Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 16703, Abraham Chittenden, Conn.

SERVICE
Conn.
Whittenden, Abraham
NUMBER
S. 16703
CONTENTS
carded

17237 Connecticut
Abraham Chittenden
Windham Co in the State of Conn who was an Adjt 3 d in the Conn commanded by Captain Brigsall of the Conn commanded by Major in the Conn line for 5 Months Adjtant 3 " Brigsall Major
Inscribed on the Roll of Artillery at the rate of 175 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 8 Enog 4 th March 1848
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 th day of Sept r 1857 and sent to D. D. Addison
Arrears to the 4 th of Pensional allowance ending Present
Recd from $131. 66 Revolutionary Claim, Sept June 7, 1832.
Entered by Wightman Clerk, ok E. L. Vol. 3, Page 8

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832
State of Connecticut } ss Guilford.
County of New Haven }
On this 7 day of August 1832 personally appeared in open court before Reuben Elliot Esq r Judge of the court of Probate for the district of Guilford now sitting, Abraham Chittenden, a resident of Guilford, in the County of New Haven and State of Connecticut, aged eighty one years, who being first 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 th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.
In the spring of the year 1776, a Regiment was raised in the State of Connecticut for the term of one year, the field officers were, Colonel Andrew Ward of Guilford, Lieut Colonel - - Johnson of Canterbury, and Major Isaac Cook of Wallingford, Colonel Ward appointed me his Adjutant under whom I served in that capacity.
The Regimental staff were Daniel Stone quartermaster, Rev d Ephraim Judson chaplain, Doctor Isaac Knight surgeon,
The Regiment was ordered to march to Boston, but before we arrived at that place, our orders were countermanded and the Regiment was afterward ordered to New York, and was stationed for a short time in the City, was then ordered to march up the north river, as far as Baurets ferry, to cross the river, and garrison fort Constitution, where we remained until sometime in September 1776. The Regiment was then ordered to march to Manor of Fordam in Westchester County N.Y., where we continued until the British Army took possession of the City of New York.
By reason of indisposition I was rendered incapable of doing my duty as Adjutant, and was discharged by General Washington some time in the month of October 1776. my discharge is unfortunately lost. The time I served

in said Regiment according to the best of my recollection was at least five months, I know of no person now living that belonged to the Regiment except my self.
In the year 1777 I think in the month of April, when General Tryon burnt the publick stores at Danbury and part of the town, I was ordered out and acted as Adjutant in Cololo Ward's Regiment a short time, was gone from home not more than one week.
In June 1777 Colonel Ward was advanced to the rank of Brigadier General of the Militia. and appointed me his Brigad. Major.
Early in the fall of 1777 when General Clinton left New York and sailed with his fleet and army up the north river with a view to form a junction with with General Burgoin at Albany, General Ward was ordered to march with his Brigade, and join the Army, he accordingly marched through New town, and Danbury, to Fishkill, and joined the army under the command of General Putnam, who was watching the motion of the British fleet in the river, I attended General Ward as his Brigade Major. Major General Wadsworth of Connecticut Militia, & Brigadier General Silliman with his Brigade of Militia, joined General Putnam's army about the same time, General Putnam's army continued to march at the crest of the the British fleet as far as Redhook, After General Burgoin had surrendered himself & army to General Gates, we were ordered to march back to Fishkill, and the Militia were soon after discharged.
Time of service in this tour six weeks
Sometime about the last of June or the begining of July, in the year 1779, a part of the British army under the command of General Tryon, made an attack on New Haven, and after some fighting, took possession of the town.

After the British troops left New Haven, General Ward with part of his Brigade, and a Regiment from Berkshire County Mass., under the command of Colonel Rawley, and some other troops collected from different places were stationed at New Haven, under the command of General Ward, under whom I served as Brigade Major, we fortified the lower part of the town, and built a fort on Beacon Hill in East Haven, which was calculated to command New Haven harbour, I have no particular dates to determine absolutely the time of my discharge, and those who served with me most of them are dead, but from the best of my recollection I am confident I served at least six weeks.
The papers which I have had in my possession (had they been preserved) would have assisted me with respect to particular dates, but after having kept them a number of years and concluding that they could be of no use to myself or any one else, I gave them up and they are all lost.
I was born in Guilford in the County of New Haven and State of Connecticut, I have a copy of the record of my birth attested by the town of Guilford, which is herewith inclosed.
I lived in the Guilford at the time of my entering the service, and have always made it my home to the present day. The gentlemen in my neighbourhood, to whom I would refer to give their opinion with respect to the credibility of my declaration are, Revd Aaron Dutton, Colonel Samuel Robinson, & Captain Abraham Fowler.
I do hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
The whole time of my service is eight Months.
Abraham Chittenden
Sworn and subscribed the day & date aforesaid before me Ruben Elliott Indp. Probate

We Aron Dutton a Clergyman & Capt Abraham Fowler, both of Guilford - Hereby certify That we are well acquainted with Abraham Chittenden who has subscribed and sworn To the above declaration that we believe him to be 81 Years of age, and he is reputed & believed, in the neighborhood where he resides to have have been a soldier of the revolution and we concur in that opinion
Sworn and Subscribed this day & year aforesaid - Aron Dutton
Abraham Fowler before me Reuben Elliott Judge
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War department That the above named Applicant was a revolution- ary soldier, and served as he states and the Court Further Certifies that it appears to them that Aron Dutton who has signed the preceding certif- icate is a Clergyman resident in Guilford & that Abraham Fowler Abraham Fowler who has also signed the The same is a resident in S d Guilford and is a credible person & that their statement is entitled to credit - Reuben Elliott Judge
I George Griswold Clerk of the probate Court of Guilford District - Do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the Court in the matter of the application of Abraham Chittenden for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office this 3 rd day of August 1838
George Griswold Clerk

State of Connecticut New Haven County ss Probate Court District of Guilford On this 15 day of July 1833
Personally appeared in Open Court before Reuben Elliott Esq Judge of said Court - Abraham Shittenden who has made the foregoing Declaration and in order to amend the same doth on oath further declare and Says he served as a staff officer and that at that time staff officers had no commission and further that he served as adjutant and Brigade Major under the Special Order and appoint- ment of Col's Gen Andrew Ward he has no recollection of any officers who served with him except those mentioned in his first declaration. he herewith sends the certificate of Elisha Phelps giving the names of the officers who were in commission at the time of his service - he further sends the Deposition of Gilbert Greaves not know- -ing at the time of making his first Declaration that S. Greaves was alive
(Abraham Shittenden) Sworn & Subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me Reuben Elliott Judge of Probate

Personally appeared before me Reuben Elliott Judge of Probate for Guilford District Abraham Chittenden 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 five months and six days I served as adjutant, and for three months I served as a Brigade Major, and for such service I claim a Pension Abraham Chittenden

I George Landon Judge of the Court of Probate for the district of Guilford in the County of New Haven, in the State of Connecticut, do hereby Certify, that Abraham Chittenden of Guilford aforesaid, who was a pensioner of the United States, as a Brigade Major &c in the army of the Amer- ican Revolution, died on the fourth day of March one thousand eight hundred and forty eight; That he left no Widow; That his only surviving children are, Henry W. Chittenden John B. Chittenden Abraham J. Chittenden and Sarah Redfield - and that the said Henry W. Chittenden is the sole Administrator on his Estate and that there was no last Will and Testament -
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and caused the seal of the said Court to be affixed this 13 th day of April, one thousand eight hundred and fifty one - George Landon Judge of the Court of Probate for the district aforesaid

Abraham Chittenden son of Abraham Chittenden by Mercy his Wife was born August the 10 th 1751. _____
A true copy from the Records of the Town of Guilford
Attest Samuel Fowler Town Clerk. _____

Rev. War Section Record Division.
January 14, 1922.
Mr. George S. Godard, State Librarian, Hartford, Conn.
Sir:
In response to your letter of the tenth instant, you are advised that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, Survivor File No. 16,703, it appears that ABRAHAM CHITTENDEN, the son of Abraham and Mary Chittenden was born at Guilford, Connecticut, on August 10, 1751.
He resided at Guilford, Connecticut, when he entered the service in the spring of 1776, being appointed by Colonel Andrew Ward, as Adjutant of his regiment, and he served as such until October 1776, when he was discharged by reason of indisposition.
In April 1777, when General Tryon burned Danbury, he again acted as Adjutant of Colonel Andrew Ward's Regiment for one week.
In June 1777, General Andrew Ward appointed him Brigade Major of his Brigade of Militia; and in the

fall of 1777, he was stationed with the brigade at Fishkill and Redhook to watch the motions of the British Fleet in the North River, which tour of service lasted six weeks. In the summer of 1779, after General Tryon's Army left New Haven, he was engaged with part of said brigade in fortifying the lower part of this town and in building a fort on Beacon Hill in East Haven, and served at this time for six weeks. The date of termination of his services as Brigade Major is not stated.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 7, 1832, while living at Guilford, Connecticut, and he died March 4, 1848, leaving no widow, but the following children: John B., Abraham I., Sarah Redfield and Henry W. a resident of Guilford Connecticut aged about fifty-four years. The name of soldiers wife is not on record.
Very respectfully,
Washington Gardner Commissioner.
( Abraham Chittenden, S. 18,703 )

17.137
Connecticut
Abraham Whittenden of Guilford in the State of Conn who was a Pri a May in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the Reg _____ commanded by Col. Ward in the Conn line for Geo rs & Adju t 8 mo
Inscribed on the Roll of Conn at the rate of 108 Dollars 66 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 31 day of July 1833 and sent R.
Woodward George Town I. 6
Arrears to the 4th of March 33. $213.32
Pemi-ant. allowance ending Sep r 4. 53 83
$266.65
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by ED Bullock Clerk, Book 60 Vol. 3 — Page 8
Dropped from the Roll at the Pensioner's request. See Letters to P. Agt. & A. Chit. Vendew Aug. 11. 1840
Let D. Smith Aug 12. 1844. Pension restored. See letters to R. D Smith to Pen Agt Aug 27. 1844. New certificate issued 3. Sept. 1844 sent to Pensioner, Guilford. Conn.

12.137. Connecticut Abraham Chittenden dec d
of _____ in the State of Conn who was a Brig. Major in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ in the Conn line for Mrs _____ due from 8/106.66
Inscribed on the Roll of Conn. at the rate of 131 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Ending 4 th  March 1848
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of Apr. 1851, and sent to
D. D. Addison Present
Arrears to the 4th of
Semi-annual allowance ending
Payable to { Children }
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by A. C. Robinson Clerk, Book E Vol. 3 Page 8

Sealed up and authenticated by Mr. H. W. Chittenden
Clerk P.T. of the Court of Probate Dist of Milford

State of Connecticut County of New Haven } for Probate Court, Dist. of Guilford
I Nathaniel Griffing of the the Town of Guilford in said New Haven County of the age of Seventy Eight years having been duly cautioned I sworn to depose and say that I have always been a resident of Guilford and that I am well acquainted with Abraham Chittenden of said Guilford who now applies for a restoration of his pension, that I have always known said Chittenden, that I know that he was an officer in the army of the Revolution, that he is of about the age of Ninety three years, that he is the same person who received a pension under the act of Congress of June 7 th 1832 and returned his certificate to the Pension office August 11 th 1840 and further the deponent saith not Guilford August 22 nd 1844.
Nathl Griffing sworn to and subscribed this 22 nd day of August A.D. 1844
before me Ralph D Smith Judge of said Court of Probate

I Joel Tuttle of the town of Milford in the county of New Haven and State of Connecticut being of lawfull age to wit the age of 52 years. & having been duly cautioned & sworn do depose and say that I am well acquainted with Abraham Chittenden Esqr who was formerly a pensioner under the act of Congress of June 7 th 1832 that prior to his sending back his certificate in 1840, I assisted him as Judge of Probate in obtaining his pension or the semiannual installments of the same through the agency at Hartford and I know that he is the same person who now applies to have his pension certificate and the arrears of his pension restored to him and that he is reputed to be of the age of Ninety Three years. I assisted said Abraham Chittenden in obtaining his dividends from Hartford either as Judge of Probate or Justice of Peace I do not recollect which.
and further deponent saith not.
Joel Tuttle
Sworn to & subscribed before this 22 nd day of August A.D 1844
Ralph D Smith Judge of Probate for the District of Connecticut

Joel Tuttle the signer of the foregoing deposition do further depose and say that I am fully of the opinion that the said Abraham Chittenden named in the foregoing deposition sent back his certificate in 1840 from his mind becoming impaired by extreme old age and that had he retained his powers in full vigour he would never have returned it to the Pension Department, and that there never was any doubt in this community that he was one of the most meritorious of the recipients of the benefits of the Pension acts of Congress and further the deponent saith not Guilford August 22 nd 1844 Joel Tuttle
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 22 nd day of August A.D. 1844
R. D. Smith Judge of the Court of Probate. Dist. Guilford
State of Connecticut } for the Dist of Guilford in County New Haven County }
Be it remembered that on this 22 nd day of August A.D. 1844 Personally appeared in open Court Nathan Griffing Esq. and Joel Tuttle Esq. two of the most prominent & respectable men of the town of Guilford and well known to this Court as men of truth & veracity & made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition subscribed by them in open Court.
before me
Ralph D. Smith Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Guilford.

I Henry W Chittenden Clerk Pro. Tem. of the Court of Probate for the District of Guilford in the County of New Haven and State of Connecticut certify that Ralph H Smith is Judge of the Court of Probate for said District of Guilford duly comm- -issioned & sworn and that the foregoing signatures annexed to these papers purporting to be his are all genuine -
In witness whereof I have hereunto affixed the probate seal of said Court and subscribed my name this 22 nd day of August A.D. 1844 H.W. Chittenden Clerk P.T.
I Henry W Chittenden Clerk Pro. Tem. of the Court of Probate for the District of Guilford in the said New Haven County & State of Connecticut do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court of Probate in the matter of the application of Abraham Chittenden for a restoration of his Pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 22 nd day of August 1844. H.W. Chittenden Clerk P.T.
Enclosure

State of Connecticut County of New Haven ss Guilford Augt. 3 1882 Be it remembered that on the day and year aforesaid personally appeared before me Reuben Elliott Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Guilford Samuel Hotchkiss and under oath declares and says that he was in the Militia on the North River in the year 1777 about the time of Burgoyne's Surrender and that he well recollects that Abraham Chittenden was in Service at that time and was a Brigade Major under Genl Ward
Sworn before me the day & date above
Reuben Elliott Judge of Probate and I certify that Samuel Hotchkiss above named is a credible witness Reuben Elliott Judge July 15 1833 Court of Probate / Guilford District Augt 3 1882
Be it remembered that on the day & year aforesaid personally appeared before me Reuben Elliott Esquire Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Guilford Abraham Fowler a credible witness well known to the Court and on his oath declares & says that he very well knows that Abraham Chittenden served as an Adjutant in a Regiment of State Troops commanded by Col Andrew Ward and that he was at Tushkill about the time Genl Burgoyne's Surrender that Chittenden was then a Brigade Major to Brigade Genl Ward and that he well recollects that said Chittenden did the duty of Brigade Major in that Campaign and further the deponent saith not
Abraham Fowler
Sworn and Subscribed on the day & date above before me Reuben Elliott Judge of Probate

Abraham Mitten 16091
The Application of Abraham Mitten of Guilford pt. for a Pension under the Law of 1832 - Taken before the Probate Court for Guilford District
I George Farnold Clerk of the Court of probate for the District of Guilford in New Haven County Do hereby certify that Reuben Elliott the subscribing authority to the foregoing deposition is the Judge of the Probate Court for Guilford District duly appointed & legally qualified & that his signature thereat is his genuine signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal of Office this 3 rd Day of August 1832
George Farnold Clerk

Aug 12 '45
From act 43 Alm Bullen Oct 21 '42
Hon J. S. Poygan
Commissioner of Revenue
Washington City
5.

Guilford (Connecticut) August 10 th 1844.
Hon. J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir,
I have been applied to, as Judge of Probate for the District of Guilford, with reference to the acts of the two last sessions of Congress containing the Five years Pension to widows - passed in 1843. & 1844, as also the form of proceeding to obtain the benefit of these pensions. I have not yet seen the act passed during the present year. Will you have the kindness to send me such papers as are necessary for forms in applying for the same.
I have also been applied to as Judge of Prob. in the following case.
Abraham Chittenden, the oldest man in this town, he having been born August 10 th 1757. O.S. was during a considerable portion of the Rev. War a Brigade Major & Aid de camp to Genl. Andrew Ward who commanded one of the Brigades of Genl. Saldus. Under the pension Act of 1834 Mar. 3 rd 4 th Mr Chittenden applied to your department & obtained a pension, as by his papers on file in your office will appear - He obtained a certificate for about $100 per annum & drew his pension until 4 th of September 1839. He was then between 88 & 89 years of age & his mind which had been once strong, became much impaired by age & severe chronic Salt Rheum. He seems also to have imbibed the idea that his Pension had amounted to the arrear due him for his services in the Revolutionary War, & that it was wrong to receive in any case more than the actual sum due for said arrear.

Accordingly he wrote a letter to an acquaintance of his in your vicinity - Mr Russell Woodward of Georgetown D.C. requesting him to call on the Pension Department & have his name stricken from the Pension Roll - Mr Woodward knowing the old age & imbecility of Mr Chittenden wrote to his son Mr Henry W. Chittenden with whom the old man lives, informing him what were the contents of his letter & upon their advice obtained proceeded no farther in the matter. Sometime subsequently Mr Chittenden called on me & ascertained your name without telling me his object, & wrote to you to have his name stricken from the Pension Roll & forwarded you his certificate. Since then he has not received any pension. There is no question in the mind of any one, that the reason of his sending back his certificate was the very imbecility and disease of body & mind, which it was the intention of the Pension Act to sustain and support in its last decline towards the grave. There is no question as you will see by referring to his papers that he was one of the most worthy recipients of the benefits of these Acts of Congress. He has now the records of his brigade kept by himself while he was in actual service during the war, which show the nature & extent of that service with more certainty than can be shown probably in ninety nine cases in the hundred. He now lives with his son Henry W Chittenden from whom he obtains his support: & although his circumstances are not those of indigence yet it would be a great benefit to him to have his pension to make the latter part of his life easy & comfortable - His son Mr Henry W Chittenden with whom he lives makes this application to you through the Probate court to obtain his certificate again and

to have his father's name restored to the roll of Pensioners. The Old Gentleman is so much impaired in his mind that he does not even know that he ever had a pension. and does not remember any thing scarcely at all, being now 93 years old - His son proposes to procure your testimony which he can do to any amount, to these statements in the manner you shall require - Mr Rosewell Woodward of Georgetown in the District of Columbia who was here a few weeks since, and who is as he says acquainted with you, said that he would go before you & give his testimony to these facts. Will you sir on the receipt of this letter be so good as to communicate what the Department would require in the circumstances.
Yours,
Ralph D. Smith.
Judge of Probate for the District of Columbia

6.381 3 ays
8 August 1840.
Pandora R.R.
District of Columbia
Secretary of War
J. R. French
Genl. & Brig. Genl.
for
Genl. John C. Chittenden
Augt 10. 40

Sir
Guilford August 5 th 1840
I am satisfied that what I have received as a pensioner is as much as my services have been worth to the publick, and (not being in necessitous circumstances) do not wish to receive any more. You will be pleased therefore to erase my name from the list of pensioners. for which this shall be your sufficient warrant
Yours Respectfully
Abraham Chittenden

The Application of Abraham Chittenden of Guilford Ct. for a Pension
Brigade Major & Adjt.
8 mo. $106.66 per ann.

In the absence of the Secretary of State, I have examined the State records, & find that the General Assembly at their session in May, 1776 appointed Andrew Ward Col. & Bladish Johnson Lt. Col. of a regiment then ordered to be raised & to serve one year. The Captains then appointed were Phelps, Hooker, Nibley, Clegg, Dorr, Dana, Arnold, & Butler; & in May 1777 Col. Ward was off d Brig d & Phelps Genl 2 nd Brig. Col. Militia
Comptrollers Office July 10 th 1833.
I Deika Phelps, Comptroller of Public Accounts for the State of Connecticut, do certify, that it appears by the journals of the Council of Safety, on the 5 th day of July 1777, that Genl. Ward was ordered to draft one fourth part of the brigade under his command, & to order them to be armed & equipped & hold themselves in constant readiness to march on the shortest notice with proper officers thereunto appointed. At the same time orders were given to Brig d Genl. Tyler & Douglass Trumbull to draft one fourth part of their brigade etc. &c.

On the 30 th day of July 1777 the Council of Safety ordered "the several Brigadier Generals to order to "put the militia of this State into readiness to march "on the shortest notice to any place that may be "attacked."
On the 6 th day of August 1777 said Council of Safety ordered Brig. Gen. Erastus Wolcott "to draft "four hundred men from his Brigade properly officered & "equipped & go on horseback to Peekskill, & like orders "were given to Brig. Gen. Ward for three hundred "of his Brigade. And on the same day Brig. Gen. Andrew Ward just was appointed to command said troops.
And on the 30 th of Sept r 1777 said Council voted that the Gov. be desired to issue orders for a detachment of three hundred men from B. Gen. Erastus Wolcotts brigade, & three hundred men from the brigade of B. Gen. Andrew Ward to be armed & equipped & to march immediately for Peekskill & put themselves under command of Gen. Putnam, & to be helden in service two months after their arrival at that place.
And that I cannot find any list or

roll of these detachments, or any proof of the duration of their services.
O. Phelps

George Griswold Clerk of the Probate Court for the District of Guilford — Do Hereby Certify that the foregoing and the annexed Contain the Original & Additional Proceedings of this Court in the Matter of the Application of Abraham Clutton for a Pension —
For testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal of Office This 15 day July 1833
George Griswold Clerk Probate Court Guilford District —

Gilbert Grave of Madison in the County of New Haven and State of Conn- -ecticut aged Seventy four years. testifies and says - That during the Revolutionary War (the particular year he does not recall) he enlisted for one year into the Service of the United States into a Regiment commanded by Col. Andrew Ward - That Abraham Whittenden then and now of Guilford was Adjutant of the said Col. Ward's Regiment - That he the deponent was Water to the said Adjutant Whittenden for at least two months as nearly as he can recall - and that the said Abraham Whittenden did also serve as Adjutant to the said Regiment after the deponent ceased to be his Water - and further the deponent saith not -
Gilbert Grave
State of Connecticut ss. Madison July 15 th 1833 New Haven County
Personally appeared before me Reynold Webb - a Justice of the Peace for New Haven County and residing in Madison - Gilbert Grave of said Madison, well known to me to be a person of truth and veracity, and made solemn oath to the truth of the above Deposition by him Subscribed -
before me Reynold Webb Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut New Haven County ss Guilford July 15 th A. D. 1833 ~
I George Griswold Clerk of the Court of Probate for Guilford District Do hereby Certify that Reynolds Webb Esq: whose signature is affixed to the within Deposition is a Justice of Peace within & for the County of New Haven duly appointed & legally authorized and acting under the authority of this State and that full faith & credit is & ought to be given to his acts & attest- ations done in that capacity & that I am well acquainted with the S d Reynolds Webb & with his hand writing & believe his signature to the foregoing to be genuine
In testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of this Court this 15 th Day of July A.D. 1833
George Griswold Clerk of Probate Court Guilford District

H. W. Chittenden Letter of 6 G. Hill.
Feb. 19. 57, Abra Chittenden
I humbly request that D. D. Addison Esq., may be permitted to examine the papers in his care for me.
George Hill Washington George W. Chittenden
Ex 1/2 M Addison
March 31-57

B.M. V2 P88
W.P. Addison Esq. Washington Dist. Columbia
PAID
50 3/4

W. D. D. Addison
Washington D. C.
Sir
I have to request that you will call at the Pension Office, and have an error corrected which was made in computing my Father's pension — You will perceive by reference to his papers, that he was allowed for five months service as Assistant and three months as Brigade Major, which should entitle him (as I am informed) to a pension of $175 per Annum instead of the amount allowed — By attending to this without further delay, you will oblige Yours respectfully
Henry W. Chittenden
Guilford May 22 nd 1858

Mem Abraham Chittenden & Co.
Oct 7 June 1832 Ad 5 m of fr. $56.66 3 - Reg. May 75. $131.66
From Oct 1831 to Oct 1848 -
Payable to Henry W. Chittenden, Adm for the benefit of said Henry W. Chittenden, John B. Chittenden, Abner J. Chittenden & Sarah Redfield, his only sur- viving children -
Cash now to D. D. Addison
(Pursuant)

Abraham Chittenden,
Adm 5 mo's Adm $100.
" 3 " Bndg $75
Int & Co $175
Dedg 181:1/4 per annum,
Commg 4 March 1831
& endg 4 March 1848,
payable to
Henry W Chittenden,
Adm for the benefit of said
Henry W Chittenden,
John B. Chittenden,
Abraham Chittenden &
Sarah Leafield,
only surviving children.
Mount
H. D. Addison
Present

Brief in the case of Abraham Chittenden, dec d late of Windham County and State of Vermont act 7 June 1832
Claim, ( "original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Adjutants were also Lieutenants in 1776, and as such entitled to $40 per month. Increased to $175 per annum, deducting former payments at $131:66 per annum. (See Vol 4, fourth series American Archives, Page 634 to 641, inclusive)
Name and residence of Agent.
H. H. Addison, Present
S. Cole Examining Clerk.

26 June 1776 f. 6 S.
Connecticut Roll
$106. 66 per ann
R Woodward
R. Woodward, Esq George Town D. C.

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Abraham Chittenden further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? yes
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes
V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? yes
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes
June 7, 1832 yes  Verdict of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? yes XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? one of them Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? yes XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And,
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
†QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
The declarant will doubtless be able to substantiate his claim by a certificate from Elisha Phelps Esq., Comptroller of the State of Connecticut affirming that he held a commission in the service of that state

5 MUNJ
July 25, 1924
Mrs. Alfred Kraemer 7407 North Ashland Blvd., Chicago, Illinois.
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 16703 it appears that Abraham Chittenden, the son of Abraham and Mary Chittenden, was born at Guilford, Connecticut on August 10, 1751.
He resided at Guilford, Connecticut when he entered the service in the spring of 1776, being appointed by Colonel Andrew Ward, as Adjutant of his regiment, and he served as such until October 1776, when he was discharged by reason of indisposition.
In April 1777, when General Tryon burned Danbury, he again acted as Adjutant of Colonel Andrew Ward's Regiment for one week.
In June 1777 General Andrew Ward appointed him Brigade Major of his Brigade of Militia; and in the fall of

1777 he was stationed with the brigade at Fishkill and Redhook to watch the motions of the British Fleet in the North River, which tour of service lasted six weeks.
In the summer of 1779, after General Tryon's army left New Haven, he was engaged with part of said brigade in fortifying the lower part of this town and in building a fort on Beacon Hill in East Haven, and served this time for six weeks. The date of termination of his services as Brigade Major is not stated.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 7, 1832 while living at Guilford, Connecticut, and he died March 4, 1848 leaving no widow, but the following children: John B., Abraham I., Sarah Redfield and Henry W. a resident of Guilford, Connecticut aged about fifty-four years. The name of soldier's wife is not on record.
The above noted is the only soldier named Abraham Chittenden found on the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., July 28 , 19 20
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Abraham Chittenden a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. S. 16703.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Spring 1776 Oct 1776 Adgh. ✓ Andrew Ward Conn.   Apr. 1777 1 wks " ✓ "   June 1777 6 wks Brigade Major ✓ Gen Andrew "   1779 6 wks " ✓ " " "  
Battles engaged in, None stated
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Guilford, New Haven Co., Conn.
Date of application for pension, Aug 7, 1832 Hisch. al.
Residence at date of application, Guilford Conn.
Age at date of application, 6 Aug 10, 1751 in Guilford Conn., son of Abraham & Mary
Remarks: He d. Mar 4, 1848 & was survived by 4 children: Henry W. of Guilford Conn aged 50 yrs in 1844 and with whom he then lived; John B.; Abraham J.; & Sarah Redfield. No further family data.
See also
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

GEORGE S. GODARD STATE LIBRARIAN
Recd -
CONNECTICUT STATE LIBRARY HARTFORD, U. S. A.
January tenth 1922
Pension Bureau Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
I would like very much, if possible, to secure through your favor for the immediate use of Hon. Newton C. Brainard, Mayor of the City of Hartford, a transcript of Abraham Chittenden's application for pension, No. S16703.
Mr. Chittenden was in New Haven County in 1832, and in 1840 lived in Guilford, and was 89 years old. Your early favor will be appreciated.
Very sincerely,
Geo. S. Godard
GSG MCH
State Librarian

1776 GEORGE S. GODARD STATE LIBRARIAN
CONNECTICUT STATE LIBRARY HARTFORD, U. S. A.
January twenty-fifth 1922
Bureau of Pensions Revolutionary War Section, Record Division Department of Interior Washington, D. C.
Attention Washington Gardner, Commissioner
My dear Commissioner:
Please accept our best thanks for your favor of the 14th inst. containing the record relating to Abraham Chittenden which you were good enough to send so promptly for use of our Mayor, the Hon. Newton C. Brain- ard. It was just what he needed.
Very sincerely,
Geo. S. Godard
State Librarian
GSG MCH

Department of the Interior Bureau of Pensions Washington D.C.
June 1924
Gentleman
Please send me the
Revolutionary War records of the following men - all of Guilford Conn.
General Andrew Ward . - Col. of Seventh Regiment Horse + Foot, was with Washington at the battle of White Plains also battle of Trenton, was made Brigadier General of the State Militia succeeding General Wadsworth June 5, 1777.
War Record of Captain Noah Fowler Col. of Seventh Regiment from Guilford Conn. listed in Lexington Alarm List.
War record of Abraham Chittenden Commissioned Officer Lieut. Seventh

Regiment Militia 1780, with Col. Worthington.
War record of not as  Daniel Hubbard private of 4 days also listed in Lexington Alarm list.
War record of not as  Daniel Hubbard corp. Muster Roll of Capt. Martin Kirtland Company - in Colonel Erastus Walcotts at New London - Feb 28 1777.
I will appreciate you sending me this information very much - If there should be a fee for doing this work, will gladly send it on -
Thanking you - Yours truly
Mrs. Alfred Kraemer 7407 N. Ashland Blvd Chicago Ill.

Rev. War
MRS. HENRY E. FOWLER
GUILFORD, CONN. June 23- 1920
Pension Bureau - Rev. War Washington - D. C.
Please send me the record of James Davis of Guilford - a pensioner of 1840, just as it appears of record with names of wife & children &c.
Respectfully -
Sarah B. Fowler
- Mrs Henry E. -
Also same record of Abraham Chittenden of Guilford

16.703 INVALID.
1920 July 23 Hist to Mrs. Henry E. Fowler. Ev 1922 Jan. 14. History to George S. Goddard. aw.
File No. 16.703
Abraham Chittenden
Deputy Postmaster
Act: June 7 th 89
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 427
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Issue a duplicate Pension Certificate
Pension Guilford Co

Application of Abraham Chittenden for a new Certificate
State of Connecticut County of New Haven ss
On this 30 th day of August A D 1844 personally appeared in open Court before Ralph D Smith Esq r Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Guilford in said New Haven County Abraham Chittenden, a resident of Guilford in said District aged about 93 years, who being first duly sworn according to law dath on his oath make the following declaration;— that he is the same person who formerly belonged to a Regiment raised in Connecticut commanded by Colonel Andrew Ward - in which Regiment he served as adjutant in the year 1776 & part of the year 1777, & that he after June 1777 served as Major of Brigade in the Brigade commanded by General Andrew Ward - and also for several weeks in 1779. as by the files of the said Abraham Chittenden in the Pension Department in the City of Washington will more fully appear; that his name was placed on the Pension roll of the State of Connecticut; that he received a certificate of that fact under the signature and seal of the Secretary of War entitling him to receive the sum of One Hundred and Six Dollars and Sixty Six Cents per annum; which Certificate on or about the 1 st day of August A D 1840 at or near the place of his residence in said Guilford he lost out of his possession having misplaced the same so that although he has made diligent and careful search he has been unable to find or recover the same & he verily

believes that said Certificate is entirely lost and destroyed wherefore he makes this application to the Pension department at the city of Washington that they may grant him a new Pension certificate for his said services in the war of the Revolution duplicate of his former certificate.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written -
before me } Abraham Chittenden Joseph H Smith Judge of Probate for the District of Guilford
I Henry W Chittenden of the town of Guilford in the County of New Haven and State of Connecticut of the age 50 years having been duly cautioned and sworn do depose and say that Abraham Chittenden who has subscribed the foregoing declaration is my father that he formerly had a certificate of Pension from the pension office as above stated that sometime in the year 1840 my father misplaced & lost his said certificate and that we have frequently made careful search for the same, and that it was believed by him and us that he might have sent it back to the department of Pensions in 1840 but from the communication received from said department dated August 27 th 1844 and from another and careful search he is fully satisfied that said certificate is wholly lost, and further deponent saith not.
Henry W. Chittenden

State of Connecticut New County ss. Guilford Probate Court, Personally appeared before me the subscriber, on this 30 th day of August A.D. 1844 Henry W. Chittenden who is well known to this court as a man of truth and veracity and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit made and signed by him.
before me Ralph D. Smith Judge of Probate for the District of Guilford
I Henry W. Chittenden Clerk P.T. of the Court of Probate for the District of Guilford do hereby certify that Ralph D. Smith is Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Guilford duly commissioned and sworn that his commission is dated June First A.D. 1844 and expires June 20 th 1845 and that the foregoing signatures purport- ing to be his are all genuine and that all the foregoing proceedings were done in open court.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office of the Court of Probate this 30 th day of August A.D. 1844.
Henry W. Chittenden Clerk P.T.

State of Connecticut County of New Haven } for Guilford
On this Twenty first day of August A.D. One Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty Four personally appeared in open court before Ralph D. Smith Judge of Probate for the District of Guilford in said New Haven County and State of Connecticut. Abraham Whittenden a resident of said Guilford, aged Ninety three years and being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain his certificate and the arrears of his pension due under the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 That he is the same person who obtained a pension of about One Hundred and Six 66 / 100 Dollars under said act of 7 th June 1832 & who returned his certificate to the Pension Department on the 11 th of August 1840 That looking upon the said pension now as in the nature of a gift in consideration of services performed by the soldiers of the Revolution, and whereas said pension has become necessary for his convenience and comfort in his extreme old age he makes this application for the arrears of his pension since the time he last drew his semi-annual dividend and that his certificate may be restored to him for the future dividends which may

hereafter become due under the same.
And he would further state that has never received any other pension than what he has received under said certificate nor does he claim or is he entitled to any other pension except as aforesaid.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written viz this 21 st day of August A.D. 1844.
Abraham Grittenden
Sworn to & subscribed the day and year last aforesaid in open court before me
Ralph D Smith Judge of Probate for the District of Guilford.
And I the said Judge of Probate would further state that I am & have been for twelve years last past well acquainted with the said Abraham Grittenden that I assisted him somewhat in obtaining his pension under the act of Congress of 1832 June 7 th and that I know him to be the same person who now applies in this court for the arrear of his pension & his pension certificate returned to the pension Department in 1840 & that he is about the age of 93 years & reputed to have been an officer in the army of the Revolution
Ralph D Smith Judge

Geo. Hill Esq r .
Dr Sir
Guilford Feby 19 th 1867
Yours of the 14 th inst, I have recd. I have copy & herewith send you the papers agreeable to your direction and wish to engage you to manage said business for me — My Father died on the 4 th day of March 1848 and was a pensioner at the time of his death — It is true that his pension certificate was lost & for a time said pension was discontinued but a new certificate was granted and all arrear paid. I have call d upon Mr Smith to learn what became of said certificate but he being out of town I have learn d from other sources that in all probability said certificate was return d to Hartford & from thence to the pension office at Washington according to law — If I have omitted anything which you deem necessary to be done, please write to me immediately & give particular instruction how to manage —
Very Respectfully Yours & C Henry W. Chittenden