Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 10,787, John Harris, Conn.

SERVICE
Conn.
Harris, John
NUMBER
8,10787
carded.
CONTENTS

no 18,985
in Harris
nam Co. in the State of Vermont was at Pr. Artill y in the company commanded by Captain Latham of the Regt. commanded by Col. Ledyard in the Pnk. Troops time for 9 months Pr. Artill y $ 37.50
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 37 Dollars 50 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of Nov r 1833 and sent to James Elliot Fayettville Windham Co. Vt.
Arrears to the 14th of Sep. 1833 93.75 Semi-ant. allowance ending 14 March 34 18.75
$ 112.50
Died Dec. 1, 1853.
{ Revolutionary Claim, Not June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by D. Brown
Clerk,
Book E.
Vol. 3
Page 70
See letter April to Hon. H. do. to P. Agt.
31. 1835 to P. Agt. - do Hall 31 Dec. 1835 - 6 Jan. 1836
Letter to Hon. H. Hall Apr 8. 1836 - do. of same P. Agt. July 2. 1836 -

1256. Windham Co. Vermont-
John Harris - Dec d for Pension
August 1832.
No 2791 - ✓

STATE OF VERMONT.
County of Windham ss
Probate District of Marlborough.
At the Probate Court, within and for said District, being a Court of Record.
On this Second day of August A.D. 1832 - Personally appeared in open Court, At Brattleborough in said District, Present Marshall Miller Esquire, Judge.
Before the said Probate Court, within and for said District, - now sitting - John Harris a resident of Halifax in the county of Windham and State of Vermont, aged sixty six years, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832 - That he entered into the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. Enlisted at Fort Griswold, Groton, Connecticut, the last of June 1780, under Lt. Col. Ledyard and Capt. Latham, for the term of nine months, and served that time as a Soldier in the Matross, as appears by his discharge, signed by the said Capt. Latham, and dated Fort Griswold April 1. 1781, which is herewith transmitted to the War Department. He refers to the accompanying affidavit of Joshua Harris as additional evidence of his services. He considers the corps in which he served to have been Connecticut State Troops.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
To the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, he answers, upon his said oath, as follows:
 1. Was born at Preston, Connecticut, in the year 1766.  2. Has a private family record of his age so that transcribed from the town clerk's office in Preston Conn. by my father.  3. Lived in Preston, Conn. when he entered the service. Just about the close of the Revolutionary War I removed to Halifax, Vermont, where I have lived ever since.  4. Enlisted voluntarily.  5. No other  enlistment  and  re-enlistment to the  service  of  the  United  States  during  my  term  of  service been at Fort Griswold during my term of service.  6. His discharge is herewith transmitted to the War Department.  7. Refers to Darius Bullock Esq. and Mr. Hiel Chandler as witnesses under this interrogatory, there being no clergyman in the vicinity who could conveniently attend the Court for the purpose. 
John Harris
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Marshall Miller Judge of Probate
We Darius Bullock citizen  citizen , residing in the town of Halifax in said county and Hiel Chandler of Marlborough in said county hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with John Harris, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be sixty six years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Hiel Chandler Darius Bullock
Marshall Miller Judge of Probate
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them, that Darius Bullock who has signed the preceding certificate, is a citizen resident in the said town of Halifax and that Hiel Chandler who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Marlborough in said county, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I James Elliot Register of the Probate Court, within and for the District of Marlborough aforesaid, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Harris for a pension.
of the Probate Court, within and for aforesaid, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Harris for a pension.

17 B. No continue...
6. His discharge is herewith transmitted to the War Department-
7. Refers to Darius Bullock Esq. and Mr. Hiel Chandler as witnesses under this interrogatory, there being no clergyman in the vicinity who could conveniently attend the Court for the purpose. John Harris
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Marshall Miller Judge of Probate
We Darius Bullock  a clergyman  citizen , residing in the town of Halifax in said county and Hiel Chandler of Marlborough in said county hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with John Harris , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be sixty six years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. Hiel Chandler Darius Bullock
Marshall Miller Judge of Probate
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them, that Darius Bullock who has signed the preceding certificate, is a resident resident in the said town of Halifax and that Hiel Chandler who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Marlborough in said county, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I James Elliot , Register of the Probate Court, within and for the District of Marlborough aforesaid, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Harris for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this second day of August , A. D. 1832.
James Elliot , Probate Register.

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section EEL
May 27, 1930
V.E.Woodward, M.D. Central Islip Hospital Central Islip, Long Island New York
Dear Sir:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.10787, it appears that John Harris, the son of Job, was born in 1766, at Preston, Connecticut.
He stated that in the year 1780, he importuned his father to let him go in a privateer and at last gaining his consent, for he was not yet fifteen years of age, his father took him to New London, but upon their arrival, they found that an embargo was laid and no privateers were going out. He then asked and gained his father's permission to enlist at the fort at Groton, and June 29, 1780, he did so enlist, served as a matross in Captain William Latham's Company under Colonel Ledyard in the Connecticut Troops and was discharged April 1, 1781. He also stated that he cooked for the officers, occupied the same room with them and was sent on many missions of trust while in the above service.
About the close of the Revolution, he moved with his father to Halifax, Windham County, Vermont, in which place his father died, date not given.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 2, 1832, while residing in Halifax, Vermont. The pension certificate was issued November 25, 1833, pension to commence March 4, 1831.
He died December 1, 1853.
From AB Reference is made to his family but no names of either

wife or children are given.
Due to the very large number of requests similar to yours and the lack of a clerical force available for the purpose, the bureau is unable to make immediate reply to each request pertaining to soldiers of the Revolution.
Letters are being answered as rapidly as possible in order of receipt.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of John Harris a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     June 29 1780 Apr. 1. 1781 *Pvt William Latham William Ledyard Conn.             * also credited for the officers at Ft. Griswold  
Battles engaged in, _____
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Preston Conn.
Date of application for pension, Aug. 2. 1832. His el was al
Residence at date of application, Halifax, Windham Co. Vt.
Age at date of application, born in 1766 at Preston Conn.
Remarks:
{ died Dec. 1. 1853. Soldier's father Job Harris and brother Joshua were living at Preston Conn. in 1780. There is no other family data.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

John Harris
S. File 10787
Coyne.

Fort Griswold April 5 th 1788
To Whom it may concern.
This may certify that John Harris a Soldier in the Matross, has served the term of time he enlisted for, and is hereby discharged with Honour to himself and the Company he belongs to
G. W. Latham Cap.

Rehman
10.787
INVALID.
File No. 10.787
John Harris Pri Rev War
Act: June 1 th 32
Index: Vol. a , Page 163
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1907 Sept. 11. Hist to Harold W. Swann from catalogue c. 1916 July 7 Hist to Lena E. Harris 1925 Sept. 2. Copies mailed Miss Mabel Curry.
1930 - May 27. History to T. E. Woodward. M.D. B.G.

John Harris Papers.

I was confirmed in the opinion that my discharge would be satisfactory because I find in the printed regulations document No. 298 the following regulation which every officer will produce the discharge in his power. This is the original discharge or commission, I naturally infer that my discharge which was transmitted would have been considered the best proof the section of the law would admit and all other as only secondary and not required when the best proof was produced the affidavit was only in my mind way only necessary to prove the length of time of service.

John H. Memo
Coax
Admir 9 Mo Dr Artty
James Elliot Esq Fayetteville Windham Co NY

State of Vermont - Windham County - Jan'y. 21. 1833.
Memorandum taken at the request of Mr. John Harris, for the consideration of the Secretary of War -
Mr. Harris states that he is informed by aged persons who served in the Connecticut Artillery at or near the same period with himself, that the pay of a private  cross was eight dollars a month - a Sergeant received ten dollars. - He does not himself recollect the amount of pay.
It will be observed that his Captain omitted to state, in his Discharge, the number of months he was in service. Mr. Harris, and his brother, have no doubt that he served the full term of nine months -
James Elliot, Clerk Co. Court & Prob. Register.

Groton october 1 th 1832
This Day Mr John Harris of Halifax be Belong to board Griffield as present in 1781 Soldier at eight Dollars per month.
Andrew Gallup

The claim of John Harris who alleges that he served as a Matross in 1780-81. When he was but 14. years old, is rejected. Service of that character could not, upon general principles have been performed by a person at so early an age. Nothing but ample proof and explanation would justify the admission of this claim.

F. L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions.
Mar 10
Pension Office 5 th April 1833.
Sir
The claim of William Hills has been rejected. As his name is not found upon the Rolls of Col. Whitcomb's regiment, the regulations required that he shall prove his service by two credible witnesses. Not being able to prove it by any direct testimony, whatever, the claim

May 9.
get paper E Rke 1018718 W Harts 18985
John B. Schenck Town of Painesville
Am H. Hall H R

Washington May 6. 1836
Dr Sir
I enclose you the affidavits of John Harris & Elijah Pike in explanation of their previous signatures to papers relating to their services.
Being acquainted with Sanford Plumb Esq. the magistrate before whom the affidavits are made, & having the fullest confidence that no fraud has been practiced, I cannot but express the hope that the explanation will be satisfactory
very respectfully yours
Hiland Hall

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

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

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.
†QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
†QUERE XVI.  Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Jan 1. 1836
1690 Biddle Ellis Harris 18985 Jt
FREE
James S. Edwards Esq Comms of Pensions Washington D.C.

Jan 1. 1836
1690 Riddle Ellis Hobbs 18985 162
FREE
James L. Edwards Esq Comms of Pensions Washington D.C.

Bank of Burlington December 24 1885
Sir -
The vouchers of John Riddle and Joseph Ellis in 1 st quarter of my account - 1834 as well as the voucher of John Harris - in the same quarters etc - were returned to me suspended for explanation - on account of the Pensioners their signatures differing from other signatures to vouchers in the pension office, and further payments to them were suspended.
I have returned the above vouchers with affidavits explaining discrepancies, to the Second Comptroller, and the pensioners desire that orders may be transmitted to me, by you - to pay them from the time they were last paid -
I am very respectfully -
Your obt Servt,
E. J. Englishby Pres. Pension Agent
for Wm Weston
J. S. Edwards Esq Com d of Pensioners

Rev Sec
let June 23, 1916.
Dear Sir,
I wish to find out if the following person's name is in your office as one who drew a pension as a revolutionary soldier? The description I will write as all I am able to find out about this person.
John Harris married Susana Smith and to them were born three children; a son Jonathan and two daughters. His father's name was Job Harris and Job's wife's maiden

name was Abigail Clark. Said John Harris spent most of his life in Marlboro Co., Vt. but it seems he probably lived somewhere else when he enlisted in the army. He was only 16 yrs. old when he went in and served as cook. He was induced to fire off an old cannon for the company and was partially deaf ever afterward.
I am trying to prove my- self a D. A. R. but am un- successful thus far, so if I can get any informa- tion from the pension office it will be much appreciated, Respectfully,
(Miss) Cora E. Harris Galeiner, Chaut. Co., N.Y.

G. A. SMITH, M. D., SUPERINTENDENT
State of New York Department of Mental Hygiene
CENTRAL ISLIP STATE HOSPITAL
Central Islip,
Long Island, N. Y.
May 24, 1930.
Pension Department, (Revolutionary Records)
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
Some six weeks or more ago, I wrote you asking you to verify the record of John Harris, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War and received a pension. I gave you the dates as nearly as I could and asked you to send me a copy of the record there. I even gave you the date when he was supposed to be put on the pension list. I wrote to have these dates verified.
Will you kindly give this matter your early attention, as I wish to use the record as soon as possible?
Very truly yours,
V. E. Woodward
V. E. Woodward, M. D., Senior Assistant Physician.
V/E/W M/L

G. A. SMITH, M. D., SUPERINTENDENT
State of New York Department of Mental Hygiene
CENTRAL ISLIP STATE HOSPITAL
Central Islip,
Long Island, N. Y.
Apr. 7, 1930.
Bureau of Pensions, Department of Interior, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
Will you give me a copy of your genealogical records as far as possible of John Harris, private, artillery, whose pension commenced Mar. 4, 1831? I understand he was in the Connecticut continental line and was placed on the pension roll Nov. 25, 1833, over two years after he had begun to receive his pension unless there is some mistake in the dates.
If there is any charge for this, I shall be very glad to remit as soon as I know the amount.
Very truly yours,
V. E. Woodward, Senior Assistant Physician.
V/E/W M/L

2340
3-2006 OFFICE OF CHIEF CLERK
Job No. ....
Date Aug 29 1922
Subject John Harris, Bv A 10787
1 copies of 1 pieces consisting of 6 pages to be (No.) (No.) (No.) forwarded when completed to the Cev 1812 Sec Div.
Remarks: Receipt of pay with in case of Jonathan Hughes A. 95-91.
Approved:
Margaret M. A. Finch Acting Chief Div. Red 41812 War Section
Chief Clerk.

18985
Shelburne Falls, Mass., Aug. 16, 1907.
To The Chief of The Pension Bureau, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir;
Will you please send me the records of John Harris who died in 1853 in Halifax, Vermont. He served in the Revolutionary War as army cook and received a pension.
Respectfully
Harold W. Swann,
Shelburne Falls,
P.O. Box 297.
Massachusetts.

Hon. J. S. Edwards Honoured Sir,
I received intelligence last September on the back of one of the copies of my Pension certificates which I sent to Burlington by my Attorney Mr. Chipman Swain to receive my Pension money. That my Pension was suspended for explanation. As the signature to the copies of my Pension certificates & powers of Attorney differed materially from the signature to the declaration which I made in the Court that furnished me with the papers necessary to obtain my Pension - I wrote an explanation & sent it. and am informed by my Attorney that it was satisfactory, but went to the Comptroller and only answered for what the Agent at Burlington had paid. And that another explanation must be sent to the Commissioner of Pensions in the War Office in Washington before I could receive the Pension money due to me that 4 th of September last & 4 th of March inst. Therefore I send you, dear Sir, the following explanation which I hope will be satisfactory & I desire you, dear Sir, to adjust the case as soon as you can that I may receive my Pension money as I, and my family are suffering because we have not received it. And it is my lawful due. according to the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832
I John Harris of Halifax in the County of Windham and State of Vermont do testify depose and say that I am the identical John Harris who was a private soldier in the Matross company in Fort Greenwald commanded by Captain William Lathan Anno Domini 1780-81. I was discharged honorably by my Captain on Sunday the 1 st day of April 1781 I was then about 21 days less than 15 years old I am now this 29 th day of March 1836. about 24 days less than 70 years old. - I applied to the Court of Probate for the District of Marlboro in the County afore said on or about the 1 st or 2 nd day of August A.D. 1832 for the necessary papers to obtain my Pension. S d . Court (Honourable Marshal Miller Judge. James Elliot Register) being then in session in Brattleboro in s d . District for the purpose of furnishing the Revolutionary soldiers with the papers necessary to obtain their Pensions under the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. I gave the Court my Discharge, and answered all the Interrogatories, and made such a declaration and produced such evidence as satisfied the Court. How I formed the letters of my name when I signed s d declaration I do not remember, but think it is probable that I endeavoured to write in as good style as I could, as I was in open Court and somewhat elated. As I had sanguine hope that I should obtain my Pension, because H. H. Hall, 1912

I had good credentials. I asked Esq. Elliot to this effect viz. whether there would be any difficulty because I was so young when I was a soldier? He answered. "O no that is all in your favour. That is one thing they plead in favour of General Jackson he was a soldier when he was 14. Your case is clear" I wrote my name to the declaration which I made in Bd. Court with the pen & ink that was there in the Court. I wrote my name with my own hand when I signed the copies of my Pension Certificate & there was an Attorney that I sent to Brurington to receive my pension money. I wrote my name with my own hand when I enlisted into the Matross Company in Fort Griswold. - I wrote a long letter with my own hand & wrote my name several times in it about the beginning of the fall of the year 1833. Giving an account of the names of the officers that I served under & some things that took place where I was when I was a soldier, which letter I suppose is in the War Office Pension department in Washington. - I wrote my name as a witness in favour of Mr. Israel Jones & Mr. Asa Smith testifying in the abovementioned Court that they were commonly reputed to have been Revolutionary soldiers and that I concurred in the opinion - I am an old man & do not always write alike, sometimes my hand trembles more than it does other times
John Harris
Witnesses to signature
Charles K. Field (of Wihington Justice of the Peace for Windham County)
James Plumb Postmaster West Halifax Vt.
State of Vermont Windham County { Halifax March 31 st 1836 Then personally appeared
John Harris revolutionary pensioner of Halifax in the County of Windham aforesaid and made solemn oath that he is the identical John Harris named in the original pension Certificate in his possession "recorded in the pension office in Book 8. vol. 3 page 70. by D. Brown Clerk, and that the above statement by him subscribed and written by his own hand contains the truth the whole and nothing but the truth before me
Sanford Plumb Justice of the Peace.
I further Certify that Mr. John Harris above named has always and does at present sustain a good reputation and character for truth and veracity as far as I have ever heard having been acquainted with him for about twenty years
Sanford Plumb Justice of the Peace

John Harris, Application for Pension Windham County Vermont.
Supplementary Declaration Evidence

When I applied to the Court last summer for the necessary papers to obtain a pension - Hon. Marshall Miller Judge James Elliot Reg. I answered all the interrogatories promptly & explicitly - And procured every thing necessary so far as the Court understood the regulations prescribed by the Pension department. And my discharge - I questioned Esq. Elliot whether he thought they would make any quibble because I was so young He answered "no that is all in your favor - That is one thing they plead in favor of General Jackson he was a soldier when he was 14 years old" - He said my case was clear (N. B. James Elliot Esq. has been a member of Congress) - The papers with my discharge were sent to the pension office - The papers were returned in December last, with no objection on account of my age, but because the Magistrate who took the deposition did not certify that the witness was a man of credibility - This supplement was amply furnished, together with the Clerical testimony mentioned in the regulations - And the papers were returned to the pension office - And in April the rejection sent back with the reason why - All who were acquainted with me & my case were very much disappointed & some of them displeased - But I think it was because you did not know what kind of duty I did when I was a soldier That I belonged to the Matross company is evident by my discharge And as I lived in the room with the officers & in their absence the keys of the fort the magazine & records were left in my custody - And they sent me occasionally a great way alone to carry the Colonels orders in writing. And had more notice of my service than of any other private soldier in the company - And when my time was out gave me an honorary discharge. I think that is sufficient evidence that I did the duty incumbent on me as a soldier - And that I served the term of time I enlisted for - The length of time I served, I had to prove by other evidence which I have done with tolerable precision by my brother Joshua Harris whose age situation (when I was in the service) and character, renders his testimony valid beyond a reasonable doubt - I did not know last summer that any other person was living that knew of my service in the revolutionary war, but since I have found that Deacon James Tucker who knew me before & at the time & after I went into the service remembers something about it. And last fall I went down to Gupton, V. London, and Stonington - I went to

to Fort Griswold. I had not seen that nor the sea for more than 50 years. I went to the Monument about 8 rods north of the fort erected by the State of Connecticut in honor of those brave patriots who fell in that fort fighting in defence of the liberties of our country. Their names are inscribed on it. I read their names eighty four in number. I was well acquainted with many of them when I was a soldier in that fort. Tho' not one of them before I went there. I saw & conversed with five men who belonged to the same company which I did at the same time Viz, Sergeant Jeremiah Gallop (he shewed me his pension certificate for $120.00 per annum, for services done principally in the same company before & at the same time & after I lived there.) Henry Mason (he told me he saw the enemy kill Lieut Stanton some pulling him down from the the platform & others following behind sticking their bayonets into him) Serg. Andrew Gallup he was one who went with me to Gardeners Island. The next day after I entered the service I had not seen him for more than 50 years. We conversed about that cruise & other things that took place when we were soldiers. He was wounded when the fort was taken and has drawn a pension on that account for many years. He told me that he stood within a few yards of Col. Ledyard when he was killed and saw him give up his sword to the British officer & heard the words that passed between them & saw the British officer kill him with his own sword! — We could tell things as near alike which took place when soldiers together as two men would a few weeks after. I asked him if he remembered what wages we had when we were soldiers. He said eight dollars a month. And gave me a writing to that effect. But what the other private soldiers who served in the matross company in Fort Griswold commanded by Capt. Wm Lathan in 1780-81 receive, I am willing to accept of — A Pension for nine months and one day & two thirds of a day And not one whit less —
Dear Sir, I have not sent an unintelligible account of a few weeks service at one time as a substitute & a few months at an other time as a militia man &c. &c. without being able to tell the names of my Officers and the like as some have, which makes it impossible for any man to know whether they have any claim at all, or if any how much. But an account of one term of service under one voluntary enlistment with the date of the year the day of the month the day of the week & hour of the day near enough when I entered the service. And likewise when and how I left the service with an honorary discharge. And what kind of service I performed. And where, and what officers I served under —
Now dear Sir, If any more evidence is wanting to amplify the proof or any more elucidation or elucidation to amplify the explanation please to inform me in writing what it is — I could by going 150 miles, and spending 12 or 15 dollars obtain the evidence of Serg. Andrew Gallup. Jonathan Wheeler. Elisha Wheeler Chris.

Christopher Avery, Waram Williams, Wm. Forsith, Nathan Darros Pufus Avery, Henry Mason, Nehemiah Gallup And probably some others who served in the same company that I did at the same time. — But I don't conceive that the regulations prescribed by the pension department require any thing more than what I have done I was informed last fall by Pufus Avery above mentioned (now Capt Avery) that the pay rolls and writings of our Garrison was sent to Washington after the Revolutionary war was over, and burnt in that city when the British took and sacked it in the last war. I am sorry those records are lost. But notwithstanding I can prove my claim to the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 for the relief of the surviving officers and soldiers of the Revolution as amply as any applicant in the United States. And as I and my family are in need of it and see our neighbors receiving their pension who are no more legally entitled to a pension & some of them perhaps not so justly as I am I feel very uneasy not to receive mine. — But impute it wholly to your not having a clear idea of my case. — If there has been any wrong representation or oversight or misapprehension in my case that ought not to deprive me of my right.
I am very sorry, dear sir, that you & I have been put to so much trou- ble on my account. But hope our troubles will be ended on that case by your shortly sending me a pension certificate. — If you do I suppose my discharge will remain on file in the Pension office. But if not I enjoin it on you, dear sir, to preserve my discharge and all the papers sent to Washington on account of my pension claim. So that I may not lose any credentials to my claim. — As I served faithfully & was dis- charged honourably I shall persevere in my endeavours to obtain my pension so long as life & reason are spared to me. And then leave it to my heirs to prosecute the case —
I respectfully request you, dear sir, to send my pension certificate or some answer to this as soon as you can conveniently, that I may not be holden in suspense any longer, as my brother soldiers who served in the same company at the same time & place that I did, received their pension money last fall.
Sep r 7 - 1833
John Harris

Affidavit I James Tucker of Halifax in the County of Windham and State of Vermont now in the seventy first year of my age do here and say that my my native place was Preston in the County of New London in the State of Connecticut where I resided till I was about twenty one years of age when I came to Halifax where I have lived ever since when I lived in Preston I knew Mr Job Harris who then lived there and was well acquainted with his sons John Harris and Joshua Harris I well recollect that said John Harris went in to the army of the American Revolution and was at Groton I understood that he enlisted but in what year or the length of his service I do not remember but well recollect it was before New London was burnt by the enemy - about the time I came to Halifax Mr Job Harris and his said sons John and Joshua came and lived in said Halifax Mr Job Harris died in this Town a number of years ago the said John & Joshua now living and residing here ever since their first moving from Preston here I have frequently heard
said John Harris speak of his service and relate things that took place while in the Army he is generally reputed as a man of truth and of being a Soldier of the revolution the above named Job Harris when living kept a Journal of Transactions which he used frequently to shew me in that Journal now before me I find it written under date of June 28 th 1780 went to Groton with my sons John & Joshua on Wednesday - Thursday went over to New London returned back to Groton left John in the fort and went home with Joshua - July 5 th 1780 Wednesday John came home he had enlisted last week - Saturday 8 th John returned back to Groton - and under date of April 1 st 1781 John came home at night with a discharge on the Sabbath and further the deponent saith not
State of Vermont & Halifax August 26 th 1833 James Tucker Windham County ss I personally appeared James Tucker above named by him subscribed and was sworn to the truth of the above affidavit before Darius Bullock Justice of the peace I also certify that from a long personal acquaintance that I and James Tucker is a man fully entitled to credit and belief Darius Bullock Justice of the peace

They informed us, that 4 men who had deserted from the British army at N. York and got as far as there, wanted to get on to the main. They informed the deserters that we were friendly to them & they came from their skulking place to us & we brought them the next day to Groton. One of them said he had parents living in what is now the State of Maine. That he was taken by the British early in the war and compelled by starvation to enlist among them, had been with them about 4 years & now found means to escape & was going to see his parents. He looked like an American (I hope they had a joyful interview). The others appeared to be Europeans. I was informed that Col. Ledyard examined them & dismissed them to seek their fortune.
Saturday July 1 st Got back from our cruise to Fort Griswold.
Sunday 2 nd
Hoisted our colours (we did not hoist them every day). Monday 3 John M c Henry (pursuant to the judgment of a Court martial) was flogged 36 stripes on his naked back with a cat o' nine tails for stealing the Barge & goods. When he was brought to the place of flagellation and his name read S.C. Corporal Avery said he knew him he recognised him by examining his hand & seeing he had one crooked finger. And told how he deserted from the same Regiment to which he (Avery) belonged in Rhode Island B.B. as abovementioned. He made a great ado when flogged & almost fainted away. - Capt Latham told him he could not die for that. - And Corporal Freeman said to him "you will remember the 3 rd day of July." They told him that was nothing to what he would get when he was carried to the Continental army. - He was put in N. London jail & broke jail & escaped the first night after.
After this I assisted in mounting a heavy cannon & drawing it up onto the platform it went hard for the acclivity was steep but we succeeded. When it was placed it was loaded with a heavy charge & The Capt. ordered me to fire it, which I did & he & others acclaimed at my performance. - I had never been within some 20 miles of a heavy cannon when fixed till then. It was fired to clear it out, & ascertain its soundness & fitness for use.
Tuesday July 4 th Anniversary of our Independence. We hoisted our flag. They fired 7 cannons at Fort Trumbull & 6 at our Fort. And then our Officers went over to Fort Trumbull according to previous arrangement to join with the Officers of that Fort in the hilarity of the day - before they went, they ordered us to fire 3 guns about the middle of A.M. which we did viz 2 twelve pounders & one 18 pounder. We had a joyful day nobly & it was handy in making change with the paper bills which we had for our wages - And gave me leave to go home to Preston to get some clothes and necessaries. - And told me I must not desert. If I did they would serve me as they did old M c Henry. I promised fidelity and went home.
Wednesday July 5 th my Captain gave me my bounty & half a months pay as it was handy in making change with the paper bills which we had for our wages - And gave me leave to go home to Preston to get some clothes and necessaries. - And told me I must not desert. If I did they would serve me as they did old M c Henry. I promised fidelity and went home. Saturday July 8 th I returned to Fort Griswold to my duty.
Dear Sir, As nature bestowed on me the endowment of a retentive memory I could give a detail of almost every occurrence that took place where I was stationed through the whole of my military service. But

It would be prolix & probably fulsome. I fear I have trespassed on your patience already - I must be more concise in the sequel - After I had been in the service a while the enemy threatened us with hostile visit from N. York it was said embarked with 8000 troops and come thro' Hurligate - We heard the news on a Sunday morning & put our furn- ings in order to give him a handsome reception - And went to preparing our plum pudd- ings to treat him with. But he did not appear. We heard afterward that Gen. Washington put his army in motion towards N. York to take advantage of the absence of so large a portion of the enemy - And the enemy heard of that & re- turned to N. York & put off his visit till Sept. 6 next year when the dread- ful carnage & conflagration at N. London & Graton was made - There came a large fleet of British ships of war and anchored in Gardeners bay the latter part of the summer & lay there the bigger part of the time that I lived there afterwards some times a part of them sailed out & some times all then all returned again - A French fleet lay in Rhodisland harbour - These fleets were reconnoitring each other and seeking an opportunity to get some advantage - The British fleet was in plain sight of Fort Griswold where I lived - And we watched the mo- tions of the ships and gave intelligence when necessary - Once in particu- lar 3 large men of war or line of battle ships sailed out of the bay & sailed round the east end of Long Island out of our sight - A dreadful N. E. storm arose. In their endeavouring to return to the bay one was wrecked & sunk north of the east end of Long Island I think the men nearly or quite all escaped onto L. Island - One cut her masts by the board & got into Gardeners bay - Other got in without much damage - When the weather became clear the mastless ship appeared among the other ships. I fancied she looked like Noah's Ark - It was some time before she weathered erected jury masts - Detachments were sent from our company & from Fort Trumbull to destroy, take or drive off a group of Tories who had taken a station on an Island in the sound near Shrimble Islands & were harassing our vessels - They succeeded in diving them off so precipitately that they left a part of their baggage which our men took & brought home - When a French General visited the place, Col. Ledyard ordered us to fire a salute. We fired 7 cannons first they fired 6 at Fort Trumbull - The duty we had to do was not very hard, but the privations we suffered for want of provision was distressing - The men talked of mutinying and going home & a number of them went out at the fort gate & were consulting about it. I went to them and Sim. Guile said "here is Harris he won't join with us" I answered "I shant it won't do any good" & dehorted them from deserting & they returned to their duty for that time - But several months after when we had been kept on half rations & sometimes no bread at all & sometimes on old sea brea- fed with worms & horribly fit for dogs to eat - And the men had remonstr- ated with no other effect than to be parried with the promises of back rations which promises had not always been fulfilled (I don't remember that we ever drawn any back allowance but once) - The men were so hungerstarved that they were Chagrined - Some

Some flower was brought into the Fort & orders given to deal out half allowance. The soldiers insisted on having full allowance and actually refused to do duty if they could not. The officer of the guard (Sergeant H. Mason I think) came & asked Lieut. Stanton what he should do he could not get any body to go on sentry. Lt. Stanton asked him why he did not confine them. He said he could not get any body to stand over them. Lt. Stanton told me to go & tell Capt. Latham to come up to the fort (He was at his own house about half a mile south of the fort). I promptly obeyed my order. Capt. L. asked what Lt. Stanton wanted. I told him they could not get any body to go on sentry. He appeared to be some angry and told me to go & tell Lt. Stanton to confine every one who would not go on sentry. I told him that he could not get anybody to stand over them. He was more in a pet, & bid me go & said he would come pretty soon. So I returned to the fort & he came soon after. And a short time after the men came with their things to take their allowance determined to have full allowance. Capt. L. thought (as he said afterward) they had come to take the flower by force. He ran out in a passion with his hat off & hecked John Fleminger in the breach once or several times. The soldiers retired a few yards and the Capt. & they had a violent altercation. At length the Capt. asked whose turn it was to go on sentry? They answered, "Abram Quilex" And he called him & ordered him on sentry. And ordered Serg. Mason to see that he had his charge according to rule. Abram went on crying, saying "I will be dam'd if I don't go home." The Capt. said, "you will go home when you have a furlough,"
Abram said "I will when I come off sentry." At length the Capt. said (Apparently with chagrin) "They may have full allowance as long as it lasts," Accordingly Sam. Walworth weighed it out to them, and the quarrel ended. I had no concern in this fray only to obey my officers promptly.
About the latter part of summer, the State of Connecticut raised 500 men for 3 months, to guard N. London & that vicinity. They encamped on Winthrop's point, about a mile from Fort Griswold in plain sight of that fort. They stayed there about 1 month. And then marched up towards Poquatanuck, all but 2 companies, one of them was quartered in tents between N. London town & Fort Trumbull. Another in a part of the barracks in Fort Griswold & at the adjacent battery. They were called the militia. Our company was called the matross company. The militia had no concern with the duty of our company. They were forbidden to step onto the platform where our cannons were placed, without express leave of our officers. Those companies kept guard on both sides of the Thames at the harbour's mouth. They stayed there about 1 month. And then all their troops were dismissed about 1 month before the time of their enlistment expired.
We heard of the perfidy of Benedict Arnold, and of the execution of that brave young gentleman Major Andre who fell a sacrifice to the martial law. Having

Having been drawn into a premunire by the nefarious Arnold. A 20 gun ship came into N. London harbour & brought in 4000 bushels of salt. This was a precious article then. She came under Dutch colours & fired 2 salutes before she came to anchor. Other after. They answered the salute from Fort Trumbull. Her case was doubtful. Some thought she might be made a prize. But her officers were pretty free with their presents. And she was not libelled. This ship sailed the next spring. The design of the owners was to have her go to the W. Indies & then to Europe & then to the E. Indies & then return to N. England. But on her voyage from the W. Indies to Europe she was drove on shore by a British frigate on the coast of France & lost.
When the British fleet lay in Gardeners bay, they fired a cannon at 8 P.M. They fired one at Fort Trumbull at 9 P.M. And we fired one as soon as Aurora unbarned the portals of the east. Sometimes I fired the cannons & sometimes others. We had a number of cannons mounted on travelling carriages but not one of them was ever fired or moved, to my knowledge while I lived there. I mention that, Sir, because you may not have had a right idea of the service that I performed when I was a soldier.
I have not put down the occurrences mentioned in the preceding narrative in all places in order of time as they took place. But where I have mentioned the dates it is correct.
A day or two before before the term of time I enlisted for expired, I provided wood & victuals & things so as to leave the place decently. The officers importuned me to enlist again & offered me a good chance. But I concluded not to stay any longer at that time. Sunday April 1 st 1781 The officers gave me a small present for my good behaviour & fidelity. And about 7 or 8 o'clock A.M. gave me a discharge in the following words viz.
To whom it may concern,
This may certify that John Harris a soldier in the matross company has served the term of time he enlisted for and is hereby discharged with honour to himself and the company he belongs to.
Fort Griswold April 1 st 1781.
Per William Latham Capt.
John Harris
Sworn to and subscribed this 31 st day of July A.D. 1833 before me John Roberts Justice of the Peace
I certify from personal knowledge that the character of John Harris for truth and veracity is highly respectable and has been in my opinion sixty seven years of age. John Roberts Justice of the Peace

John Harris, Application for Pension Windham County. Vermont
Supplementary Declaration of Residence

State of Vermont
Windham County Court Clerk's Office,
New Haven, September 7. A.D. 1833.
I certify that John Roberts and Da- rius Bullock, Esquires, are Justices of the Peace in and for said county, that John Roberts is also a Judge of the County Court, and that the within and annexed, respectively, are their signatures.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said County Court on the day and year above written.
James Elliot, Clerk.

Honoured Sir,
I received your communication dated Pension Office 5. th April 1833. It is in the following words Viz. "The claim of John Harris who alleges that he served as a matrofs in 1780.-81. When he was but 14 years old, is rejected. Service of that character could not, upon general principals have been performed by a person at so early an age. Nothing but ample proof and explanation would justify the admi- ssion of this claim,, - -
Dear Sir, As I am needy of what I am entitled to by the act of Congress passed June 7- 1832. And ratified by the President. Therefore I respectfully request you to read the following communication through And then proceed as you think proper. — I was very much dis- appointed when I learned that my claim was rejected, But I am persuaded, it was the effect of some omission, misrepresentation or oversight. And as I fairly infer that if ample proof and explanation is produced my claim will be granted. Therefore I send the following Narrative
In June 1780. I importuned my father to let me go in a privateer and at last he consented, and went with me to New London about 20 miles from Preston where we lived. My brother Joshua Harris who is about 4 years younger than I am went with us. When we got there on the 29 day of June being Thursday, we found that an Embargo was laid & no vessel going out as a privateer. Then I asked my father to let me enlist into the Fort in Boston And he consented, for he had rather have me do that than to have me go out in a privateer. And pursuant to his consent I entered the service of the U.S. in the Garrison Fort Griswold, on Thursday about 4 o'clock P.M. June 29-1780. I listed a private soldier in the company that kept the Garrison it was called the Matross company. No other troops were in actual service in that vicinity at that time, only the garrison that kept Fort Trumbull on N. London side. — I was several months over 14 years old or ever I entered the service The Captain accepted me and I received the same bounty and wages that the other private soldiers did. And expected to do common private soldiers duty. But the Commissioned officers wanted a person to cook for them And I accordingly did that duty the whole time that I listed for. This Gar- rison was composed of volunteers who listed for 9 months or longer as they chose. Those who listed about the time that I did were to be holden till the 1 st of the next April. — When I listed I was not acquainted with any Officer, or soldier who belonged to the company. And was no way connected with any of them by consanguinity or affinity. I lived in the room adjoin- ing to the room where the officers lived till it became cold weather & then in the room with them — After the Officers got acquainted with me they put great confidence in me, because they thought I was faithful. About the same time that I listed, there was a fellow brought into the fort, and put in irons under guard. He had stolen Colonel Ledyards barge, & goods to the amount of considerable value & sailed off towards Long Island

He was pursued the next morning after he sailed away & at last discovered near Gardner's Island, & seen to run ashore on it, & then return to the Barge & sail again, But was overtaken & brought in. He said he put some of the stolen goods on Gardner's Island, The remainder was recovered. It appeared that the thief abovementioned whose name was John M c Henry. Deserted from the British army, & listed into the Continental army, & deserted from that though when in the state of Rhode Island And after a term of Vagrancy shipped himself aboard of a merchant vessel And deserted from her in N. London river, And stole the barge abovementioned. He was an obstinate villain!
When I entered the service the officers names were as follows viz.
Col. William Ledyard* Commander of both Forts & the Harbour. Officers in Fort Griswold. William Lathan Capt. Youngs Ledyard* 1 st Lieut. Enoch Stanton* 2 nd Lieut. John Way 3 rd Lieut. * Jeremiah Gallop orderly sergeant. Eldredge Chester* Daniel Stanton* Henry Mason. — Corporals. John Comstock, Christopher Avery, Peleg Freeman Edward Stanton† (it is said that with a mirror he could see his own heart. He died in 1832) Obadiah Perkins† Gunner (his father & 3 brothers & Sisters husband Capt. John Williams were killed) Samuel Walsworth Clerk & Steward (he lived with the Officers had been a waiter the year before & cooked for them till I listed. — Capt Adam Shapley commanded the Garrison in Fort Trumbull. — The duty of the Garrison that I belonged to was to guard the Fort & Battery & publick Stores & watch the motions of the enemy when in sight, fire the cannon when necessary, make signals with our colours. — And cruise on the Sound And make expeditions to Long Island and Islands in the Sound. &c. Friday June 30 th The day after I entered the service. I went with. Capt. Lathan Lt. Ledyard Lt. Way. Serg. Mason. Andrew Gallop† (afterward a serg) (Capt. Chester who did not belong to the Fort went with us) And 3 more who belonged to our company in all 10. We sailed in the abovementioned Barge to Gardner's Island, to look for the stolen goods. (This Island is some 21 miles from Fort Griswold) The crew went on shore all but myself whom they left to take care of the Barge. They did not find the good, but picked up several pails full of geese eggs. Then they told me I might go on shore, and I did. The wind subsided, and they concluded not to return to Groton that day. We sailed to Numb Island and stayed over night. The Capt. told me we were on the enemies ground. Here for the first time in my life I was set on centry I watched vigilantly. After standing a while I was relieved Capt John Riney with about 16 men belonging to N. London came in about midnight He had been cruising on the sound. Then we felt pretty strong. After the inhabitants found that we were friends to the United States.
Those marked thus * were killed the 6 day of September 1814 Those marked thus† were were wounded but not mortally

read Mr Woods Affidavit.
John Harris. Case - 3 Affidavits -
Certified Jan y : 21. 1833.
42

I Thomas H. Wood of Halifax in the County of Windham and State of Vermont of lawful age testify and say that I have been personally acquaint- ed with Mr John Harris of said Halifax for twenly six years last past I have frequently since my acquaintance with him heard him speak of being in the Army of the American Revolution at different times and in such manner that I have no doubt that he was in said Army and believe it to be the general opinion of his neighbours in the circle of his acquaintance that he served in that army he is a man entitled to full credit and belief I believe him to be about sixty seven years of age
Tho. H. Wood Minister of the Gospel
State of Vermont & Halifax January 18 th 1833 Windham County ss personally appeared the Reverend Thomas H. Wood Minister of the Congregational Church and Society in said Halifax with whom I am personally acquainted and certify that he is a minister of the Gospel in his profession and entitled to credit and belief and made solemn oath to the truth of the above Deposition by him subscribed see for taking Before Darius Buskirk Justice of the Peace Depo No 17. paid

I Joshua Harris of Halifax in the county of Windham and State of Vermont of the age of sixty two years do here testify and say that in June of the year 1780 my brother John Harris enlisted into the service of the United States at Groton in the state of Connecticut where he resided at that time - The company into which he enlisted was commanded by Capt William Gathan - and was stationed at Fort Griswold in the town of Groton - This fort was twenty miles from the town of Preston in which I resided - He enlisted for nine months and during that time was stationed and remained at Fort Griswold - I recollect seeing him during that time and knew that he remained in the service during the time for which he enlisted. Joshua Harris
State of Vermont { Brattleboro' August 1st 1832 Windham ss } Then personally appeared Joshua Harris the signer of the above deposition and made solemn oath that it contains the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth. B. Spr.
Wm R. Hayes
Justice of the Peace
Fees for taking Dep'n $3.50
State of Vermont.
Windham County Court Clerk's Office.
New Haven, August 4. A. D. 1832.
I certify that William R. Hayes, Esquire, is one of the Justices of the Peace within and for the County of Windham aforesaid, and that the above is his signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court on the day and year above written.
James Elliot, Clerk.

Deposition of Joshua Harris on application of John Harris for a Pension
State of Vermont } Brattleboro' Jan'y 6 th 1832 Windham County } I hereby certify that though I am not personally acquainted with Joshua Harris who has signed the within contained deposition, I have engaged of several very respectable people in this place, who are well acquainted with him and that I have no doubt that sd Harris sustains a more than ordinarily unquestionable character for truth and veracity
W m H. Hayes Justice of the Peace

I Joshua Harris of Halifax in the County of Windham and State of Vermont of the age of sixty two years depose testify and say that in June of the year 1780 my brother John Harris enlisted into the Service of the United States at Grooton in the State of Connecticut the company into which he enlisted was commanded by Capt. William Latham and was stationed at Fort Griswold in the Town of Grooton this fort was twenty miles from the Town of Preston in which I resided he enlisted for nine months and during that time was stationed and remained at Fort Griswold I recollect seeing him during that time and knew that he remained in the Service during the war, for which he enlisted Joshua Harris
State of Vermont & Halifax January 17 th 1833 Windham County ss) personally appeared Joshua Harris with whom I am personally acquainted and do certify him to be a man entitled to full credit and belief and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth before
me for taking Deposition No. 17-12
me Darius Bullock Justice of the Peace
State of Vermont- Windham County Court Clerks Office New Haven January 21 st A.D. 1833
I certify that Darius Bullock and William R. Hayes Esquires, are Justices of the Peace within and for the County of Windham aforesaid, and that the signatures purporting to be theirs, on this and the papers hereto annexed, are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County Court on the day and year last above written
James Elliot, Clerk.