Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 4670, Peter Harris, Mass.

SERVICE
Mass.
NUMBER _____
Harris, Peter Rachel
No. 4670
CONTENTS

State of Massachusetts } ss County of Middlesex }
On this Sixteenth  fourteenth day of May A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five personally appeared before me Nathan Crosby the Justice of the Police Court for the District of Lowell in said County which Court is a Court of Record. Rachael Harris a resident of Lowell in said County - aged eighty four years, who being duly sworn according to law on oath declares that she is the widow of Peter Harris deceased who was a soldier in the revolutionary Army and who as she has reason to believe and does believe served as a Private in the company commanded by Captain Hillers in the regiment commanded by Colonel Jonathan Ditscomb from May 6 th to July 6 th 1777 a period of two months and six days - Afterwards in the company commanded by Captain Joshua Sealand and in the regiment in which Nathaniel Heath was Major, detached by order of General Hancock as guards in Boston from September 29 th 1779 to November 10 th of the same year - and who afterwards enlisted and served in the regiment commanded by Colonel Michael Jackson from January 2 nd 1781 to January 1 st 1784 as will appear by the certificate of the Secretary of the State of Massachusetts herunto annexed making the time of service of the said Peter Harris, in said war, in the whole three years three months and nineteen days or thereabouts -
She further declares that her said husband, according to her best information and belief, was enlisted at Salem County of Essex aforesaid State, and continued in the said War for the most of the time up to the first of January 1784 -
She further states that she was married to the said Peter Harris at Methuen in said State by a Clergyman of the place

on the thirty first day of December Seventeen hundred and eighty-eight, and that her name before her said marriage was Rachel Parker. That her said husband died in the Poor House in Dracutt in said County of Middlesex on the thirteenth day of December eighteen hundred and forty-three, and that she is now the widow of the said Peter Harris - That her said husband often spoke to her of his being entitled to a Pension, but having no means of paying the expenses of looking up the testimony he neglected to make application for a Pension. That the said Peter recovered no Pension for his aforesaid services in his life time and she has never made application for a Pension until now being poor and not knowing that she could prove her claim to the soldiers with whom said Peter served long since being dead as she supposed.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of being placed on the Pension Roll of the United States and obtaining the Pension to which she may be entitled under the act of Congress approved February the eighteen hundred and forty-eight entitled "an act making further provisions for surviving widows of the soldiers of the Revolution" and under the act approved the seventh day of July eighteen hundred and thirty-eight and acts additional thereto and "a joint Resolution explaining" the same passed the third day of March eighteen hundred and fifty-one; also that there is no public record of her said marriage with the said Peter, she knows of or can find.
Witness J. S. Farason
her Rachel X Harris mark

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex. Polin Court of Lowell District of Lowell
I do certify that Rachael Harris before named, being too feeble and infirm to attend personally, in Court, made oath before me at her usual dwelling house in said Lowell, having been duly cautioned to tell the truth, upon the day and year of said, that the foregoing statement of facts in the application set forth were true according to her best knowledge and belief, and that she subscribed the same by writing her mark thereon in my presence - and it was made lawful to me that she is the Rachael Harris named in said Declaration and application - Witness my hand and seal of said Court this seventeenth of May A.D. 1855
N. S. Day. Just.

I Peter Harris of Lowell in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts do hereby declare and say that I am the son of Peter Harris who was a Soldier in the Revolution and who enlisted at one time and went into the Revolutionary army from Salem Massachusetts, and that my mother the wife of said Peter Harris is now living at said Lowell as his widow, and that the Record of their marriage which was made by him in his life-time and more than fifty ago as I have reason to believe and do not doubt, I have this day taken from the old Family Bible which still remains; and is now in my possession - which Record I hereto annex in the presence of Samuel McIntire Said Record was made by my said Father and is in his hand writing -
Peter Harris

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex County ss - Sowell June 13. 1855 Then personally appeared the said Peter Harris who is known to me to be a credible witness and made oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is just and true
Before me Robt. B. Caverly Justice of the Peace

THE NEW TESTAMENT OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST.
TRANSLATED OUT OF THE ORIGINAL GREEK; AND WITH THE FORMER TRANSLATIONS DILIGENTLY COMPARED AND REVISED,
By His MAJESTY'S Special Command.
Appointed to be Read in CHURCHES.
EDINBURGH:
Printed by MARK and CHARLES KERR, His MAJESTY'S Printers. MDCCXCIII.

Peter Harris and Rachel married December 24th 1788 Peter Harris Junr born June 19th 1791 Friday Rachel Harris born May 10th 1793 Shadrach Harris born June 1st 1795 Shadnack Disc August 30th 1799 Rhoda Harris born December 26th 1797 Rhoda Harris Disc October 29th 1827 Shadrach Harris born September 16th 1799 William Harris born September 1st 1802 William Harris Decased September 1st 1806 Sophia Harris born November 11th 1807 - Wednesday Sophia Disc June 9th 1832 September 3rd 1810. Laine born Monday Laine Laine Harris born September 3rd 1810 John Southwick Born February 14th 1822

I Samuel McIntire of Lowell informed forty three years of age depose and say that I was present when the foregoing leaf and record was taken from the old Family Record of Peter Harris who is reported to have been a soldier of the Revolution and witnessed the signature of Peter Harris, Junior, who has the custody of the old Bible of his late Father Peter Harris deceased.
Samuel McIntire Middlesex County to June 13. 1855 The foregoing Affidavit was subscribed and sworn to before me - and the said McIntire is known to me to be a credible witness - Robt R. Gove Justice of the Peace

4670
P. O. _____
Rachel Harris
Service: _____
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18__
Discharged: _____, 18__
Application filed: _____, 18__
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.

1850 Rachel Hester Widow of John Hester John Hester Jan 1850 June 22 1850 Still alive Jan 1850 same September 1850 June 1850 Hester Sept 1850

Additional Evidence in the case, Rachel Harris Claimant for Pension

Lowell Mass August 1, 8 th 55
Dear Sir
Pursuant to your letter of the 23 rd of July requesting me to "obtain a certificate of the Town Clerk of Salem showing whether there were two or more men named Peter Harris in said Town during the war of the Revolution capable of bearing arms, giving the ages of them and showing from what Time and to what Time their names appear upon his books" I have obtained the certificate which is herewith transmitted transmitted, -
Upon finding that there was one Peter Harris in Salem in Time of the war and supposing from the fact that he was at one Time " in captivity ", that he might be regarded as having served in the army, I caused search to be made on the rolls for the service of a Peter Harris other than the late husband of the claimant, and find that two others by that name served in the army, either of which might have been the same man whose name we now find on the Record at Salem neither of which being located on the rolls or Record in Boston It appears that the Captains & Colonel of one of them went into the army the one from Danvers & the other from Lynn both of which Towns adjoin Salem. The other served in Rhode Island which is also near by, and from any thing as yet found, he also might have enlisted at Salem - This evidence I send you as tending to show where & under whom the Salem

man whose name we have now found and who might have been a soldier probably served in the army if he served at all - Yours Very Respectfully
Edward R. Willoughby,

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, May 11 th 1855.
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 Peter Harris is borne on pay roll of Capt. Joseph Hilleis - Comp. Col. Jonathan Silcombs Regt. from May 6. to July 6. 1777 2 mos. 6 days, travel included, as Private. Also on pay roll of Capt. Joshua Leland's Comp. Major Nathaniel Heath's Regt. Detached by order of Gen. Hancock, as quarts in Boston from Sept. 29. to Nov. 10. 1779. 1 month 13 days Also that Peter Harris of Salem enlisted for three years from Jan'y. 2. 1781. Also on List of final Settlement in Col Michael Jackson's Regt.
No. 86.006 Jan'y 1. 1784. $ 54.31 1/2 No. 52.185 Jan'y 1. 1783. " 31.12 1/2 No. 53.207 Jan'y 1. 1782 " 69.75 } 100 57 No. 53.743. Jan'y 1. 1783 " 80.00

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.
E. M. King Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Lowell May 10 th 1833-
Application of Rachel Harris widow of one Peter Harris to search the Revolutionary Records for services of revolutionary soldiers within Office of Secretary of State of Massachusetts
I Rachel Harris widow of Peter Harris a Revolutionary Soldier. Depose & say that I desire and request to have the records of the Revolution for services of soldiers who served in the war of the Revolution searched. to obtain information concerning the services of Peter Harris before named whom I believe was active in said war.
I think I have heard that said Peter was while living that he served... that he served in the company under Capt. Hillies in the regiment of Col. Gile's and that he afterwards enlisted during said war and served at believe under Col. Michael Jackson, in his regiment till the close of the war. The reason which I wish to obtain said information in regard to the services of said Peter is to prove his service in said war in order that I may be placed on the list for Pension. to receive the Pension to which I may be entitled under the laws of the United States. I cannot recollect when said Peter entered the service. The year or day - or when he left - as I am now old and

my recollection poor. though I often heard my husband speak of being out in that room - I am now eighty four years of age - said Peter I think went into said room from Salem Mass - Witnesses A Jackson his Rachel X Harris Mark
Subscribed & sworn to before me
B G Jackson { Justifying the Plea

No 15306
Rachel Harris Widow of Peter Massachusetts
July 7 1838 D o

Methuen May 28 1855.
I Charles Shed of Methuen in the county of Essex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts depose and say, that I am Town Clerk of said Town and have the custody of the Records of said Town, and have made thorough search in said Records for the Entry of the Marriage of Peter Harris with Rachel Parker but do not find any.
Chas. Shed Town Clerk of Methuen
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Essex County May 28 1855
Then Personally appeared the said Charles Shed and made oath that the above certificate by him subscribed is just and true.
Before me Josiah G. White, Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, May 31. 1855
Whereby Certify, That at the date of the attestation hereunto annexed,
Josiah G. White was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Essex
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. M. Wright
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Sowell Oct 6th 1855.
Mr. Minot sir
In your communication you say there is no evidence of the identity of Peter Harris's, not over the two months and six days. The first evidence you admit the statement of the widow in her request to search the records of Massachusetts for the service of her husband showing that Peter served under captain Hillers and col. Fitch and Michael Jackson; now it seems that this knowledge the widow received from her husband when he could have had no motive to lie. Such evidence must be of some importance - But these facts are confirmed by others who talked with Peter in regard to the war; five or six witnesses certain who heard him say he served under the same officers - Now we ask if no other Peter Harris can be found on the records as serving under said same officers, is it not conclusive that the one and found and the record of his service sent to you, is the husband of Rachel - our Peter served under these officers and it cannot be found of any other Peter Harris. but there is one more fact that puts the question beyond doubt; our Peter, husband of Rachel stood as guard in Boston under Gen Hancock. The record shows such a service - and our Peter performed such a service proved by two or three witnesses who heard him speak of it and besides that while there his father.

carried his food. This cannot be found of any other Peter Harris, this specific service and proved. This distinguishes our Peter from all the others, Furthermore Mr Griffin swore that he was born and lived a near neighbour to Peter in Methuen Mass. remt remembers when he went to the war and came back and talked with Peter, at the time , and Peter told him then and many times since that he went to Salem and enlisted and served in Boston - besides our Peter Harris served under Gen Hancock and not so of the others, it seems to me such evidence as I have stated must prove her claim if not the last service under Col Jackson the two months and six days certain, so as to give the widow Bounty land under the act March 3, 1855. I have caused the revolutionary records to be searched again, and find the service of Peter Harris from Methuen who served five days April 19 1775 on the first alarm of the war - I can show by one witness now living that Peter husband of Rachel went a while about the time of the battle of Lexington, Mass. came back and went into the war again. of such further testimony would render the matter any more certain so inform me and I will forward it immediately
You say Peter would have applied for a Pension in his life time. It seems we have shown a good reason why he did not. There was no act of Congress past till 1832 June 7 th and we can show that all who knew of his service, living in his neighborhood were dead before that time. besides his

incapacity and poverty and no one to take an interest in his case. he only lived about ten years after the Pension law was past and was a Pauper most of that time- Now please inform me whether the testimony we have now not sent and of which I have spoken will make the matter any more plain-also as to whether the two months and six days is not found so as to proved so as to give the widow Bounty land if not a Pension
Yours Respectfully
Edward H. Willoughby.

Lorell June 18 1833
Mr Welds Sir
Mrs Harris is somewhat fickle & wished me to say that it was her wish that Edward H Willoughby might act as an agent in her case. I believe Edward H Willoughby Lorell Mass in future in regard to this cost of Pension B G Jackson

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, August 11. th 1855.
❧ Whereby  Certify , That at the date of the attestation hereunto annexed,
Henry Smith was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Essex
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
T. M. Wing Secretary of the Commonwealth.

State of Massachusetts -
(county of Essex. City of Salem)
I Joseph Glavine, City Clerk of said City of Salem do hereby certify that I have thoroughly examined the Assessors records of Taxes of said City, of which I have the legal custody for the name of Peter Harris - and find the following result
in the year 1775 - no tax
- - - 1776 taxed
- - - 1777 taxed
- - - 1778 no tax book found
- - - 1779 his name found, but no tax - "in captivity" marked against it on the margin -
- - - 1780 no tax book found -
from 1781 to 1786 no tax found - there being but one of the name of Peter Harris found in either of years referred to above -
- Attest my hand & the corporate seal of said City of Salem, this sixth day of August A.D. 1858 -
Joseph Glavine City Clerk
Salem Aug 6 1858 - Then Joseph Glavine made oath that the above certificate by him signed is true
Before me.
Henry B. Smith Jus of Peace

State of Massachusetts - City of Salem, County of Essex
I Joseph Glantzman, city clerk of said City of Salem, hereby certify, that I have the legal custody of the Records of said City - that I have thoroughly examined the Records of Births & Deaths, and find no entry of the name of Peter Bussid in either of these records -
Witness my hand, and the Corporate Seal of said City this 10th day of August. A.D. 1855
Joseph Glantzman City Clerk
Open to City of Salem - Augt 6 1855 - Then Joseph Glantzman made oath that the above certificate by him subscribed is true
Before me
Henry B. Smith Just of Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, Aug. 11 th 1855.
Whereby 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 Peter Harris is borne on the following List of soldiers, viz, "Foot Ser Nov. 16. 1776. in Capt. Newhall's Comp. Col. Israel Hutchinson's Regt. Taken prisoner." Capt. Newhall was from Lynn, and Col. Hutchinson was from Danvers.
Also a Peter Harris on pay roll of Capt. Edward Stowum's Comp. Col. Christopher Green's Regt. R. Island Service, for the month of July 1779. Also in Capt. Elijah Lewis' Comp. Col. Christopher Green's Regt. R. Island Service, for the mos. of Nov. and Dec. 1779.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
The soldiers in Capt. Stowum's & Capt. Lewis' Company are not located.
T. M. Winthrop Secretary of the Commonwealth.

To the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts -
The undersigned being a claimant for a Pension by reason of the services of her late Husband as a soldier in the Revolutionary Army, Asks leave, and prays that the Company Rolls in your custody may be further searched for evidence of the service of Peter Harris in said Army - Lowell August 8, 1855 Witness - Louisa Harris      Rebecca her Harris marks

Peter Harris died 13 Dec 1843 3 Maria Rachel Harris married to Peter 1788 1788 (Family Record)
Louisa Harris, Moses Cheever, Rachel Cheever } Peter Harris, Mary Rollum, Israel Beldeth } Witnesses Meriel Richardson, Albert Beldeth Moses & Rachel Cheever,
Send to me in regard to the Pension of Rachel Harris, as I have power of Attorney to act in her behalf of the claimant Gorell B. L. Jackson

Additional Information for the Applicant Rachel Harrington a Russian which was filed in the under act of Congress July 2 1832.
Additional Information for the Applicant Rachel Harrington a Russian which was filed in the under act of Congress July 2 1832.

I Jonathan Griffin of Methuen in County of Essex & Commonwealth of Massachu- setts. age eighty six years on oath depose & say that - I knew Peter Harris; lived in the same neighborhood with him when a boy & lived near by him even up to about the year eighteen hundred & twenty. Remember that the said Peter was a Soldier in the Rev- olutionary army; Recollect distinctly the time of his enlistment - in said town & of his going off in company with others for the war which was soon after the breaking out of said war Remember that he was gone some time before he came back & the time of his coming back & some of those who went with him who are long since dead - Recollect soon after said Peter returned of hearing of our neighbors say, "That - Peter had got back". I afterwards saw him & conversed with him about the war as I have frequently done since; Under- stood at the time & have always supposed that the said Peter Harris enlisted at Salem in said County of Essex from where he marched to Boston in said state where he was stationed a part of the time.
I further say - that I recollect distinctly when said Peter was married to Rachel Parker of Dover in County of Middlesex - I heard of his death which took place in Dover Poor House in the year A.D. 1843 - have since learned that his widow the said Rachel is still residing in Dover in said County of Middlesex
Jonathan Griffin

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex ss. Dacett June 17 th 1855
The foregoing Affidavit was subscribed & sworn to before me this day & the above written & I know the Deponent to be a credible person
Therone Panken { Justice of The Peace

I Perdis Griffin of Deacutt in County of Middlesex & Commonwealth of Massachusetts on oath depose & say that I knew Peter Harris & also his wife Rachel whose name previous to her marriage with the said Peter was Rachel Parken - I have lived near by the said Peter & often seen & conversed with him for over fifty years - heard him often speak of being out in the war of the Revolution & related incidents of the war - heard it often spoken of by others that he was a soldier in said war & he was generally reputed as such! Recollect about the time of his death which took place as I was informed in the Poor house in said Deacutt & that the said Rachel his widow is still residing in Lowell in said county - my age at the present time is eighty two years.
witness
Geo W Jackson
Perdis his X Griffin mark
The above Affidavit was subscribed & sworn to before me this thirteenth day of June 1853 & I know the Deponent to be a credible person - B F Jackson Justice of the Peace

I Alice Thompson of the City of Lowell in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts fifty three years of age testify before and say that I was well acquaint- ed with Peter Harris who in the latter part of his life time lived in Dracut and who ever since my remembrance has been reputed to have been a soldier of the Revolution - I had known him ever since he was a child and then and since have often heard him spoken of as a soldier of the Revolution; and never heard the fact doubted by any one For several years before his death which took place in the Dracut Poor House about a dozen years since he was very feeble both in body and mind - His widow Rachel Harris is now living and has not intermarried since his decease - She is supported now by her daughter Louisa Harris of Lowell -
Alice Thompson
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex ss Lowell June 16. 1855
Then personally appeared the said Alice Thompson and made oath that the above affidavit by her subscribed is just and true - Before me - and and the said Alice Thompson is known to me to be a credible witness -
Robt. B. Caverly Justice of the Peace

I Louisa Harris of Lowell in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts forty four years of age depose and say that I am a daughter of Peter Harris deceased who has always since my remembrance been reputed to have been a soldier of the Revolution, testify depose and say that my said Father was very feeble both in body and mind for several years before his death in 1843 so much so that he was wholly unable to support himself - For many years before my Father's death there were no old soldiers living in the neighborhood where he lived and we had no reliable information about the pension laws and the necessary measures to be taken to prove pension claims - We knew of no Pension Agent; and until recently I had not known of no way to prove the service of "Soldiers" but by producing living witnesses who served with him in the army - And since my Father's decease I have supported my Mother, by my own

industry - And since the late Act of Congress was passed there has been much talk in this vicinity about Pensions and the Pensions laws; and in conversation with other persons I learnt that the services of a soldier might be proved by the Rolls, some of which as I was told were kept in Boston - I thereupon advised my Mother to make her application for leave to search the Rolls; which application she did make upon her oath; and upon the application thus made upon her statement of the facts, the proof of the services of my said Father was found - She has no pecuniary means of paying the ordinary expenses of obtaining the proof of her claim except what I furnish her with -
Luisa Harris
The foregoing Affidavit was subscribed and sworn to before me this fifteenth day of June eighteen hundred and fifty-five and I know the Deponent to be a credible person - Timothy Pearson Justice of the Peace.

Lowell Mass., June 19. 1855
Dear Sir
The Additional Testimony in support of my claim to a Pension under the act of July 7. 1838 was forwarded to you yesterday by mail - All further communications from you in reference to my claim may be directed to Mr Edward H. Willoughby of this City who is authorized to act in my behalf -
Witness Louisa Harris { Rachel X Harris To L. P. Waldo Esq. { Marks Commissioner of Pensions -

Hon S P Waldo
Lowell July 9 th 1855
Dear Sir
Herewith
Please find additional proof in the case of Rachel Harris a claimant under the act of July 7. 1838. I understand from your letter that you are satisfied that the claimant is the widow of Peter Harris who died in the poor house in Dracutt, and that you are also satisfied of the service of one Peter Harris who enlisted at Salem in the war of the Revolution. But you object 1 st that B. D. Jackson Esq who took a portion of the testimony first forwarded was agent and thus disqualified him from acting as justice. By this I conclude that that part of the testimony is rejected, to meet this objection the testimony of several of the witnesses has been taken before another magistrate.
In the 2 nd place it is objected that the reason why Harris did not apply for a pension in his life-time is not satisfactory. To this we reply by additional evidence showing that Harris in the latter part of his life had no means or capacity to look up testimony or procure an agent if indeed there had been one in his neighborhood as will appear by the depositions of Brad Hildreth, Merrill Richardson, Abbot G. Hildreth, Betsy Clark herewith enclosed, and he was such a person as no one out of the family would be likely to interest themselves about except to relieve his immediate wants and to carry him to the

house, no one would think of lending or advancing money to a man in his circumstances. Moses Cheever testifies that he once said that he supposed he was entitled to a pension but was too poor to obtain testimony to prove his claim, the evidence of the poverty of the widow is equally clear and it appears that she obtains the means to prosecute this claim from the earnings of her daughter Louisa Harris and Rachel Cheever
The third objection is that Peter Harris is not sufficiently identified as the soldier by that name whose services proved by the record, as tending to prove the true identity; Jonathan Griffin who appears by the testimony of Peter Harris herewith enclosed is the only living witness who knows the fact; says that he went to Salem and enlisted; Louisa Harris Betsey Clark Peter Harris Moses Cheever and Rachel Cheever all recollect that the deceased so told them and Moses Cheever Peter Harris Louisa Harris and Rachel Cheever recollect that he has told them the names of some of the officers under whom he served viz. Col. Filcomb and Gen. Hancock also that he at one time stood guard over some British prisoners besides the six above named witnesses who often heard him speak of his service the following six also testified as to his reputation of being a soldier in the Revolution war Israel Israel Hildreth Merrill Richardson Albert G. Hildreth Persis Griffin Alice Thompson Samuel McIntire, it seems to me that the evidence proves clearly that Peter Harris who died in the poor house in Dracutt was a soldier in the Revolution; the only living witness we are able to find in this vicinity of the age of the deceased who knew him

before he enlisted and after he returned that he enlisted at Salem and served under Gen Hancock and Col Pitcomb and guard in Boston over British prisoners is shown by the declaration of the deceased through a long course of years at a time when he could have had no possible motive to mistake the facts; all of which serves to identify him as the Peter Harris whose services appear of Record; coupling the records evidence with all the facts as they now will appear in the case it seems to me to establish the identity beyond a doubt, and I hope and think the evidence may be satisfactory to you as one witness testifies who knew the fact which meet your request requirement Jonathan Griffin and all that is now living; besides the identity is found by other evidence
Yours Truly
Edward H. Willoughby

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, June 18 th 1855.
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the attestation hereunto annexed, B. F. Jackson, Rob t B. Cushing, Theron Parkin, J. Timothy Pearson were Justices of the Peace for the County of Middlesex.
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to their acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, July 6 th 1855.
I Hereby Certify , That at the date of the attestation hereunto annexed, Hubbard H. Adams was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Levi Wells Prentiss
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I Israel Hildreth of Dracut in the County of Middlesex and Com- monwealth of Massachusetts aged sixty-four years on oath depose and say: That I was acquainted with Peter Harris deceased & Rachel Harris his wife; was their family Physician for a while before he became a pauper; know his widow now residing in Lowell with her daughter Louisa, who as I have been informed has of late applied for a Pension; have heard it said and understood that the said Peter was a soldier in the army of the Revolution, and never heard the fact questioned or doubted; know the said Peter nearly thirty years before his death and considered him very poor, indolent and without much energy; decrepid and lame many years before his death, a person not likely to use much personal effort to seek information or hunt up tes- timony to prosecute a claim for a Pension; never knew that he applied for one during his life- time and besides there was no pension agent or attorney who did such business that lived any where about to my knowl- edge;
Israel Hildreth.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex County ss - Sept 26 th one

1855 Then the above named name Israel Hildreth personally appeared and made oath to the above affi- davit by him subscribed before me and I certify that he is one of the oldest and most respected Physi- cians in this vicinity and a credible witness and that I am disin- terested -
Shubael D. Adams Justice of the Peace

I Merrill Richardson of Lowell in the County of Middlesex and State of Massachusetts sixty four years of age on oath depose and say that I was well acquainted with Peter Harris who lived in Dracut in this County about a mile from my house for several years before his death which took place in the Poor House in Dracut in the year eighteen hundred and forty three; I had known him for forty years, I am acquainted with his widow Rachel Harris who now resides in Lowell - They have a son Peter and a daughter Louise who are now living and with whom I am well acquainted
For the several of the last years of his life his health was very poor and his mind so much impaired that he was entirely incapacitated from doing business - All the money he could get he apparently expended for liquor - The family was very poor and suffered for food -
For several of the last years of his life he was very stupid and I think that he could not have been prevailed upon to have applied for a pension if any one had attempted it - The said Rachel is now very poor and supported by her daughter Louise and the neighbours - There was during his life time no agent for obtaining Pensions residing near here to my knowledge and only two Revolution soldiers besides him in this town that I knew of -
Merrill Richardson

State of Massachusetts
Middlesex County
ss June 27, 1855-
Then the above named Monile Richardson who signed the foregoing affidavit personally appeared and made oath that the same was true before me, and I certify that I know the said Richardson to be a credible person and that I have no interest in this claim-
Shubael R. Adams
Justice of the Peace

I Albert G. Gilbreth of Lowell in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged forty nine years of age on oath depose and say that I was acquainted with Peter Harris late of Brant in said County who died in the poor house in said Brant some dozen years ago, about thirty years, I am also acquainted with his wife Rachel Harris whose maiden name was Rachel Parker and know that she is now his widow. For the last ten or fifteen years of his life he seemed to have lost his energy and neglected to provide for his family - and he went about with two canes very much bowed over and his mind was dejected - and he was en- tirely destitute of ambition - I have always understood that he was a Revolutionary soldier and have heard him say that he had been in battle - I think that if he had heard that he might be entitled to a pension that he had not sufficient energy or ambition for the last fifteen years of his life to apply for the same - and he was very poor for the last named period of his life - Albert G. Gilbreth
Middlesex County ss. June 27, 1855 - Then the above named Albert G. Gilbreth per- sonally appeared and made oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is true before me and I hereby certify that he is a credible witness and that I have no interest in this claim.
Shubael P. Adams Justice of the Peace

I Moses Cheever of Lowell in the County of Middlesex & State of Massachusetts aged sixty two years on oath depose and say that I have been acquainted with Rachel Harris formerly the wife of Peter Harris of Brattle in said County since the year eighteen hundred and five and that I was acquainted with the said Peter from that time up to the time of his death which took place in said Brattle at the poor house about twelve years ago - And that I lived a near neighbor to them all of the said time of forty years - And I further swear that it was generally reputed and believed among his townsmen that he served in the Revolutionary war and I recollect that on one occasion in conversation with him about a soldier who had obtained a pension he said to me that he supposed he was entitled to one, but was too poor to pay the expense of getting the witnesses to prove his claim - And I do further swear that for many years before his death the said Peter was extremely poor and destitute and wholly without means to pay the expenses of prosecuting a Pension claim - And that his widow remains equally destitute and unable from her own resources to pay the necessary expenses of such a prosecution - Moses Cheever
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex County } ss on This twenty seventh day June A.D. one

Thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me Moses Cheever and acknowledged that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is true - And I certify that the said Cheever is a credible witness and that I have no interest in this claim -
Shubael P. Adams Justice of the Peace

I Rachel Cheever of Lowell in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts sixty three years of age on oath depose and say that I was acquainted with Peter Harris of Truro in said County and his wife Rachel Harris ever since my childhood having always lived near them - That her name before her marriage was Rachel Parker and that she now resides in Lowell with her daughter Louisa and is now the widow of the said Peter - And I further depose and say that I often heard the said Peter in his lifetime speak of his services in the Revolutionary Army - He has told me that he enlist- ed at Salem Massachusetts - and I have heard him say a great many times that he was appointed at one time to guard the British prisoners and that he was out in the service for a considerable length of time - And I do further swear that for some twenty five years previous to his death the said Peter was quite infirm and very much bent over and walked with two canes. & that his mind was a good deal affected that he appeared dull and stupid and took but little interest in what passed around - he was also very indolent and poor, & unable to provide for his family and was sent to the poor house where he afterwards died - But his wife went to live with

her daughter Louise in said Lowell and where she still lives, supported by her said daughter and the charities of her neighbours. The business of said Louise being binding shoes, and from the pro- ceeds of her industry she has appropriated money to enable her said mother to prosecute her claim to a pension & bounty land - Rachel Cheever
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex County } ss, On
this twenty seventh day of June A D one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me, the above named Rachel Cheever and made oath that that the above affidavit by her subscri- bed is true. And I certify that the said Cheever is a credible witness and that I have no interest in this case.
Hubbard R Adams Justice of the Peace.

I Peter Harris of Lowell in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and County of Middlesex (in that part of Lowell which was formerly Dracut) aged sixty six years on oath depose and say that I was the oldest son of Peter Harris of Dracut who died at the poor house in said Dracut in December A.D. 1843, that I lived in my said father's family twenty three years and resided in the same town with him and a near neighbor to him all my lifetime until his death - and I do further say that I have frequently heard my father say that he enlisted at Salem Mass, that he went against his father's consent he told me that before he enlisted his father told him that if he did enlist he would break his legs short off before he should go - but that after he had enlisted the recruiting officer talked with his father and he afterwards sent him some clothes and a box of butter When I was a boy I well recollect his telling over to me and other persons stories about what happened in the service - He was always reputed ever since my remembrance to have been in the service of the Revolution - He used to say that General Hancock was the Commander in Chief - He frequently spoke of standing guard over British soldiers, in Boston who were taken prisoners at the capture of Burgoyne - I do further swear that with the exception of three years I have always resided either in Methuen or Dracut or that part of Lowell which was formerly Dracut - Jonathan Griffin of Methuen is the only man now living to my knowledge who was acquainted with my father at the time he went into the service or knew

The fact that he did go - and I do further swear that Rachel Harris who now resides with her daughter Louisa is the widow of my said father Peter Harris      Peter Harris
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex County } ss. on this 30 th day of June A.D. 1855, before me personal appeared Peter Harris who signed the above affidavit in my presence and made oath that the same is true and I hereby certify that the said affiant is a credible witness and that I am disinterested
Shubael P. Adams Justice of the Peace

I Betsy Clark of Lowell in the County of Middlesex & State of Massachusetts aged forty five years on oath depose and say that I was well acquainted with Peter Harris deceased (who formerly lived in Concord in said County) during the last twelve years of his life - Am also well acquainted with his widow Rachel Harris who now lives with her maiden daughter Louisa in said Lowell. I lived in the same house with said Peter and Rachel three years, I think during the years 1832 1833 & 1834, and during said period I often heard him speak of being out in the war of the Revolution, and he was generally reputed to be a soldier in that war - I recollect that in one conversation with me he stated, that when England  was about sixteen years old he went to Salem and enlisted, against the will of his father - During the said period of three years the said Peter frequently came into my part of the house and related to me the incidents of his service, this he did so frequently and with so much apparent sincerity that I never had the least doubt but what he was in the service as he represented - I also very well recollect of hearing aged people who knew him in his early life tell how glad they were to welcome him home on his return from the service, and I further say that during the whole period of my acquaintance with the said Peter he was extremely poor, and I gave him some articles of clothing while he lived with me in the same house with me over

Other neighbors also from time made him similar presents - he was lame and decrepit & walked with two canes, and he was almost continually complaining that the world had misused him, he afterwards became a town charge and died in the poor house in Dracut. His widow is now as their entire dependent upon her daughter and the charities of her neighbors for support -
Betsey Clark
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex County } on this 30th day of June A.D. 1855. The above named Betsey Clark personally appeared before me and made oath that the a- bove affidavit by her subscribed in my presence is true - and I certify that she is a credible witness and that I have no interest in the subject matter for which this affidavit is taken -
Shubael P. Adams Justice of the Peace

State of Massachusetts } 88. County of Middlesex }
On this Seventeenth day of May A.D. one thousand eight-hundred and fifty-five personally appeared before me Benjamin D. Jackson a justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid. Louisa Harris a resident of Lowell in said County - aged forty-four years, who being duly sworn according to law on oaths declares that she is the daughter of Peter Harris and Rachel Harris now a resident of said Lowell: That she knew her father family thirty-years & upwards and knew that her said father & mother cohabited as husband & wife & so continued up to to the time of his death. That they had several children besides herself some of whom are now living. She further says that she was present when her said father died and followed his remains to the grave at the time of his burial: That her said father died on the thirteenth day of December eighteen hundred and forty-three, at Dracutt in said County of Middlesex. She further states that she has often heard her said father while living speak of being out in the army during the War of the Revolution: That he went from Salem in County of Essex in said State into said service : heard him speak of Colonel Putnam and General Howe as some of the commanding officers under whom he served: That he marched from said Salem to Boston in said State: and stood as guard there for awhile & guard some English prisoners: That he was in Providence at one time: That while in said service he often went hungry for want of food & that his father brought him food at times while in the service from home which was some thirty or forty miles distant.

She further states that her said father (Died in the Poor house in said Dracutt. Himself having for a long time been sick. of of the the poor poor. & that since his death her said mother has lived with her & that she has supported her. That she is & has remained a widow since the death of her said father. Louisa Harris
Subscribed and sworn to
year before written
Before me on this day and B. G. Jackson { Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex ss. - On this twenty first day of May A.D. 1855 personally appeared before me, Benjamin F. Jackson a justice of the Peace within and for said County Moses Cheever of Lowell in said County aged 62 years who being duly sworn according to law on oath declares that he knew Peter Harris and Rachel Harris his wife fifty years ago, and having lived in the same Town has ever since been acquainted with the Family - That he never heard it questioned that the said Peter was a soldier of the Revo- lution - and it was generally understood and believed in the neighborhood that he served as a soldier in said Army - that he some times heard said Peter speak of his having served in the Army, and at one time not long before his decease he heard him say he thought he was entitled to a Pension as well as others, but that he had no money to pay the expenses of looking up the witnesses &c. to prove his claim - And that the said Peter was infirm and was supported by the Town for a considerable

The foregoing Affidavit was subscribed & sworn to before me on the day and year before written and I certify that I know the before named Moses Chavis & that he is a credible person
B. G. Jackson { Justice of the Peace

State of Massachusetts
ss.
Middlesex County-
On this twenty-first-day of May A.D. one thousand eight-hundred and fifty-five personally appeared before me Benjamin G. Jackson a justice of the Peace within and for said County- Rachel Cheever aged sixty-two years a resident of Lowell in said County- who being duly sworn according to law on oath declares that that she knew Peter Harris now deceased & Rachel Harris his widow now a resident of said Lowell: that she became acquainted with their family over fifty-years ago & have lived a near neighbor to them ever since up to the time of the death of the said Peter in A.D. 1843 with his widow the said Rachel up to the present time; that she knew & it was generally understood that they lived together as husband & wife, even as far back as she can remember up to the time of his death.
She further states that she saw the said Peter two days before his death and afterwards was present at the funeral of the said Peter. that she has known the said Rachel since the death of her said husband, and that she is now a widow: that she has often heard the said Peter while living, speak of being in the war of the Revolution: that she has listened to his stories concerning of his exploits in said war: that he went hungry sometimes his father brought him food: that he was stationed in Boston one time to guard the Prisoners.
Rachel Cheever
Subscribed and sworn to before me this day & year above written
B. G. Jackson Justice of the Peace

I hereby certify that the above named Deponent is a person well known to me + is a credible person.
B. F. Jackson Justice of the Peace

State of Massachusetts } County of Middlesex }
On this fourteenth day of May A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five, personally appeared before me B. L. Jackson, a justice of the Peace within & for said County. Peter Harris aged fifty-six years, a resident of Lowell in said County, who being duly sworn according to law, on oath declares that he is the son of Peter Harris deceased and Rachel Harris now a resident of said Lowell, & the widow of his said father. That he lived in his father's family until he was twenty-three years of age and in the same house over fifty years, during which time the said Rachel lived with his said father as his lawful wife up to the time of his in 1843.
He further states that he is in possession of the old family Bible which was bought, owned and used by his said father in his family, as far back as he can remember that his said father gave it to him just before his death and that he has retained the possession thereof up to the present time; — that the said Bible contains the record of the marriage of his said father & mother, made in the handwriting of his said father more than fifty years ago, but the precise year in which it was written he is unable to state. That the following is a true copy of the original record contained in said Bible.
"Peter Harris and Rachel married
December thirty-first Seventeen hundred and eighty-eight"
That the above extract of the record of said marriage taken from said Bible is true with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows; — "December 31 — y 1788"
He further states that he was present & knew that his said father died on the thirteenth day of December.

eighteen hundred and forty three, one month two since his said mother the said Rachel is still his widow & that now resides in said Lowell
He further says that while a boy he was informed and has always understood from his said father & others that he was a soldier in the war of the revo- lution and enlisted in Salem in said state. That he was stationed in Boston at one time & remembers the name of Colonel Stearns as one of the officers under whom he served
Peter Harris
The foregoing Affidavit was sworn to and sub- scribed before me on the day and year before written and I certify that I am acquainted with the Deponent & that he is a credible person; that I have seen the foregoing extract of the record of the marriage before named & that it is a true copy as before stated by the said Deponent of the original record of the marriage in said Bible which by its appearance is very ancient
B. G. Jackson { Justice of the Peace

I Mary Harris of Lowell in County of Middlesex & Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Depose & say. That I have seen & examined the original record in the Bible referred to by Peter Harris before named & that the extract with the exception thereof copied in the affidavit of the Peter Harris before named is true & that I have compared said extract with the original record of the marriage of Peter & Rachel Harris as made in said Bible.
Mary P. Harris
Subscribed and sworn to before May 18 th 1855
B. F. Jackson
{ Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, May 26, 1855.
Whereby Certify, That at the date of the attestations hereunto annexed,
B. F. Jackson was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex, and N. Crosby justice Police Court, Lowell, in County of Middlesex
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to their acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. M. Wingate Secretary of the Commonwealth.