Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 14,902, Nathaniel Hempsted, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Hempsted Nathaniel
W. 14,902
Hemstead
Elizabeth
CONTENTS

11. 403.
Laurens Van Kleeck Jny 31 1853
New York City Elizabeth Hempstead decd. widow of Nathanial Hempstead who died on the 8 July 1834 of in the State of who was a Priv. in the Arty, commanded by Captain of the commanded by Conn. in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll of New York City at the rate of 27 Dollars 50 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. Vno 13 Dec. 1838
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 day of Oct. 1852 and sent to Laurence Van Kleeck Arrears to the 4th of New York Custom H Semi-annual allowance ending New York
Revolutionary Claim, Act July 7, 1838. A. M. Kane Clerk. Recorded by Book Vol. 1 Page 173

33. 070
New York
City
Nathaniel Hamstead decd.
of R. V. S. of Col. in the State of who was a in the commanded by Captain of the commanded by in the line for Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll of N.Y. City at the rate of 27 Dollars 50 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. Ends 8 July 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 day of Oct. 1852 and sent to - Lawrence Van Klief Arrears to the 4th of N.Y. Custom H. Semi-annual allowance ending N.Y.
Recorded by R. M. Mac Clerk, Book E 2 Vol. 4 Page 33 { Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }

Family Record.
Nathaniel Hemsted was Born Feb y 7. 1753 at New London State of Connecticut & married to Elisabeth Manwaring of Mount Hill in said State my wife was born Sept. 26-1755 we were married August 26-1777
Nathaniel Hemsted removed from New London to Brooklyn State of New York November 25. 1790 I Landed with my family the above day
Elisabeth our first Child was born of a Saturday 3/4 past 10 o'clock after Nov m 7. 1778 & Died Sept. 28. half past 11 o'clock at Night 1796 at Brooklyn State of New York
Nathaniel our second Child was Born Sept. 2. 1780 Saturday about 7 O'clock In the morning
Anna our third Child born may 2 - 1781 1782 Sunday 6 O'clock in morn.
Christopher Manwaring our fourth Child born April 17 - 1783 Wednesday morning about 40 minutes past four O'clock - 1783
Hannah our fifth Child born April 13 - 1784 1785 Friday past two in morn.
all the above Children born at New London & baptised by Henry Channing minister of the first Presbyterian Church in S d New London

Before CHRIST 397.
Or, fraud.
zech. 11.
Gen. 11. Heb. copy out.
Heb. empt.
14. p. 17.
Before CHRIST 397.
† Heb. are built e Psalm 95. 9.
‡ Or, special treasure.
a Luke 1. 79.
b Exod. 20. 3.
c Matth. 11. 14. Mark 9. 11. Luke 1. 17.
5 And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that ‖ oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right , and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.
6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
7 ¶ Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them . Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?
8 ¶ Will a man rob God? yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.
10 Bring ye all the tithes into the store-house, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the c windows of heaven, and † pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it .
11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not † destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.
12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts.
13 ¶ d Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD: yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee?
14 Ye have said, It is vain to serve God; and what profit is it that we have kept † his ordinance, and that we have walked † mournfully before the LORD of hosts?
15 And now we call the proud happy; yea, they
that work wickedness † are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.
16 ¶ Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another; and the LORD hearkened and heard it : and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.
17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my ‖ jewels; and I will spare them as a man spareth his own son that serveth him .
18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God, and him that serveth him not.
CHAP. IV.
1 God's judgment on the wicked, 2 and his blessing on the good. 4 He exhorteth to the study of the law, 5 and telleth of Elijah's coming and office.
F OR, behold, the day cometh that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.
2 ¶ But unto you that fear my name shall the a Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.
3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet, in the day that I shall do this , saith the LORD of hosts.
4 ¶ Remember ye the b law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.
5 ¶ Behold, I will send you c Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:
6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

31205
Nathaniel Hempstead
43

United States State of New York
On the Seventeenth day of May in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty four Personally appeared in Open Court before the Municipal Court in the City of Brooklyn ————— now sitting Nathaniel Hempsted a resident of the village of Brooklyn in the County of Kings and State of New York of the age of Eighty years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832.
He said Nathaniel Hempsted being duly sworn as aforesaid doth upon his oath declare that from a memorandum taken from his father's bible and which he believes to be correct he was born in the month of February in the year 1753 at New London in the State of Connecticut That in March 1776 while residing in the town of New London he enlisted as third sergeant for nine months in a Matross Company commanded by Captain Nathaniel Saltonstall Colonel Wolcott and was stationed at Forts Mumball and Griswold, his commission as third sergeant as aforesaid is herunto annexed.
After the expiration of his term of enlistment he was honorably discharged verbally.
Applicant is unable to go to Connecticut to ascertain whether there are any of his comrades now living by whom he could prove this service — during the period of service above mentioned the enemy lay in Rhode Island and the whole force was in requisition.

to be drafted for an intended expedition to dislodge them but the project was ultimately abandoned
Some time after thinks it was the year afterwards applicant was drafted in the militia under Captain Hempstead as he believes and served at Forts Trumbull and Griswold for six months and was honorably discharged. Colonel Sedgwick had command who was killed in the action at New London soon after he was discharged from his last service.
In the next year he thinks but is not certain applicant was again drafted under Captain Davis for the same service at the forts above named which were still commanded by Colonel Sedgwick and served six months and was honorably discharged.
Some time thereafter perhaps the next year he was again drafted under Captain Dixon for the same service at the above Forts still commanded by Colonel Sedgwick and regularly performed his duty thereat for six months and was honorably discharged.
Deponent's memory is greatly impaired by age and he is unwilling to trust it as to dates but well knows that the above terms of service were rendered by him in the manner above recited under the officers and at the places above mentioned.
The only evidence which his distance from the scenes of his service and the residence of his surviving comrades enables him to offer to the Department is that of his wife hereto annexed.
In all his services he was Sergeant
He hereby relinquishes every claim to a

pension or annuity except the present and he declared that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State. As to the Interrogatories to be propounded to said applicant for a pension under said act by order of the War Department. Applicant states
First. That he was born in New London State of Connecticut in the month of February 1753
Second. Has some of the leaves of an old Family Bible on which his age is recorded
Third. When called into service he lived at New London aforesaid. and now lives in Brooklyn
Fourth. Applicant in his first period of service entered as a volunteer and was subsequently drafted into the service.
Fifth. Captain Saltonstall, Lieutenant Coit, Colonel Wolcott, Captain Davis and Captain Hempstead
Sixth. Applicant received his commission from Colonel Erastus Wolcott which is annexed.
Seventh. The names of Persons who will testify to applicant's character for veracity and truth are Joshua Sands and James Hamilton Esqrs.
Nathaniel Hempstead
Sworn and Subscribed this day and Year aforesaid.

And the said Court Do hereby declare their Opinion that the above named Nathaniel Hempstead was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states.
I Henry Shee Clerk of the Municipal Court in the City of Brooklyn in the County of Kings and State of New York do hereby certify That the foregoing contains the Original pro- ceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Nathaniel Hempstead for a pension In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and affixed the Seal of said Court this Seventeenth day of May in the Year of our Lord one Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty Four
H. Shee Clerk

Hannah Powers decoration &

State of New York
County of Kings
Be it known, that before Englebert Lott a Justice of the Peace in and for the said county, personally appeared Hannah Powers who being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say, that she is the child of Eliza both Hempstead deceased, widow of Nathaniel Hempstead (who was an officer  soldier in the War of the Revolution,) and a pensioner of the United States at the rate of $  per annum, that she now makes this declaration to recover any income and pension, that may be due, on account of the services of Nathaniel Hempstead as aforesaid, for the benefit of herself only surviving child under any acts or resolutions of Congress applicable to the case.
Sworn and subscribed this 13 th day of July 1852, before me, Hannah Powers
Englebert Lott Justice of the Peace.
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, That I Hannah Powers only surviving child of Eliza both Hempstead deceased, widow of Nathaniel Hempstead (who was an officer  soldier in the War of the Revolution,) do hereby constitute and appoint   Leah Lott of New York    Washington City, D.C. , my true and lawful attorney for me, and in my name to prosecute my claim to any income and pension that may be found due on account of the services of said Nathaniel Hempstead as aforesaid; and I hereby authorize my said attorney to examine all papers and documents touching my claim, on file in the departments at Washington or elsewhere, and file any additional evidence or arguments he may think proper, to ensure the recovery of the same.
Witness my hand and seal this 13 day of July A. D. 1852 Signed and sealed in the presence of
WITNESS, Englebert Lott
Hannah Powers {L.S.}
WITNESS, Geo. Perkins
State of New York
County of Kings
On this 13 day of July A. D. 1852, before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, personally appeared Hannah Powers and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be her act and deed. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year last above mentioned.
Englebert Lott Justice of the Peace.
State of New York
County of Kings
Be it known, that on the 13 th day of July A. D. 1852, before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, personally appeared D. Nelson A. Garrison and William Powers Esq r two disinterested and respectable witness, and made oath according to law, that they were well acquainted with Elizabeth Hempstead deceased, widow of Nathaniel Hempstead (who was an officer  soldier in the Revolutionary War,) and that Hannah Hempstead, now Hannah Powers is her only surviving child . And that she the said Elizabeth Hempstead departed this life on the 3 rd day of December - A. D. 1838
Sworn and subscribed the day and year last above mentioned, before me,
Englebert Lott
N. A. Garrison William Powers
Justice of the Peace.
I  clerk of  Court in the County of  and State of  do hereby certify that  before whom the foregoing papers were executed, was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly authorized by law to administer oaths; and his name thereunto subscribed is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal this  day of  A. D. 185 

information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
Nathaniel Humpstead W.F. 14902
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   Pensioned Humpstead   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Mar. 1776 9 mos. 3rd Sgt. Nathaniel Saltonstall General Wolcott Conn.   1777 6 mos. " Humpstead Ledyard   1778 6 mos. " Davis Ledyard   1779 6 mos. " Dishon Ledyard  
Battles engaged in, _____  Residence of soldier at enlistment, New London Conn.  Date of application for pension, May 17 1834. The cl. was at  Residence at date of application, Brooklyn Kings Co. N.Y.  Age at date of application, born Feb 7 1753 at New London Conn. died July 8 1834
Remarks: _____  Soldier married Aug 26 1777 Elizabeth Mansaring of Montville Conn. who was born Sept 26 1755 - died Dec 3 1838. Children: Elizabeth b. Nov 7 1778 d. Sept 28 1796. Nathaniel b. Sept 2 1780. Anna b. May 2 1784. Christopher Mansaring b. Apr 17 1787. Hannah b. Apr 13 1799 (Elizble). In 1834 Hannah who was then widow of George Powers, was the only surviving child. Very respectfully, Grand children are referred to, no names stated.
not sent

Conn.
Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 14902
Elizabeth Hempsted Widow of Nathaniel Hempsted Lieut Rev War
Act: July 12th 38
Index:—Vol. a , Page 326
[Arrangement of 1870.]

New York (City) Agency
Nathaniel Hempstead, do also was a priest & Deputy of Stillley.
On 1st of June 7, 1832.
3 mo pri. q. Ant. $12:50
3 mo. Supt. 15:00
$27:50
ca March 4, 1831,
Tues. July 8. 1834,
when he died.
Pay all to Hannah Pomeroy only child, &c.
Laurence Van Kleek,
New York
Canton House
N. York

No. 14.754 New York (City) Agency
No. 14.754 Elizabeth Homestead, de- cedent of Nathaniel, who was a pupil & Seymour of Astoria,
See No. 14.754 3 mo. pupil & 3 mo. Seym. $27.50.
born March 4. 1836, died Dec. 3 rd 1838, when she died.
Payable to Hannah Powers, widow & Lawrence Van Kleek, New York Custom House. New York City

W. 14902.
Not identical with
Rej. 4861
Nathaniel Hempsted who was 82 yrs. old in 1830, lived in Pomfret, Chautauqua Co., N.Y., in 1830, 1832 and 1834, and was a Lt in New York ser- vice during Rev. War.
M Rice
MAR 2 - 1911

State of New York } City of Brooklyn } ss Kings County }
I Hannah Powers of the City of Brooklyn County & State aforesaid being duly sworn doth depose & say that I am the Widow of George Powers late of the City of Brooklyn deceased that I am the only surviving Child of Nathaniel Hempsted a Revolutionary Soldier, and Elizabeth his Wife both now deceased. That the said Nathaniel Hempsted died in said City On the eighth of July Eighteen hundred and thirty four - That the said Elizabeth Hempsted his Widow died on the third day of December Eighteen hundred & thirty eight leaving the following named Children who have since died viz, Christopher M. Hempsted, who died the following fourteenth day of March 1839, the only this depo- only her surviving - That this deponent has in her possession the family Bible of her father the late Nathaniel Hempsted,

that in said bible he has recorded his birth & age & also the birth & age of his wife, Also his marriage with the said Elizabeth & the birth & names of his children - that she has consented with great reluctance to take from said record the leaf which contains the said record, which is the best evidence she has to offer to establish the marriage of her mother with the said Nathaniel Hempsted which is in his own proper handwriting & which she now annexes to this affidavit. This deponent was wholly ignorant of her right until applied to by persons claiming to be Pension Agents in the City of Washington. Sworn before me this 24 th September 1852, J. H. Powers
My commission expires July 1 st 1853 Deeds of Nelson A. Garrison a Physician in the City of Brooklyn & William Power of said City being duly sworn doth depose & say that they were well acquainted with Nathaniel Hempsted & Elizabeth Hempsted his wife that the said Garrison was the family Physician and attended as such that the facts set forth in the affidavit of Hannah Powers are true

to the best of his knowledge & belief the said William Powers fully corroborates the statement made by the said Hannah Powers from his personal knowledge of the facts as stated by her - They also refer to an affidavit made by them annexed to her declaration on file in the Pension Office to obtain her rights as the only surviving child of the said Nathaniel Hempstead & Elizabeth his wife
N. A. Garrison Sworn before me this 3 rd William Powers Twenty fourth September 1852
A. M. Ferguson Clerk of the City Court of Brooklyn

Hampstead Case.

Case of Elizabeth Humpstead Widow of Nath l Humpstead
The Comptroller of Public acct's of the state of Connecticut in his certificate dated in 1835 states, that in February 1778 the Pay Rolls of the Companies comprising at one time a part of Col d Traskus Holcomb Regt n - stationed in Fort Griswold, were made out and sent to the officer appointed by Government to settle the same and were in some way lost; Hence in making up the time of the men who served in said Companies, the guide furnished by the records, is the aggregate Amount of money paid to each company - Nathaniel Humpstead in his declaration avers that he was in service in several of them and other Companies. These averments he makes without knowing in how far he would be supported by the records.
1 st He avers that in the year 1776 he enlisted in Capt n Nath l Saltonstall's Company for 9 months as a Sergeant - The Record shows that Nath l Saltonstall was Commissioned Captain on the 3 rd July 1776 and settled his first acct s for the pay of his Company in Jan y 1777 Receiving about $2500. Again the records show that Capt n Saltonstall rendered his 2 nd acct s in Jan y 1778. and receive the sum of $6000. And the records further shows, that Capt n Nath l Saltonstall's service was continued from July 1776 to Jan y 1778. The records showing that Capt n Saltonstall was in service for 18 Months, proves he must have had men

to Command And Hempstead Arers, that he enlisted to serve 9 months; And his Captain being in Service for 18 months, we are bound to believe his Arersment.
2nd Hempstead Arers that he was in service for six months in Capt Hempstead's Company. The letter of Comptroller of Cont. Colly received shows, that he did serve in that Company. Now this Man without any knowledge, how far the records would sustain his statements, is fully sustained, as to his being in service in these two Companies, & thus being supported by the records, we are bound to believe he Arers truly as to the length of his service -
3rd Hempstead again Arers 6 months service in Capt Dishon's Company, and the letter of the Comptroller above referred to states, that Captains Rich d and John Dishon were both in service in 1779 - Captain John Dishon received about $1400. to pay his Company and Captain Rich d Dishon received for the same purpose over $5000. Hempstead does not state, under which Dishon he was in service, but Arers his service to have been months. The whole Amt d of service claimed by Hempstead is 27 months. He has been allowed 6 months, now as the records, as to Muster Rolls are wanting, and the only evidence of service is to be found in the Amt d of money paid the Captains of each Company, and Hempstead Arers, months of service so far as they can be

have been sustained by the record, I think would be nothing but fair dealing towards this man to allow him 12 months more of service. And this would only give a pension of about $75 per Annum —

Dated 16 May 1835
From Roger Huntington Compt. of Pubs a/c of the State of Exct & Est within from Chas Hanley in answer to him re greeting information as Hampsteads claim to pension
Recd May 19 1835 P.M.
New York.
Respectfully at Serv
Philip Hamilton Esq. 19

19 Philip Hamilton Esq. Counsellor at Law
New York. Recd May 19 1855
Date 16 May 1855 from - Dea. Huntington Compt. of Recd of 9th inst. of cent & etc with per Chas Henry in account to him in parting information as Henry Mitchell claim to Frazar

State of Connecticut Comptroller's office Hartford 16 th May 1805
On examination of the books of this office it appears that, in January 1776. Colonel Erastus Wolcott raised a regiment to march to Boston to reinforce the Army, and to serve until the first day of April; there is no evidence here that Captain Nathaniel Saltonstall served in said regiment.
That in February 1776. Gurdon Saltonstall was appointed Captain of a company of matrosses &c. to be enlisted and stationed at Winthrop's Point in New London, and to serve until the first day of December.
That in May 1776. the General Assembly ordered that one regiment should be raised by enlistment, and that the troops already raised at and about New-London & New Haven should in the same way be augmented into a second regiment, and to be holden until the first day of January; to be marched and stationed as the Captain General should order, and to be subject to join the Continental Army if required.
That Erastus Wolcott Esq was appointed colonel of the regiment at New-London.
That on the 3 rd day of July 1776. the Governor & Council of Safety appointed Nathaniel Saltonstall Captain of an another company of matrosses, to be raised at Groton, New-London &c. and serve in the Forts at said places.
That on the 6 th day of September 1776. 9 Regiments of militia were ordered to march to New-York, and also two companies of the regiment at New-London and Groton, under command of Colonel Erastus Wolcott.
That on the 10 th day of September 1776 Gurdon Saltonstall Esq was appointed Brigadier General of the 3 rd reg t militia ordered from this state on the 6 th Sept r to New-York.

That on the 15 th day of January 1777. Captain Nathaniel Saltonstall rendered his account for his company of matrosses in colonel Wolcott's regiment at New London amounting to £772. 18. 9. which was paid.
That in December 1776. the General Assembly ordered that there be raised by enlistment, for the defence of the sea coast, to serve one year from and after the first day of January then next, one company of Infantry and one company of Artillery to be stationed at New London and Adam Shapley was appointed Captain of Infantry and Nathaniel Saltonstall Captain of Artillery.
That on the 28 th January 1778. Captain Nathaniel Saltonstall rendered his account for his matross company at New London amounting to £1812. 7. 7 which was paid.
That on the 24 th February 1788. the pay rolls of said companies were delivered to the commissioner of Army Accounts appointed by the United States, and have never been returned to this office.
That on the first day of June 1777. Colonel Erastus Wolcott was paid for the services of his Field & Staff officers at New London £206. 1. 5-
Certified by Roger Huntington
Comptroller of Public Accounts

Hartford 16 May 1835
Philip Hamilton Esq
Sir. It will appear from the statement annexed that Gordon Saltonstall raised a company in near Sherburne 1776. That Nathl. Saltonstall raised a company in July 1776 and continued in service until Jan y . 1778 himself - and that they both belonged to Col. Braster Wolcott's regiment -
Your most ob t Roger Huntington
Hartford May 18. 1835
Ph. Hamilton Esq, D r Sir
I have obtained from our Comptroller the enclosed certificate which I presume will answer the purpose of your application - The expense of obtaining it is $1.25 which you can if you please hand to S. A. H. M y for me.
Your respectful friend
Ch. H. Cushing

City and County of New York to Joshua Sands of Brooklyn in the County of Kings in the State of New York being duly sworn doth depose and say that he has known Nathaniel Hemsstead also of this same place for the last thirty or forty years and that the said Na- thaniel Hemsstead has for the period of years past resided at Brooklyn aforesaid and has always sustained an unimpeached character for truth and veracity in the community where he has lived and that de- ponent would reposes implicit reliance in any statement or declaration made by the said Nathaniel Hemsstead and fur- ther that the said Nathaniel Hems- stead has always been reputed to have been a soldier of the war of the revolution and deponent verily believes the fact to be so - sworn before me this 20 th day of May 1834 } Philip Hamilton Commissioner of Deeds
Joshua Sands
Be it remembered that on the twentieth day of May 1834 in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty four in the city of New York appeared before me Joshua Sands of the city of Brooklyn in the county of Kings the person named in the foregoing deposition

new time and I do hereby certify that the said Joshua Sands is personally known to me as a respectable and credible person and that his statements in the said Deposition are entitled to full credit.
Philip Hamilton Commissioner of Deeds

Southern District of New York } City and County of New York ss: } James A Hamilton of the City of New York being duly sworn doth de- pose and say that he has known Nathaniel Hempsted the person named in the annexed petition to obtain a pension, for Eighteen years that the said Hempsted is an upright and respectable man and that entire confidence can be reposed in him as a man of truth and veracity - This Deponent further saith that the said Hempsted has always been reputed to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that De- ponent verily believes such to have been the fact known before me this } James A Hamilton 29 th day of May 1834 } Philip Hamilton Counsel for the
Be it remembered that on the twenty ninth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and and thirty four in the city of New York appeared before me James A Hamilton of the city of New York the person named in the foregoing Deposition who being then and there duly sworn did depose and say that the facts contained in the foregoing Deposition were true and I do hereby certify that the said James A Hamilton is personally known to me as a respectable and credible person and that his statements made in the said Deposition are entitled to full credit.
Philip Hamilton Counsel for the

STATE OF NEW-YORK, City and County of New-York. } ss.
I, THOMAS JEREMIAH , Clerk of the City and County of New-York, and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the said City and County, Do hereby Certify, THAT
Philip Hamilton Esq whose name is subscribed to the Jurats of the annexed affidavits and certificates was on the day of the date thereof a Commissioner of Deeds in and for said City and County duly Commissioned and sworn and authorized to administer oaths & that I believe the signatures to said Jurats and Certificates are genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of the said Court and County, the 4 day of May 183 5 Thos Jeremiah Clerk.
29 May 1835

29 day of May 1854 Philip Hamilton Commr. of deeds
Be it remembered that on the twenty ninth day of (May) in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and and thirty four in the city of New York appeared before me James A Hamilton of the city of New York the person named in the foregoing Deposition who being then and there duly sworn did depose and say that the facts contained in the foregoing Deposition were true and I do hereby certify that the said James A Hamilton is personally known to me as a respectable and credible person and that his statements made in the said Deposition are entitled to full credit.
Philip Hamilton Commr. of deeds

Dr Geo W Cump. Pension office Washing ton

Nantucket May 4 th 1835
Dear Sir
At this late day, I acknowledge the receipt of the Pension Papers, of Nathaniel Nempstead, under cover of Mr. Edwards' letter, of the ultimo . Neglect, other engagements, and various causes, have occasioned this delay, and for it, I alone, am in a great degree culpable.
On the receipt of the papers, I communicated the objections to Nempstead's daughter, whom you may recollect attended with her father, (the old deaf man) at the District Attorneys Office, when you were in the City.
She called to see me, and stated that she would endeavor to procure the testimony of a witness, who lived at the place where the services were rendered, if any could be found, to prove the actual service, as required by the letter of Mr Edwards. Since that time I have not heard from her, nor do I believe, she has made the effort. She is poor, and so is her father, and probably they believed the task, would be both arduous, and ineffectual as the daughter, would be required, to go to New London with her aged, and infirm parent, which would be attended with very considerable expense.

The period is so remote, that they could not hope to succeed by writing, probably, not knowing who to address, and not being very apt at writing, they have left the matter in statu-quo.
That much for the reasons of delay on my part, and, as I consider, sufficient excuse on the part of the petitioner. Now let me submit the matter to you, in another point of view, depending on a matter of right, and strict construction .
In the first place I have removed the objection to her claim, that though the credibility of the witnesses, (Mr Sands and my brother) was well known, still the department required, that their credibility should be authenticated, by the Magistrate: — that certificate has been added to both the affidavits, and thus the regulations of the Department, are wholly complied with. — — —
Conceding the propriety of a rigid adherence to the regulations, and taking you on your own ground, I must call on you to decide, in this case, by that same rule. — What would be strict construction here?
In the margin of the letter of Mr Edwards, of the second of June 1834, (which I enclose 1 st page) it is stated, "every applicant will produce the best proof in his papers; — this is the original discharge or commission ,

but if neither t o then the secondary proof is admitted.
Phillips in his celebrated treatise on Evidence has laid down the same rule, - to wit, That the best evidence that the nature of the case is susceptible of, must be given, and if evidence of that character cannot be afforded, the secondary evidence may be introduced.
Now my dear Sir, to the propriety and justice of this rule, I most cordially assent, but must most earnestly protest against being called on to furnish secondary evidence, of a particular character, when I do offer the best evidence , and of a higher character than that which is called for.
Your instructions say, that the " best proof " is the "original discharge or commission ", and forsooth, when I offer you the "original Commission," annexed to the petition, you say you require secondary evidence, and such as the applicant is allowed only to furnish, "if neither of these, (the discharge or commission) can be obtained?"
If the Department will adhere to their own regulations, which have been promulgated to the country as a guide, as well for the Government, as the Department, as the applicant, I do most earnestly contend, that the objections to this case are removed, by the certificates of the respectability, of the witnesses, in

which respect the evidence was alone defective.
This branch of the subject, is to my mind entirely too clear to be longer dwelt on, and I am sure you would think it supererogation to do so: It would be, "to paint the lily, or gild refined gold?"
On the 3 rd page I find two more ominous traces. The first, I have disposed of;— let us see how it stands with the second. The traditional evidence, (which at all times must be the most vague, and uncertain, that can be furnished,) if I understand the regulation, is not required in a case like this; and let me refer to that paragraph of the 3 rd page, of the printed letter, marked 'X' by me in the margin, which reads "that the traditional evidence of service, is deemed "very important, in the absence of any direct proof except the declaration of the party?" declaring as clearly, and positively, as is possible, if I understand the import of language, that, when the "direct proof" is produced, then the traditional evidence, is deemed very unimportant. In the present case, as I have shown, the applicant has produced "the best proof" and this is the "original commission". The "direct proof" is certainly the "best proof" and that best proof is defined by the instructions, to be the production of the "original commission"— ergo, the production of the original

commission, is the "direct proof", hence the traditional evidence, is unimportant.
In my mind this conclusion is irresistible, but the objection is met by another, and a better answer, simply that the traditional evidence is furnished , you will find in the affidavits of Mr Sands, and my brother, who both prove that the applicant, had been reputed to have been a soldier of the Revolution.
To conclude this long, and tedious letter, (like which I suppose you receive thousands, in the course of your duties) let me assure you, that whatever the proof may be, on the paper, whether defective or otherwise, I believe, the claim, an honest one, or I would not present and urge it.
I had hoped to have received an occasional letter from you, but I suppose I am deprived of that pleasure, by the multiplicity of your engagements. —————
You of course know, that Mr Price has succeeded to the Office of District Attorney, formerly held by my Brother. I am still in the Office, in the same relation as with my Brother, and find Mr Price a very agreeable, and gentlemanly man, and justly a most popular officer.
I hope during the winter, to visit Washington, Pa.,

will make it a point to see you; if however you should in the meantime visit this city, do not fail to let me know it.
With great respect
Dr Geo' W Brown Washington
Your obed. Servt.
Philip Hamilton
P.S. This letter was written several months since - In stead of spending a part of the winter at Washington as anticipated in the last paragraph I have passed it in my sick Chamber from which I have been released but a few weeks. In advan- cing my business which by sickness had been neglected the case of Humphreys has come to my attention and as a last effort in his favor I beg leave to submit through you to the Department the considerations in the foregoing letter, confident that the spiritual and controlling object of the officers of the U.S. is to elicit the truth, I am sure it will afford them as much satisfaction to administer to the bounty of the Government

as I shall derive pleasure in being the agent to secure it for the worthy
With my great respect
Your obedient
Philip Hamilton
Dr Geo W Crouch Washington

Copy letter from Philip Hamilton to Chas Hawley Sec of Com t in relation to application of Nath l Humphreys for a Pension dated May 14 th 1835

(Copy) L. vii
New York May 14 1835
I have interested myself in obtaining a pension for an old revolutionary soldier residing at Brooklyn who served as a sergeant in Col. Holcomb's Regiment as appears by a warrant lately in his possession now on file in the pension office dated 3 d October 1778 and request your influence at the Comptroller's office of Public accounts of your State to ascertain the quantum of service rendered by this individual if any evidence of it may be found there.
The application has been pending a long time and I am anxious as he is very old that something should be speedily done for him if ever.
The Commissioner of Pensions advised me that he has no doubt that Hempstead belonged to Col. Holcomb's regiment but cannot admit that he served a term in it for the reason that the only service in which the Company of Matrosses commanded by Nathaniel Saltonstall (to which he stated he belonged) was "engaged in 1776, was that rendered at Roxbury in compliance with a requisition from General Washington commencing in January and ending in March of that year."
Hempstead claims that in March 1776 he enlisted for 9 months as 3 d Sergeant in a company of Matrosses commanded by Captain Nathaniel Saltonstall, the commissioner says the only

Service rendered by that Company was rendered an- terior to the month of March 1776 as appears from the Records of the State of Connecticut how the fact is I am unable to state, but as the Commission- er admits and there is no doubt of the fact that Hempstead was a sergeant in the Regiment of Col. Molecoff it is but just that he should be rewarded and hence it becomes important for him to establish the extent of his service. The Commissioner says "if there is any evidence in existence favouring this application it doubtless may be found in the Office of the Comptroller of Public accounts of the State of Connecticut"
This old man has been an acquaintance of my brother James by whom he was referred to me to make application for a pension; James speaks highly of him, and I am, as well from his appearance as from the evidence of the old man's claim, and the good character with which he seconds it, desirous to prosecute it successfully - another consideration influences me and it is a solicitude to succeed in all applications for pensions which I may make that I may not be subjected to the imputation of trifling in this Busi- ness especially as I have not yet not shall I ever receive any compensation for services rendered to this class of our citizens
Pardon the trouble I may impose on you and let me request you to command my

services in return - If you should be under any expenses please furnish me a statement and I will remit to you the amount - Forgive me with your early answer Very Respectfully Your M c obt Serv t
To Chas. Hambley Esq r Stanford Conn t
I think Hampstead is a native of New London and there entered the army I have not his papers before me and am not therefore positive

New York May 20 th 1835.
Sir
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 12 th instant, in relation to the pension application of Nathaniel Hempstead.
On your suggestion, that if there was any evidence extant favouring the Application, it might be found in the Office of the Comptroller of Public Accounts, of the State of Connecticut, I addressed a letter of which the enclosed is a Copy, to Rev Chas Hawley, Esquire, a member of the Legislature of that State, and in reply, yesterday received the enclosed letter from Messrs Huntington and Hawley, all of which I submit to you without comment.
very Respectfully
Your obed Servt
Philip Hamilton
H. S. Edwards Esquire. Commissioner of Pensions. Washington

Washington July 20 th 1852
H. H. C. Tipton Esq Copy Comr of Pension.
Sir
Enclosed I herewith transmit the Declaration of Harriet Parsons the only surviving Child of Elizabeth Hempstead (widow Nathaniel Hempstead) asking that the Pension due her mother may be paid to her. Mr Hempstead died without making any demand for her pen- sion.
Very respectfully
Your obedient
Robert W. Young
P.S. I believe the declaration filed by her father was never acted on before he died

Brief in the case of Nathaniel Hempstead & Elizabeth Hempstead Wai'p — County and State of New York , act June 7, 1832 & July 7, 1838 .
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Satisfactory Record and parole proof that Nathaniel Hempstead served 3 months as private of Artillery and 3 months as Sergeant of do. been consulted and was decided that the claim was not barred.
Record evidence of marriage in August 1777. (If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent
Lauren Van Kleek New York
Examining Clerk,
G. de Mels

He was pronounced p- sure in Saltonstall. to 6 Jan 1. 1777
See his Book Wagon
X J. Young

Comptroller's office
Hartford Nov. 16 th 1852
L. L. Van Kleeck Esq.
Sir,
Your letter in relation to the service of Nathaniel Hempstead, and his officers in the war of the Revolution has been received. I have made an examination of our Records and documents, and find that Capt. Hempstead received pay for the service of his Company at New London in 1777 £ 242. 7. 9. The length of this service I am not able to ascertain but it was probably of several months duration.
I can find no evidence of the service of Capt. Davis I find on Haskells receipts, an entry for Capt. John Deshon account for his Company amounting to £412. 13. 9. And also for Capt. Richard Deshon for his company amounting to £1.581. 10. 9. both in 1779.
Wm. Ledyard served as a Major in 1778 & 1779, and as a Colonel in 1780 & 81, and was killed Sep. 6 th 1781.
If you wish a certificate in relation to the facts above stated you will please send me two dollars and the certificate shall be sent to you, or if you do not you will please send one dollar for the examination. I am respectfully yours,
Geo Robinson For Compt.

Custom House Departure Room Oct. 22 d 1852 The Chief Clerk Pension Office
Altho I have not the pleasure of knowing you personally, I take the liberty to state, that I was at Washington a few weeks since and the Commission was so kind as to authorize the Case of Nathaniel Hempstead long suspended by his death of his Widow Elizabeth - to be taken up & re-examined by Col. Kelly on whose report he admitted that Six months services had been rendered by Nathaniel Hempstead a Revolutionary Soldier and that on receiving the Evidence of his, & his wife's death, & the time of such death a Certificate would be issued to the survivor or survivors of his Children. On my return to this place I procured the necessary Evidence & forwarded it to your Office. Since which time I have not heard from your Office - I am sure Mrs. Hannah Powers the only surviving Child should die according to your regulations as I am informed the Grand Children would lose the Claim as the bounty does not extend beyond the surviving Children - Under these circumstances I beg you to interest your kind Offices to bring this Case before the Commission.

it only requires a few minutes attention as the case has been satisfactorily examined & admitted on the files of papers forwarded which are believed to be correct.
With respect
Your Mother
Adelphi St. 1. Fleet

(Copy)
Pension Office September 18 th 1852.
Sir,
In compliance with your request, I have re-examined the papers in the case of Nathaniel Hempstead, dec d , who during his life time was an applicant for the benefit of the Act of 7 th June 1832, And you are informed that if a Certificate of a Court of Record is filed showing the period at which said Nathaniel died, whether he left a widow, or if no widow, the number and names of his surviving children, the claim will be admitted for three months service as a private of Artillery from 3 rd July to 3 rd October 1776, and as Sergeant from the latter date to 3 rd January 1777. ~
The other service claimed by him, Viz; 6 months in 1777. under Capt.

Hempstead, 6 months in 1778, under Capt: Davis, and 6 months in 1779, under Capt: Dershon, Col Sedgwick, Connecticut Militia, cannot be admitted unless sustained by evidence from the Books in the Office of the Comptroller of the state of Connecticut.
(Signed) P. Cole for Comt. of Pensions
L. L. Van Rieck Esq Present

New York Oct. 11. 1852
Hon. J. E. Heath Commr of Pensions
I received from you the Original of which the enclosed is a Copy. It transmitted to you the necessary evidence to establish the facts. about the 20 th September. As this Case has been suspended since 1834. and is now admitted for six months service in the Revolutionary War, rendered by Nathaniel Bempstead. I beg your favour to have a Certificate forwarded to me as early as you can conveniently.
With great respect Your Mo. Obed. A. A. L. N. Kellogg

New York
Sep 24 th 1852
To The Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
I now enclose the Proof in the Case of Hannah Powers Widow of George Powers only surviving Child of Nathaniel Tempested + Elizabeth his wife. As this Case has been long suspended on account of her ignorance of her just claim, that you will allow her so much as the order admits + forward to me as her friend the Certificate
With great respect your M c . Bedf er
S. A. W. L. S. Black

STATE OF NEW-YORK, City and County of New-York, } ss.
I, ABRAHAM ASTEN, Clerk of the City and County of New-York, and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the said City and County, DO HEREBY CERTIFY,
That Philip Hamilton , by whose name is sub- scribed to the Oaths of the two annexed affidavits was on the days of taking the same a Commissioner of Deeds in and for said City and County duly Commissioned and sworn and authorized to administer Oaths
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my Hand, and af- fixed the Seal of the said Court and County, the 30 th day
of May 1834
Abra Asten

STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF KINGS, } ss.
I, FRANCIS B. STRYKER , Clerk of the County of Kings, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, that Eugene Lott whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of Proof, or acknowledgment of the annexed Instrument and thereon written, was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment a Justice of the Peace, in and for the said county, dwelling in said county, elected and sworn, and duly authorized to take the same. And further, that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Justice, and verily believe the Signature to the said Certificate of Proof or acknowledgment is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said County, this 13 th day of July 185 2
Francis B. Stryker Clerk.

Nathaniel Hempsted Conn W 14902

89 years 7 m 10 days
English Journal

Erastus Wolcott Esq r Colonel of the Regiment raised by the State of Connecticut in North America
To Nathaniel Hempstead Jun r Greeting
By Virtue of the Power and Authority to me given in & by the Governor and Council of the State Assembled I Do hereby (Reposing especial Trust and confidence in your Loyalty courage and Good conduct) constitute and Appoint You the said Nathaniel Hempstead to be the Third Serjeant in the company of Artillery under the command of Nathaniel Saltonstall Esq r . You are therefore carefully & Diligently to Discharge the Duty of a Serjeant in Ordering & Exercising said company in the Service aforesaid commanding them to Obey You as their Serjeant and Yourself to Observe such orders and Instructions as you shall from time to time receive from me or other Your Superior Officers according to Military Rules and Discipline Pursuant to the Trust Reposed in You for which this shall be Your sufficient Warrant
Given under my Hand & Seal at Head Quarters in New London this 11 th day of October in the Year of Our Lord One thousand Seven Hundred & Seventy Six Erastus Wolcott Col l