt. Fry's company annexed to my own affidavit the original of which I have reason to believe is now in the Pension office.
In the fall of 1776 Benjamin Cornell was appointed an "Ensign" in Capt. Wm. Spence's company in a Regiment raised for "Three Months," commanded by Col. John Sayer. - This company was stationed at Newport as a "Gard." In addition to the record this service is proved by the evidence of Benjamin. The widow states he continued in this company until he was taken prisoner. This no doubt was the fact. It is a well known historical fact, that the British Army landed & took

possession of Newport in December 1776 and no doubt this "Gard" called by Capt Fry "Newport Gard" & probably, then stationed at "Fort Liberty" were made prisoners of War, and no doubt all others found in arms were made prisoners of War also. The British army kept possession of Newport from December 1776 to November 1779 nearly three years, But no doubt Lowell was discharged in same winter but not until his time expired as stated by the widow & only three months service is now claimed by the children as Ensign. It appears to me that from all the evidence in this case Boston & now transmitted that Lowell served three months in the Minute Company & nine in Col Richmond's Regt as a man & then months as Ensign. I hope to request that the same be allowed & ordered to be paid
I am Respectfully your obt Servt Benja Lowell
Hon L P Waldo

BY HIS EXCELLENCY,
William Sprague
Governor, Captain-General and Commander in Chief of the State of Rhode- Island and Providence Plantations.
BE IT KNOWN, That the name, " HENRY BOWEN, " to the aforewritten attestation subscribed, is in the proper hand writing of Henry Bowen, Esquire, who at the time of subscribing the same, was Secretary of the State aforesaid, duly elected and qualified according to law: Wherefore unto his said attestation full faith and credit are to be rendered.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of said State to be affixed, at Provi- dence, this twenty first day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty- Nine and of Independence the sixty- third
By His Excellency's Command.
Henry Bowen Secy
Wm Sprague

State of Rhode Island &c
Secretary's office Feb 21. A 1839.
I certify that at the session of the General Assembly of said State holden in July seventeen hundred seventy six, (1776)
Benjamin Cornell was elected Ensign of the Company of Militia in the town of Middletown County of Newport; and so continued until July the year following. as appears of record
Witness Henry Bowen Secy

I Benjamin Fry of the town and county of Newport in Rhode Island do hereby testify and say - that I am a Revolutionary Pensioner - That I was acquainted with Benjamin Bonnell of Middletown State of Rhode Island in the year 1775 - that I understood that he enlisted in a company of minute men in the summer of 1775 as an armourer - and was employed in that company, and as an assistant armourer in Richmond's regiment - that I never heard that Bonnell was discharged and believe that he continued to serve in said regiment as an armourer until it was ordered to the West - that in the summer of 1776 said Bonnell was appointed Ensign in Wing Spence company which belonged to Newport - and has since been called the Newport Guards - That said Bonnell was always considered a high minded and honorable man and a firm friend to his country -
Benjamin Fry
Newport Sc
Newport Feb. 22. 1839.
Then personally appeared before me Benjamin Fry and made oath in due form of law to the truth of the above statements by him subscribed the same being signed by him in my presence. I also certify that said Benjamin Fry is a person of truth and veracity - I also certify that the word "armourer" was interlined before said Fry signed the above deposition -
Wm Gilpin
Just. Peace

4462
Martha Cornell, dec. widow of Benjamin
Rf
RB Cranston Mch 21 83
Benj' Cavell Sep 4 185
B. Cavell 16. Oct. 1854.
A Ray June 2. 1855
Hon. S. B. Washburne, April 2/62
" " " 23 "
2328
July 7 18

John H. Bell
Samuel Vickern
James Mershaw
Levi Fuller
2 Cords wood
Wood at $6
old
Lane, is to deliver one Cord by the 29 th of Nov
over 20
also agreed with the men that brings up logs to East Wood for 2 cords

Bank 07 97 act 12
Joseph Farquhar was in B Frye's company George Clancy also Newport Isaac Sterns John Sparks Peter Hawwood Beyer Cornell Wm Ayer John Litch Ingraham Brown Beyer Litch Thomas Fisher Wash Barker Newport Peter Hargrave of Lantern Joseph Rider of Baker Gideon Griscom
John P. Kennedy Edwin D. Clancy

Let to Hon. D. J. Pearce July 1. 1836

Martha Varnell (38- H. R. S. - R.S. Sister R. B. Cranton March 2: '39 -
R. S.
7 July '38

Pension Office, April 2 d 1860.
Sir:
I have the honor to return the enclosed letter of Mr. C. W. Hamilton as requested. Mrs. Martha Coombe, widow of Benj m , of R. Island has made an application for pension upon the service of her husband in the Revolution, under the act of July 7. 1838; but satisfactory evidence of his service has not been furnished; & of that which has been attempted to be proved there is a failure in establishing its duration, on the date of its commencement.
Hon. E. B. Washburne M r . of Rep s .

Dec 15
Prof. Cornell
Naples -
R. I.
Ann L. J. Pearce

Memo. Mr Pearce, of R. Island, wishes to have the papers of Benjamin Cornell, of Newport, transmitted to him, to accompany a petition which he intends to present to Congress for said Cornell.
Saturday Dec. 13. 1834

Benjamin Cornell - d 38 - service not duly set forth & established - days not days whether he can apply or -

July 1. Mr. [unclear]
to Edward, Esq. Somersham Purvis — Washington

Wethersfield July 1 st 1836
Dear Sir, Please to see the papers of B. Coonell, as he
very respectfully,
Arthur G. Bass
J. B. Edwards, Esq.

I, Richard Hasard of the City and County of Newport and State of Rhode Island, do testify and say that I am now Ninety Nine years of age and upwards, that I was formerly well acquainted with Benjamin Cornell of said Newport, the husband of Martha Cornell, I was also acquainted with Capt Benjamin Fry, of said Newport, I have a distinct recollection that said Benjamin Fry was Captain of a Company during the war of the Revolution, and Benjamin Cornell was a soldier in his company, what makes me remember it, is the fact, that I used to carry provisions to the company then stationed at Newport, by order of my Uncle Thomas Hasard who brought me up,
Richard his  X Hasard mark
attest
By R. Howland
Newport In Newport October 10 th 1854
Signed and sworn to before me, by the above named Richard Hasard, with whom I am well acquainted, and who is a credible witness, and I further certify that for one so old, he is remarkably intelligent, possessing both mind and memory to an unusual degree, his physical abilities are such, that he has during the last summer taken the whole care of his garden
By R. Howland
Justice of the Peace

State of Rhode Island &c
Newport Sc. Clerk of the Supreme Court I William Gilpin Clerk of the Supreme Court within and for the County of Newport do hereby certify that Benjamin B. Howland before whom the within affidavit was attested is and was at the time thereof a jus- tice of the Peace within and for the County of Newport duly authorized by law to administer oaths. and that his signature within written is genuine.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court this Tenth day of October A.D. 1856
Wm Gilpin Clerk S.C.

Colony of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
At a meeting of the Committee appointed to act during the recess of the General Assembly held at Providence Decem r 19 th 1775. Voted, that all the Minute Men be immediately sent upon Rhode Island for the defence thereof: That they be formed into one Regiment of which William West Esq. be appointed Colonel & Christopher Saffell Esq. Lieut. Colonel: And that the said William West be appointed in the room of General Hopkins Commander in Chief of the forces stationed or that may be stationed upon Rhode Island with the same powers & authorities as General Hopkins is invested, with excepting the filling up vacancies for which a law is appointed. And that he continue in that station during the absence of General Hopkins such a General officer shall arrive in the mean time from the Continental Army in which case such General officer is to have the supreme Command of all the Forces.
Voted, that the Forces upon Rhode Island have the same allowances of provisions and necessaries for subsistence as the Continental Army near Boston which are to be delivered out to them in the same manner by the Commissary: And that no billeting for the future be allowed to any Solider unless in case of sickness.
True Copy of record.
Providence Aug 25 1854
I certify that the above is a transcript of a copy from the records of the "Committee of Safety" in the office of the Secretary of State of R Island obtained by me several years ago to be used as evidence in some pension case to prove the service of the Minute men, which I sent to the Pension office at Washington but I do not remember what case it was
Benjamin Russell

Secretaries Office, August 28. 1856. I hereby certify the Book containing the proceedings of the "Committee of Safety," from which the within Rec'd reports have been copied, is lost and is supposed to have been mislaid some three or four years since when the records of this office were removed and has not been seen since Attest. W. W. Watson Secy
File in the Time of the War Dec 19/65

State of Rhode Island Newport County } ss
I Samuel Erys of the City and county of New- port on solemn oath do testify and say that I am thirty nine years of age That I was well acquainted with Martha Cornell late of said Newport deceased, the widow of Benjamin Cornell deceased who was a Soldier of the Rev- olution as I have understood. The said Mar- tha Cornell died on the eleventh day of June A. D. eighteen hundred and fifty two as appears from the inscription on her graves stone erected in this City I further testify that at the time of her death she left two surviving children only to wit Martha C. Taylor now residing in the City of Providence widow, and Harriet Stanhope wife of Capt. John R. Stanhope and that I married the only Martha Cornell's grand daughter.
Samuel Erys
Sworn and subscribed before me this 2 nd day of August A.D. 1854. Daniel C. Denham Just Peace
I further certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Samuel Erys and that his character for truth and veracity is good and his testimony is entitled to full faith and credibility.
Daniel C. Denham Just Peace

State of Rhode Island Newport County } ss
I Elisabeth S. Enns of the city and county of Newport aged thirty six years on oath do testify and say that I was well acquainted with Mrs Martha Cornell late of Newport deceased widow of Benjamin Cornell deceased who was a Revolutionary Soldier as I have been informed the said Martha Cornell died on the eleventh day of June A. D. (1852) eighteen hundred and fifty two as appears from the inscription on the grave stone erected in this city to her memory I further testify that at the time of her death she left two only surviving children to wit Martha C. Sayler now residing in the city of Providence and Harriet Stanhope wife of Capt. John R. Stanhope and further that I am the granddaughter of the said Martha Cornell.
Sworn and subscribed Elizabeth S. Enns.
before me this 4 th day of August
1854. Daniel C. Burham Justice of the Peace.
I further certify that I am well acquainted with Mrs. Elizabeth S. Enns above named and that her character for truth and veracity is good and her testimony entitled to full faith and credence.
Daniel C. Burham Just. Peace

Know all men by these presents that I Martha C. Taylor of the City of Providence State of Rhode Island daughter of Martha Cornell who in her life time was an applicant for a pension as the widow of Benjamin Cornell late of Newport in said State deceased a soldier of the Revolution, do hereby constitute & appoint Benjamin Cornell of said City of Providence my true & lawful agent to examine all the papers & documents relative to said claim for a pension on file in the Department at Washington City D.C. or elsewhere & to file additional evidence & arguments & to receive the Certificate which may be issued which is to be made payable to me & my sister Harriet Hanhope only children & surviving are mother the said Martha Cornell & to do generally all things necessary to be that I myself might do if personally present hereby ratifying & confirming whatsoever my said Attorney shall lawfully do in the premises & recognizing all other & former powers of attorney heretofore given relative to said claim Witness my hand & seal this 21 st day of August A.D. 1854
Martha C. Taylor
Providence August 22. 1854 Then personally appeared the above named Martha C. Taylor and acknowledged the foregoing as her free and voluntary act and deed - Before me
John R. Randolph Notary of the Peace

Providence Oct 12 1854
Sir
In answer to your letter of the 4 th Ult o relative to the claim of Martha Cornell widow of Benjamin Cornell for a pension under the act of July 7 1838 renewed by her children I herewith enclose further evidence which I hope & expect will be satisfactory. You observe in your letter that the Roll of Capt Benjamin Fry's Company, in which it is alleged that Benja Cornell served, cannot be found either in cases of Capt Fry or Joseph Whaley. It is certain however I sent it to prove the service of Whaley, an applicant for a pension under the act of March 18, 1818 many years ago —
I now enclose the affidavit of the Administrator of Capt Fry, who says the Roll is not in his possession. The Roll therefore having been lost the claimants have a right by law, to prove its contents I presume this will not be denied, as it is agreeable to Judicial authority. The Copy therefore or rather a part of a copy which I took from the original Roll as stated in my affidavit must be good evidence, and on this Copy is borne the name of Benja Cornell The fact therefore, that Benja Cornell belonged to Capt Fry's Company must be considered as established, But this fact is not only proved by the Roll itself but it is proved by the affidavit of Richard Hazard which I now enclose and which identifies the man —

This deponent was above twenty years of age when he carried provisions to Capt Fry's company stationed in Newport & it seems to me his testimony must be conclusive.
It is also proved by the enclosed evidence that Benjamin Cornell was a "blacksmith" by trade & therefore well fitted to be an "armour" to repair guns & agreeably to Martha Cornell's declaration & the evidence he did serve in this capacity - Putting all these facts & circumstances together no other inference can reasonably be drawn but that Cornell did serve in Col Richmond's Regiment & Altho he enlisted as a private in Capt Fry's Company he was taken from the ranks & served as Armour -
But you observe in your letter "you cannot arrive at the length of Benjamin Cornell's service in any capacity" Permit me to say I think there is no difficulty in this. The certificate of the Secretary of State specifies the time for which Col Richmond's regiment was raised and the time when Fry was appointed Captain, to wit February 1776, and Captain Fry testifies he continued to serve until the Regiment was ordered to the West Sept 3 d 1776 by a Resolve of Congress of that date - I claim therefore for the children of Benjamin & Martha Cornell, service from February to September 1776 seven months at least - I do not wish to claim one day longer than he served but I do think that according to all the evidence he did serve thus much in Col Richmond's Regiment.

As to the length of time he served in Col Sayer's Regiment as Ensign in Capt Wring's Spoons Company the Sentries Certificate also proves this also - It was three months from November 1776 But the British Army took possession of Newport in December 1776 when all the American Troops were made prisoners of War & no doubt Cornell was among them as he was Ensign in Capt Spoons Co, called the "Newport Guard" - The statement by the widow that her husband was taken prisoner during this service is undoubtedly correct History proves it, & whether Cornell was exchanged or not before the expiration of the three months the widow was entitled to three months service -
As to the first service in Capt Gifford's Company Altho I have no doubt such a service was performed but not in Capt Gifford's Company of "Minute Men" but more probably in Capt Eades Company as he was a Captain of the Minute Men & not Capt Gifford but without this service there was ten months to which she was entitled -
I am Respectfully your Obedt Servt Benja Cowell
Hon L P Waldo

State of Rhode Island.
I Benjamin Cornell of the City & County of Providence do certify that soon after the act of March 18 th 1818, granting pensions to officers & soldiers in indigent & reduced circumstances who had served in the war of the Revolution I had occasion to examine for pension purposes the Revolutionary papers of Capt Benjamin Fry late of Newport deceased who had been a Captain in Col William Richards regiment of Rhode Island State Troops in the war of the Revolution. Among the papers I examined was a Roll of his Company in said Regiment. And I further certify that at that time I made an extract of a considerable number of names that were on said Roll on a blank leaf of my pocket book, which leaf is hereto annexed; on the same is borne the name of Benjamin Cornell but I do not remember in what capacity said Cornell served in said Company. And I further certify that not long after this, I was applied to by one Joseph Whaley of South Kingstown in this State, to assist him to obtain a pension under said act of March 18 th 1818 who asserted his

were performed in said Capt Fry's Company in Col Richmond's Regiment And according to my best recollection on application to Capt Fry he let or loaned to me this Bill & sent it to Washington to the Pension office, to prove said Whaley's services in said Regiment and I believe Capt Fry also gave his deposition in the case, This Regiment was raised by order of the General Assembly in October 1775 and was taken into continental pay May 11 1776 by a Resolution of Congress The Bill of Capt Fry was sent by me as above stated & I have not seen it since whether it was ever returned to Capt Fry or whether it is in the Pension office at Washington I do not know, but if to be found it will contain the names of Benjamin Cornell & Joseph Whaley - Capt Fry was first appointed a Lieutenant in said Regt & afterwards a Captain on the promotion of Capt Gardner
Benja Lowell
Providence R.I. I hereby certify that the foregoing af- fidavit was this day sworn to before me by — Benjamin Lowell and that he is a credible witness August 22. 1854
John R. Randolph Justice of the Peace

Whereas Martha C Taylor of the City of Providence gave to me her Power of Attorney to prosecute her claim for all arrear of pension which were due her Mother Martha Cornell deceased (who was the widow of Benjamin Cornell late of Newport deceased a soldier of the Revolution) at the time of her death under the act of Congress of July 7 1838. Now therefore I do hereby substitute Alexander Ray of the City of Washington in my stead to prosecute said claim & to examine all papers relative to said claim in the Department of the Interior or other Departments & to file further evidence & arguments in said case & to receive the certificate which may be allowed thereon
Witness my hand & seal this seventh of November 1854
Benjamin Cornell

Providence May 22/55 Sir
I have read yours of 18 inst and I herewith enclose a further affidavit relative to the Martha Cornwell case -
The only copy I had of Capt. George Hall (s. that was in perfect) I annexed to my former affidavit. But I know the name of Betsy Cornwell was on the original & if that is lost, a copy ought to be admitted, and more especially as it was lost in the Pension office.
I have stated one further fact in this affidavit, which was not in my former, that is, about my writing to J. L. Edwards Esq. in 1849 requesting this Roll to be returned or a copy of it. I wanted to publish all the names that could be found belonging to my R.I. regiment, but, being able to get the original I published what I had on the copy I had taken. The affidavit of Deborah Hazard taken last year also mentions the same

fact, that B. Lowell belonged to Capt Grys Company, he often visited the the camp & saw him there, & he does left New York himself, in his affidavit if I am correctly informed -
In my mind there can be no earthly doubt but Lowell served 6 or 8 months in Richmond's Regiment before that Regiment was ordered to the Westward & then three months as Ensign in Col. Sayles Regiment until he was taken prisoner when the British took possession of Newport & for three months he was, ought to be alluded at least -
Yours Truly Benja Lowell
A. Ray, Esq

I Daniel Melville of the city and county of New Bedford of the age of eighty one years do depose and say -
That I was administrator on the estate of Benjamin Fry late of said New Bedford dec. and for many a captain in the Revolutionary war -
That I have not in my possession the Roll of his said Fry's Company - in the Revolutionary war or any other Revolutionary papers - to my knowledge -
That previous to his said Fry's death he the said Fry obtained a pension for his Revolutionary services - and at the time of his death there was money due to him from Government - which I obtained by virtue of a power of Attorney from his son and daughter, D Melville
New Bedford Dec New Bedford Oct 4 1854
Subscribed and sworn to before me - I further certify that said statement is a true copy of truth and veracity and was drawn on said Fry estate as above said - Wm G. Cushing
First Page

State of Rhode Island County of Newport } ss
I Nicholas White of the city and county of Newport State aforesaid being sixty nine years of age on solemn oath do testify and say that I was well acquainted with Benjamin Cornell late of said Newport a Revolutionary Soldier, I remember perfectly well when I was a young man that Mr. Cornell came to my Father's Shop frequently and to shoe his horse mend his chains and other articles in that line Mr. Cornell at that time lived on a farm and whenever he wanted any thing in the Blacksmiths line done he came to my Father's shop and did his own work, my Father was a Blacksmith & I worked with him at the trade. I have always understood from my Father & the neighbors that Mr. Cornell learned his trade of a man by the name of Matthew Barker who was a Blacksmith and worked as I have understood in the immediate neighborhood where I now live,
Sworn to and subscribed Nich. White This 8th day of September 1854
Before me Daniel C. Denham Just. Peace
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Nicholas White above named and that his character for truth and veracity is good and his testimony entitled to full faith & credence.
D. C. Denham Just Peace

State of Rhode Island } County of Newport }
I James Shaw of the City and County of Newport & State aforesaid being in the Sixty Seventh year of my age, on Solemn oath do testify and say that I was well acquainted with Benjamin Cornell late of Newport dec d , a revolutionary Soldier and that I have heard him frequently say that he had worked at Blacksmithing. He used to be in my Shop every day or two and employed me as a Blacksmith. He spoke of it being a hard business - Said he knew what it was - he had worked at it himself - I am by trade a blacksmith & worked at the trade many years - I have always understood that he was a Soldier in the Revolution and it was so understood in my immediate neighbourhood.
James Shaw Subscribed and sworn to } this 5 th day of October 1854 }
Before me W m D Lake Public Notary I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with James Shaw above named and that his character for truth and veracity is good and his testimony entitled to full faith and credence.
W m D Lake Public Notary -

State of Rhode Island } &c. County of Newport }
I Eleazer Drevitt of the City and County of Newport & State aforesaid being in the seventy third year of my age, on solemn oath do testify and say that I was well acquainted with Benjamin Cornell late of Newport decd., a Revolutionary Soldier, the Husband of Martha Cornell (now decd.); I have always understood that he was a Soldier in the Revolution, and it was always so understood and reported in his immediate neighbourhood -
Subscribed and sworn to
this 15 th day of October 1854
Before me Wm. D. Lake Public Notary.
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Eleazer Drevitt above named and that his character for truth and veracity is good and his testimony entitled to full faith and credence.
Wm. D. Lake Public Notary.
Newport, &c.
Clerk's Office Supreme Court County of Newport.
I William Gilpin Clerk of the Supreme Court within and for the County of Newport do hereby certify that Wm. D. Lake is a Public Notary within and for the County of Newport duly commissioned and qualified to act in his said capacity and that his signature aforesaid is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of said Court this fifth day of October A.D. Eighteen Hundred & Fifty Four.
see last page

State of Rhode Island vs Newport Co. Clerk's Office Supreme Court
I William Gilpin Clerk of the Supreme Court within and for the County of Newport do hereby certify that Daniel C. Denham and William Gilpin before whom the within depositions were attested were at the time of the taking the same Justices of the Peace within and for said County duly authorized by law to take depositions and that their signatures attached to the same are genuine. I also certify that William S. Sake before whom the within depositions were attested was at the time thereof a Public Notary within and for said County duly authorized by law to take depositions and that his signature attached thereto is genuine.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this fifth day of October A.D. 1856
Wm Gilpin Clerk. S.C.

Martha Cornell

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations.
Secretary's Office
Providence August 25 th 1854
I certify that it appears from the records in this office, that at the June Session of the General Assembly of said State A.D. 1775, an act was passed for enlisting one fourth part of the Militia of the Colo- ny to serve as Minute men and that at the August Session following, John Dade was appointed Captain of the Minute men for Portsmouth. It does not appear that David Gifford was appointed Captain of any company of Minute men, but was appointed Captain of a company of Militia in said Portsmouth. But there are no rolls of said Minute men in this office. I further certify that it appears from said records in this office, that at the Session of the General As- sembly held on the last Monday of October, being the 31 st day of the month A.D. 1775, an act was passed to raise a regiment of five hundred men to serve for one year and it further appears, that at the same Session William Richmond was appointed Colonel of said Regiment & that Caleb Gardner was appointed Captain of the first company and Benjamin Dry lieutenant, and it further appears, that at the February Session of said General Assem- bly A.D. 1776 said Benjamin was appointed Captain of said company vice Caleb Gardner promoted to the rank of Major of said Regiment.
I further certify, that there are no rolls of the ranks

file of said Regiment on file in this office, but Benjamin Cowell Esquire has exhibited to me what purports to be the rolls of several Companies in said Regiment, which I believe are correct and among them, a part of a copy of a Roll of said M c Guire's Company on which is borne the name of "Benjamin Cowell" as "private". And I further certify that at the Session of the General Assembly of said State held in November 1776, a Regiment was ordered to be raised for three months of which John Sayles was appointed Colonel and in the Company in the Company commanded by Captain James Sproule, "Benjamin Cowell" but there are no rolls of said Regiment on file in this office was appointed ensign in said Regiment. And I further certify that Daniel C. Denham, before whom the affidavits of Elizabeth King and Samuel King were sworn, is a Justice of the Peace in the City of Newport and that John A. Randolph, before whom the Depo- sition of Benjamin Cowell was taken sworn and the power of Attorney of Matthew C. Taylor was acknow- ledged, is a Justice of the Peace in the City of Purdum, and both of whom are duly qualified to act in this their capacity.
In testimony whereof I have set my hand and affixed the Seal of said State at Purdum this twenty eighth day of August in the one thousand eight hundred and fifty four (1854) -
W. A. Watson Secretary of State

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations,
Providence ss.
Municipal Court of the City of Providence, in the County of Providence, in said State, exercising Probate jurisdiction.
August 22 d 1884.
Be it remembered, that satisfactory testimony has been this day produced before this Court, that Martha Cornell, late of Newport in said State, deceased, widow of Benjamin Cornell deceased, a soldier of the Revolution, died on the eleventh day of June A.D. one thousand, eight hundred and fifty two; and that, at the time of her death, she left two surviving children only to wit, Martha G. Taylor of said City of Providence, and Harriet Stanhope, wife of Capt. John R. Stanhope of Ohio; and that each of said children is now twenty one years of age,
In attestation whereof I have hereunto set my hand and here affixed the seal of said Court.
Albert G. Greene, Clerk.

Hon. L. P. Waldo
Com d of Pensions

Washington
May 26 th 1855-
Hon S. P. Hildreth Comm ee of Pension Sir
In the case of Martha Cornelle ex. 28 Rhode Island. I herewith enclose you an affidavit by Judge D. Cornelle of Providence R. I. in relation to a Master's Role of Capt. Fry. Having on it, the names of applicant's husband. It was filed in support of the service of Joseph Whaley under act 1818. and on which it seems, said Whaley's pension was allowed.
The affidavit is filed in support of the service of Devy. Cornelle, who it is alleged served under Capt. Fry and with Whaley.
I remain very respectfully Your Sincere Friend Rev. May

v M1
Rev Sec
Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Sir.. What I wanted to find out about Benjamin Cornell was when he was in active, and the time of his service
he was Ensign of the Middletown Company enlisted in July 1776 P.D. and Ensign of Capt Spoor's Company of the Continental line in November 1776. his wife was Martha Elizabeth Wilbour I would like to get more about him in order to join the Daughters of the Revolutionary. Mrs R.H. Boone Debberson O.

9326
P. O. _____
John Cornell *
Service: _____
Benjamin * Cornell
Enlisted: _____, 18
REJECTED
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contra
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

1915, Oct. 14. History to Mrs. R. H. Borne. F.W.
9328.
P. O. _____
Martha Cornell
Service: wid. of Benjamin
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Deceased: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18