Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15,682, James Hill, Mass.

SERVICE
Mass.
Hill, James Rebekah
NUMBER
W. 15.682
CONTENTS
2

4199
Vermont Southey Rebeckah Hill widow of James Hill who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Pilgrim
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20 Dollars 10 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 day of March 1849 and sent to Wm Bridge St. Albans Vt.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 55 Vol. 3

Vermont - 28.447
Hon. Benjamin W. D. S. June 16 '34
James O'Neil Franklin in the State of Vermont who was a Pvt. in the commanded by Captain of the R y commanded by Col. Daggett in the Mass. line for 7 days.
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 29 Dollars 3 Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 th day of June 34. Franklin - VT and John D. Bates for.
Arrears to the 4th of March 34 88.29 Semi-ant. allowance ending Dec. 1. 14.72 8103.01
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Chas. Rice Clerk, Book E Vol. 3 Page 72

James Hill's Declaration

DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7th 7 th , 1832.
STATE OF VERMONT, } ON this 31 st day of October, 1833, personally appeared in open FRANKLIN COUNTY, ss. } Court, before the Court of Probate, now sitting, James Hill a resident of Brattleborough in the county of Franklin, and State of Vermont, age 73 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 act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States, under the following named Officers, and served as herein stated.
Was born in Brattleboro State of Massachusetts on the 18 th day of October 1760 Was a resident of his age - Was a resident of Franklin Massachusetts when he entered the service, where he lived till after the close of the Revolution moved from thence to Sutton Mp, from thence to Croydon New Hampshire from thence to Williamstown Vermont and from thence to Brattleborough where he now resides - That in the year 1776 as near as he can recollect he enlisted as a private for six months from the Town of Franklin of march from thence to Watertown in the state of Mp from thence to Medfield, under the command of one Colonel Sumner his duty was guarding the Continental Stores deposited at that place, and where he was stationed during the term of six months when he was discharged. The applicant say that when he enlisted there was snow upon the ground and think it was in March, recollects that the British was in Boston at the time he enlisted and believes he was dismissed in September. He further declares that he volunteered for three months in the service of the United States in the

fall of the year 1776, (according to his best recollection) under Capt Fisher, and marched to Providence Rhode Island, stationed in Providence about six weeks, and from thence to Pawtucket River, and there served the remainder of his time doing the duty of a private guarding the sea coast, thinks he was dismissed in February or March 1777. He further states that he enlisted for three months under Capt James Metcalf of Franklin and ordered to North Kingston, Rhode Island and was there stationed doing the duty of a private guarding the shores during the term of three months the months or the year in which he served he cannot positively say but thinks that it was the year Gen Prescott was taken believes he commanded the British Troops then stationed at Newport R.I. does not recollect the name of the col or any of the Field officers who commanded during the campaign the troops being made up from different towns, men with whom he was not acquainted — He further declares that in 1778, he volunteered and served as a private under Capt John Boyd in Col Daggett's Regt. marched to Rhode Island, and there stationed during the siege on the Island nearly two months according to the best of his recollection, the Troops were under the command of Gen. Sullivan, that when he marched on to the Island they cross at Slades

Sorry and was stationed near Butts Hill Fort during the whole time - he remained on the Island; left the Island in the night and coas d  Long Howland's, and soon after dismissed, and returned home. . .
He further states that in May 1780 at Franklin age he volunteered for six months and marched to Boston and there put under the command of Lieut Jackson of the continental Army, march d from thence to West Point on the Hudson River. There joined Capt Thomas Jacksons company in Col John Coanes Regt of Artillery and was stationed at West Point during six months, was discharged by Major Samuel Bowman of the Artillery as officers by his discharge mark d H.
He knows of no person by whom he can prove his former first campaigns
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state
Sworn to and subscribed } James Hill the day and year of s d }
mentions in the service of the annuities in the

We Perly Hall (a Clergyman), residing in Berkshire and Samuel Kendall residing in Cnosborough hereby certify that we are well acquainted with James Hill who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration; that we believe him to be Seventy Three years of age; that he is respected and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a Soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Perly Hall
Sam Kendall
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 Perly Hall who has signed the proceeding certificate, is a Clergyman, and Samuel Kendall , who has also signed the same is a respectable citizen and holds the office of Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Franklin, and their statement is entitled to credit. Said Hall resides in Berkshire and S d Kendall in Cnosborough in so county of Franklin.
Stephen S. Brown, Judge

I Simon S. Beeman Clerk of the court of Probate, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of James Hill, for a pension. —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name, and affixed the seal of said court at St. Albans in the District of Georgia this 23 d day of November (A.D. 1833.) —
Simon Beeman Clerk

State of Vermont Franklin County St. Albans Augt 20 th 1846. Hon J. L. Edwood
I herewith enclose the claim of Mrs. Rebecca Hill Widow of James Hill deceased, you will please investigate the subject and return your answer to me by request of the applicant.
Very Respectfully Yours At Servt William Bridges

Declaration
State of Vermont } On this 24 th day of Septem r District of Georgea } D 1845, personally appeared before the subscribing authority Rebeccah Hill, a resident of Berkshire in the county of Franklin & State of Vermont, aged seventy nine years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress of the 3 d March, 1843, and 17 th June 1844, granting half pay & pensions to certain widows; that she is the widow of James Hill, who was a private in the army of the Revolution.
At the time he entered the service he was a resident of Franklin, State of Massachusetts, served several campaigns but the length of time he was in the army, or the names of the officers under whom he served she cannot say. For the services aforesaid he obtained a pension under the act of 1832, which he continued to draw to the time of his death.
She further declares that she was married to the S d James Hill on the 12 th day of October seven- teen hundred & eighty six; that her husband the aforesaid James Hill, died on the 29 th day of June 1840; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January seventeen hundred & ninety four. viz at the time above, stated
Sworn to & subscribed on the } Rebeccah her Hill day & year above written — } mark

before me
William Bridges Judge
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office at St Albans in sd District this 24 th day of Sept A 1845.
W m Bridges Judge of Probate

I William Bridges of St. Albans county of Franklin & State of Vermont of lawful age testify & say that satisfactory evidence was exhibited to me by the widow of James Hill, (Rebekah Hill) & her son Ebenezer C. Hill, that the said James died on the 29 th day of June 1840.
This evidence was exhibited to me at the time the said widow applied to me to make out her voucher to draw the balance of pension due to her late husband.
The voucher & certificate of his death were made out by me, and the time of his death as certified was registered upon a book kept by me for that & other purposes relating to pensions, and I have no doubt but that the statement made by Mrs. Hill & her son as above stated is the correct time of the death of the said James.
Sworn to & subscribed
This 19 th day of Augt. 1846, before me William Bridges
Joseph H. Brainerd Just Peace
State of Vermont } I Joseph H. Brainerd Clerk Franklin County } of Franklin County Court do hereby certify that Joseph H. Brainerd who has affixed his name to the above deposition is a Magistrate duly elected and qualified to act as such and that the name purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have herunto set my hand and seal of office at St. Albans in said county this 19 th day of August, A.D. 1846.
Joseph H. Brainerd Clerk

A copy of an intention of marriage as found recorded in the Town records of the town of Sutton Massachusetts by Joseph Hall then Town Clerk.
Marriage is intended between Mr James Hill Jun r & Miss, Rebekah Elliot both of Sutton Joseph Hall Town Clerk Sutton May 3 rd Seventeen hundred eighty six.
I Oliver Hall certify that the above is a true extract from the records of the town of Sutton Massachusetts, with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows.
"Sutton May 3 rd 1786." - Oliver Hall Town Clerk Sutton, Mass.
I Oliver Hall above named, do here and say, that I held the office of Town Clerk for the town of Sutton County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said town, with the exception above named as certified by me. Oliver Hall Town Clerk
Sworn to and subscribed before me on this fifth day of August A. D. 1846. - Lucius Southwick Jr. Justice

No 29.
1215 Kibbeekah Hill
Vermont Repub
3 March 1843 S 17 June 1844 D
M. 4 Oct 1786
d 29 June 1840
  pr. aut 6 mos  25     " July 1 mos 7 da  4.10           29 10   
William Bridget Esq St. Albans 6006 vt

October Fourth Seventeen hundred and eighty six. James Hills Junr. and Rebekah Eliot both of Sutton were Married By me
Benja Goddard J. Peace
A true copy from the records of the Town of Grafton, County of Worcester, Massachusetts, of the marriage of James Hills Junr. — and Rebekah Eliot, with the exception of the date which is expressed in the record in fair Legible figures. — "October 4th 1786."
Charles Prentice { Clerk of the Town of Grafton.
I Charles Prentice of Grafton in the County of Worcester and State of Massa- chusetts, do depose and say that I hold the office of Clerk of said Town of Grafton, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Town with the exception above named as certif- ied by me. —
Charles Prentice { Clerk of the Town of Grafton, Mass.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Worcester ss August 8th 1846. Then personally appeared Charles Prentice above named who is known to me as a man of truth and made oath that the above depo- -sition by him subscribed is true.
Before me, Samuel Woods, Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth vs. Massachusetts vs. S. J. S. G. H. and W. Black of the Supreme Judicial Court for said County, certify that Samuel Wood within named is a Justice of the Peace within said County, duly qualified, and that the signa- ture of his name as therein written, appears to be in his own hand writing.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my name, & affixed the seal of said Court, at Worcester, this tenth day of August A.D. 1846 Ezra G. Russell Clerk

I Leonard Hill of the City of Providence in the State of Rhode Island, being now nearly two years of age on solemn oath do testi- fy and say as follows. I was born in Frank- lin in the State of Massachusetts and lived in said town until after the Re- solution War. James Hide who now lives in in the State of Vermont who as I understand has made an application for a pension, is my brother older than myself by nearly two years, and I the said Leonard do further testify and say that while we lived in said Franklin my said brother was frequently called into the military service of his Country - and I have a distinct recollection of many of the times & places at which he was called and served. I perfectly well remember

that in the year 1776. he enlisted for six months, as a private, in a Continental guard to guard Continental stores & provisions & was in the town of Medfield, we lived in the same house and I remember when he enlisted & when he returned & that he was about six months - And I further testify that I well remember when he turned out & volunteered & marched to the town of Providence in Capt Samuel Fishes Com- pany & was gone three months - This was pretty soon after the British took possession of Rhode Island & was I think in the winter of 1776 & 1777. - And I also know & remember the time when he marched away in Capt James Attebolls Company of Militia & again marched to some station in Rhode Island & was about three months as a private in a company this was I think in 1777.

I also remember that he was in General Sullivan's expedition against the British on Rhode Island in the Summer of 1778. That is he went from home for that purpose & was absent two months before he returned or about that time. - I was present when he marched in Captain Bayle's Company (altho' I did not belong to it for said expedition - And again I well remember of his enlisting for six months in 1780 & going to the Westward in Col. Cross's Artillery. I think it was June when he enlisted. I have a perfect recollection of all the foregoing services of my brother altho' I was not with him but I remember when he left our father's house and returned at each time.
Leonard Hill

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Providence ss In Providence March 12 th 1834~
Then personally came Leonard Hill of said Providence and being carefully caut- ioned examined and sworn made oath to the truth of the foregoing Deposition and I further certify that from personal knowledge and evidence on oath before me, the said Leonard Hill is a credible witness and that full faith and credit ought to be given to his attestation
Stephen Branch Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas County of Providence
(Signature)

No. 526
James Neill Franklin Co. Vermont
Admitted as a private bromo. bell 2.15 1/2 doz. inf (4.43) Suspect 29.43
5337 12 416 416 91 67
John Gates, Jr. Reg. Franklin Franklin Co. Vermont.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office.
11 June
183 3
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, shewing the Service of James 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.     1776 6 Private Capt. Farmer 71 years Suffolk Mass Has discharge for his 6 months service   1776 3 " Capt. Fisher   3 " Capt. Metcalf   1778 " Capt. Boyce   formerly two months 2 " Capt. Dazget   May 1780 6 artillery 1 st Jackson Capt. Jackson Col. Crane  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. 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 or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if 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 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 enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, 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 _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which 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 [j] 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.

George (my page) in the house working in the house. He found a small note with the name of the owner.
W. Freeman May 18th 1874
So I think that some like you not know
let from the United States.

This is to certify that [illegible] Jackson [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] by Col [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] is hereby discharged from the service of the United States and is hereby entitled to all the privileges and [illegible] [illegible] to the [illegible] men from the [illegible] [illegible] and [illegible] of [illegible] [illegible] [illegible]
Given at [illegible] this 31 Day of Dec. 1788 Maurice [illegible] [illegible] [illegible]
41 =

16526. Declaration of James Hill for a Pension

DECLARATION.
Revolutionary claim, under an Act of Congress, Passed June 7th, A. D. 1832.
STATE OF VERMONT, } Franklin County, Probate Court, July 28th A. D. 1832. DISTRICT OF GEORGIA, ss. }
Personally appeared in open Court, being the Probate Court, for the County of Franklin, and a Court of Record, for said County, and State of Vermont, as will appear by the first section of a Statute Law of said State, entitled an act, constituting Probate Courts, Courts of Record, passed November 15th, A. D. 1821, [see 1st section of said act.]
James Hill aged 71 years, resident in Ennaburgh in said County, 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 June 7th, A. D. 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
That in the year 1776 as near as he can recollect he enlisted as a private soldier for six months in the War of Franklin County of Suffolk and State of Mass. and from thence he was marched to Watertown in said State and from Watertown to Medford. He was commanded by Colonel Isaiah Furness his duty was to guard the Continental States, and there he remained during the time of six months when he was discharged. He further declares that he volunteered for three months in the service of the United States in the year 1776 as near as he can recollect under Capt. Samuel Pishon and marched to Providence Rhode Island remained in Providence about six weeks and from thence he marched to Pawtucket and there served the remainder of the three months my duty was to guard the sea coast. He further declares that he volunteered for three months under Capt. Samuel Pillsbury of Franklin in the State of Massachusetts from Franklin he was ordered to North Kingston in the State of Rhode Island his duty here was to guard the mouth and year he does not recollect he served the three months in this place. He further declares that in the year 1778 he volunteered under General Sullivan in Capt. Boyds company in Capt. Daggets Regiment and was ordered to Rhode Island and there he remained during the siege on that Island nearly two months according to his best recollection. He further declares that in May 1780 at Franklin in the State of Massachusetts he volunteered for the time of six months and marched to Boston and there he was put under the command of Lieut. Jackson of the Continental Army who marched me to West Point on North River and called there joined Capt. Thomas Jacksons company of John Brant Regiment of Artillery he there served his time out, and was discharged by Major David Beman of the Artillery as appears by his discharges marked H. He knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service.

declares that he volunteered for three months in the service of the United States in the year 1776 as near as he can recollect under Capt Samuel Fisher and marched to Providence Rhode Island remained in Providence about six weeks and from thence he marched to Pawtucket and there served the remainder of the three months my duty was to guard the Saco fort. He further declares that he volunteered for three months under Capt Samuell Scalf of Franklin in the State of Massachusetts from Franklin he was ordered to North Kingston in the State of Rhode Island his duty here was
was guard duty the month and year he does not recollect he served the three months in this place. He further declares that in the year 1778 he volunteered under General Sullivan in Capt Boyds company in Capt Daggets Regiment and was ordered to Rhode Island and there he remained during the siege on that Island nearly two months according to his best recollection. He further declares that in May 1780 at Franklin in the State of Massachusetts he volunteered for the term of six months and marched to Boston and there he was put under the command of Lieut. Jackson of the continental army who marched me to West Point on North River so called where I joined Capt Thomas Jacksons company of Col. John Branded Regiment of Artillery he there served his time out and was discharged by Major Paul Bowman of the Artillery as appears by his discharges marked H.
He knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any State.
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. James Neill
A. D. 1832.
are their opinion that, the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served William Bridges Sneed I, John Gates, jr. Register of the Court of Probate, for the district aforesaid, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matters of the application of James Neill for a pension.
Have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 30th July  John Gates Jr Register.

State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations.
PROVIDENCE, SC.
Deyle Randall I WILLIAM B. WATSON , Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, within and for
the county of Providence in the State of Rhode-Island, do hereby certify, that (Stephen Branch before whom)  the annexed affidavit was sworn is a Judge of the court of Common Pleas aforesaid, which court is a Court of Record; that the signature to the annexed document purporting to be his, is in the proper hand writing of the said Stephen Branch ; and that full faith and credit are due to the official attestations of the said Stephen Branch
In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court, at Providence this twelfth day of March in the year of our Lord 1834.
Deyle Randall W.B.

Walter Batchelder Affidavit
affidavit is signed by me and it is true to the best of my knowledge
Hon. B. Swift Senate 16. S.

I Patsy Balchetter of Mybridge in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being now sixty four years of age do in my solemn oath testify & say that I was born, as I have always understood, in the Town of Franklin, in said Commonwealth; That I am sister of James Hill, now living in the Town of Groesburgh, in the County of Franklin and State of Vermont - who is about ten years older than myself. I further testify that in the early part of the Revolutionary war he enlisted as a private soldier in defense of his country and marched as I then understood to Middletown to pro- tect certain military stores & munitions of war either belonging to the State of Massachu- setts or the Continental Congress; I do not know which - but I do remember that he enlisted in the continental service for the term of six months and was from home that length of time & as I then understood on that ser- vice - Some time after his return he en- listed again in the Continental service and went I think to Providence in the State of Rhode Island - was absent as near as I can recollect three months. He was in Sullivan's expedition at the time the British had possession of Newport in Rhode Island & I was at that time a father & two other brothers

in the service — In general Sullivan's expedition I think he served under one Capt Boyce, but am not certain of this fact — I distinctly recollect that he enlisted again for six months in a later part of the war and was at West Point at the time of Arnold's treachery — I perfectly recalled his leaving home & his return to the family at the expiration of his term of service I can testify with a good deal of confidence that my brother was out in the service by enlistment at two or three other terms than those above enumerated but I have not a distinct recol- lection as to the length of term for which he enlisted nor at what places the service were performed —
Edwice Batchelder
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Worcester ss.
On this Thirteenth day of March in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and thirty four personally appeared before me Benedict Foss & a Justice of the Peace in & through said Commonwealth. Nathan Batch- elder whose name is subscribed to the fore- going affidavit — and being duly exam- ined and confirmed by me she made solemn oath to the truth of the same — and I The said Justice do further certify that

from the reputation of the said Nathan I cer- tainly believe she is entitled to full faith & credit —
Benahel Taft Justice of the Peace.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Worcester, ss.
I, Joseph G. Kendall, clerk of the Judicial Courts, within and for the county of Worcester, do hereby certify, that the Honorable Benahel Taft Jr. is a Justice of the peace in and for said county, and that his signature above written appears to be in his own proper hand writing.
In testimony whereof, I hereto set my hand, and affix the County Seal, at Worcester, this fourteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty four.
Jos. G. Kendall Clerk.

James Hill's afft in regard to time

State of Vermont Franklin M c Albans
Personally appeared before me, the under- signed a Justice of the Peace James Hill who being duly sworn, deposes & saith that by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his time, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the period mentioned below and in the following grades: For six months I served as a private For three months I served as a private For three months I served as a private For one month & fifteen days I served as a private; and for six months I served as a private, and for such service I claim a Pension
Sworn and subscribed James Hill
this 21 st day of October
A 1833
Before me William Bridges Justice Peace I further certify that I am personally acquainted with the deponent who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing affidavit and know him to be a man of truth & veracity
W m Bridges Justice Peace

State of Vermont } I Horace James Franklin County } Clerk of Franklin } County Court, do hereby certify that William Bridger who has affixed his name to the within, is a Magistrate duly qualified, and that I know the same to be his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court, at St. Albans this 22 d day of October A D 1833 Horace James Clerk

Double Bridges Esq. St. Albans Vt
Hon. B. Swift H R

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, May 16 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 James "Hills", as a Private, is borne on a Muster Roll of Captain Sam l Fisher's Company, in Col. Ephraim Wheelock's Regt. where he is allowed, from April 21 st 1777, twenty days. — — — — — m. ds. 20
James "Hills'" name is borne on an Abstract of pay due to Capt. John Boyd's Company, in Col. John Dagget's Regt. where he is allowed from August 24 th to Sept 3 rd 1778, for services and travel, eleven days. — — — — — 11
James "Hills'" name is borne on a Pay Roll of Capt. John Metcalf's Company, in the Fourth Regt. Commanded by Maj. Seth Bullard, where he is allowed from August 8 th to the 17 th 1780, for services and travel, nine days. — — — — — 9 1 = 10
James Hill claims for services under Serjeant

Turner, in 1776 or '77;—under Capt. Metcalf, in 1777;— under Capt. Thomas Jackson, in Col. Crisp's Regt. in 1780;—and for further services under Captains Fisher and Boyd, but the rolls he describes are not found in this Office, except those mentioned.
Edward D. Dugas, Secy

Declaration
State of Vermont } On this 30 th day of October Franklin County ss } 1848. personally appeared before the subscribing au- thority a Justice of the Peace within & for the county of Franklin and State of Vermont, Rebecca Hill a resident of Berkshire in the county of S d , aged eighty two years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 2 d of February 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons, who served during the Revolutionary war.
That she is the widow of James Hill who was a private in the Revolutionary army, and served in the Massachusetts line; has been in- formed by her husband that he served several times during the war of the Revolution, but how long he served she does not know,

And she does not recollect the names of his officers, or the Regt in which he served. For the services of her said husband, she received a pension of Twenty eight dollars & Ten cents per annum under the act of June 17 th , 1844.
She further declares that she is still a widow. Sworn to and subscribed
on this 30 th day of October 1848 Rebekah her Hill In presence of } before mark Jane Peck William Bridges Justice Emelia F Hill of the Peace
I hereby further certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Rebekah Hill, & she is the same identical person who drew a pension as by her above stated.
William Bridges Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont } Joseph H. Brainerd Franklin County } Clerk of Franklin County Canst do hereby certify that William Bridges who has affixed his name to the within is a Magistrate duly authorized by law to administer oaths & the signatures purporting to be his are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at St Albans in County this 11th day of November, A 1828. Joseph H. Brainerd Clerk
The within is the foregoing you are requested to return to me the subscriber W Bridges att ty for the applicant

Dec 30 46
Henry All. Edwards Retired at 43 Formerly of Providence Washington D.C.

State of Vermont Franklin County, St. Albans, December 23, 1846.
Hon J. L. Edwards
Sir,
Upon an examination of the Pension certificate of Mrs. Rebecca Hill, I perceive that her pay commences on the 1 st of March, 1843, whereas it should have commenced on the 29 th day of June, 1840. This difference has originated in consequence of my own carelessness, in drawing the declaration, and not from any fault on the part of the War Department, for I discover from the minutes which I kept, that the declaration claimed under the acts of March 4 th 1843 & June 17 th , 1844, instead of the act of 1838, as it should have done. In this case no neglect can be imputed to the Department, for I have the printed instructions issued by your Honor, upon the subject, which declares that " In all cases in which the husband was a pensioner, the widow's pension will commence on the day of his death, unless he died before the 1 st of March, 1836, or between the 1 st of March, 1841, and the 1 st of March, 1843, &c
I would most respectfully ask how this error of mine is to be remedied, shall the

widow suffer in consequence of my neglect and carelessness in drawing the Deed of Abolition, or will the Department interpose and set the matter right. Your early answer & instructions is solicited Very Respectfully Your obed Servt William Bridges
13188 Black Hawk Ia Oct 7 th July 38 Paym t before acceptance under act of 7 th July 38 for 29 th Dec r to be drawn from 29 th June 40 when Ken has been paid.
Pay to Messrs E. D. St. Charles Pa

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 15682
Elizabeth Hill Widow of James Hill Deceased
Act Feb 28 48
Index: Vol. 11 , Page 535
[Arrangement of 1870.]

10. 166. Vermont
Re p d.
Rebecca Hill Widow of James Hill who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 29 th June 1840 of Franklin in the State of Vermont who was a P. in the Co. commanded by Captain _____ of the Reg t commanded by Col. Huggins in the Vt. line for 7 mos. 7 ds.
Inscribed on the Roll of Pensions, at the rate of 29 Dollars 14 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836 29. June 1840.
Certificate of Pension issued the 2 nd day of Jan y 1874 and Col. T. Wm Bridges, Esq. St. Albans, Vt.
Total amount. $
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by W. H. Woods Clerk, Book 8. Vol. 1. Page 129.

7948. Vermont.
Rep
Rebeckah Hill widow of James Hill who was a Private in the Revolution.
Copy of under Act 1828 and sent to Wm Bridges, St. Albans, Vermont. Jan 23. 1847.
Husband died 29 th June 1840.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 29 Dollars 10 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 th day of Sept. 1846 and sent to
William Bridges, St. Albans, Vermont.
[Acts of March 3, 1843.] and 17 th June 1844.
Recorded in Book A. Vol. 2. Page 63
D. H. Wood, Col.