Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R 2047, James Cleves, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
blues, James. bleaves
R 2047
CONTENTS

State of Maine.
COUNTY OF YORK, SS.
ON this eleventh day of February 1834 personally appeared in open court , before me the  now sitting at Ebenezer Whitman Chief Justice  of the Court of Common Pleas a resident of Kennebecport in the county of York and State of Maine aged Seventy nine years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
Some time in June 1795 I was detailed from the company of local militia at Cape Porpoise for three months and stationed at that place during said time in the publick service, I assisted in erecting a fort at Cape Porpoise, and as a guard stationed there until some time in September of said year. I was three months in this service - In October 1797 - I was drafted into Capt James Perkins company for four months and marched with him to the state of New York and up the Hudson River to Pitts Kill and Fort Constitution. We marched from Kennebec the first of December 1797 and was discharged at Fort Constitution the last of March following - I served home in April. I enlisted only for four months but was absent five months - In 1798 I was one of a company of six men that hired Andrew Brown to go into the three years service for which we paid fifty dollars  Three hundred dollars as a bounty in addition to the pay allowed by the government to said Brown.
I claim seven months as my personal service in the revolutionary war - but was eight months in it as above stated - I have been a cripple for nearly seven years past and for three years wholly confined to my house, and have been totally unable to get assistance to make application for a pension until now, by reason of my confinement, and so divine  from fear in my residence from people who could direct me in my necessary application for said pension - I know of no individual living by whom my service can be proved, none that was with me in said service - Capt Perkins is dead - he resided in the same town with me - My service in the first of the war was at the Cape in the same town - only a small guard stationed there. I was born in Annapolis (now Kennebecport) in the year 1754 - and always resided there - I have applied at the Secretary of War's office in Boston for evidence of my service but no rolls of Capt Perkins company are to be found there, nor of any other service. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State, or (if any) only on that of the agency of the State of
SWORN TO, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
James Perkins
before me Ebenezer Whitman Chief Justice of said

proper who could answer any questions concerning my services - I know of no individual living by whom any services could be proved, none that was with me in said services - Capt. Perkins is dead - he resided in the same town with me - My services in the first of the war was at the Cope in the same town - only a small guard stationed there. I was born in Annapolis (now Kennebec) in the year 1754 - and always resided there - I have applied at the Secretary of State's office in Boston for evidence of my services but no rolls of Capt. Perkins' company are to be found there, nor of any of my services. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State, or (if any) only on that of the agency of the State of
SWORN TO, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
James Cleaves
before me Elizabeth Whitman Chf. Judge of said Court.
WE, Shebuel Tripp , a clergyman, residing in the town of Kennebecport and Jeremiah Miller , residing in the town of Kennebecport, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with James Cleaves , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy nine 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.
Shebuel Tripp Jeremiah Miller
SWORN TO, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Mar 8 th day of Feb y 1834 -
Before me and I certify that said Tripp and Miller are respectable men - Elizabeth Whitman Chf. Judge 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 abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the court further certifies, that it appears to them that Shebuel Tripp , who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the town of Kennebecport, and that Jeremiah Miller , who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Kennebecport and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Jeremiah Bradbury , clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of James Cleaves for a pension.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this Seventeenth day of February A.D. 1834
Jere. Bradbury Clerk
The said James Cleaves by reason of his infirmity being unable to attend in person the court to his declaration herein annexed was represented by me out of Court - Elizabeth Whitman Chf. Judge of the Court.

State of Maine
County of York ss
I Jeremiah Bradbury, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of said County, certify that James Osborne Jr and Joshua Herricks are both magistrates as stated on these papers and that the signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine -
In witness whereof I hereunto set my name and affix my official seal this Nineteenth day of February
Anno Domini 1834
Jer. Bradbury Clerk
I Barnabas Robbin of Kennebec in the County of
York and State of Maine testify and declare
I am acquainted with the within named applicant James Clarke - and from my knowledge of the infirmities of the man for some years past
I am satisfied that it has not been in his power to make application for his pension earlier he having been constantly confined to his house - totally unable to walk except with the aid of two crutches -
I further testify that I applied at the Land Office in Massachusetts about one year ago to examine and search the records and files in that office for the evidence of services in Capt. James Perkins Company from New Brunswick Post to the State of New York in 1777-78 - but could find none - I further testify that I also searched for the rolls or evidence of services of the several detachments of soldiers stationed along shore in Maine, more

office in Massachusetts about one year ago to examine and search the records and files in that office for the evidence of services in Capt. James Perkins Company from New Brunswick Port to the State of New York in 1777-78 - but could find none - I further testify that I also searched for the rolls or evidence of services of the several detachments of soldiers stationed along shore in Maine, more
especially that stationed at Cape Porpoise in the year 1775 - but could find none. I was told that the rolls of neither of the services alluded to were in the office - I had access to the papers myself - and examined them several days without success in either of the cases mentioned -
Cape Porpoise is about six miles from me and that there was a detachment of soldiers stationed there in 1775 is beyond all doubt - Part of the old fort is yet to be seen - I have seen it often -
There was also a Capt. James Perkins who resided at New Brunswick Port, that had command of a company that marched to New York and North River in the time of the revolutionary war - I have this fact from the sons of Capt. Perkins and agree many who knew him and I have not the least doubt that James Perkins was one of that company -
State of Maine York ss Feb'y 10 - 1834 Then Barnabas Palmer an credible witness made oath to the truth of the above before me James Osborn Jr. Jus Peace
James Perkins affidavit

James Cleves
Don Rode Intine
AKP

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. 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 James Cleane
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     1775 3 — Capt J. Walke June 1775 Circumstantial, by deposition of Isaac Emery & B. Palmer - & Positive by depositions of Jeremiah Smith - Abel Merrill and Lieut Samuel Miller.   1777-78 4 — Capt James Perkins Circumstantial and Positive same as above with one other deposition - that of Benjamin Thompson as positive to his service & circumstantial as to the 3 months service.  
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                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)                , 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
Claimant served as he states he was probably paid - and if paid there should be rolls of the service among the archives of Massachusetts. Officers etc by which it may be traced & compared with the facts of the

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant who can testify from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
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.
[k] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
His service in 1777 cannot be recognized. He gives no particulars as to service.

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
RECEIVED
21047
P.O.
James Clance
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Wages: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

Main
Jammy Cleves
Suspended
Ans. J. S. M.
McIntire
mercur given her in full on 22 Aug 1834
apl 26 th 1834
same 12 th Dec 1834
let same 10 Feb 1835

2047

New Bedford Sept 18-1874.
Hon J. L. Edwards
Sir
I herewith forward the best evidence that can be obtained from the records and files of the State Department of Massachusetts in the case of James Cleaves an applicant for pension under the law of 1872 whose papers are now on file in your department.
I also furnish herewith two additional depositions in support of Mr. Cleaves application, which papers with those now in the department it is believed will be abundantly satisfactory as to his case.
You will perceive from Mr. Cleaves declaration and the evidence adduced that he does not claim for services at Cape Porpoise in a company of local militia, but was detailed or drafted therefrom and regularly embodied and stationed at that place under officers placed over him.
Your obedt. servt.
Barnabas Palmer.

FREE
Hon J. L. Edmonds Commissioner of Pensions Washington City
Oct 17 1834
Douglas Palmer

Sturminster Newton Oct 17- 1874.
Hon J L Edwards
Sir
The evidence required by your letter of the 26 of April last in  under support of the claim of James Cleaver to a pension, the law of June 1872. was forwarded on the 18 th of September proximo - Mr Cleaver is solicitous to obtain the decision of the Department in his case, he has been to much trouble and expense in collecting evidence, as the number of documents will shew - we can hardly doubt a favourable decision to him - Be pleased to examine and report his case with as little delay as possible -
Yours ob dt serv
Barnaby Palmer

New York March 19-1884.
Hon J. L. Edwards
Sir
I forward herewith the application of James Wilson for a pension under the law of 1832. This application I received some time since from Mr. McIntire, who is charged with the care of Washington - I send it to you instead of him in order to save time. The additional declaration and evidence which supports his case will it is believed be satisfactory - Please examine the case and report to Hon Rufus McIntire with as little delay as possible -
Yours obediently
Barrows or Putnam
P.S. Report may be made directly to me if preferred - B.R.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, July 29 th 1834.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the roll of Capt. Silvanus Walker's company, in Col. Danielson's regt. from April 24 th to August 1 st 1778. is found in this Office.
James Cleaves claims for services under a Capt. Walker in 1778. His name is not borne on the above mentioned roll.
James Cleaves claims for services under Capt. James Perkins. in Col. John Frost's regt. in 1777. but no such roll is found in this Office.
Edward D. Bangs. Secy.
It appears that the Capt. Silvanus Walker Walker, whose roll is found as above, was in the eight months service in & about Cambridge. James Cleaves claims for services under another Capt. Walker, but no rolls of any other Captain by that name are found.
Edward D. Bangs Secy.

I Daniel Huff testify and declare that I am well acquainted with James Cleary of Kennebec Report and was a soldier in the same company with him in 1795 - stationed at Cape Porpoise in the District of Maine under the command of Capt John Walker and in the winter of 1797 (under Capt James Perkins) from Arundel Maine to the State of New York - The service at Cape Porpoise was three if not four months - and that to the State of New York was about the same time - We were discharged at Fort Constitution opposite to Westpoint N.Y. and Cleary and Myself returned home together - I knew Cleary before he went into the service in 1795 - and ever since that time - Colonel Frost commanded the Regiment in the New York service - Daniel Huff
April 3 - 1804.
Sworn and subscribed to before me
Barndas Palmer Justice Peace
I certify that the said Daniel Huff is a credible witness
Barndas Palmer Justice Peace

I Daniel Sewall of Kennebunk in the county of York, aged seventy nine years, testify and say, that I was a soldier in the Revolutionary War in the Regiment commanded by Colonel John Frost, at Pecks hill in the state of New York, and in the vicinity, three months from December 1776, to March 1777; and that I was well acquainted with James Perkins of Arundel who was then a Captain in said Regiment. —
The names of the field Officers, were as follows:
John Frost of Kittery, Colonel. Edward Grow of York, Lieut. Colonel. Joseph Prime of Berwick, Major. Andrew P. Fernald of Kittery, Adjutant. John Grant of Berwick, Quarter Master.
I was Quarter Master Sergeant in the same Regiment.
The Company at York where I resided enlisted about the middle of December, but the Companies did not all enlist at one time, but most of them earlier than those at York. — We marched from York immediately after enlisting & found a number of  other than before us of other companies in the same Regiment there before us — first at Danbury, and afterwards at Peckshill — and of course they must have enlisted earlier than we did at York. The Regiment was all discharged sometime in the month of March 1777, and in making up their pay I think they were allowed a certain number of days for travelling home. — The distance to York, calculated at 300 miles.
Daniel Sewall, another Capt. Walker, Edward D. Farns by That name are found

State of Maine
York ss May 14 - 1834. Then personally appeared who is a credible witness Daniel Scollard Esq. of Kennebec and made oath to the truth of the within deposition by him signed Before me Barnabas Palmer Jr., Rev.
State of Maine
York county ss.
I Wm. Cutter Allen, Register of the Court of Probate for said county, hereby certify that Barnabas Palmer is a Justice of the peace within and for the county of York, and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
In witness whereof I have here- unto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this 16th day of September 1834.
Wm. Cutter Allen, Register of the Court of Probate York county.

POSTED PAID
Me
Barnabas Palmer Esq d
Kennebec
Me
The enclosed is the Secretary of State's letter to me of 11/20/1844 -
5

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Jan y 26 th 1835.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the roll of Capt. Silvanus Walker's Company, in Col. Danielson's Regt. from April 24 th to August 1 st 1775, is found in this Office.
James Cleaves claims for services under a Capt. Walker in 1775, - but his name is not borne on the above mentioned roll. James Cleaves also claims for services under Capt. James Perkins in Col. Frost's Regt. in 1776 & 77; but the roll is not found in this Office.
Edward D Bangs. Leg

James Cleaves, claims for services at Cape Porpoise in 1795 in a detachment of Capt Walker company. The Christian name of this Capt Walker was John - Capt Sylvanus Walker named within was from some part of Massachusetts back of Boston and was stationed round about Cambridge and Boston - Cape Porpoise is in Maine. These fact I learned from an examination of the rolls in the Secretarys office in Massachusetts in July last, and the Secretarys certificate which was forwarded to the Department on the 28 th of September last in a note Bena stated the same - All the evidence is that the services of Cleaves under Capt Walker in 1795 was performed at Cape Porpoise - Colonel Donaldson and his Regiment it is well known was from the back or western part of Massachusetts and were stationed as before stated near Boston - Barnabas Palmer.
York Jd Jany 27 1825. Then personally appeared Barnabas Palmer a credible witness and made oath to the truth of the above statement by him signed
James Osborn Jnn. Jus. Pease

I Daniel Sewall of Kennebec, in the county of York and state of Maine, formerly of York in said county, aged seventy nine years, testify and depose, that I was a soldier in the revolutionary war in the Regiment commanded by Col o John Frost, of which Edward Grow was Lieut o Col o and Joseph Prinne was Major. John Grant was Quarter Master, and I was myself Quarter Master Serjeant.
I was acquainted with all or most of the field and company Officers. I march d from York in the company of which Abel Moulton was Captain, in the month of December 1776, through Connecticut to Pecks hill in the State of New York — I well recollect that James Perkins of Arundel (now Kennebec port) was a Captain & commanded a company in the said John Frost's Regiment. The Regiment were discharged at Pecks hill some time in the month of March 1777, and were allowed for travel home, the distance to York was estimated at 300 miles — The soldiers in the several companies might  all not all enlist at the same time, some companies had further to travel than others, and some arrived at Pecks hill earlier than others. The company I belonged to were made up for three months pay, besides travel home. The travel of Capt o Perkins' company must have been greater than that from York, as it was raised further to the Eastward. — I do not think that any of the companies were made up for less than three months. I do not recollect having any acquaintance with James Gleaves of Kennebec port, in the time of or since the War. Capt o Perkins himself was from Arundel, now Kennebec port, and his company was understood to be all from the same town.
Daniel Sewall.
State of Maine
York ss
Jan y 22 - 1835
Then personally appeared Daniel Sewall Esq r a credible witness and made oath to the truth of the above deposition by him signed.
Before me
Thomas Palmer Justice of the Peace

I William Groat of Kennebec in the county of York and State of Maine - testify and declare that I am well acquainted with James Cleaves of Kennebec a revolutionary soldier.
In the summer and autumn of the year 1775 said James Cleaves then a young man and a resident of the town of Arundel in said County, was a soldier in the service of the State of Massachusetts and was stationed at what was then, and is now called Cape Porpoise or Cape Porrpus, at which place a fort was erected where said Cleaves served as a soldier and assisted in building. Our commanding officer was Capt Walker. I think his christian name was John, he was called Captain Walker and I presume he was the captain of a full company then in the service a portion of which were - stationed at what is called Winter Harbor near the mouth of Saco River and another detachment of the same, stationed at or near Great Hill on the western side of Kennebec River. It is possible however that Capt Walker, might have been at that time only a Lieutenant, and the captain of the company might have been with the detachment at Winter Harbor, which was larger than that stationed at Cape Porpoise, but I am very con- positive in my own mind that Walker was the Captain and commanded the three detachments -
I know that James Cleaves was a member of the company and was stationed at Cape Porpoise as aforesaid in a company that were embodied and in actual -

actual service. I cannot say how long he served, my impression is that he served the whole summer and fall of 1775. The company was raised for six months commencing some time in June, Blosses might have entered later or have been discharged earlier than the rest of the company but I have no recollection that it was so. I have known him from his infancy, at the time of the service above mentioned Blosses resided about two miles from the Fort which was built at the Cape. I know all the facts I have stated from the circumstances that I was myself a member and officer of the company and was enlisted for six months and served out the full period of that enlistment and from an acquaintance with Blosses before and since the war, I have not however seen him for the last ten years, but understand he resides at Kennebec Port.
I also know Capt James Perkins of Arundel now Kennebec Port in said County and State, who raised a company of soldiers and marched to the State of New York in the winter of 1777. I do not know the fact myself but have always understood that James Blosses was a member of that company. Capt Perkins was in the Regiment commanded by Col John Frost of Kittery in the said County of York. I was well acquainted with Capt Perkins as well as with many of his company when they went into the service. Many of them were my neighbors, but I was not a member of his company. Witnesses Abiah Kelley William his Grant Spencer Littlefield

State of Maine York ss
Re-subscribed June 22-1895.- Then personally appeared William Grant of Kennebec in said county and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed, and I certify that the said William Grant is a credible witness.
Barrebo Palmer Justice of Peace

Maine District
District Clerk's Office January 24 th A.D. 1835
In testimony that Barnabas Palmer Esquire is a Justice of the Peace as within and that the signatures thereto purporting to be his are genuine I have hereto set my hand and Seal Official the day and year last above written
John Mufsey Clerk U.S. Maine District

Franc Emery of Kennebec in the County of York and State of Maine aged seventy two years testify and declare that I am acquainted with James Cleaves of Kennebec Port an expected visitor resident there - aged about eighty years.
I have always resided within a few miles of said James Cleaves and about four miles of Cape Porpoise which is near the residence of said Cleaves. I know that there was several detachments of soldiers stationed along the shore between York and Cape Porpoise in the year 1795. and I have always understood that a small detachment of soldiers were stationed at said Cape Porpoise, and that a small fort was erected there I was not a soldier at Cape Porpoise, but in the summer of 1795 the time that the soldiers were stationed there I was several months on duty in a small detachment and stationed at the mouth of Kennebec River I have no personal knowledge of the services of Mr James Cleaves at Cape Porpoise - nor at any other place. I knew Capt James Perkins of Kennebec Port the same town where Cleaves resided and have heard of his going into the Army in time of the Revolutionary War but I

was not with him and can not tell who his company was composed of, he went to the Westward some where - and I presume his company was principally of the Newbernport people - I have frequently heard of the fact of Capt Jones Burnham being killed in the time of the War at Cape Porpoise by the British, who landed at said place Capt Burnham was then in command - I was well acquainted with him. I have no doubt but he was levied at Cape Porpoise, and with Capt Perkins at New York - Isaac Emery
State of Maine York ss January 1 st 1834. Then personally appeared Isaac Emery a credible witness and made oath to the truth of the above deposition by him signed - Barnabas Palmer Justice of the Peace
29.7.73 County of York ss. State of Maine I Jeremiah Bradbury Clerk of the Judicial Courts of said County of York, certify, that Barnabas Palmer is a magistrate as above and that the signature purporting to be his genuine - In witness whereof I hereunto set my name and affix my official seal, this seventeenth day of February Anno Domini 1834 - Jere. Bradbury Clerk Jud. Courts

Additional Declaration and testimony in application of James Clancy , under the law of 1832—

I James Telfer of the in the report a revolutionary soldier and applicant for pension under the law of Congress 1832. a declaration affidavit  which Telfer was made before Judge Whitman on the eleventh day of February 1834. in explanation of which I further testify and declare. That in the Service alluded to at Cape Porpoise. When I was stationed there for Walker of Arundel was the commanding officer the whole of his company however were not stationed at Cape Porpoise - a guard was at the mouth of the Kennebec River west of Cape Porpoise and another at what was called Winter harbor all under the same command - and I presume varied for three months. I know it was so with them  the at Cape Porpoise where I was and particularly so as to myself -
Capt Walker with whom I served at the Cape and Capt James Perkins with whom I went to the State New York are both dead - At the time my declaration was made I did not know of or rather had forgotten that I might get evidence of the men whose depositions are annexed. I was not able to go and see them -
James Telfer
State of Maine
York ss - March 11-1834 Then personally appeared James Telfer and made oath to the truth of the above declaration. by him signed - Before me - Barnabas Palmer justice of the Peace

I Jeremiah Smith of Kennebunkport aged Ninety six years testify and declare that I am well acquainted with James because of said Kennebunk port
Said James because belonged to the company of local Militia commanded by Capt William Smith in the year 1795 and was detached or detached from said company for a service at Cape Porpoise in said year 1795. A guard was stationed at Cape Porpoise for the purpose of defending the Cape and shore against the depredations and plunder committed by Borges from British of war men, then on the coast. The service continued the whole of the summer, or the later part of the summer and fall of the said year. Portland now then Falmouth had just about that time been burned. A small fort was erected at the Cape Porpoise. I saw said because free quarterly while in this service, and belonged to the same company of Militia from which he was detached. I think Capt John Walker commanded the soldiers stationed at the Cape. I cannot say how long the service was but am confident it was several months, perhaps four or five.
In 1797 I very well remember that said because entered into a company commanded by Capt James Perkins and marched to some part of the State of New York. I think it must have

as early as the first of December 1777 that Capt Perkins marched his company from Kennebecport and was absent until some time in the Spring following I know that James Cleaves was one of the company I had a brother that went with him in this service and cannot be mistaken as to this service - Cleaves was absent with the company and returned with the other men after the expiration of their services - I have always understood that they went to some part of the Port of New York, on North River -
I have always known James Cleaves, from my youth - and know that I am not mistaken as to either of the services described. Cleaves has always resided near to Cape Porpoise. The fort erected in the time of the War is less than three miles from me & I have always resided where I now do. James Cleaves is older than I am. Jeremiah Smith
State of Maine
York ss - March 11 th 1834. Then personally appeared Jeremiah Smith of Kennebecport a credible witness and made oath to the truth of the above deposition by him signed.
Before me
Benjamin Russell Justice of the Peace

I Jacob Merrill of Kennebunkport in the County of York - aged Seventy four years testify and declare that I am acquainted with James Cleary of sd Kennebunkport.
The said James Cleary was a soldier stationed at Cape Porpoise in the summer of the year 1775 - Cleary then resided a neighbor to my father at the time of this service I knew him & saw him frequently at the Cape while in the service - It was in the summer & autumn of 1775.
In 1777-78 James Perkins commanded a company that marched to the State of New York - of which James Cleary was a soldier - I know this fact as I was at the time a soldier in Capt Holbrook's company which also marched to the State of New York it was a four months service - Capt Perkins was a neighbor to me as well as Cleary - I knew them both in the service - I knew Cleary at Cape Porpoise a soldier in 1775 & always as a townsman -
Jacob Merrill
State of Maine York ss - March 11 - 1834 Then personally appeared Jacob Merrill a credible witness and made oath to the truth of the above deposition by him signed -
Before me
Barnabas P. Russell justice of the Peace

I Benjamin Thompson of Kennebecport in the county of York testify and declare that I am well acquainted with James Cleaves of said Kennebec port a revolutionary soldier -
Said James Cleaves was a soldier for Captain James Perkins company raised and enlisted for four months commencing early in December in the year 1776 - and marched with said company to the state of New York, & was at West Point on the North River with the company in the winter of 1777-78 - I have always known said Cleaves from my youth, I was a corporal in the company alluded to under the command of Capt Perkins and knew said Cleaves in said service -
Said James Cleaves had previously been a soldier and stationed at Cape Porpoise Harbor in a detachment that was stationed there for the defense of said place, but I was not with him at the time - This service was near to his place of residence, and within the limits of the town where we both now reside - Of this service of Mr Cleaves I can only say that I know that a detachment of soldiers were stationed at Cape Porpoise in the first year of the war - & I have also understood that James Cleaves was one of the company -
Benjamin Thompson
State of Maine - York ss - March 6 th 1824 Then personally appeared Benjamin Thompson of Kennebecport a credible witness and made oath to the truth of the above deposition by him signed - Before me Barnabas Patten Jus Peace

State of Maine. County of York, ss: I, Jeremiah Bradbury, Clerk of the Judicial Courts for the County of York, certify that Barnabas Palmer is a Justice of the Peace within and for said county; and that the foregoing signatures, purporting to be his, are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the Court of Common Pleas for said State, this fourteenth day of March, Anno Domini 1834. Jere. Bradbury Clerk