Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25751, Gideon Hanscomb, Continental Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental Mass
Hanscomb Eideon Hanscom, or
W 25 751.
Mehitable
CONTENTS

McClure - 1944
Mehitable (Granson)
widow of Gideon (Granson)
who died on the 17 th May 1825 of Cumberland in the State of Maine who was a Capt in the County commanded by Captain [blank] of the Regt commanded by [blank] in the Army line for 2 years
— In ar s from $84.34 —
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 88 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 nd day of July 19, and sent to E. E. Bourne, Kennebec, Me.
Arrears to the 4 th of Mar. — $704.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 44.00
$748.00
Specie
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the }
Recorded by R. Burrows Clerk, Book A Vol. 15 Page 8.

(2,340)
Dist: of Maine.
Gideon Hans com, priv. Massachusetts line / 3 years /
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.
Inscribed on the Roll of Dist: of Maine at the rate of eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 8 th of April, 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 th of Sept: 1818 and sent to the care of Jonas Clark, Wells, York co: dist: of Maine.
  Arrears to 4th of Sept: 1818 . . .  $: 39. 20    Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4. March 2 1819 . . .  48 . . .     $: 87. 20.    4 mo: 27 / 30   
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 19th March, 1818. }
Continue Lyman. York Co
Application sent July 20th 1820 to Frank Denny Commissioner

Gideon Hanscom's claim for pension,
The General Court with the exception of the sum of ten dollars per month for the period of the war
Testimony of two wit- nesses annexed.
• Admitted

Δ I Gideon Hanscom of Lyman in the county of York and commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged sixty one years, testify and say, that in May, 1775, I enlisted in Capt. Abraham Tyler's company in Col. Phinney's regiment in the continental service, and continued under two enlistments in said service twenty months. Afterwards in October 1777, I enlisted in a vacant and  company second company, commanded  company by Lieut. Edwards, and served three years, when I received an honorable discharge from Col. Henry Jackson; who commanded the regiment,  and which discharge was lost or destroyed by my boy
I further testify that from my reduced circumstances, I need the assistance of my country for support. + Gideon Hanscom
Wells, April 8, 1810.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
York ss. On the eighth day of April, A. D. 1818, personally appeared before me Stephen Thacher, Judge of the Court of Probate within and for the county of York, in the Commonwealth aforesaid, the aforementioned Gideon Hanscom, and in my presence subscribed and made oath to the aforewritten declaration and affidavit by him made, in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary War." And it appearing to my satisfaction that the said Gideon Hanscom served for the term of more than nine months, at one period in the war of the revolution on the continental establishment against the common enemy; I hereby certify the testimony in the case, and the proceedings had thereon, to the Secretary of the department of War, pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress.
In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand, and have caused the seal of the said Court to be hereunto affixed, the day and year aforesaid.
Daniel Sewall, Reg m of said Court.
Stephen Thacher Judge

I Joel Littlefield of Lyman in the county of York & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, testify & say, that I knew of Gideon Hanscom's being engaged in the continental service in Col o Henry Jackson's regiment in September 1779, but how long he continued in the service I am not able to say but I understood that all the men in Col o Jackson's regiment, were enlisted for three years. I further testify, that from my knowledge of the said Gideon Hanscom, he is in such reduced circumstances that he needs the assistance of his country for support.
Joel Littlefield
I Jacob Fisher of Wells in the county of York & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, esquire, aged fifty eight years, testify and say, that I enlisted in a vacant company so called, commanded by Lieut t Thomas Edwards, in Col o Henry Jackson's regiment, in the continental service, in June 1777, and continued in said service three years - And I knew of Gideon Hanscom's serving as a soldier in the same company, for two years at least - He was considered a good soldier, and was a non commissioned Officer - I further testify from my knowledge of the said Gideon Hanscom, that he is in such reduced circumstances, that he needs the assistance of his country for support.
Jacob Fisher
Sept. 4. 1818.
Commonwealth

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
AD. 1818.
York ss. On the fourteenth day of August, Joel Littlefield, and on the fourth day of September 1818, Jacob Fisher, personally appeared before me the subscriber, Judge of the Court of Probate for the county of York in the Commonwealth aforesaid, and in my presence subscribed and made oath to their respective depositions aforesaid: - Taken at the residence of Gideon Hanscom, to substantiate his claim for pension. And I hereby certify that the said Joel Littlefield and Jacob Fisher are disinterested and credible witnesses; and that it appears to my satisfaction from the testimony aforesaid, that the said Gideon Hanscom served for the term of more than nine months at one period in the war of the revolution on the continental establishment against the common enemy. I hereby certify the testimony in the case, and the proceedings had thereon, to the Secretary of the department of War, pursuant to the directions of the act of Congress.
In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand, and have caused the seal of the said Court to be hereunto affixed, the fifth day of September, A.D. 1818. Daniel Sewall, Reg. Jonas Clark, Judge
I the said Jonas Clark do hereby further certify, that from the evidence aforesaid, I am fully satisfied that the said Gideon Hanscom is in such indigent circumstances, that he needs the assistance of his country for support.
September 5, 1818.
Jonas Clark, Judge

Gideon Hanscom
Lyman
2340
March 1849
[Faint, mirrored text bleed-through from the reverse side of the page, likely from a letterhead or official document.]

STATE OF MAINE.
York ss.....At a Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the first — Eastern Circuit, begun and holden at York — within and for the County of York — on the first Tuesday of July being the fourth — day of said month and by adjournment — from day to day, on the day of July — in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty, before the Honorable Benjamin Greene chief Justice Judge of said Court.
ON this fourth — day of July — in the year 1820, personally appeared in open Court —
the same proceeding according to the course of the common law, having jurisdiction unlimited in amount, keeping a record of their proceedings, and having “the power of fine and imprisonment,” and being a Court of Record for said Circuit , county, Gideon Hanscom — aged sixty four — years, resident in Lyman in said county — in said Circuit , who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare that he served in the Revolu- tionary War as follows, viz. as a private — in the company commanded by Capt. Tyler — in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Whinney in the line of the State of Massachusetts — on the Continental Establishment, as is more particularly mentioned and described in his original declaration, made on the eighth — day of April — A. D. 1818, and on which said declaration his Certificate of Pension, numbered 2340 — was granted. And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818; and that I have not since that time by gift, sale, or in any manner disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled “An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War,” passed on the 18th day of March, 1818: and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts, or debts due to me; nor have I any income other than what is con- tained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed; that my occupation and ability to pursue the same, together with the number and other particulars of my family, are in fact and in truth as is par- ticularly described on the back hereof, also subscribed by me. Gideon Hanscom.
Sworn to and declared, on the 4 th day of July — A. D. 1820. }
BEFORE Benjamin Greene.
Chief Justice One of the Judges of the said Court.
Att. Daniel Sewall, Clerk.

SCHEDULE of the real and personal estate, (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) belonging to me the subscriber, viz :
No real nor personal estate & have owned none for thirteen years — except one cow — few cooking utensils —
SCHEDULE of the family residing with me the said Gideon Hanscom who, by occupation am a ship carpenter — which I am unable to pursue by reason of bodily infirmity —
   NAMES. AGES. Capacity of each to contribute to their support.     Wife 68 Decrepit & unable to do any work   children   Lydia 20 has poor health    Gideon Hanscom.
STATE OF MAINE.
I, York ss.  Daniel Sewall, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for said Circuit, within the county of York — do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedules thereto annexed, are truly copied from the Record of the said Court ; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is seventeen dollars and — cents. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this eighth — day of July , A. D. one thousand eight hundred and twenty.
Daniel Sewall, { Clerk of the said Circuit Court for the County of York

3095
Mehitable Hans com mother of Gideon
Me
Vol. 35. p 241. Capt Andrews - 1780 - Corp 3 mo. 1 day.
ADM Corp 3 mo. 1. pri - 21. - 29.
 24 mo -
$84:34
no deduction
Hon Geo Evans.

State of Maine
lumberland ss
On this twelfth day of December eighteen hundred and thirty seven before the Supreme Judicial Court, personally appeared Mehitable Hanscum a resident in Kennebunk Port in the County of York and State of Maine, aged eighty years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 4 th 1836. That she is the widow of Gideon Hanscum who was a sergeant in the Army of the United States for three years in the years 1777 1778 and 1779, having been in the company of Capt Tyler in Colonel Phinney's Regiment and in that of Lieutenant Edwards in Colonel Jackson's Regiment, said last company being a vacant company (as then called) without a captain. Said Gideon was a pensioner under the law of 1818 and she supposes his services, officers & are fully set forth in his declaration. In the spring of 1780 her said husband thought it best for him again to go into the service for the season - and for her to go and stay at Scarborough during his absence, at his former home. He accordingly enlisted, she thinks in April 1780 in the company of Captain Andrews of Scarborough and went from there to Camden, and other places near the Penobscot. He enlisted for eight or nine months. Sometime in the summer season while in the service at Camden or that vicinity, he

had his leg broken, - and after having delayed some time; it was considered that he was unable to do duty there, and he was sent to the castle at Boston where he served his term out, and returned home, she supposes about the first of winter as she thinks that there was snow on the ground. - At the time of both said enlistments, her said husband Gideon Hanscum lived in Scarborough - when he returned home we moved to Wells - then to Lyman where he remained until he died - After his decease the said Mehitable moved to Kennebec Port - She further declares that she was married to said Gideon Hanscum on the third day of February in the year seventeen hundred and eighty, by Rev. Silas Moody of Kennebec Port (then called Arundel) - that her husband the aforesaid Gideon Hanscum died at Lyman May seventeenth eighteen hundred and twenty five, and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will now fully appear by the proof herewith annexed -
Witness E. E. Borene
Mehitable Hanscum mark
Cumberland ss.
State of Maine Supreme Judicial Court Nov. Term
A.D. 1837
The aforesaid Mehitable Hanscum appeared in open court as aforesaid and made oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration
by

by her subscribed
In witness whereof I have here unto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court the day and year aforesaid.
Nicholas Emery Sup Judgants
Attest Charles Cobb Clerk

Lee Woolsey Lt 1 July 78 - 3 years - deserted Dew. J.

State of Maine, York County.
Copy from the Records of the town of Kennebunkport, formerly called Arundel.
February third seventeen hundred and eighty, Gideon Hanscomb and Mehitable Lassel."
The above persons were married by the Rev. Silas Wood.
I certify that the foregoing is a true copy from the Record, with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows "Febry 3 d 1780, Gideon Hanscomb and Mehitable Lassel."
Joshua Herrick Town Clerk 3
I Joshua Herrick above named, depone and say, that I hold the office of town clerk in the town, county, & state aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the Records of said town with the exception above named, as certified by me.
Joshua Herrick Clerk of the town of Kennebunkport 3
State of Maine
York ss Dec 14 1837. Personally appeared Joshua Herrick who is a credible witness, and made oaths to the truth of the foregoing declaration by him subscribed.
Before me
Edward N. Bourne Justice of the Peace
I Hannah Wakefield of Kennebunk in the County of York and State of Maine widow, aged seventy six, do on oath testify and declare, that I have known Mehitable Hanscomb widow of Gideon Hanscomb late of Lyman deceased - for the period of at least fifty six years, as the said Gideon and wife moved into the house next to Missin Wells, about two years after I was married, which was in 1779. I do further testify that I visited said Gideon in Lyman, during his last sickness ten or twelve years ago - and he died a few days after I was there - That his said wife Mehitable Hanscomb, after his decease moved to Kennebunk

Port, where she now lives with her son - and she has remained a widow ever since the decease of said Ephraim
Hannah her Mark Wakefield
Witness E E Bourn
State of Maine.
York ss. Dec 14 th 1837. Personally appeared Hannah Wakefield, who is a credible witness and made oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration by her subscribed - Before me. Edward E Bourn Justice of the Peace
I Deborah Perkins of Kennebec Port in the County of York and state of Maine, eighty six years of age, do on oath testify and declare that I was a near neighbour and school mate of Mehitable Lassel when she was a young girl - I knew when she was married to Ephraim Hanson who came from Scarborough - that she went with him to Scarborough - after that they moved to Wells - then to Lyman where said Ephraim died - I further testify that said Mehitable has remained a widow ever since - I was married in 1779 - and I think she was married about a year afterwards - My marriage was in January, though I do not remember the day of the month -
Witness Olive Perkins
Deborah her Mark Perkins
State of Maine
York ss. Dec 14. 1837. Personally appeared Deborah Perkins who is a credible witness and made oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration by her subscribed
Before me -
Edward E Bourn Justice of the Peace
State of Maine.
York county ss. I William Wentworth Allen, Register of the Court of Probate of the county and state aforesaid, hereby certify that Edward E. Bourn, Esquire, is a Justice of the Peace within and for said county of York, and that his signatures herunto annexed are his genuine signatures.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this 18th day of December, 1837.
Wm. Wentworth Allen, Reg. Prob. York county.

Reg  WIDOW, &c.
File No. 28751
Mahitah Hanscom wid. of Gideon Hanscom Coop. Rev. war.
Act: July 17 th 1836.
Index:—Vol. A , Page 319
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Setc. E. E. Boomer, May 8 '39 do. to fame & P. Agt. May 18. 1839 do. to same July 8 '39-
1944 Maine Michèle Hanscom widow of Gideon Hanscom who died on the 17 th May 1825 in the State of Massachusetts who was a Sergeant in the — commanded by Captain — of the Regiment commanded by Col Jackson in the line for 24 Months. new enlistment for 24 mo. Corp. 88 P
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine — at the rate of 84 Dollars 34 Cents, per annum, to commence on the 1 th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 th day of April 1836 and sent to Hon George Evans
Arrears to the 1 th of March 1835 $590.38 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept 1835 42.17
$632.55
Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the
Dyer Castor Clerk
Recorded by Book A
Vol 2 Page 8

Feb 15
me add. off Mehitable Hanson
3095
Hon. J. S. Edwards
Com. of Pensions
Washington D.C.
FREE

In Sir
Kennebunk Feb. 8. 1830
The enclosed deposition is to be filed in the case of Mehitable Hanscom, widow of Gideon Hanscom, a Rev. Pensioner, the application and other papers having been forwarded some weeks since
Hon. J. L. Edwards Com. of Pensions
Respectfully Your Obedt. Servant E. E. Bourne

3095 Harrison. Dec 23 rd Me 4 July 1836 3 rd Lea.
Hon. J. P. Edwards.
FREE
Commissioner of Pensions Washington

Hanson
Apr 30.
Fin at me
Hon. J. L. Edwards.
Com. of Pension
Washington D.C.

Dr Sir
Hennepin April 25 1839.
In conversing with Dr Fisher to day, who was the witness in the case of Mehitable Hanscom, whose pension certificate issued a year since, I have been led to believe that there must have been a mistake in the amount of her pension. The stipend now is $84.34 per year - so that I presume she was allowed sergeants pay but little over two months. Dr Fisher says that he has no remembrance of any part of the time, when he was not sergeant - at any rate he is confident that he was such more than the 2 yrs. - If so her pension, I suppose would be $120 -
I would not trouble the Department again with the case, were not the testimony from such a source, that I could have no doubt of the fact.
Respectfully
Your obed Servant
E E Burrows
Hon J L Edwards.
Com of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Deposition of L. Bevey to be filed in the case of Mehitable Hance Applicant for Pension

I Zebulon Berry of Scarborough in the county of Cumberland, now in Saco in the county of York, aged seventy eight years, do on oath testify and declare, that I was a soldier in the company of Captain Andreas, in the Revolutionary War. I enlisted for nine months - One Allen was Colonel - Enoch Frost was our Lieutenant. We went to Camden and from thence to Machias when I served my time out and was discharged. I do further testify that Gideon Hancook, then of Scarborough was a soldier in said company - that during the service, I accidentally broke his leg - After some time he was found unfit for duty and was discharged from the company. Soon after the war said Hancock moved to Wells or Kennebunk - I came up in the month of June and brought a letter to his wife in which he gave her an account of having broken his leg, and also a hair comb which said Gideon Hancock for her at Machias - Said Gideon also was in the three years service, and served his time out.
Zebulon Berry
State of Maine
Yorh ss Feb 5 1838. Personally appeared Zebulon Berry who is a respectable citizen and credible witness and made oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration by him subscribed
Before me
Edward E Bourne Justice of the Peace
(Certificate of Magistracy on opposite page)

State of Maine York county ss.
I William Gutter Allen, Registrar of the Court of Probate of the State and county aforesaid, hereby certify that Edward D. Bourne, Esq. is a Justice of the Peace within and for the county of York, and that his signa- ture hereunto annexed is his genuine sig- nature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this sixth day of February, A.D. 1838.
Wm. Gutter Allen, Reg. Prob. York county.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, June 24 th 1839.
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 Gideon Hanscom served as a Corporal in the St. Col o 's company Col. H. Jackson's Regiment from March 2 d 1777 to December 3 rd 1779 - Thirty three months twenty nine days at 44/ per month.
"Transferred to Corps of Invalids", and that Gideon Hanscom served as a Private in the Corps of Invalids, commanded by Capt n M c Farland from August 6 th to November 29 th 1780 - Three months twenty three days - at 40/ per month - and is there credited as due him whilst in H. Jackson's Regiment £30. 11/ - "Discharged".
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John O. Bigelow
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Hans come -

Kennebec July 2. 1839.
Dr Sir
Being fully satisfied that there was some mistake in relation to Gideon Hanscom's desertion, whose widow Mehitable Hanscom has been receiving a pension, I have been to Boston for the purpose of ascertaining whether there was not some evidence there in relation to a subsequent service — your letter states that he deserted Dec. 5-1779 — I think the enclosed evidence will corroborate the presumption stated in my letter some time since — It appears by the original Records that he served till Dec. 31. and was then transferred to the "choir of small arms" — Being sick, I presume that he then had a furlough — or else came home without liberty — Went to Camden under Capt Andrews — where he staid 3 or 4 mo, and afterwards returned to his Reg t I Col Jackson — and served his time out and was "discharged" Nov 24 th 1780 — In the same Regiment, before and after, are persons marked "Deserted" but no such mark appears

on his account. This is according to my present impression about the account which the witness gave me, where deposition I took at Scarborough. That he came home and afterwards went back on the route given by Genl Washington. At any rate he appears to have been honorably dis- charged.
Being fully satisfied from the account of Mr Fisher who never before heard of any such desertion and from also his widow also, who must have known of the desertion had it have taken place as she was married about the time, I felt it my duty to share no pains to ascertain the facts, and I trust that I shall there- fore be excused for again requesting the attention of the department to her case. There is a great deal of pure hon- esty in these "old widows" and when they state facts I place the most implicit reli- ance upon them.
With much respect
Your Obedt Servant
E E Bourne
Hon J L Edwards
Comm of Pensions

Thornhill July 15 1839
Dr Sir
Agreeably to your letter of July 8 th I send you the certificate of Mehitable Hanson for alteration of pension -
Very Respectfully Your obed Servant E E Bourne

Mehitable Harrison
Payment to be made at Portland by C. L. Kenhall. Agent for paying Pen- sioners, in the Agency of
Maine
Your New Certificate 2 yrs Corp
$88
deduct what has been paid
E.E. Bourn Kennabunk Office, in Book C Vol. 2 Page 8 by
J. C. Castor
Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the 3d section of the act of the United States, of the 4th July, 1836, Mrs. Abigail Hanson of Naum widow of Silas Hanson who was a Sergeant in the Revolutionary Army is entitled to receive eighty four dollars and thirty four cents per annum, during the time she may remain unmarried, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September.
Given at the War Office of the United States this 17th day of April one thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight.
S. Cooper Secy. Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned.
J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.
1944
In Wm Pt 6.4 1838-

Dr Sir
Kennebec, Me. Dec 16. 1837
I herewith send the declaration of Mehitable Hanson, widow of Ephraim Hanson, a pensioner under the law of 1828, to obtain a pen- sion under the Act of July 4 1836 - The reason of the delay is, that she did not know of any law in favour of widows until she heard that a neighbour of hers, had received a certificate - No evidence of the service is forwarded - as the 3 years service is known to be proved by the Rolls and other evidence of the Department - and it is understood that the rolls of Genl Ward's 100th command, have also been delivered to the Department by Mass - So that I have no doubt the proof is amply sufficient - I obtain by the printed list of Pensioners in Maine that Reuben Berry in Cumberland County is alive - He is the very man by whom care lessness the Applicant's husband had his leg broken - I shall get his deposition the first opportunity, though it is probably not necessary
Respectfully
Hon J L Edwards.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Your obedt Servant
E E Bourn

Hennebec Me. May 13 1839
Dr Sir
I received your letter in relation to the case of Metable Hanson, widow of Gideon Hanson, yesterday (Sunday) p.m. That from the beginning I have refused to have any thing to do with any pension case, when I was not fully satisfied, in my own mind, in regard to the entire justice of the claim, and the integrity of the witnesses. - I have acted on this principle hitherto, and I hope I may be able to do so as long as I have any thing to do with this species of business. I was satisfied with the pension of Mrs Hanson, until a day or two before writing the my letter in relation to her case, as when I received the certificate, and perceiving that something had been taken into consideration - besides common service, the pension being over $80 - I concluded that he was sergeant only a month or two. But a conversation accidental with Dr Fisher satisfied me that I was wrong, and that as she was very poor, I ought to be anxious to get for her all to which she was honestly entitled, and accordingly at this late hour I addressed you the letter requesting the proper increase. I know that Rolls are good testimony and generally the best - but generally they were very carelessly kept. Simeon Fletcher of Col. Phinney's Regiment was marked as a deserter - yet the Lieutenant who lies here, a man of the strictest piety and integrity says that he himself wrote his discharge, gave it to him and came home with him at the expiration of his service. Ten persons here enlisted

but care as the departure in the John Adams in 1813. all went together to Portland from Haver to Charleston. Hence to New York and went on board the ship - One was taken sick with the spotted fever on board the ship, and died having been 14 days. Then of the crew my own neighbours set up with him - took care of him & assisted in burying him - and yet his name is not on the rolls - No man's case in keeping rolls would have any weight here against their testimony. I barely mention these facts, occurring in the few cases which I have had to show the uncertainty of Rolls. Mrs. Hanscum lives at a distance from here - of course I have not seen her. Neither do I wish to let her know of this difficulty unless it shall be necessary to obtain information which I cannot get any where else - Dr. Fisher is the oldest Physician in this town His mind unimpaired and his memory as good as when young - and his character for truth beyond suspicion - It is well always to state things as they occur, however odd they may sound - On reading your letter, his first exclamation was "Good God what do they mean" - He says that there is a great error somewhere - The whole history of the business is as familiar to him as it was in the time of the Revolution - He says he enlisted in 1777 for 3 yrs - He was in the "Vacant Company" commanded by Lieut. Thomas Edwards, a lawyer of Boston - That there was no such man as Lieut. Wolsey in the whole Regiment - That the 3 Reg s Lees, Jackson & Kimley (I think) were consolidated - and that even after it went under the name of Henry Jackson's Reg t - That he was his Colonel - That his discharge signed by Jackson is an exact copy of his pension papers - That Hanscum was with him after the time stated in which he deserted as stated in your letter - That he is confident no such desertion

took place - That he might have come home for a little time - But that it was impossible for him to have deserted, and he not have known it - That the 3 years spoken of must have begun before the time alleged - That the 1st of July '78 must have been the time when the roll was made out, or when he was put into Lieut Edwards company, being called then a 3 year man -
To this account of Dr Fisher I add the fact that the widow when I prepared the case, told me that she knew a man in Scarborough of Alan, who was with him in the 8th Me Vols in '80 - I am certain that he was alive - and went there and took his dismission which you have. I do not remember his name - After having given me that dismission - he told me that Hancorn was in the 3 year service - that he came home - and that Gen Washburn gave notice that if the other would return, they should be pardoned - That he returned served his time out and then enlisted again for Samson - This, I think was the account given by him, though I did not take special notice then, not considering it of any consequence.
Dr Fisher also says that he was one of the best soldiers in the of company -
Perhaps there are other members in Scarborough who were in the same company, who know all the facts - I make this statement of the case to enquire of the Department whether evidence embodying these facts would be sufficient to explain the difficulty which appears by the rolls - I have not full faith that Hancorn did not desert or if so that he was pardoned that I should have till I had done very  very many things which would be done to prevent it, I commenced much the water

ful care of the department believing that after every precaution impositions have been and will be practiced. Still, I trust that a liberal construction of the rules of the evidence will be made in this case as has been done in others, and that she will not be deprived of her pension, unless the Commissioner considers himself bound to  to the evidence furnished by the evidence furnished by the rolls. Scarborough is nearly 20 mi. from K., and I have, of course, not thought it worth while to incur the expense of depositions without first knowing that they would be of avail.
With much respect.
Kindly I Edmonds. Com of Pensions
Your obedt Servant E.E. Bourne

May 18
14 one care
Can
Mable
FREE
Wm. J. L. Edwards
Com of. Pension
Washington D.C.