Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 13401, John Hill, Mass.

SERVICE
Mass.
Hill, John
NUMBER
S 13401
CONTENTS
Carded

32726 Vermont. John Hill dec d
of Addison in the State of Vermont who was a private in the Company by Captain Wolcott of the Regt by Col. Brown in the line for 8 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Burlington at the rate of 26 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. & end 8th January 1838, when he died.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 day of May 1838 and sent to Hon. J. Meacham. H.R.
Payable to his only surviving children Semi-annual allowance ending John Hill, Eli Hill, Joel Hill, Hannah Johnson, Abigail Cooley Mary Hardy & Rachel Young
Revolutionary War 1st June 7, 1831 Recorded by J. B. Chase Book 2 Vol. 32 Page 74

I Hannah Johnson of Whiting in the County of Addison and State of Vermont aged sixty nine years and upwards depose and say that Mr John Still late of New Haven in said County of Addison deceased was my father that the said John Still died at the house of William Cowles in said New Haven on the ninth day of January A.D. 1838 at the age of eighty six years I was with him at several times in his last sickness he was reputed to have been a soldier in the war of the revolution and had made application for a pension - he had eight children living at the time of his death namely three sons John, Eli and Joel and five daughters viz Hannah Johnson, Sally Hyde, Abigail Cowles, Mary Hardy and Rachel Young - Sally Hyde has deceased since the death of her father & the said John Still had no wife living at the time of his decease.
Hannah Johnson
subscribed and sworn to by the said Hannah Johnson this 27 th day of March 1850 before me
Horatio Seymour Judge of Probate for the district of Addison State of Vermont
State of Vermont } Probate Office District of Addison ss } April 30 th 1850
I Jeremiah S. Brachnell Register of the Probate Court for the District of Addison do hereby certify that Horatio Seymour is Judge of said Court and that the foregoing are the original affidavits of William Cowles, Amos Matthews, Hanny Ashley, and Hannah Johnson subscribed and sworn to before said Court & certified by the said Judge thereof.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this 30 th day April A.D. 1850
Jer. S. Brachnell Register

I William Cowles of the town of New Haven in the County of Addison and State of Vermont aged sixty two years and upwards depose and say that Mr. John Still late of New Haven deceased lived in my family previous to and at the time of his death he died at my house in New Haven on the 9 th day of January AD 1838 at the age of eighty six years I am able to recollect the time of his death as I made a memorandum in my family Bible of the day of his death and of his age which I have referred to to refresh my recollection the said John Still was reputed to have been a soldier in the war of the revolution and had as I understood made application for a pension.
Mr. John Still at the time of his death had as I understood eight children living at the time of his decease to wit John, Eli, Joel and Hannah John son Sally Hyde Abigail Cowles Mary Hardy and Rachel Young. Of these Sally Hyde has died since the death of her father
William Cowles
Sworn to and subscribed by the said William Cowles this 27 th day of March 1850 - before me
Horatio Seymour Judge of Probate for the district of Addison — State of Vermont
I Amos Mathews of New Haven in the County of Addison and State of Vermont aged fifty eight years & upwards depose and say that I was formerly acquainted with Mr. John Still late of New Haven deceased he was a very aged man and lived in the family of Mr. William Cowles in said New Haven at the time

of his death which occurred I think at the time stated by Mr. Wm. Cowles in his deposition but I have no memorandum to assist my recollection as to the precise time of his death but know it was about the time stated by Mr. Cowles as I think I attended his funeral I do not know how many children he left Mrs. Abigail Cowles wife of William Cowles is as I understand daughter of said Hill and so is Mrs. Hannah Johnson I am not acquainted with the other children
Amos Matthews
subscribed and sworn to by the said Amos Matthews this 27 th day of March 1850 before me
Horatio Seymour Judge of Probate for the district of Addison State of Vermont
I Harry Ashley of New Haven in the County of Addison and State of Vermont aged fifty six years and upwards depose and say that I was acquainted with Mr. John Hill late of said New Haven that said Hill was a very aged man resided in the family of Mr. William Cowles and died at his house I attended his funeral and think the time of his death was that stated by Mr. Wm. Cowles in his affidavit but I have no memorandum of the time that enables me to recollect the precise time of his death.
Harry Ashley
subscribed and sworn to by the said Harry Ashley this 27 th day of March 1850 before me
Horatio Seymour Judge of Probate for the district of Addison State of Vermont

Reported against - 1838
State of Vermont, On this 28 th day of December 1833, before the Addison District of Probate Court for the said District of Addison in open Court, personally appeared John Hill, now residing in New Haven in the County of Addison, late of Wallingford in the County of Rutland, aged Eighty years last October, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed on the 7 th day of June 1833: That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. -
At the commencement of the Revolutionary war, I resided in Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts. - And on the alarm occasioned by the battle at 19 April 1775 Lexington, I volunteered in a company of militia, under the command of Captain Moleatt, of that town, and marched to Lexington; but before we reached that place the battle was over, - and we were marched to Roxbury, - where we were stationed, - and where I served in the Company above mentioned in a regiment commanded by Colonel Brewer, - Afterwards by Colonel Rife Patterson, who married my sister, - for the period of six weeks. -
On occasion of the alarm of the battle of Bunkerhill, 17 June 1775, I again volunteered in the same company of militia commanded by the same Captain Moleatt, and marched to ward the scene of action. - On one of the above occasions, - I do not recollect which, - we were called out of the military house. - The battle being over before we reached the place, I was stationed again at Roxbury, - in the same regiment under the command of Colonel Brewer, and served there until January following, - when I was again dismissed, - returned home, I think, about the middle of January. I was a Sergeant in the militia, when I was first called out - and I served, as a Sergeant in both the above terms of service - in both which I served at least eight months. -

After the expiration of the last mentioned service, I received orders from Rufus Putnam, then a Lieutenant Colonel, afterwards Colonel, to enlist troops for the campaign of 1776, with the offer of a commission of Lieutenant, and I enlisted eight men & returned them to the army, and they were put into a company under the command of Capt. Sibley; - but such was the situation of my wife, & she was so reluctant to have me absent from home that I did not then enter the service. - In the Spring or Summer following, I was despatched for the purpose of going to New York; but still being unable to leave home, I hired a man, by the name of Stephen Dodge, who offered to take my place, & did enter the service as my substitute.
In the Spring or Summer of 1778, I volunteered to guard the British prisoners, belonging to Burgoyne's army, who were then stationed at Old Rutland, about six miles from my residence. - I was in this service two months , and was employed in that service, when the prisoners were removed toward New York, and I went with them to guard them as far as Springfield, Massachusetts. - In this service also I served as a Sergeant. -
While in the service, at Roxbury, our regiment were stationed by themselves, - especially after General Washington arrived; - so that I had not much intercourse with other troops; from this circumstance, & the failure of my recollection through age I am not able to state particularly about other troops, or other officers. -
I never had a written discharge - I have no documentary evidence. I do not recollect that I had a warrant as sergeant, and believe it was not practiced on the militia to give them: - And after the most diligent search, I have not been able to find any person living who had knowledge of my service. I was born at Brookfield aforesaid, on the 3 d day of October 1753. A record of my birth was made by my father, in the Clerk's office in Worcester County, Massachusetts, & I have kept a record of my age in my family bible. - About the year 1787, I removed from Brookfield to Wallingford, Rutland County Vermont, where I resided until about eleven months ago, when I removed to New.

Haven, when I have since resided with a son-in-law. - Not having formed much acquaintance in New Haven, is the reason I have procured other persons, with whom I was acquainted in Wallingford to certify as to my reputation.
I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. -
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year J. C. Merrill aforesaid
Sam l . Swift Judge.
Reported against 1838-
State of Vermont, On this 9 th day of December 1838, before District of Addison, to the Probate Court for the said District of Addison personally appeared William Cowles of New Haven in the County of Addison, and being duly sworn deposes & says, as follows, - I became acquainted with John Hite late of Wallingford in the County of Rutland, near of New Haven aforesaid, and have been ever since intimately acquainted with him, twenty two years ago, and frequently since, I heard him state that he was in the service in the Revolutionary war; - that he was called out of the meetinghouse, to go to Lexington at the time of the battle there - he stated, that he served as an orderly sergeant; - that the prisoners taken with Burgoyne were brought to the neighborhood, where he resided one night encamped on his father's farm - I was stationed in the neighborhood, where he was for some time employed as a soldier in guarding them. - And he stated many other particulars of his service, which I am not now able to recollect. - I recollect his stating also that he was drafted, but on account of the critical situation of his wife, he hired a substitute to take his place & gave him fifty dollars

He has always sustained always an unimpeachable character for truth & veracity. — William Cowls Subscribed & sworn to the day before affirmed, Saml. Swift, Judge
The above named William Cowls is reputed to be a man of truth. William Slade M.P.

I, John Eddy of New Haven in the County of Addison State of Vermont, being duly sworn before and say, that I have been acquainted for thirty years, or more, with John Hill late of Wallingford in the County of Rutland now residing in New Haven aforesaid, & who has made application for a pension; - we then both resided in the the town of Wallingford aforesaid. In several conversations with him from twenty to thirty years ago he stated to me that he was in the service of the United States, in the Revolutionary war, - and mentioned several circum- stances which occurred in the army - and especially one which, I recollect, about his wrestling : - And it was understood & reported in the neighborhood, that the said Hill had been a soldier of the revolution, and that I was in that opinion. -
Sworn & subscribed this 26 th day of December 1833. And I certify that the said John Eddy is a com- petent witness. -
Attest Othniel Jewett Justice of the Peace
John Eddy

State of Vermont
Addison County ss. Samuel Swift, Clerk of the County Court for the said County of Addison, do hereby certify that the within named Ethaniel Swift, before whom the within affidavit was made was, at the time a Justice of the peace for said County, and his name subscribed thereto in his own signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court this 11 th day of January 1834.
Sam l Swift, Clerk
John Eddy, Deputy Clerk

John Hill. sec d
29. 164
Yt
act 7 June 32
vol 13 p 170 - on 10 days -
Brookfield Town of Spencer - }
Report - address - 1838
Hon. W. Slade
H.R.
Act 7 th June 1832.

State of Vermont,
Addison County ss. Samuel Swift, Clerk of the County Court for the said County of Addison, do hereby certify that William Hamilton before whom the within certificates of Henry Green & Abner Hall were sworn, was at the time a Justice of the peace for said County, and his name subscribed thereto is his own signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 16 th day of January 1834.
Sam l Swift Clerk
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Henry Green, who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman residing in Cornwall in the County of Addison; and that Abner Hall who has also signed a preceding certificate is a resident in said Cornwall, and is a credible witness, and that their statements are entitled to credit. And the said Court further certifies, that William Cows, who has signed the preceding affidavit is a credible witness.
Sam l Swift, Judge

State of Vermont
Addison County ss. I, Harvey Bell Register of the Probate Court for the District of Addison, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Hill for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court this 11 th day of January 1834. — Harvey Bell Register
Mr Hill resides in my neighborhood, and has frequently called on me, and stated his services substantially as set forth in his declaration. His manner of stating them inspired me with full confidence in his integrity.
At his request I addressed, in August last, a letter to his brother Bartholomew Hill, at Troy N. York, where he supposed said Bartholomew resided, requesting him to testify as to his recollection of his brother's services in the Revolutionary war. My letter has just been recd. by me from the Gen. P. Office, as a "dead letter". This was Mr Hill's last hope of obtaining direct testimony of his services.
William Slade M.C.
Jan'y 17. 1834.

Middlebury, June 23. 1890.
Sir,
I received your letter in the course of a week after I had returned from here and was too busy to write in regard to the pension claim of my father John Dill; and by your request I am glad to inform my father filed in your office; and from this I draw the conclusion that there is a probability of our obtaining his pension. The reason is my making this effort because it was my father's request, a short time previous to his death, and I was sensible of the great expense which he had made for us during his illness, so felt that he deserved his pension as a compensation for our losses on his account. I hope that you will continue the pension of a small amount to some one of us, as evidenced by the fact that you have been in the habit of doing so. Please be informed of the result of your decision.
Wannah Johnson

House Rep Men N 1850
Sir
I beg leave to call your attention to the claim of Sarah Hyde (as Abigail Bowles, children & heirs of J. M. Hill, late of Vermont), who died in 1838.
Soon after the passage of the Act of June 7 1850, Mr. Hill made his application for a pension. He claimed a short service in Cape 1775 under Capt. Wolcott of Connecticut. He also alleged that he served under Capt. Wolcott from May of that year, (as in Col. Brown's Regt. His name is found upon Wolcott's force in Cape 1775, and that it appears from the certificate of the Secy of State of Mass. that Capt. Wolcott is not found as commanding in Cape 1775. but it appears from the same certificate, that J. M. Hill did serve under Capt. Black of an adjoining town, (as in Col. Brown's Regt. as set forth in that Regt. The character of Mr. Hill was sustained by all the respectable people of the town where he resided and including a great deal of the ruling of the other the certificate of two clergymen who knew him well.
Notwithstanding all this, he was denied what every one thought his just right, (as did without being able to obtain it. It is due to his memory that he is sold to an honest man, as well as to his

Children who cherish her memory @ who now claim what has, as appears to them been so unjustly withheld from him
I am thank you to give me a report on this case, after you have yourself looked into the papers
Faithfully J. Theachman
Hon J. L. Evans

Middlebury May 23 1872 1842
to the Commissioner of Pension
Sir I understand there is a alteration in the law respecting the claims in the pension office. my deceased father John Hill has a claim in the pension office. and I do know if justice is done, it will be allowed - my father dying ward was this Hannah.
you must try to get my pension for the benefit of her children for we know he deserves it he also said had been very kind to him and our Mother, and he wanted we should be rewarded, now we do know our father was a revolutionary soldier his dying words prove it now if your hearts is not as hard hard as adamant you will allow the claim. The last letter I received from Washington you wrote that the statement was not correct I believe it he was a old man he had lost his memory very much but we do know he was a soldier in the war and we do know that he was on the guard in Rutland for we remember well our Mother retelling of going to Rutland a number of times to our father when he was on the guard I then her babe she left me to home and while she was there she gave the officers officers wine, cakes. we do know that our father left his property in consequence of the war and his ambition and remained poor from your friend write soon if there is any prospect Hannah Johnson

Whiting May 13 1845
we have readact in the new York paper that the revolutionaries should draw half pay all that that has there pension on the bill and all that is intitled to a pension shall draw half pay as do know our decease father John Hill deserved a pension when he was a live but it was not allowed a very short time previous to his death he wanted we should try to get his pension for the benefit of his children
Hannah Johnson
I do not know your name Commissioner of pensions

John Bull
Please report to John De Mott
Hon John De Mott, H. R.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston;
Feb. 16. 1846.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the Name of John Hill is borne upon a Roll of the Men called "Rangers", that marched from Brookfield and Spencer under the Command of Capt John Woodcott April 19. 1775. as a private, 10 days. Upon a Muster Roll of Capt John Black's Company, in Col Jonathan Brewer's regt, in the Eight Months Service, as a private of Hutchinson, from May 12 to August 1775. 81 days. As a private, upon a Return of said Capt Black's company, not dated. Upon an order of said Capt Black's Company, for Military Coats, dated, October, 26. 1775. — The proceeding, is all the evidence of service, which can be identified, with the individual described in the annexed application.

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Peabody;
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Application for certificate of Revolutionary Services, made by a child of the party who rendered the Service -
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the rolls in his office, of the services of my father John Hill, in the War of the revolution -
He enlisted from the town of — in the County of — and State of Massachusetts, in the year — as a — in the Company Commanded by Captain Nolsell in Col Brewerd Regiment and served as follows - viz.
He served under the said officers, at Roxbury, on the occasion of the "Lexington Alarm" six or seven months. He served under the same officers from the Bunker Hill Battle in 1775 to January 1776 some eight months, that is in both terms of service - was two or more months in the Rutland Guards in 1778 -
He may have done other service, but Claimant, cannot state particular, being a child only of one who done the service, and she cannot specify the particular service my father the said John Hill did in the year 1838 leaving no widow -
I am now — years old, and my memory does not enable me to state my father's services more fully than above stated -
Witness my hand, this 13 day of December 1845 Signed by said Hannah Johnson's attorney Hannah Johnson in my presence James Foster Notary Public By Arad Joy her agent
From papers exhibited to me it appears that Arad Joy is the lawful attorney of the said Hannah Johnson -
James Foster Notary Public

Reference in this case is made to a letter addressed to Hannah Johnson of Shorham Vermont Oct 27. 1840 which will point to the case.

Rev. P. Dillingham Jan 19, 1840.
Let. to Arad Joy
Nov. 2 '46
same March 2 nd 1847
Let. to Mrs. William Keary
April 10 '48
Passes copied & sent to
Rev. A. Kilmarsh, Feb 14, 49
" " I Steacham 16 th Mar. 1858
No 29164 John Hill dec d 0!
Let to Hannah Johnson May 27 '40
" " Same June 20 '40
" " " Oct 27 th '40
" " " April 14 '41
" " " Sept 25 '41
" " " May 27 th '42
" " " Augt 3 rd '42
" " " May 15 '45
" " Arad Joy Nov 21 '45
" " Rev. J. D. Mott March 31 '46
or Rev. Act 7 June 1832

1341
Reuben
✓ 1341 INVALID.
File No. 1341
John Heill Prin Recv M
Act: June 7 th 1832
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 174
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Letter, Jan. 10, 1890
Dear Sir,
Sir, It appears from your letter that
the papers of your father, deceased, required to the Hon. Wm. Steele to prove to the pension office. When Mr. Steele returned from Washington he said that he could not obtain a pension without more evidence could be procured. Then my father John Steele obtained the evidence of a certain gentleman about 70 years of age who stated that he saw my father in company with the pension board, and enquired and he asked him where he was going and my father replied that he was going to a certain place (I forget the name) where there was a battle to be fought on that day. This evidence was given to Mr. Steele the second year he tried to get a pension, and when he returned from Washington he said it was still not sufficient. At the recent request of my father I again asked on Mr. Steele for the last time if he would not try the third time to get a pension. He showed me that he did not think it would be of much avail yet to gratify the wishes of my father he would try again. After Mr. Steele returned my brother saw him

and he said that the papers were accepted in the house and we have not heard any thing respecting the papers since. My father John Smith died the 2 d of January 1838.
Yours &c
Heath Johnson.

10 29 164 John Hill and W act 7 June 1832
Adm d , 8 mo 19 d $26 11 / 3 p m From March 1831 to 8 June 1838 the day of his death Widow to John Hill Eli Hill, Irel Hill, Hannah Johnson, Abigail Ladd, Mary Hardy and Rachel Young only living Children of John Hill dec d
Hon. J. M c Cham Dunse Nith

House of Representatives March 6 th 1850.
Sir
I enclose the papers required in the case of John Will, and request Early attention to this case.
Sincerely Yours J. M c Lean and M c C.

John Hill Applicant for pension on account of Revolutionary Services.
✓ Feb y 13 1837
Ref d to the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions
Dec. 12 1837
Ref d to the Committee on Rev d Pensions
Jan y 27 1838
Report vs- to lie
claim
8 mo in 1775 from Brooklyn
Cap Wolcott
2 mo in 1775 Rutland
8 mo since allowing the commutation.
✓ Lieut Wm Slade
121 70 Rev Pensions

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office.
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, showing the Service of John Hill.
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.              
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of } On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) 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 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension for any service rendered, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State (or any only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
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 A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his.
That the claimant was called from home on the alarm of 17 June 1775 and served 8 cannot be admitted unless his name is shown upon the rolls of the troops There are also rolls of the guards at Rutland in the Secretary off

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants who appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, 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. 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 _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each 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. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends 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.
Proof of Service.
[j] 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 claimant's 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.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
months raised by Massachusetts in 1775 in the office of Secretary of State at Boston. The best evidence must be procured

Pension Office, March 16 th 1850.
Sir:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 11 th instant, respecting the case of John Hill, and to state in reply, that service for eight months as a private may be allowed but before a certificate can be issued, the certificate of some Court of Record showing the date of his death, and giving the names of his children, is required.
I have the honor to be, Very Respectfully, Your Ob t Serv t . J. L. Edwards
Hon. J. Meacham, House of Representatives.

House of Representatives Jan'y 20 1849
Sir
Will you do me the favor to send me the originals or copies of the papers referred to in the accompany- ing letter
Yours respectfully Geo B. Marsh Alf d Edwards

Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
Secretary's Office, Boston ; March 3 d 1848.
Sir,
I am still unable to identify further service of John Hill in the War of the Revolution, from military records in this Office.
I learn from your letter, just received, dated the 8 th ult. that he belonged to Brookfield, and served 8 Months in the year 1775, in Capt Wolcott's Company Col. Brewer's Regt. I do not find that any Capt Wolcott served in 1775 subsequent to April of that year.
It appears from some of the records above mentioned, that John Hill of Acton was in service in October 1775; that John Hill of Hutchinson was also in service, in October 1775; and that John Hill of Lunenburg and John Hill of Medway, were in service, same month and year, all in different

Companies - The John Hall who served in Col Brewers Regt belonged to Hutchinson, now Barre, in the County of Worcester.
I am respectfully Your Obs. Servt Wm. F. Clarke Clerk.

There being 4 John Hills in the service at the same time, it will be for the department to determine which within were the applicants — See letter in this case of 23rd Oct 1840 — John Hill is said was broken in law to Genl. Puhuan, Hill died in 1838 See letter of 29. Oct 1840 to Hannah Johnson

Orad N.Y. Feb 15th 47
Sir
I regret that I feel obliged to call your attention again to the case of John Hill of Vermont - I do not find any reply of yours, or report in answer to the letter of the Clerk of the Secy. of Mass c for the not good authority for the statement made in it, please to inform me, & if it is good authority, does it not clear up the case you can judge, I am seeking only after justice to all interested, as well of the Government as the applicants - if such a certificate as his letter, duly authenticated, would remove the objection, I suppose I could furnish it - Mr Hill may have resided near the line of the two towns, as the Clerk states that Brookfield & Hutchinson join & that there was but one John Hill in the Co.
Respectfully Your Ob d Servt Abad Joy
Hon J L Edwards Board of Pension

Qued N.Y. Oct 17. 46
Sir
On the 8 th of June I forwarded through Hon P. Dillingham in M.C. some proof in the case of John Hill mentioned in yours of the 31. March last, on the 15 th Aug t I wrote you of the fact stated above, may I be allowed respectfully to ask for a report upon the proof forwarded as the defendant not having heard a word from you in reply to either of my letters
Respectfully Your Ob t Servt Abad Joy
Hon J. L. Edwards Com d of Pensions Washington D.C.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston;
June 4. 1846.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of John Hill of Hutchinson is borne upon a Muster roll of Capt John Black's Company, in Col Jonathan Brown's regt. in the Eight Months service, as a private from May 12. 1775 - 81 days. Upon a Return of said Company, in said regt. as a private, no service named, and said return is not dated. — Upon an order of said Company for Military Coats. dated October 26. 1775. — It does not appear from rolls in this Office, that there was any other person of the name of said Hill who served in Col Brown's regt.

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case. John Nitt belonged to Hutchinson, now
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal called Barra of the Commonwealth, the date above written. in the same county with Brookfield.
John A. Parry,
J. G. Parry
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I. Y. P.
Ovid N. Y. April 1846
Dear Sir
Under date of Feb 16th, 46 you for d to me your cert t of the Service of John Hill, It is denied at the Pension Office that your cert t meets the Allegation of John Hill of Brookfield who alleges in his declaration to have served 10 days in April 75 under Capt Woodcott again for 8 Months under Col Brewer as Sergeant - I beg leave to ask if the rolls show that he was Sergeant & from Brookfield - does Hutchinson join Brook- field if so please state that fact in your amended certificate, I want to prove nothing but the fact as it took place, but of the John Hill that I am at work for, did actually the Service, I would like your certificate as full & complete as possible - Genl. Putnam married John Hill's Sister Your Ob t Servt Adad Joy

Secretary's Office Boston May 3. 1846
Sir
Some time since Friend Jay Esq of Orleans N. York sent to your Office an application for evidence of Military service of John Hill in the war of the Revolution; Said application stated that said Hill, served 10 days in 1775 under Capt Walcutt also 8 Months in Col Brewns regt, and 2 Months in 1778 at Rutland, but did not state the town to which said Hill belonged. A certificate answering to the above, was issued from your Office, dated Feb 16. 1846, showing evidence of 10 days service in April 1775, under Capt Walcutt, and 7 Months and 20 days ser- vice under Capt Black, Col Brewn , as a private of Hutchinson the service in 1778 at Rutland was not found. It appears from Mr Jay's letter of April last, that the Commission of Pensions, will not allow the service of said Hill, in Col Brewns regt, for the

reason that there is not sufficient proof that the John Hill who served in Col Brewen regt belonged to Brookfield. From a re-examination of the Index to the rolls of the 1775 Service, I find there was but one person of the name of said Hill who served in Col Brewen regt. and that he belonged to Hutchinson, now I believe called Barre, in the same County with Brookfield. As to the other names mentioned in said letter, viz: David Goff and Alexander Brown. From a re-examination of the roll which bears the name of said Goff. I find it does not state his grade. - And the rolls in your Office which bear the name of said Brown, do not show "Captivity Service". There are no rolls of Genl Sullivan in your Office.
I have the honor to be Very Respectfully
Yr obt Servt
W. F. Clark Clerk
Hon John C. Palfrey Secy of State

House of Rep 12 June 1846
Sir
Inclosed is testimony applicable to the case of John Hill, for a pension.
Hill went from my District, hence, this matter has been sent down, and when your decision is made, please communicate its result to me.
Yours Very Respectfully P. Dillingham Jr.
Hon J. L. Edwards Com. of Pensions

Ovid N.Y. Augt 15- 46
Dear Sir
Perhaps the enclosed letter may give light upon the subject of John Hill's claim to a pension, noted in yours of the 30 March last, of course I know not by whom the service was performed, whether by my client, or by another of his name, but as Brookfield, & Hutchinson seems to be of one County, & as there does not appear to be but one person of that name in the county, query, was the service not performed by my John Hill — I enclose the letter, that you may judge of its merits, & that you may decide accordingly.
Respectfully Your Ob st Servt Asahel Joy
Hon J L Edwards Comm te of Pensions

Nov 26 '45
Mr. Hall No.
Hon. J. L. Edwards Coul. of Pensions Washington D.C.
[Faint, mirrored text from the reverse side of the page] Nov 26 1845 Mr. Hall No. Hon. J. L. Edwards Coul. of Pensions Washington D.C.

Qvid Nov 22 d 1845
Dear Sir
Will you please inform me the difficulty or objection to granting a pension to John Hill who applied from Vermont under the law of 1832 he is dead but his children have employed me & they are not able to give me a clue to the case, please give me a copy of his alleged service
Hon J. L. Edwards Comm te of Pensions Washington D. C.
Respectfully Your Most Obl Serv t Abad Joy
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]

Middlebury, July, 28, 1880
Dear Sir,
Sir, I received your letter stating that there was not evidence sufficient to justify the allowance of the claim I have been endeavoring to obtain more evidence but have not yet received it. I would like to have you keep the papers of my father on your files a while longer.
Yours, &c
Samuel Johnson

Home of Rep. March 20. 1928
John L. Baccus
Friend,
Will you be pleased to direct an examination in rotation to the millland - and advise me of the result.
Respectfully
Wm William Henry

I Esai Alayton of Wallingford, Rutland County Vermont, a Revolutionary Pensioner, being duly cautioned & sworn, testify & say, that a short time before the battle of Lexington, at the commencement of the War of the Revolution, a company of Minute Men were formed in the town of Brookfield, Worcester County Mass. that they chose for their Captain John Hill- cott (or Walcott) the name of whose (name I cannot remember-) I fre- quently saw this company mustered & exer- cised; and as I then resided in the S.W. town of Brookfield, & my Father being a Sergeant in the company of Minute Men, I was acquainted with every individual attached to the company. I distinctly remember to have seen John Hill- who then lived in the said town of Brookfield; & who has since resided for many years in the town of Wallingford, Rutland County Vermont, in said company of Minute Men, exercising with them. I believe I was present at every mustering of said company; & know that I very frequently saw the said John Hill armed & exercising with them. When the alarm came this company immediately started for Lexington: and the common report was that the battle was over before this company were able to arrive at the scene of action.

after this the said company turned out when the alarm came & marched for Bunker hill: & I believe the Dr. John Hill was with them. tho. I have now no distinct recollection of the fact. The said John Hill has always had the reputation of having been a Soldier in the war of the Revolution: - And further I say as
Jesse Stayton know to & subscribed at Wallingford this 16th day Oct. A.D. 1834.
Before me
Pat. Gerd Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify, that I have for several years past been acquainted with Jesse Stayton now residing in this town, that he is a man of good moral character, & of undoubted truth & veracity.
Pat Gerd Justice of the Peace
The above named Nathaniel Long is, and has long been a Justice of the peace in & for the County of Rutland in my District, and the above signatures of his name are in his own proper handwriting
William Slade M.B.
Nov 10. 1834.

Shoreham Oct 20. 1840.
Dear Sir
I received a letter from you some time since informing me that there was not sufficient proof forwarded in the case of my late father John Hill of New Haven Vermont for a pension. Not having seen my father's declaration I know not what kind of testimony is necessary in the case. My father ever said that he belonged to the Massachusetts troops during his revolutionary services, but the length of his service and the officers under whom he served I am not advised. My father was very solicitous about getting his pension, and just before his death charged me to use my exertions procuring it for the benefit of his heirs, as he justly considered himself entitled to a pension for his services under the Act of 1832 will you please inform me the substance of his declaration to enable me to look up that kind of testimony that shall be satisfactory. I feel more anxious about this business from the charge I received from my father your attention to my request will much oblige yours
Respectfully, Hannah Johnson
James L Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pension

House of Reps. May 20. 1840
Sir
I send herewith the papers in the case of John Hill, which I have withdrawn from the files of the House, agreeably to the suggestion of your letter of the 5 th of February. I also return the letter of Mrs. Johnson which accompanied yours to me above mentioned.
I observe that Mrs. Johnson refers to a letter from you, stating that Mr. Hills papers were not presented by me but once; and she then proceeds to state what I said I had done subsequent to that time, in such a way as to imply that I had professed to do what I had not done. When you reply to Mrs. Johnson I trust you will correct this erroneous impression of hers with regard to my agency in this matter. From your suggestion that I had not presented the papers but once, she infers that I did not present the additional testimony. Now you will see by the copy of my letter to you of the 11 th of December 1834, which I find among the papers (I know not where the original is) that I did represent the papers at that time together with the additional testimony, and a short

argument in support of the claim; and you will also find among the papers your letter of the 31 st of January 1835, disallowing the claim.
You will thus see that you was mistaken in the information you gave Mrs. Johnson, and also that you are mistaken in supposing, as in your letter of the 5 th of February last, that the papers were not returned to you after I received them on the 28 th of January 1834.
Having had a good deal of trouble with this case, and having labored faithfully to get a pension for the poor old man, I feel somewhat unpleasantly, on being apprised that his children should have the impression that I have neglected his case, and especially that I had prejudiced or misrepresented, when enquired of in regard to my agency in the matter.
I should like to retain the copy of my letter to you of the 11 th of December 1834, and will thank you to return it after having answered the letter from Mrs Johnson.
Very respectfully
Your obedient servant
William Slade
J. L. Edwards Esq

P.S. If you have no objections, I should be glad to have you send this letter to Mrs. Johnson with your reply to hers. M.W.S.

War Department Pension Office July 31 st 1835
Sir
It appears by Mr Bangs's certificate that only the roll of Capt Wolcott's company in which I st Lt Hill claims to have served, which shows the service at the Lexington alarm is found in his office — but no subsequent service that year can be there proved to have been performed by that company. On recourse to the abstract of the rolls of the service under the resolve of 23 rd April 1775 usually called the first eight months service, it appears that all the company rolls of Col Brearn's Regiment are in Mr Bangs's office, and the probability is that Wolcott's roll cannot be found for the plain reason that he was engaged not engaged in that service. The statement in the declaration corroborate, the presumption that the claimant is

is mistaken as to this service. No troops are known to have been raised in Massachusetts to serve from June 1775 to January 1776 - certain- ly Brewer's regiment was not.
Unless proof of actual service is pro- duced this claim cannot be allowed - as if the other service is admitted as stated without proof, it will not amount to six months. The papers are herewith returned.
I have the honor to be very respectfully your obedt servt J. L. Edwards
Wm. William Plade House of Representatives

Boston Feby 18 th 1834
Sir,
Yours of the 25 th of Jan y to the Secretary, was handed us. We had examined the rolls, previous, to receiving yours of the 14 th Inst. We did not send a Certificate for evidence of the services of John Hill, as we were in hopes that we should find some evidence of his services in 1778. but as you did not state the name of the Captain, he served under in that year, we have as yet been very unsuccessful. We have found his name on Capt. John Woolcott's Company's Roll, for a few days in April '75. after which the roll for Capt. Woolcott's Company in 1775. is not found in this Office. If you wish a Certificate for the few days that have been found, and stating on it that the roll after which are not found. We will send it. and if you can inform us under whom he served in '78. we will again examine & send you a Certificate of the result. - Our Fee is two dollars for each Applicant we

search for. which you will please send us. when you inform us if you will have stuck a Certificate as we have mentioned
Yours Respectfully Nesger Homer
after sealing we found it?
Henry White

Homer H White
Sept 19. 1834
care of John Hill
Wadsworth Jct
N.Y.
Hon. Wm Black
for

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Sept. 19 th 1834.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of John Hill, as a private, is borne on a roll of the Men called Rangers that marched from Brookfield and Spencer under the command of John Woolcott as their Captain on the 19 th of April last, in consequence of an alarm on said day." dated Decem r 9 th 1775. where he is allowed 126 Miles travel, ten days. John Hill claims for further services under Capt. Woolcott, in Col. Putnam's Regt. in 1775, but the roll for 1775, is not found in this Office except the above mentioned.
John Hill claims for services at Rutland in 1778, but he not recollecting his Officers, no evidence of his said services is found in this Office.
Edward D. Dins Lee

Sir, We should have sent this Certificate sooner, but was in hopes that more evidence could be found, — we have examined every roll that we have found for services at Rutland. We have found services for eight different John Hills but none is such as your L. H. claims except what we have stated in the Certificate.
Yours Respectfully Ebenezer Hemen
Henry White