Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 2542, Asa Gould, Mass

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Gould, Asa
No. 2542
Sally
B.L.Wt 17.878-160-55
CONTENTS

Vermont 17254
Asa Gould
of Houlton N. in the State of Vermont who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Lyman of the 2nd Regt commanded by Col. Lyman on the Ellsworth line for 12 wks.
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 73 Dollars 33 Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of Aug. 1833 and sent to
J. Elliott New Haven
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833. $146.66 Semi-ant. allowance ending Sept. 36.66
$183.32
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk,
Book 2 Vol. 3 Page 18

✓ 3.194
Massachusetts Sally Gould widow of Asa Gould who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private
Massachusetts Militia. Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 73 Dollars 33
Cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 th day of Dec r 1853 and sent to
H Woodman Dighton Mass a
Reg G m 58-117318
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 40 Vol. W
39

117,318 act Mar 3/33
May 3/33
Sally Gould widow Asa Gould's wife;
Left Mass: April 8/33
Revolutionary
no Pensioner
Rev. War,
10:160 ac., Mch; 3:756.
Deeds July 53 B. & G.
R
Horatio Woodman Boston Mass.
Asa H. Woodman Jan. 17/56.
Wd. G. 95.

N o 74. Windham Co. Vermont. Asa Gould. Dec d . for Pension
August 1832.
N o 2.865.

Probate District of Marlborough-
At the Probate Court, for said District, being a Court of Record, -
On this second eighth day of August A. D. 1832 - Personally appeared in open Court, At New Haven in said District, -
Present - Marshall Miller, Esquire, Judge -
Before the said Probate Court, within and for said District, - now sitting - Asa Gould a resident of New Haven in the county of Windham and State of Vermont, aged Seventy 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 7, 1832 - That he entered into the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
Enlisted at Warwick, Mass. in June 1777, for two months, and served that time in Col. Whittmore's regiment (Mass. militia) and Capt. Moses Harvey's Company, served at Ticonderoga under Gen. H. Clair - Enlisted in the 1778 and served at Rutland and at Brookfield, Mass. under Capt. Tucker, does not recollect the Colonel's name, served a part of the time as one of the guard over "Burgoyne's men" so called, prisoners at Rutland, and marched with a large body of these prisoners from Rutland (Mass.) to Canfield (Conn.) & returned to at Rutland and was dismissed, without a written discharge, some time in the autumn of 1778, this term of service was six months which time I actually served - In May or June 1780 engaged at Warwick, Mass. for eight months, under Capt. Sheldon in Col. Lyman's Regt. (Mass. militia) marched to West Point and served there part of the time but most of the time at Fish Kill (N.Y.) and was discharged at Fish Kill some time in the beginning of the year 1781, having served the full term of eight months - Engaged again at Warwick, Mass. in July 1781 for three months, under Capt. Shattuck, does not recollect the Colonel's name, marched to Saratoga (N.Y.) and served this term of three months at Saratoga and was there discharged - all these terms were in the Massachusetts militia or state troops, and amount to nineteen months - Had no written discharges - Refers to the accompanying affidavit of Wm. Gould, Caleb Mayo, James Ball, Joseph Smith and Thomas Mallard, as evidence of his 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.
To the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, he answers, upon his oath, as follows:
 1. Was born in Dudley (Massachusetts) in the year 1761.  2. Has no record of his age -  3. Lived at Warwick, Mass. when he entered the service at all the different terms of his services - Lived in Warwick till about thirteen years ago when he removed to New Haven, Vermont, and has since resided there -  4. Enlisted voluntarily in every instance -  5. Remembers, in the eight months service, having seen Gen. Washington - and Gen. Lincoln - Major Heth - of the militia - My Col. (Lyman) was stationed at West Point - I was detached to Fish Kill, and was commanded, at that place, by Major Low - In the 3 months service at Saratoga, remembers Col. Wisefield (thinks this was the name) of the N. York troops, Capt. King of the Mass. line, &c.  6. Never received any written discharges -  7. Refers to Colonel Joseph Ellis & Anthony Jones under this interrogatory, there being no clergymen in the vicinity who can testify as required - 
Asa Gould
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Marshall Miller Judge of Probate
We Joseph Ellis, citizens residing in the town of New Haven in said county and Anthony Jones of New Haven in said county hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Asa Gould who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Joseph Ellis Anthony Jones
Sworn, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Marshall Miller Judge of Probate
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 Joseph Ellis who has signed the preceding certificate, is a resident in the said town of New Haven and that Anthony Jones, who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of New Haven, in said county, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I James Colliat Register of the Probate Court, within and for the District of Marlborough aforesaid, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Asa Gould for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this eighth day of August - A. D. 1832.
James Colliat Prob. Regr.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, September, 17 th 1883
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestations Barnet Bullock was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Worcester — and Edward G. Loring was Justice of Peace as J. H. Buckingham was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Suffolk in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to their acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. M. Knight Secretary of the Commonwealth.

State of Massachusetts County of Worcester Town of Raynham
(a) November the sixth fourth Eighteen hundred three Asa Gault of Warwick and Sally Dike of Raynham were Married by the Subscriber Joseph Lee
I CERTIFY that the above is a true copy of the record, with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures, as follows: —(b) "November 24. 1808"
Joseph Raymond
I, Joseph Raymond above named, depose and say, that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the town, county, and state afore- said, and that the above is a true copy from the records of said town, with the exception above named, as certified by me.
Joseph Raymond { Town Clerk Raynham
Subscribed and duly sworn to before me, this tenth day of September A.D. 1853
Barnet Bullock Justice of the Peace.
(a) Here fill in an exact transcript of the record, except that, instead of copying the figures, the date must be written out in full. (b) Here give the date exactly as it is in the record.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Suffolk S.S. }
On this the twenty ninth day of August, in the Year One thousand eight hundred and fifty three, personally appeared before the Probate Court of the County of Suffolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Sally Gould , now of East Boston in the County of Suffolk and Commonwealth aforesaid, aged forty two years, who being duly sworn, according to law, on her oath, doth make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed
That she is the widow of Asa Gould, formerly of Sher- burne, in the State of Vermont, who was a soldier in the War of the Revolution, and was at the taking of Ticonderoga; that she has no means at present of proving his service, but that her said husband was a Pensioner of the United States until his death; that his pension was payable and paid at the Agency in Windsor, Vermont; that he died at Warwick in Massachusetts, on or about the twenty ninth day of April in the Year One thousand eight hundred and thirty five; and that for proof of the service of her said husband, she refers to documents on file at the Pension Office, deposited when he made application for his said Pension.
She further declares that she was married to the said Asa Gould, on the twenty third day of November, in the Year Seventeen Hundred and ninety nine; that her name previous to her marriage was Sally Becke ; that she was not married to the said Asa Gould, previous to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the second day of January Eighteen hundred, viz, at the time above stated. She further

knows that she is now a widow, and that she has never before made any application for a pension.
attest
her Sally X Gould Marks
Salma E Gould
J. H. Buckingham
Subscribed and sworn before me in a Court of Probate for said County and Commonwealth on this 12th day of April A.D. 1853
Edward Loring
Judge of Probate.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts { We, Salmon E. Gould Suffolk s.s. } of East Boston, in said
County Commonwealth, and Chauncy Pick also of Boston aforesaid, being duly sworn, depose and say that we well know Sally Gould now applying for a Pension; that we know her to be the widow of Asa Gould formerly of Newfane in the State of Vermont, who died in April 1835; and that she still remains a widow, never having been married since that time; and that we are disinterested.
Salma E. Gould
Chauncy Pick
Subscribed and duly sworn to before me this twenty fourth day of

August, A.D. 1853, and I certify that I have known the above named deponents to be respectable and credible witnesses, and that I have no interest in the prosecution or result of the claim of the said Sally Gould.
J. H. Buckingham Sister of the Deponent

1171318
APPLICATION OF
Widow of Asa Gould Rev War:
for a 160 acre warrant.
Act of March 2d, 1855.
WARRANT TO BE SENT TO HORATIO WOODLEY, Esq., Mass. AS WITNESS HERETO.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.....Suffolk County.
I CERTIFY, That GEORGE EDWARD RICE, before whom the accompanying affidavits were made, was, at the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace for the said County, duly authorized to administer oaths and take acknowledgments, and that his signature thereto are genuine.
WITNESS my hand, and the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court of the said Commonwealth, for Suffolk County, this Seventeenth day of April A. D. 1855.
Geo. C. Wilde { Clerk of the said Court.

1684 State of Massachusetts County of Suffolk
On this Seventeenth day of April , A. D., 185 5 personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County,
Sally Gould aged Sixty three years, a resident of Boston in Massachusetts who being duly sworn according to law, declared that she is the widow of Asa Gould deceased, who was a Pirate in the Company commanded by Captain
in the Revolutionary War commanded by in the war with Great Britain, declared by the United States, on the 18th day of June, 1812,—that her said husband was drafted at _____ on or about the _____ day of _____ A.D. 18
for the term of _____ and continued in actual service in the said war for the term of Twenty two months and was honorably discharged at _____ on or about the _____ day
of _____ A.D. 18 _____, as will appear by reference to the rolls, that he received no printed or written discharge, and that neither he nor she ever received or applied for, or is entitled to bounty land for any other service, except that she received for the same service, under the act of September 1850, a 40 acre warrant, No.
which she has legally sold and cannot return.  She applicant receives a Pension from the Government for the same service payable at Boston and numbered 3,194 and recorded on the Roll of Pensioners under Mr. February 3 d 1853. Page 40 Vol. 1. She further states that she was married to the said Asa Gould
in Loyalston on the _____ day of 18 _____, by Rev. Mr. Lane a clergyman and that her name before her said marriage was Sally Peck that her husband died at Warwick on the 30 th day of April 185 5 —, proof of which will be found on file with her Pension  previous application, that she is still a widow,— that she makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act of Congress passed March 3, 1855, and that she prays that the certificate thereof may be sent for her to Horatio Woodman, Boston, Mass.
Attest G. E. Rice Joseph F. Scanlan
Sally  Gould marks
Subscribed and duly sworn to, the day and year first above written. I certify that she is the identical person above described. I have no interest in the case.
Geo. Edward Rice { Justice of the Peace.

State of Massachusetts County of Suffolk
We Salina E. Gould and Chauncy Peck having been duly sworn, depose and say, that we well knew Asa Gould and believed, a who was as we have always understood soldier in the Revolutionary War whose widow now applies for bounty land,—that we knew him for more than Twenty years before his death, which occurred at Warwick about Twenty years ago,—that we know that he died about that time because* we were in the neighborhood at the time that we are residents of Boston that we have known his said widow from his death to this time, that she has remained unmarried,—that her declaration was signed and acknowledged by her in our presence,—that she is the identical person she represents herself to be,—and that we are disinterested.
Salina E. Gould
Chauncy Peck
Subscribed, and duly sworn to before me, this Seventeenth day of April A.D. 1858
Geo. Edward Rice } Justice of the Peace.
It is hereby certified that satisfactory proof has been exhibited before me the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, by the affidavits of Salina E. Gould and Chauncy Peck of the said county and state, who are personally known to me, who are entitled to credit, and who swear that they have no pecuniary interest in the result of the above application; that Asa Gould is the widow remaining unmarried of the late Asa Gould who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War and that the said Asa Gould died at Warwick on or about the Thirteenth day of April A.D. 1838
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this Seventeenth day of April 1858 I have no interest in this case.
Geo. Edward Rice Justice of the Peace.
* "We attended his funeral," or "were in the neighborhood at the time," or some equally good reason.

claim of Asa Gould
[Additional Declaration] Evidence.
29 m D
13.33
J Elliott Esq
New Haven VT

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
19 April 1833
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 subjjoined 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 Asa Gould.
   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.     1777 2 or 3 Private Col. Whittcomb Capt. Harvey 71 Warwick, Me. P. Field, C. Mayon's affidavits, &c. J. Smith's do-   1778 6 Do. Col. not recollected Capt. Tucker Do. Mr. Gould, J. Ball, T. Mallard   1780 8 Do. Col. Lyman Capt. Sheldon Do. Mr. Gould, T. Mallard.   1781 3 Do. Capt. Prince or Putnam Do. P. Field.   1781 3 Do. Gen. Stark Capt. Col. Rice, as now recollected Capt. Shattuck Do. P. Atwood - T. Mallard   22 or 23 Besides his own testimony - And the affidavits of the Col- onies of Warwick, Mass. & New France, Vermont, his former & present places of residence.  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Mr Asa Gould

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

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

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston.
February 26 1856.
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 name of Asa Gould is borne on pay roll of Capt. Moses Harvey's Comp. Col. David Wells Regt. from May 10. to July 10, 1777 2 mos. 10 days, trnd included, as private Also on pay roll of Capt Oliver Shattuck's Comp. Col. Barnabas Sears Regt. from July 12. to Nov. 8. 1781. 3 mos. 2 days, as private.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
A. D. Will Secretary of the Commonwealth.

State of Massachusetts County of Suffolk
I Sally Gould having been duly sworn, depose and say, that I am the Widow of Sam Gould who was a Revolutionary soldier, — that he is believed to have enlisted at or near Boston that the names of some of his officers are believed to have been Capt. Harvey, Tucker, Sheldon, Matthews that he is believed to have been in the battles of
that
he is supposed to have served for
and that I pray to receive from the Secretary of State a certificate from the rolls in his office of the service of the said soldier.
through Horatio Woodman of Boston - Mass.
Sally Gould
Subscribed and duly sworn to before me this twenty first day of February A.D. 1856
Silas B. Hahn } Justice of the Peace.

Rev.
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 2542
Sally Gould Widow
Asa Gould Br. Rev. War
Act: Feb. 23, 1853
Index:—Vol. A , Page 278
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Rev. S. B. May
Box 10

✓ 17.878
S West Amns

No 117,318
Addit. Evid. in case of Sally Bond
Permit
Commissioner of Pensions Washington
J. C.
Sally Bond with Asa
117318

ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS.
PENSION OFFICE,
January 17 th
1856.
Sir :
The claim of Sally Gould , for bounty land under the act of the 3d March, 1855, No. 117,318, has been examined and suspended.
The revolutionary service of Asa Gould , the husband of the applicant, does not appear of record in this office.
The 3d section of said act requires a service of "FOURTEEN DAYS" to be established by "RECORD EVIDENCE." therefore, no claim will be favorably considered.
IT SHOULD BE OBSERVED, that the recorded action of this office, admitting a revolutionary soldier to the list of pensioners upon parole proof, is not considered "record evidence" of service within the meaning of the act aforesaid. In all applications for bounty land under this act, the papers of the soldiers, or their widows, who have applied for or received pensions, as well as the rolls in this office, are carefully examined for record evidence of service, before this circular is issued.
Respectfully,
J. MINOT, Commissioner.
+ Upn are refered to the Secty. of State of Mass, as the Soloin alleged he served in 77 under Col. Wolittinsong, Capt. Harvey, in spring of 78. under Capt. Tucker, in spring of 80. under Capt. Sheldon & Col. Syman, in 81. served under Capt. Shattuc 16, his service was in Mass. Mil. & State Troops,
Honatio Woodman, Esq., Boston, Mass;

Feb. 21, 1853,
Appel of Gally
Paulo, widow of
3330
Asa,
Suffolk co.,
Mass.
ack 153.
Rev. Charles Bell
Washington
Wadsworth,
Boston,
Mass.
Official
allan d 8/3 100 per annum
Feb 3-1853

The additional declaration of Asa Gould, an applicant for a Pension under the act of June 7. 1832-
The evidence heretofore and now forwarded, appears to himself and to all who have read it, so conclusive , that he cannot deem it necessary to state all the particulars of his services. The first term of service, which he recollected to have been two months, P. Field states to have been three , and Mr. Mayo two or three . He was in the unfortunate retreat under St. Clair, from Tienderoga, and in two or three skirmishes at that time-
His second term of service, if proved, besides his own declaration, by the testimony of William Gould, but said William Gould made a mistake in the year, 1781 instead of 1778. Said William Gould has lately died, and of course the mistake cannot be corrected. James Ball and Thomas Mallard also testify to his services at that time, but their recollection is very imperfect-
On the march from Rutland, Mass. to Canfield, Conn. with "Burgoyne's men," he was one of the rear guard, and believes Capt. Tucker commanded, but this he cannot positively testify-
His third term of service was eight months, as stated in the original declaration. This is proved by the testimony of William Gould and Thomas Mallard. He has named, in the original declaration, a number of officers whom he recollects, besides his Colonel, Lyman-
His fourth term of service was three months, in the spring of 1781. The witness, Phinehas Field, by mistake, has placed it in the year 1780. In my first declaration I made a mistake myself, placing it in 1782, and named Putnam as my Captain, and still think that was his name, but Mr. Field remembers it as Pierce . The names of Putnam and Pierce were common in that part of the country, there being several families of each. I was on what was called the provost guard of prisoners, &c. Remember seeing Col. Greaton, Major Reed and other officers-
His fifth and last term of service was from July to October 1781, in Capt. Shattuck's Company, and, as I now believe, Rice's regiment, as testified by Philip Atwood, who fixed the time as "the last year of the war." Served this term at Saratoga, and near that place, under General Stark, was more than half the time employed in scouting, in which prisoners were sometimes taken. I never happened to be in any engagement, except the skirmishes on St. Clair's retreat from Tienderoga. I am very infirm, and my memory considerably

decayed, but I have the most full distinct and perfect recollection that I served at least twenty two months in the whole, and must have served twenty three months if Phinehas Field's recollection be correct. It will be observed that my witnesses have all suffered by the decay of memory, but they are all men of undoubted veracity, as certified by the Justices.
Asa Gould
Subscribed and sworn to this 8th day of June
A. D. 1833.
Before me.
James Elliot, Justice of the Peace, Windham County, State of Vermont.
I William H. Hodges, a clergyman, now residing in the town of New France in the County of Windham, State of Vermont, do hereby certify, that I am acquainted with Asa Gould, who has subscribed and sworn to the preceding declaration, that I believe him to be seventy years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that I concur in that opinion -
Wm H Hodges
State of Vermont - } Personally appeared Rev. Wm. H. Windham ss - } Hodges, who has subscribed the above June 10th 1833. } and was duly sworn to the truth of the same.
Before me.
James Elliot, Justice of the Peace.
I certify that the above named William H. Hodges is a respectable clergyman of this county, who has till lately resided in the town of Dover, and has lately removed to this town, New France, and is the only clergyman now regularly preaching in this town.
James Elliot, Justice of the Peace.

Asa Goulds Supplementary Declaration June 1833.

State of Vermont
Windham County Court Clerk's Office, New Haven, June 10. A.D. 1833.
I certify that James Elliot is one of the Justices of the Peace within and for the County of Windham aforesaid, and that the preceding (on this sheet) are his signatures. Witness my hand and the Seal of the said Court.
James Elliot, Clerk.

I Joseph Smith of Warwick in the County of Franklin and Commonwealth of Massachusetts do testify and say that the above Gould served two Months with me in the Revolutionary army in the summer of 1777 at Saratoga in Colonel Shubael's Regiment and in a company commanded by Moses Hovey and furthermore this Dependant Saith not Joseph Smith
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Franklin ss. July 30th 1832 Personally appeared the above named Joseph Smith and made solemn oath that the above deposition by him subscribed is true.
Joseph Stevens justice of the peace
Franklin ss. July 30th 1832 I hereby certify that the above named Joseph Smith is a credible witness.
Joseph Stevens justice of the peace
I Thomas Mallard of Warwick in the County of Franklin and Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age do testify and say that I was knowing to the above Gould enlisting into the army in the summer of 1777 for two Months and of his returning home and I have always understood and very likely believe that he served six Months at Rutland Massachusetts also that he served eight Months at West Point I then belonged to the regular army and he to the Militia and I frequently saw him there in the year 1780 he also enlisted and served three Months in the same company with me at Saratoga in the year 1781 and furthermore this deponent Saith not
Thomas Mallard
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Franklin ss. July 30th 1832 Personally appeared the above named Thomas Mallard and made solemn oath that the above deposition by him subscribed is true.
Joseph Stevens justice of the peace
Franklin ss. July 30th 1832 I hereby certify that the above named Thomas Mallard is a credible witness.
Joseph Stevens justice of the peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Franklin ss. I Elijah Alvord Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts holden within and for the county of Franklin do hereby certify that Joseph Stevens Esq. before whom the several within depositions were verified is a Justice of the Peace for the said county of Franklin and as such duly qualified to administer oaths and take and certify affidavits. And I believe his name subscribed to the several certificates within to his true and proper signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hands and affixed the seal of said court at Greenfield on the thirty first day of July, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
E. Alvord Clerk

I Caleb Mayo of Warwick in the County of Franklin and Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age do testify and say that I was employed by the inhabitants of the town of Warwick to hire and enlist Soldiers for the Revolutionary army that I enlisted Ezra Gould two or three times the first time was in the summer of 1777 which was for two or three months I was knowing to his Marching for Branderburg and I saw him in the army on his return home and furthermore this deponent saith not
Caleb Mayo
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Franklin ss. July 30 D. 1832 Personally appeared the above named Caleb Mayo and made solemn oath that the above deposition by him subscribed is true
Joseph Stevens Justice of the Peace
Franklin ss July 30 D 1832
I hereby certify that Caleb Mayo the above deponent is a credible witness
Joseph Stevens Justice of the Peace
I James Ball of Warwick in the County of Franklin and Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age do testify and say that Ezra Gould was a neighbor of mine I was knowing to his entering and going into the army three different times as I think I saw him in the army at Pulland Mass but do not know how long a time he served and furthermore this deponent saith not
James Ball
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Franklin ss July 30th D. 1832 Personally appeared the above named James Ball and made solemn oath that the above deposition by him subscribed is true
Joseph Stevens Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Franklin ss July 30 D. 1832
I hereby certify that James Ball the above deponent is a credible witness
Joseph Stevens Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, Decemr 5 th 1853
I hereby Certify, That at the dates of the annexed attestations Silas B. Hahn and J. H. Buckingham were Justices of the Peace for the County of Suffolk
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to their acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. W. Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts } Suffolk S.S. }
I Sally Gould, of Boston, in said County and Commonwealth, being duly sworn, depose and say, that I am the Widow of Asa Gould, who was a soldier of the War of the Revolution; - that I have applied, through Horatio Woodman of Boston, for a Pension under the Act of Congress of Feb 3 1853; - that I am informed by a letter from the Pension Office that my declaration declares my marriage with the said Asa Gould to have taken place in 1799, instead of at a later period; - that I made that declaration from memory only, and owing to my age and infirmities my memory is not very good as to dates, although good as to other matters; that my declaration was made before the documentary evidence of my marriage was produced  shown to the Clerk of the Court, and the error which has been detected and corrected; - and I pray that the certificate of my marriage, which I know to be correct, may be taken as giving the true date, without prejudicing the unintentional error in my original declaration.
attest J.B. Hahn
her Sally X Gould mark

Commonwealth of Massachusetts } Suffolk }
I Chauncy Pease, of Boston, in said County Commonwealth, being duly sworn, de- pose and say that I am nearly fifty-five years of age; that I have all my life known Mrs. Sally Gould, widow of Asa Gould, who has opposed through Horatio Woodman for a pension and for whom I have one given an affidavit of identity; that I recollect of knowing my father & mother & others, I spoke of her marriage to the said Asa Gould, at the time it took place, and from circumstan- ces within my own knowledge, and the fact of her being our aunt to me, I know that her marriage must have taken place about 1802; that her memory and all her faculties are good, except, perhaps as to recollecting dates; and that I have full confidence in her integrity and credi- bility; also that I am disinterested.
Chauncy Pease
Subscribed and duly sworn to before me this Second day of December AD 1883. And I certify that I know Chauncy Pease, the above named deponent, to be a respectable & credible witness; also that I have no interest in the prosecution or result of this claim.
J. H. Perkins Boston, Mass.

Subscribed and sworn to before me this fourteenth day of December November A.D. 1853, and I certify that I know the within named Sally Gould to be a person of respectability and credibility, and that I have no interest in the prosecution or results of her claim.
Isaac Hahn
Justice of the Peace

Boston, Sept. 19. 1853.
Sir,
Under the act of February, 1853, I now enclose the application for a pension - of Mrs. Sally Gould, widow of Asa Gould, a Revolutionary pensioner, - whose certificate you will please to make payable at Boston, and to send it to me.
Respy. Yr. Obt. Servt. Neriah Woodman
Hon. S. P. Waldo, Comm. of Pensions. See

No 3330
App'l of Sally Gould of Asa Set to H Woodman Oct 21 1853
Gray

Pension Office Oct. 18. 1853
Sir Please report time of last payment to, or death of, within named pensioner
Respectfully &c F. Burt Esqr 3 Aud of Present
Asa Gould, act 1832 $73.33 p. an. — Died 5 th May 1835, Paid to his death
F. Burt Auditor.

Brief in the case of Sally Gould widow of Asa Suffolk County and State of Massachusetts act of February 3-1853
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband a private in Mass. Co. 22 Mct. & pensioner under act of June 7. 1832 at $73 \frac{33}{100} per annum & paid to his death May 5. 1835
(If for increase.) Allowed $73 \frac{33}{100} per an. to Comm. Feb 3. 1853 Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Marriage proved by public record
Death proved by credible witnesses
Identity & widowhood proved by credible witnesses
Name and residence of Agent
H. Woodman Boston Mass.
Examining Clerk.
J. L. Gray

1 Boston Dec 7. 1853
Sir.
In reply to yours of Dec 21 st respecting the application of Sally, widow of Asa Jones, for a Resignatory Pension, under the Act of Feb 3. 1853, I send you her Explanatory affidavit & that of a reputable person who has always known her. Please give immediate attention to her case.
Respectfully Yours W. Lord
Horatio Woodman
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Asa Gould's Case Mr. Gould's Affidavit.

I William Gould of Newfane in the County of Windham and State of Vermont do Testify and say that he was knowing to of Newfane State & County aforesaid Asa Gould, serving as a Military Man at Ticonderoga two Month in the Revolutionary War in the year 1777 in Capt. Moses Harnett company in the Regiment commanded by Col. Whitcomb. I was further knowing to said Asa Gould serving eight months in the year 1780 at West Point in Capt. Pierce company in the Military man. I was further knowing to said Asa serving six months part of the time at Dorchfield guarding the Military Stores and the commander of the six months at old Rutland Mass. guarding the Prisoners taken with Burgoyne - company commanded by Lieut. Clancy in the year according to my best recollection in the year 1781 and further sayeth not — William Gould
State of Vermont } at Newfane July 21 st 1832 Windham County } personally appeared William Gould the signer of the above affidavit and solemn oath to the truth of the same before me Benj. C. Ormsbee Justice of the Peace
this may certify that I am well acquainted with William Gould and consider him a Man of whose truth and veracity —
Benj. C. Ormsbee Justice of the Peace
State of Vermont - Windham County Court Clerk's Office, New Haven, July 26. 1832. I certify that Benj. Ormsbee Esq. is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, and that the above are his signatures. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of said County Court on the day and year above written — James Elliot, Clerk.

I Phineas Field of Northfield in the county of Franklin & County of Massachusetts, being of lawful age do testify & say, that I served in the militia of Massachusetts during the Revolutionary War. I enlisted into the company of Capt. Pierce of Shutesbury, or New Salem Franklin Co. some time during the summer of the year 1780 (I think it was the latter part of June or the first part of July) Asa Gould then of Warwick but now of Newfane in the county of Windham & state of Vermont enlisted into the same company at the same time with myself, & served three months. I knew the said Asa Gould well at that time & have known him ever since.
Phineas Field
Franklin Co. June 3 d 1833
Then the above named Phineas Field personally appeared & made oath to the truth of the above deposition.
Obadiah Dickinson, Jus: Pac y
June 3 d 1833
Franklin Co.
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Phineas Field & that he is a person of good character for truth & veracity & that I have no doubt of the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed & sworn to.
Obadiah Dickinson, Jus: Pac y
June 3 d 1833

311520 I Samuel Field of Southfield in the County of Franklin & County of Massachusetts being of lawful age do testify & say that I served in the Militia of Mass. during the revolutionary war. I enlisted into the company of Capt. Moses Harvey of Montague in the said County of Franklin about the middle of May A. D. 1777. Asa Gould then of Marwick but now of Newfane in the County of Windham & State of Vermont enlisted into the same company at the same time with myself & served something more than three months (I have  now  think about three weeks more than two months ) I knew him well at that time & have known him ever since. We were stationed at Ticonderoga & left that place when it was evacuated.
Samuel Field
Franklin Co. June 3 d 1833.
Then Samuel Field above named personally appearing made solemn oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed.
Obed Dickinson Jur. Pat.
Franklin Co. June 3 d 1833
Then I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Samuel Field who has subscribed & sworn to the above deposition. That I believe him to be a person of good character for truth & veracity & that I have no doubt of the truth of the above affidavit.
Obed Dickinson Jur. Pat.

I Philip Alwood of Warwick in the county of Franklin and Commonwealth of Massachusetts being of lawful age do testify and say that I served in the Regiment Massachusetts during the Revolutionary war I enlisted into Capt Shattuck Company in the month of August I think in the last year of the war, a Mr Groves was the Lieutenant of the same company in Colonel Rice Regiment and Gould then of Warwick but now of Newfane in the county of Windham and State of Vermont enlisted into the same company at the same time with myself and served three months I know him well at that time and have known him ever since we were stationed at Saratoga
Philip Alwood
Franklin ss June 5th 1833 Then Philip Alwood above named personally appeared and made oaths to the truth of the above deposition before me
Joseph Stevens Just. Peace
Franklin ss June 5th 1833 I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Philip Alwood who has subscribed and sworn to the above deposition that I believe him to be a person of truth. I have no doubt of the truth of the above deposition
Joseph Stevens Justice Peace
I Reverend Smith Jr a clergyman at Warwick in the

Note - Mr. Justice Dickinson ought to have certified that the alterations in Samuel Tilden's for Plead  def affidavits were made before they were  it was sworn to - I have no doubt of the fact - The integrity of Asa Gould is beyond suspicion.
Ja. Elliot.
I Preserved Smith Jr. a Clergyman residing in the town of Warwick in the County of Franklin & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, hereby certify that I was formerly well acquainted with Capt Asa Gould, now residing in the town of Newfane State of Vermont, that I believe him to be seventy one years of age; that he is reputed in this town where he formerly resided to have been a Soldier of the Revolution, and that I concur in that opinion.
Preserved Smith Jr.
Franklin J o June 5 th 1833.
Then the above named Preserved Smith Jr personally appeared and made oath to the truth of the above Certificate.
For Pl. Steers Justice Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Franklin ss. I Elijah Atwood Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts do hereby certify that Obadiah Dickinson Esq. before whom the annexed affidavits of Phinehas Field and Samuel Field purport to have been made and sworn to that Joseph Stevens Esq. before whom the annexed affidavit of Philip Atwood purports to have been made and sworn to; and that before whom the annexed certificate of Preserved Smith purports to have been sworn to; are severally Justices of the Peace for said county of Franklin and the names of the said Obadiah Dickinson Esq. and Joseph Stephens Stevens Esq., to the several certificates, subjoined to the said affidavits, subscribed, appear to me to be their genuine signatures.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at Greenfield, this sixth day of June A.D. 1833.
E. Atwood Clerk