Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 4321, James Griffis, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
or Griffis, James Griffiths
R, 4321
CONTENTS

38.4544
Oct 6/52
Heirs of Samuel Griffiths or Griffith
Revolutionary Pension Claimed
Act 7 th June 1832.
Please acknowledge The Receipt of Papers Samuel Lake Atty. Buffalo NY

Province of Canada United Counties of Lincoln & Welland. I Warren Lewis Esquire Judge of the Surrogates Court in and for Said Counties do hereby Certify that at a Surrogates Court held before me on the First - day of May in the year of our Lord One Thousand eight hundred and fifty two at Niagara in Said County, personally appeared before me Peter Griffiths Son of James Griffiths (or Griffiths) who was a Revolutionary Soldier and is now deceased. Who being duly Sworn according to law on his oath makes the following declaration, in order to obtain the Pension due the Said James Griffiths at his death, or to the deponent and the other children and heirs at law of the Said James Griffiths. That the deponent is fifty nine years of Age. That the Said James Griffiths was a Soldier in the Revolutionary war and from the information derived from his Father the deponent believes his Father was in the Service of the United States the greater part of the Revolution, that he resided on the Wall kill in Orange or Sullivan Counties during the Revolution and in Green County afterwards until the year 1800 when he removed to the province of Upper Canada. The Deponent cannot state the dates or periods of the Service rendered by his Father, but remembers that he stated, that he served three years, in a New York Regiment, under Capt. Wright that he enlisted for that period in the years 1776 or 1777 and thinks Colonel McCourtland was the Colonel of the Regiment to which Capt. Wright's Company belonged, that his father received a letter from Col. McCourtland soon after the pension law was passed, stating

that the Rolls or Military records or papers were then in the hands of Major Fish of New York & invited the deponent to call and see him, if he came to the City. The deponent took the letter from the Post Office & frequently saw and read the same, which he has since lost and from all these circumstances the deponent thinks that his Father served in Captain Wright's Company in the New York Regiment Commanded by Colonel M c Courtlandt, and that he was honorable discharged at the termination of his enlistment; and that he served other shorter tours of duty before or after the three years service above stated.
The Deponent further saith that he now resides in the Township of Grantham in the County of Lincoln in the Province of Canada, in which town the Father of the deponent the said James Griffith died on the eighteenth day of December in the year (1836) eighteen hundred thirty six, and was buried the 20 th  twentieth of that month.
The deponent further says that it appears that his Parents were married on the 7 th of June 1783 that the Marriage Record in the old family Bible is as follows "James Griffith was married to Catharine his wife June 7 th 1783", and that in the same record the births and deaths of the family are entered, which the deponent believes to be true, that his Mother's name before her marriage was Catharine Gralick, that the names of the children surviving the death of the said James Griffith, are as follows, the Deponent Peter Griffith, Mary Lorra- way Sarah Hodgkinson, Gustina Hodgkinson Lydia Coursin and Hannah Oustroadt, and that they are the only children living him surviving.

And the deponent further says, that the family Antinly Spelled their Names Griffiths, and are originally from Wales, but that since the revolution his Father and the family have written their names Griffis, being shorter & more in accordance with of the usual pronunciation.
This declaration is made in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832, and the provision which was due to the said James Griffis at the time of his death, and which might have been obtained by him had he applied for the same.
Sworn and Subscribed this First day of May 1852
Before me, — H. A. M. Committee of Surrogate Deputy  J. H. Williams See etc.
his Peter X Griffis Deponent
Province of Canada
United Counties of
Simcoe & Millard B. S. Warren Claws Esquire Judge of the Surrogates Court of said Counties do hereby certify, that, from the testimony present- ed before me and hereto annexed with the Seal of the Court, I believe the said James Griffis was a Soldier of the United States in their Revolu- tionary War. That he died in the Township of Grantham in the Province of Canada on the 18 th day of December A.D. 1836, that he left no widow him surviving, but left the following named children him surviving viz. Peter Griffis, Mary Sorroway Sarah Hodgkinson, Castina Hodgkinson Lydia Courlin and Hannah Cuthbert That they are each and all over twenty one years of Age and are the only children and

as Heirs of the said James Griffith deceased. In testimony whereof I have herunto Subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of the said Court this first day of May One Thousand eight hundred and fifty two
WM. WILSON
Surrogate of the Seneca Co. N.Y. Under Clerk
Samuel Lake of Buffalo New York is appointed my Attorney to obtain the Pension due out to which please send the Certificate and make all Communications relating to the Claim —
Witness
WM. WILSON Surrogate
his Peter Griffith mark

Province of Canada } Richard Atkinson Clarke of the Town of Heatham County of Lincoln } in the County of Lincoln and Province of Canada Esquire. to wit } maketh oath and saith that the late James Clarke Rector of St Georges Parish in the said Town, was the father of deponent, and that deponent is in possession of the record of the deaths, funerals & attended by his late father while rector of the said parish - and that on reference to and examination of the said record, deponent finds it stated and in the said James Clarke's own hand writing that deponent's father on the twentieth day of Decem- ber in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty six, attended the funeral of James Griffiths, late of the Township of Grantham in the said County, and read the service before a large concourse of people, but did not preach - The said record also further states that the body of the said James Griffiths was interred beside that of his late wife, and that the said James Griffiths was in the eighty seventh year of his age at the time of his death - and further deponent saith not -
Sworn before me at the Mayor's Office in the Town of Heatham this 22 nd day of April 1852 E. H. Adams
R. A. Clarke
Mayor of the said Town and a Commissioner for taking affidavits in the Inferior Bench in the said County -

Province of Canada } James Lorraway of the Township of Grantham in County of Lincoln } the County of Lincoln in the Province of Canada to wit. } maketh oath and saith that he personally knew James Griffiths and Catharine Griffiths his wife who formerly resided in the said Township of Grantham. The deponent knew them from about the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty until they died - that deponent attended the funerals of both the said James Griffiths who died near the close of the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty six, and the said Catharine Griffiths who died about two years previous - Deponent further saith that he personally knew Peter Griffiths Mary Lorraway, Sarah Hodgkinson, Christina Hodgkinson, Lydia Loussin and Hannah Bosterndt who are children and heirs of the said James and Catharine Griffiths - and further deponent saith not
Sworn before me at the Mayor's office } in the Town of Ste. Catharines in the said } County this 22 nd day of April 1852 }
James Lorraway
J. Adams Mayor of the said Town and Com- missioner for taking affidavits in the Peace Bench in the said County - }

Province of Canada County of Lincoln to wit
Richard Mann of the Township of Grantham in the County of Lincoln and Province of Canada, Farmer, maketh oath and saith That he was personally acquainted with James Griffiths and Catharine Griffiths, the wife of the said James Griffiths, formerly residents of the Township of Grantham aforesaid, and that deponent's acquaintance with the said James and Catharine Griffiths continued from about the year one thousand eight hundred and four to the time of their decease, That the said James Griffiths died near the close of the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty six, and that said Catharine Griffiths died about two years previously, Deponent also saith that he was present present at the funerals of both the said James and Catharine Griffiths, Deponent further saith that he knows and is well acquainted with Peter Griffiths, Mary Sorraway Sarah Hodgkinson, Christina Hodgkinson, Lydia Courson, and Hannah Rasteroudt who are all children and heirs of the said James and Catharine Griffiths, and who are all yet living - And further deponent saith not.
Sworn before me at the Mayor's Office in the Town of St. Catharines in the said County this 22 nd day of April 1852
Richard Mann
E. Adams
Mayor of the said Town and Commissioner for taking affidavits in the Queen's Bench in the said County -

Canada West, County of Oxford. West Zora
Embo June 1859
Pension office (U.S.A), Washington
Gentlemen
I beg leave to trouble you with these Sherrings, Whereas My deceased Father, James Griffith, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, for six or seven years; having not received no pension, of his services; neither he or any other, for or in his behalf, heretofore, applied for it, to which he was intitled to: As is acknowledged by your letter, of date Jan'y 27/59, in answer to My letter of date Jan'y 4/59, I am heir to My Father's, the said James Griffith, do hereby claim the Amount of Pension and interest, due to which he or My Mother would now be intitled, to, were they living, now, Hoping your kindness in the matter, will prove this petition available; hereunto attached you will receive all the necessary vouchers, as I understand your office require, in the matter, and you will exceedingly oblige; Your Most ob t Serv t &c
her Sarah Hodgekinson mark
M rs . Direct to the care of Witnes M r John M c Donald } John M c Donald Embo Huron St }
M rs . If I am wrong in My vouchers please let me know also inform me the proper manner in which vouchers are received in that Office and in what form
her Sarah Hodgekinson mark
Witnes John M c Donald

Dunbro. West Zora County of Oxford Canada West
} } Wit
Sarah Hodgekinson (Griffeth alias)
on this Twenty fifth day of June in the year of our Lord One thousand Eight hundred and Fifty nine personally appeared before me John D. Deut a Justice of the peace within and for the County of Oxford Canada West who being duly sworn according to Law declares she is heir to her deceased Father James Griffeth who was a Soldier in the Revolutionary War of the United States of America (With Great Britain). Served part of his time in Col. Portland Regiment as also under others in Command in all as she believes Six or Seven Years Service. She further declares that her Father the said James Griffeth Died at Grantham on the Eighteenth day of December in the year of our Lord One thousand Eight hundred and Thirty Seven. She further declares that her Mother lawful wife of the said James Griffeth Died at Grantham on the Seventeenth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty five. She further declares that her Father or Mother never received nor applied for Bounty Land or Pension. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining her Father's rights to which he was intitled to and that by heirship she now is intitled to the same.
Witness John M. Donald
Sarah her X Hodgekinson
We Joseph Coddington and Elizabeth Coddington Residents of West Zora County of Oxford upon our Oaths declares that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Sarah Hodgekinson in our presence and statements of the Applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be and is still living
Witness
Joseph his X Coddington
John M. Donald
Elizabeth her X Coddington
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year first above written and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be and is still living and that I have no interest in this claim.
John D. Deut C. P.

Sarah Griffith Declaration in quest of her Mother Petition
1859

Joseph Codington and Elizabeth Codington of the Township of West Gores County of Oxford - District of } L. Wil Brock - Province of Canada
Joseph Codington and Elizabeth Codington Maketh Oath and Saith that they were personally acquainted with James Griffiths or Greffes a Revolutionary Soldier who died at Grantham - on the Eighteenth - day of December in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Eight hundred and Thirty Seven - was Buried in the Episcopal Buring ground at the Ten Mile Creek in the Township of Grantham - on the Twentieth or Twenty first day of December - in the year first above written deponents further Saith that they were also personally acquaint- ed with Catharina Wife of the said James Griffiths. That she the said Catharina Griffiths Died at Grantham on the Seventeenth day of November in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Eight hundred and Thirty Five - was Buried in the Episcopal Buring ground at Grantham - on the Twentieth Nineteenth or day of November - the year last above written
Sworn before me this Twenty fifth day of June 1857
John Debenham J. P.
Joseph X Codington mark
Elizabeth X Codington mark
Witness John M. Davis

Joseph Codington and Elizabeth Codington of the Township of West Zorra County of Oxford
District of Brock Province of Canada
Joseph Codington and Elizabeth Codington Makett oaths and Saith that they were now Mrs. Hoaglin personally acquainted from infancy with Sarah Griffith as also with her Father James Griffith a Revolutionary Soldier of the United States of America deponent further Saith that the said Sarah Griffith daughter of the said James Griffith is now living and Residing in the Township of West Zorra County of Oxford District of Brock Province of Canada
Sworne before me this Twenty fifth day of June 1859 John Skeels
Joseph his X Codington mar

I hereby certify that John D. Dent is a Justice of the peace within and for the County of Oxford Canada West and whose signature is to the attached affidavits and who by appointment of the Government Canadian, is authorised to administer Oaths for General purposes and in my belief the signature is the proper hand writing of the said John D. Dent -
Dated June 27 th
AD 1859
W. Lapham Clerk of the Peace Oxford
by W. Lapham Deputy C.P. Co.

Letter & Copy certificate of marriage to Griffiths

Cottingham April 1st. 1859 Mr. M c Donald Dear Sir
Your letter did not come to me directly which will ac- count to you for the delay - By some means it got into the hands of my pre- decessor - I have examined the records after a long search found as I have no doubt the record of the marriage of Mr. Griffith - It is not in 1774 nor 1783, nor by Rev. Mr. Salisbury, but by Rev. Mr. Wattenberg - I send to you a co- py of the entry word for word so that you may see it for yourself. Nothing was said of having the certificate signed and before Justice of the peace & therefore I send it without it. I trust you will be able to secure the pension -
1.50 R 1.00 0.50 due
Respectfully yours Wm. N. Schole Pastor of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Cottingham.

Copy from the records of Zion Ev. Luth Church of Albany Green County, New York -
James Griffith a son of Peter Griffith from Albany & Catharina Froelich daughter of Barona Froelich from Free- hold, has been published 3 times, according to the laws, without any impediment & legally married by me, this 13th day of June 1783 Mr. August Walberg

Province of Canada } County of Lincoln } ss
Christiana Hodgkinson being duly sworn according to law on her Oath says she is sixty three years of Age and is a daugh- ter of James and Catharine Griffiths, that this is the way the name was originally Spelled, and that their Marriage is so recorded in an Old Bible which has been in the family ever since her recollection; that the leaf containing the publishers Name and date of publication is torn out or demolished from age, but that said Bible is the identical Bible brought into this Province by her Parents in 1801 and that the Marriage of her Parents is therein recorded as follows "James Griffiths was Married to Catharine his Wife June 4 - 1783" This deponent believes it to be a true record; that her Mothers Name before her Marriage was Catharine Fralick, that she died before her Fathers death —
Sworn and subscribed before me this 18 th day of April 1853 and certify the deponent is a Credible Witness
Christiana Hodgkinson
E. Adams, Mayor for S. Easthampton L. W.
Province of Canada } County of Lincoln } ss
Elias Smith Adams Esquire being duly sworn according to law on his Oath says that he was well acquainted with James Griffiths and his family and has been acquainted forty three years, that they are of late years called Griffiths that he has heard the above affidavit read and has examined the record therein referred to and believes the same to be true —
E. Adams
Sworn and subscribed this 18 th day of April 1853 before me and certify the deponent is a cred- ible Witness —
H. Mitchell
J.P.

I hereby Certify that I have examined the family Bible and record referred to in the foregoing affidavits, that from the date of the print and appearance I believe it is the Original Record of the Marriage of the parties, — Laurence Conson

To all To whom these presents shall come Joseph Augustus Woodruff of the Town of Magam Esquire Clerk of the Peace for the United Counties of Seneca and Welland do certify that Elias Smith Adams and Henry Mullettbury are both Justices of the Peace for the United Counties of Seneca and Welland and that the handwriting of Elias Smith Adams and Henry Mullettbury hereto subscribed are of the respective handwritings of the said Elias Smith Adams and Henry Mullettbury
In Witness Whereof I the said Joseph Augustus Woodruff have hereunto set and subscribed my name and affixed my seal of office at Magam the Nineteenth day of April in the year of our Lord one Thousand Eight Hundred and fifty Three
Joseph Augustus Woodruff Clerk of the Peace United Counties of Seneca & Welland 18th Magam District

July 12, 1933
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
James Griffis-R. 4321 BA-J/AWF Am
Elsie M. Huntley 785 Main Street Great Barrington, Massachusetts
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to James Griffis or Griffith, who served in the New York troops, War of the Revolution.
You are furnished herein the record of the only James Griffis (variously spelled), that is found on file in the Revolutionary War records of this office, who served with the New York troops; and the data given below were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, R. 4321, based upon his service in that war.
James Griffis (Griffiths) was the son of Peter from "Albanii". It is stated that the family, originally, was from Wales and spelt their name Griffiths, until after the Revolution, it was written Griffis, as it was shorter and more like the pronunciation. The date and place of birth of James Griffis is not given, and the name of his mother is not shown.
James Griffis married June 7 or 13, 1783, Catharine Froelick (Fralick), the daughter of Barona Froelick of "Freehold". Their marriage was recorded on the records of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church of Athens, Greene County, New York. They moved about 1800 to Upper Canada. He died December 18, 1836 or 1837 in Grantham Township, Lincoln County, Canada. It is stated that he was in the eighty-seventh year of his age at the time he died. He was buried by the side of his wife, in the Episcopal Burying Ground at the "Tew

Mile Creek", Grantham Township, Canada. His wife had died about two years previous.
The following children survived their parents, James and Catharine Griffis (Griffiths), and were all living in 1852-
Peter Griffis, fifty-nine years of age in 1852 and living in Grantham Township, Canada.
Mary Lorraway
Sarah Hodgkinson in 1859 residing in West Zora Township, Oxford County, Canada.
Custina (Cistiana) Hodgkinson in 1853 sixty-three years old and in Lincoln County, Canada.
Lydia Coursin
Hannah Oustroudt.
On May 1, 1852, Peter Griffis applied in behalf of himself and the above named heirs, for the pension that might have been due his father of the service of his father, James Griffis (Griffiths). He alleged that his father lived during the War of the Revolution in either Orange or Sullivan County, New York and served from 1776 or 1777, three or four years under Captain Wright in Colonel Van Cortland's New York regiment, also had other short tours.
The claim was not allowed, as proof of the alleged service was not established. I did not say anything about children being entitled
In 1852 James Lorraway was residing in Grantham Township, Canada, and stated that he had known James and Catharine Griffis (Griffiths) from about the year 1820; no relationship shown between James Lorraway and the above named daughter, Mary Lorraway.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator
as no such application would be necessary

December 5th, 1898.
Sir:-
In reply to your recent communication you are advised that the heirs of James Griffith made an application for pension dated May 1st, 1852, Province of Canada, United Counties of Lincoln and Willand. In the applicant it is alleged that the father, James Griffith, resided at Wallkill, Orange County, N. Y., at the time he entered the service, and that he served three years in a New York regiment commanded by Col. Courtlandt and in the company commanded by Capt. Wright; that he moved to the Province of Upper Canada in 1800, and died December 18th, 1836.
It appears, however, that the above claim was rejected on the ground of insufficient proof of the service alleged.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Mr. W. H. Griffith,
Bridgeport, Conn.
c/o T. L. Watson & Co.

Daniel Soake (Mar 12 th 1853)

115 Pension Office March 12 th 3
Sir
The claim of James Griffiths dec d , of Canada for a Pension under Act of 7 June 1832 has been examined —
Before a favorable report can be made, his identity with the James Griffiths mentioned in the Certificate of the Secy of State of the State of N.Y. must be clearly established —
If his name was formerly Griffiths it can be proved by the production of the Family Record, or a certified Copy —
If the claim is a meritorious one, it is very remarkable that application has been deferred until this late day —
Samuel Lake Buffalo N.York

Saml Lam Sept. 8. 1833

179 Pension Office Sept. 8, 1853
Sir:
The additional testimony in the case of the Heirs of James Griffith (or Griffiths) has been rec d and filed.
There is not a particle of evidence on file to show that the claimants father was ever in the revolutionary war - much less is there (if possible) to identify him with any service proven by the certificate of the Secretary of State of N. York. The claimants must identify their father with this service by the testimony of men who were in a position to know his services.
Samuel Lake Buffalo N. York.

Mrs. M c Donald
Jan'y 22

Pension Office, Jany 22 d , 1859.
Sir:
In answer to the letter of Sarah Hodgkinson, of the 4 th instant. I have to inform you that James Griffiths' name is borne on the rolls of Col. Vankearlandts regiment, in the New York Continental Line, as having served three years less four weeks. It does not appear that he, or any person in his behalf, ever drew any pension money from the Government of the United States, on account of his services in the revolutionary war. He was not entitled to bounty land from the United States. If he left a widow who is now surviving, she is entitled to a pension and to bounty land; and I herewith enclose instructions for her guidance in procuring them; but if his widow is not living, his heirs have no claim on this government for either pension money or bounty-land, under any existing law.
John McDonald, Esq.,
Embro
Oxford Co. Canada west.

Mo' Donald
July 19
7

Pension Office, July 19. 1857.
Sir,
I have received the application of Sarah Hodgkinson for arrears of pension alleged to be due her father James Griffith for military services in the revolutionary war. We have no evidence of his service, but if this were otherwise, the pension could not now be recovered. The children of revolutionary soldiers are not entitled to pension; nor can they establish and recover pension claims due their parents. Such claims die with the soldier and his widow.
John M c Donald Esq. Essex, County of Oxford Canada West.

No 1293.
Second word of James Griffith, Decatur Canada West
Lt. John M c Donald July 19/59
June 7. 1832 Also Feb y 3. 1833.

= N o 38,454 =
James Griffis acd File - N.Y. - Canada
Letc. to Saml Lake March 12/53
Same Sept 8/53
John M c Donald Aug 19/59
Same Jan'y 22/59
Sarah Hodgkinson Oct 13/59
4321
205 - 7 June 1832

111 Woodkinson
Oct 13

Pension Office, Oct. 13. 1839.
Madam,
In reply to your letter of the 20 th ultimo, I have to state that my letter, of January, 22, 1839 admitted that a man of the name of James Griffith was a revolutionary soldier; but, as stated in my letter of July 19 last, we have no evidence that said soldier was your father. † In both communications, however, it was distinctly stated that even if this were admitted, still no pension money could be due you, as his heir. Such claims die with the soldier and his widow. The pay of James Griffith, as well as of all other revolutionary soldiers was fully discharged to during or soon after the war.
Mrs. Sarah Hodgkinson, Care of John McDonald Embryo. Axford Co Canada West.

Bureau of Pensions: -
Can you give me any information from your records, regarding James Griffith. (Griffis?) who was born ? or June 2. July 2. 1758. died Nov. 21. 1838 and served in Captain Nathan Platts' Co., Col. Joshua Smith's Regt. of Suffolk Co., New York. in service July 29 - Aug 31. 1776; also Battle of Brooklyn Aug. 27, 1776. also privates in 6th Co. 2nd Regt. (1st Regt. Suffolk Co. Militia) or "New York Line" - Mar. 1. 1777 to Feb. 2. 1780.
Also of his wife Sally Gates to whom he was married Jan. 28. 1773.

and any record of his children - He may have been the son of John Griffith and his wife Abiah Daven- port - (b. 1729.)
Any verification of these facts, will be greatly appreciated.
Very respectfully,
Elsie M. Huntley.
(Registrar, First Resistance Chapter, N.S.D.A.R.)
785 Main St.
Great Barrington.
Massachusetts.
June 26. 1953.

T. L. Watson & Co. Bankers and Brokers.
Watson & Tolson, New York.
Bridgeport, Conn., Nov 2nd. 1898
Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
Did James Griffith, also borne as Griffith, who served as a private in Captain Jacob Wrights company 2nd. Revolutionary war. battalion of New York forces, ever receive a pension.
Yours truly
W. H. Griffith

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
4391.
P. O.
James Griffith
Service:
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contr
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

Dec 5 '98
W. Griffith
Bridgeport, Conn.
1933 July 12 - died to Elsie M. Huntley

Alusion this is not a Nestle of evidence that claim not found was even in this way and left if possible that would identify

L P Waldo Esq Com. of Pensions
Buffalo July 12, 1853
Sir: I herewith forward Affidavits proving the name to be Griffiths as written by in the Certificate of our Secretary of State of N.Y. and as always written by himself I believe.
The family have foolishly left the out of their name, and it has given us considerable trouble. The proof is full and from good authority and I hope will be satisfactory.
In reply to the last part of the letter from the Department dated March 12, 1853, I have to inform you that the people in the interior of Canada were very much isolated from the world, and many living there who had become citizens, supposed they, of course, had no claims under our laws. Considering his location and the infirmities of age pressing upon him it is not surprising that his application should have been deferred until his death, and the family learned very lately that our laws extended any benefits to them.
In the Declaration you will see Service was claimed in Capt. Wright's Co. but I think the applicant could not recollect the Co. or N o of the Regiment (I write from memory). They also give the Residence and Marriage and the whole history of the family during the Revolution & it is corroborated by Records Official and private & is all authenticated. I think there can be no doubt that he is the man who performed the Service, & that the Applicants are his Children. Respectfully Yours Samuel Lake

Conbro P.O Canada West Sept 20 th 1839
To
Pension Office
Washington U.S.A.
Gentlemen
I am in receipt of yours of the 19 th July last. I felt surprised in viewing its contents regarding my claim to the pension of my late father James Griffith, a Revolutionist soldier, the claim and all vouchers appertaining thereto, having been rendered to you at a considerable expense, in July last, to which I had the honour of an answer, which was not as satisfactory as I expected. I contend by your own references, dated Jan y 22 nd /39, that such pension was never paid, neither was it claimed heretofore, but is still acknowledged, for three years less four weeks; the pay of service of the above, was not paid nor demanded heretofore; there are still four years service that might, and must, be acknowledged, by reference to the war department, office, making in all seven years service, at the rate of Eight Dollars per month, which amounts to Six Hundred, and Seventy Two, dollars ($672) with interest, from Jan 1 st 1782, till Jan 1 st 1839 at 6 per cent per annum. Interest at six per cent per annum amounts to Three Thousand, One Hundred and Four dollars, Sixty Four cents ($3164.64). Total amount claimed, is Three thousand, Seven Hundred and Seventy Six dollars, Sixty Four cents ($3776.64.)
Why need you say that there is no evidence of service, you have already admitted service under Col. Cottland of three years less four weeks.
over

weeks, of the rest of the service you can get vouchers by referring to the War Department Office.
The case here referred to is not such as "had been paid to the soldier or the widow claiming," which was not done in either case, but still lies dormant untill now unpaid; "If you deny the said claim to me, you would have done so to my parents, had they applied for it, in their lifetime." No government on this globe, has heretofore, barred the heir, from receiving dues to the parent, (from any government), who have put their lives, and property at stake, for such government: Were the United States Government bankrupt, willingly would I make it a present of my claim; Viewing it otherwise I intend to maintain my rights!"
If not peaceably I will prosecute for the same!!
Direct to
Mr. John M. Donald
Huron St.
Embargo
Yrs yours for return of post
Yours &c oblige per return of post
Sarah Hodgkinson
for John M. Donald
Yrs for return of post will oblige
Sarah Hodgkinson
for John M. Donald
If there are no virtue in your office to satisfy the demand hereby required, please let me know the right office
S. H.
for John M. Donald

State of New York Secretary's office } Albany Sep. 29. 1852
I certify that it appears by the Military Register in this office that on the first day of March 1777 James Griffiths enlisted as a soldier in the Second New York Regiment commanded by Col. Philip Van Cortlandt Capt Wrights Company, to serve for three years and was discharged 2 d February 1780.
Arch d Campbell
dep. Sec. of State
Given under my hand & the seal of this office at the City of Albany the 29 th day of September A. D. 1852
Arch d Campbell
dep. Sec. of State
There is nothing more in this office that I know of in relation to James Griffiths. Being only a three years man he was not entitled to bounty land A. Campbell