Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 4,556, Recompence Hand, New Jersey Sea Service

SERVICE
SERVICE New Jersey Sea Service Hand Recompence or Remembrance
NUMBER _____
R. 4556
CONTENTS

88,340
Recompence Hand
[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]

City of Philadelphia } So.  State of Pennsylvania }
On this 26. day of Septem r 1835. Personally appeared in Open Court, before the Court of Common Pleas now sitting. Reompence Hand a native citizen and resident of Cape May New Jersey; aged seventy two years in the month of January next. Who being first duly sworn according to Law; Doth. on his Oath make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7 th 1832.
I entered the service of my country, when turned of 18 years of age, on board a Gunboat called the State Boat, of New Jersey. some time in March or April in the year 1782. Built and fitted out by the State, expressly to guard the coast and river Delaware against the enemy; British and refuge boats, who were often committing depredations along the sea board, she carried Twenty two men, rowed twenty two Oars. her armament was one Cannon in the bow (I believe a four pounder). Four Swivels, Two Howitzers a full complement of Muskets, one blunderbus - Cutlasses, Pistols and boarding pikes. We cruized up the Delaware as high as Bombahook, when on the coast as far East as Shrewsbury Inlet, near this inlet, we took a Schooner loaded with corn, on her way to N. York to the enemy: carried her into Tom's River, where she was disposed of, agreeably to the Laws of New Jersey. some time after, we took a fishing boat belonging to New York brought her round to Middle Township, where she was sold agreeable to law by the proper Officer. our next cruise we see in with Two or three Refuge boats, had a few shot with them and found we should have no chance with such superior force, we got into the Thorough and arrived at Egg Harbour, so passed through the sound and arrived at Head Quarter at Jonathan Lehman's Salt-works, here we rested. served out this season when the boat was laid up for the winter. In the spring of 1783. I entered on board the same Boat same Capt. & Lieut. and generally the same men - shortly after while we were cruising in the Delaware we saw, The Flydally: Capt. Barney bring his ship in to action with the Genl. Monk but, the smoke was so thick our sight was impeded, and in a few minutes both vessels appeared in view, the prize was sent up the river. Shortly after, we retook two vessels a Sloop and a Schooner from the refugees who had captured them from the owners, in the state of Delaware, loaded with lumber. we sent the prisoners to prison and the vessels returned to the owners. They pay- ing a certain salvage according to law. our Capt. was Elijah Hand. Lieut. John Teel. Chief Gunner Alexander Ballard. 2 nd Gunner John Daniels. Served this year until the war finally closed and was verbally discharged as all the rest of the hand were by the Capt. for these two seasons, I was constantly engaged in the service of my country. have never received any pension from the State or united States. while engaged in the service as above described, was not engaged in any civil pursuit. I hereby relinquish all claim to any pension except the one under the act of June 7 th 1832. The reason of my wish to be inscribed Sworn and subscribed on the Pennsylvania agency is, that it will save me the day and year aforesaid } one hundred and twenty miles a year, beside expense. In Open Court. —
H. A. ...
Recompence Hand

City of Philadelphia } State of Pennsylvania } ss. —
Personally appeared in Open Court before the Court of Common Pleas now sitting. Jeremiah Hand, who being duly sworn according to Law Doth on his oath declare and say, that he is well acquainted with Recompence Hand the within applicant for a pension, that I was with him engaged in the same service on board the same boat, called the state boat of New Jersey, in the years of 1782 and 1783 until the conclusion of the war. That his statement is true in every part, to the best of my knowledge & belief.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid In Open Court. —
his Jeremiah Hand. Mark. —
Richd. Randall Clerk
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 within named applicant, was in the Revolutionary War and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Jeremiah Hand, who has signed the preceding certificate is a resident of the County of Cape May New Jersey, and is a credible person, and that his statement is entitled to Credit.
Edw. Ferry
Richd. Randall
Interrogatories.
ROBERT WALL
 1 Where and in what year were you Born? { Born in Cape May County, N Jersey, in the year 1764.  2 Have you any record of your age, if so where is it? { Record lost and worn out, but remember from year to year.  3 Where were you living when you entered the service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war and where do you now live? { In Cape May County N Jersey, have lived there since the Revolutionary war and live there now when at home. —  4 How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute and if a substitute, for whom? { Entered a volunteer both seasons, on board the Jersey State Boat 1782 & 1783, and served a volunteer until all fighting ceased.  5 State the names of the officers on board under whom you served. { our Capt was Elijah Hand. Lieut. John Teel first Gunner Alexander Barron 2nd J. Daniels who commanded both seasons. —  6 Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, if so what has become of it? { discharged each season by the Capt. verbally.  7 State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighbourhood who can testify as to your character for veracity and the belief of your services as within stated {
      Ezekiel Stevens. Judge of the Court Richd. Thompson. Member of Legislature N J Jeremiah Leaming de Legislative Councillor Jos. Fifer Esq. Postmaster Matthew Macey Esq. Justice of the Peace Jacob G Smith Judge & Justice Capt. Humphrey Hughes Capt. of the Light Boat. — James Holmes David Townsend Clerk 

I Richard Palmer Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas Do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the Original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the Application of Recompence Board for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of the office, this 19 day of September November A.D. 1835
(Signature) R. Palmer Clerk
Cape May Court House September 8 th 1835.
Joseph Butler Esquire
Sir
I have looked over the Old Books of John Holmes, for the purpose of finding the charges for Money paid out to Jer t Hand and Recompence Hand - all that I can find on his Book in regard of the charges, is when he (John Holmes) has paid to Elijah Hand for Jer t and Recompence Hand for two months pay at the rate of 2 £ 11 S. 8 P. per month - the charge is under date of October 5 th 1782 - there is also other charges for provision, charged against the Boat without giving her name - I have spent nearly a day in looking over old Books, which has been laid by for many years in hopes of finding the general charge, that would benefit my old worthy friends of the Revolution and enable them through your assistance to draw their pensions from the General Government. I have sent a statement of what I have found to James Holmes to enable him to make Oath to the Year and the this appear to be the difficulty I understand, which I think Mr. Holmes will be able to get over by examining the statement I have sent to Mr. Marcy from the Book of John Holmes - Inform my old friend Jeremiah and Recompence, that any thing which I can do to benefit them, I stand with Open Arms to do so. Very Respectfully Richd. Hopkins

REJECTED
4056
R. O. Recompence, or Remembrance Service: Hard
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Con
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 1

Eli Elmer Pay-master to the militia of Cumberland and Cape May to Nov r 1. 1782.
1782 Nov. 1. By cash paid Capt. Allen Hand & Keen for themselves Companies as per Abstract & Rolls N o 1 to 6. $417. " " "
Eli Elmer Pay-master to the militia of the Counties of Cumberland and Cape May in Specie Continued from Nov r 1. 1782 to May 1. 1783
  1782  Augt. 1.  By cash p d Capt. Hand & Co. p d Roll Receipts N o 1.  £68. 14. 4     Sept. 1.  " " p d " " " " N o 2.  68. 14. 4     Oct. 1.  " " p d " " " " N o 3.  56. 10. "     Nov. 1.  " " p d " " " " N o 4.  40. 16. 8    1784  May 1  " " paid the Boatmen as per abstract & Rolls N o 1 to 16.  291. 3. 7  
State of New Jersey ss
I, James D. Westcott Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey, do hereby certify that the foregoing are true extracts of certain accounts of Eli Elmer Pay-master to the militia of Cumberland & Cape May, as contained in Book A of Auditor's accounts during the Revolutionary War, folios 232 & 240 now remaining in my office
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at the City of Trenton in said

State, this first day of October Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine. (1839)
James D. North

1782 August 10.
David Parvin Dr. To
John S. Hampton
(Here follows the bill for medicines and attendance amounting to £ 2. 18. 0.)
This may certify that David Parvin when this bill was commenced against him was in the Boat Service under the command of Nicholus Keen Cpt.
Oct. 14 th 1782.
Charles Allen Cpt.
Cumberland State of New Jersey
October 15 th 1782 Personally appeared before the subscri- ber one of the Justices of the Peace for said County John S. Hampton Surgeon and being duly sworn deposed and saith that the within account is just and true and that he has not received any part or parcel thereof and further saith not.
Sworn the day and year above written before me Ephraim Harris
John S. Hampton
Endorsed "Dr. John S. Hampton acct. Exam d & allowed"
State of New Jersey ss.
I James D. Westcott Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true extract from an ancient paper relating to the Revolutionary war, endorsed "Dr. John S. Hamp- ton acct. Exam d & allowed", now remain- ing on file in my Office.

In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at the city of Trenton in said State, this ninth day of October Anno Domini One thousand eight hundred and thirty-nine. (1839)
James D. Westcott

An Act authorising the Governor to grant commissions for Guard-Boats and coasting vessels.
Whereas great advantages may be derived by this State from Guard-Boats and coasting vessels under proper regulations and commanded by suitable officers: Therefore,
Be it enacted by the Council and General Assembly of this State and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same that it shall and may be lawful for his excellency the Governor or commander in chief of this State for the time being to grant to such and so many persons of good reputation as he may judge proper and necessary Commissions for commanding armed Boats or other vessels of war taking a bond of the person so commissioned in the penalty of five thousand dollars with at least one good and sufficient surety in this State as security for the faithful observation of the following instructions, to wit:
State of New Jersey ss.
James D. Westcott Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true extract from a Law of said State, passed the twenty seventh of June Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and eightyone. entitled An Act authorising the Governor to grant Commissions for Guard-Boats and coasting vessels" as taken from and compared with

the original now remaining on file in my office.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hands and affixed my seal of office at the City of Trenton in said State, this first day of October Anno Domini One thousand eight hundred and thirty-nine. (1839)
James D. Medcalf

Account of cash paid to the Companies of Boatmen stationed on the frontiers of Cumberland and Cape-May under the command of Capt. Charles Allen and Capt. Nicholas Keen by Eli Elmer Pay-master from the time of rendering his last account to the 30 th of April 1784.
1783 March 2 d 1 Paid the amount of Capt. Allen's Roll numbered 1 for the month of May as per rec d thereon and inclosed. £ 72: 15: 0 " 2. Paid the amount of Capt. Keen's Roll N o 2. for May except James Simpson's pay as per do to 61: 9: 0
State of New Jersey ss.
I James D. Westcott Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true extract of an ancient paper relating to the Revolutionary War, endorsed "Acc t of cash paid Boatmen Eli Elmer," now remaining on file in my office.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at the City of Trenton in said State, this first day of October Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine. [1839]
James D. Westcott

To J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions
Philadelphia November 1835.
Sir. The applications of Recompence and Jeremiach Hoards were presented to the Court in session and qualified to their declarations but owing to the want of such proof as has since been taken in the County where they live and not since they have returned home. &c. — I have now to the full satisfaction of the Judges obtained their sanction and signatures. — these two men have each a Daughter married who lives in this City. and as they visit them once or twice a year. prefer having what they may be entitled to paid in the City of Philada as it will save them the distance from this City twice a year to Trenton and back which will be 120 miles. — In looking over the names of those who recommend them, as true, upright, men, you will please to observe some of the most respectable characters in the County or State. To wit. Ezekiel Stevens Esq. one of the Judges of the Court. Richard Thompson member of the Legislature N. J. Jeremiach Leaming, member of Council. Joseph Diefels, Postmaster. Mathews Marcy Justice of the peace. Jacob G. Smith Judge and Justice. Murnphrey Hughes Capt. of the Light-boat. I likewise inclose you a letter from Richard Thompson Esq. son in law to a Mr. John Holmes. This will show as far as it goes, that there was Books and Accounts kept by Mr. Holmes against the Boat and Bark, on wages paid the Captain Elijah Rand, for the men, while in the service under him. &c. — all these facts are offered in support of their claims, hope they will be sufficient to fix them at a rate of pension, that will assist them in their old age — the third person named in the recommendation. To wit. Henry Isard. — was to have come up with the two Ward's but was taken ill with Rheumatism complaints and fits — that has kept him confined to his Bed ever since. with the highest respect.
Remain your Hum. Servt. Joseph Butler
P.S. You will observe an omission in the Certificate of Isard, before the Justice of the peace not being signed by him, which must be owing to his situation being confined to his bed at the time and since J.B.

J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of pensions.
Philadelphia Oct. 10 th 1838.
Sir. I herein inclose such additional evidence as have come to hand; in the case of Recompence Hand & Jeremiiah Hand: Two aged men. who's declarations are filed in office sometime ago: hope the same will prove sufficient, to satisfy the department as to the justice of their claims. as you have heretofore granted pensions to four persons living in New Jersey, they pray you will suffer them to obtain, what (if any thing) may be allowed in this city. — as each of them has a daughter married and living in this place; where they make their homes a considerable part of their time. if otherwise should be the case they must be satisfied, to be inscribed in New Jersey, altho, it would make 120. miles more traveling and some, three, or four dollars expence: Any further information that can be had, shall be forwarded on my receiving the same. —
Respectfully Your Hon. Servt. Joseph Butler

Philadelphia Oct r 8 th 1839
J. S. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions
Sir, agreeable to your last letter, on the subject of the application to the two Hards - "Recompence & Jeremiad." I have received the enclosed from the Secretary of States Office, Trenton N. Jersey. Mr. J. D. Westcott, informs me that there are many loose act s which shall be looked for, and anything when found, shall be sent me, should there be insufficient.
With the highest respect, remain your
Hum l Serv t Joseph Bullen

J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions. Pension Office.
Washington D.C.

A. R. Keasbey, Aug. 6/53.

Pension Office Aug 6 1853
Sir
Recompence Ward of N I claimed to have rendered service as a Coast- Guard. on the Delaware River, His case has not been allowed because he failed to show either the nature or duration of his service,
A I Kearney Esq Newark N J

N 33340
New Jersey
Suspended
Recompence Hand
not found act to Joseph Butler 26 Nov 1835
 Don W. V. Shinn 22 Feb 1836  see previous Hand R 4554  " to Joseph Butler, June 14, 1839  " to same 15 Nov 1839  " to same 20 March 1843  " A. D. Keasbey, Aug 6 1853 
4556
1832

Feb 10 '43.
H pa
R & J Hand
J. E. Owens Esq. Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.

To James L. Edwards Esq r Commissioner of Pensions—
Phila d a February 6 th 1843.
Sir—
Permit me to call your attention to the case of an application for pensions, for Recompence Hannah and Jeremiah Heard residents of Cape May County, State of New Jersey, in September 1835. The first aged 72. Jeremiah aged 71. These men were attached to two Jersey Boats, built expressly by the state for the guarding the Delaware and coast—did great service. The proof on their declarations, being not sufficient you recommended me to make application to the records of New Jersey at Trenton which, I did, procured copies of all the records, sent them on to you & the last of which, proved to you that they could not be allowed pensions from the U. States the purport of which, was, that the Captains were obliged to give security for their fulfilling their engagements. You then closed the application, by assuring me that if those persons so employed had been taken prisoners, would have stood a chance of being hung as pirates. Now Sir, these poor men, who are still living, have instructed me, to solicit you to return to me, all the papers appertaining to the case as the state of N Jersey have lately taken up such claims and will allow them pensions. which they have by especial acts done, last and this year. The Legislature will rise next wednesday week. Therefore, if not inconsistent with your rules shall be much obliged, if you will cause all their papers to be sent to me for which I will acknowledge the receipt in any manner you shall point out all which, will be acted on in due form, for their benefit, if in time before the Assembly adjourn. please, if in your power, give me a copy of the last letter on the subject, which I cannot this moment lay my hand on—
Remain Your obliged & very Hum l Serv t . Joseph Butler agent n o . 165. N. 13 th Street Phila d a .

State of New Jersey County of Cape May
We the Subscribers, Citizens, and natives of the County of Cape May in the state of New Jersey; Do hereby declare That we are well acquainted with Joseph Edwards, a resident of the county aforesaid, aged (as is said) 80 years past; We know him to be a Sober, Honest, upright, worthy Citizen, of unblemished character; A man of sound memory; and believe him to be a man of the strictest veracity. To all which, we cheerfully subscribe our names.
September, 1838:
Robt. H. Hobbes William L. Hites Humphrey Leaming Aaron H. and J. J. Johnson Samuel Matthews Elijah Lawrence Jacob G. Smith H. H. Leaming James J. Adlam Jeremiah Leaming Joseph Falkinburg Swain Townsend

State of New Jersey } ss. County of Cape May }
be it known that On the 2 day of October 1838. Personally appeared Before me, Matthew Marcy One of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Cape May. Henry Izard, a Resident of said County aged 77 years. Who being duly sworn according to law; upon his Oath declare and say, that he well remembers, that during the war of the Revolution, there were boats built, prepared, fitted out, armed and manned by order of the State of New Jersey, especially for the purpose of protecting the trade of the Delaware, Bay and coast of New Jersey, which was much annoyed by the Enemy from New York, as well, the Refugees from different parts. That he was a hand himself on board the Boat called the New Jersey, Armament: one small canon, in the Bow. Four swivels, Two Howitzers, with a full com- plement of, Muskets, boarding-pikes, cutlasses &c. Complement of men, Sixteen to Twenty two, and under command of Capt. Elijah Hand John Teal Lieut. — was engaged in the service on board said Boat Six — Months, wages per Month and provisioned by the state. Remembers and knows Reconcilence and Jeremiah Hand, engaged in and on board said boat, at the time, I think for two seasons. — Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. — }
Henry Izard
Before me Matthew Marcy
Swain Townsend Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Cape May State of New Jersey do hereby Certify, that Matthew Marcy who hath subscribed his name above is a Justice of the peace and Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County and to whose official acts as such full credence and authority should be Given
In testimony whereof I hereunto Set my Hand and Seal of said Court this third day of October AD 1838.
Swain Townsend Clerk
1838 77 1761

This to certify that Joseph Edwards of the county of Cape May upper Towns his did make oath before me Peter Larson one of the Justices of the peace that he the said Joseph Edwards knew the State Bottle New Jersey Capt Elijah Hand and was employed by State and he further sayeth that John Holmes and Joseph Hand was employed by the States to Build the said New Jersey and he said Joseph Edwards is Eighty years at the time of taking this affidavit where unto he the said Edwards has affixed hand and seal
Joseph Edwards
Sworn and subscribed Before me Peter Larson Justice of the peace September the 14 th day 1838
I Swain Townsend Clerk of the court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Cape May in the State of New Jersey
Do hereby certify that the above
named Peter Larson is and was at the time of subscribing his name above a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County and to whose official acts as such full credence should be given In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand & affix the Seal of said court
Sept 18 th A.D. 1838. Swain Townsend Clerk

State of New Jersey Cape May county ss. Personally appeared before me the subscriber one of the Judges of the court of common pleas in and for said county James Holmes who being duly qualified according to law does on his oath declare and say, that, during the war of the revolution, there was a Boat prepared fitted out and maned by order of the state of New Jersey to cruise and protect the trade of the Delaware then ravaged by the enemy from New York and the Refugees from different parts Said Boat was called by and known as the New Jersey Boat maned by about Twenty two hands with armament on board for the protection of said Delaware coast and the inhabitants around the sea board
Sworn and subscribed to this 4 th day of February 1837
James Holmes
Before me
Matthew Marey Judge of the court of common pleas
I Swain Townsend clerk of the court of common pleas in the county of Cape May do hereby certify that Matthew Marey before whom the above affidavit was taken is a Judge of said court duly commissioned and to whom full credit is, and ought to be given
Given under my hand and seal of said court this seventh day of August AD 1837.
Swain Townsend clerk.

Jeremiah B. Reams June 17 bands papers to be attached to their Declarations on file Pension Office

State of New Jersey Cape May County Personally appeared before the undersigned one of the Judges of the court of common pleas in and for said county
John Stites who being duly qualified according to Law does on his oath declare and say, that during the war of the revolution there was a boat prepared fitted out and manned by order of the State of New Jersey to cruise and protect the trade of the Delaware, then ravaged by the enemy from New York and the Refugees from different parts of said Boat was fitted up by and known as the New Jersey manned by about 23 hands with armament on board for the protection of said Delaware coast and inhauntants of the sea board
John Stites
Sworn and subscribed
to this 4 th day of August
1837 before me Matthew Macey Judge of the court of common pleas
I Eliza Townsend Clerk of the court of common Pleas in the county of Cape May do hereby certify that Matthew Macey before whom the above affidavit was taken is a Judge of said court duly commissioned and to whom full credit is and ought to be given
Given under my hand and seal of said court this seventh day of August
AD 1837
Eliza Townsend Clerk

May 25/33
Resig.
Inst. case
Recompense n
Remembrance Stand lee
Resig.
A. D. Keasbey Newark N.J.

A. D. Heasbey, Attorney & Counsellor at Law, Solicitor and Master in Chancery, NEWARK, N. J. Office 281 Broad-st.
Newark N.J. May 23/53
Dear Sir
Will you be kind enough to give me some information concerning a claim for a Revolutionary Pension made some time ago by Recompence (or Remembrance) Hand of Cape May County New Jersey, and for some reason rejected or suspended.
The old soldier is lately dead and I have been applied to by his heirs.
And I desire to know for what reasons the claim was disallowed and in what situation it now is.
Any information which may aid me in the matter, will oblige
Your Obedt Servt
A. D. Heasbey

Oct 12
pa add proof Jae: Hand Recompense Hand
Commissioner of Pensions
J. S. E. [Signature]
Pension Office
Washington D.C.

J L Edwards Esq r Commissioner of Pensions
Philad a Oct. 10 th 1839
Sir. Enclosed you will receive an act. pertaining to the claim and application of Jeremiah and Recompence Heard for pension. agreeably to the Secretarys promise has remitted me enclosed, which I will be conclusive evidence of what seemed required to fully prove their service. — and of the Boats belonging to the State of N. Jersey &c —
Respectfully Your Hon ble Serv t Joseph Butler