Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 5249, Thebus Hotchkis, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Bonn.
Hotchkis, Theobus
No 5249
CONTENTS

Papers in Case of Thelus. Hotchkiss Ohio, Sued (1880s)

POWER OF ATTORNEY—Revolutionary Pension Claims.
Know all Men by these Presents, That we, Edward Hotchkiss & Miles Hotchkiss, by authority of our Father, Thelus Hotchkiss do
hereby constitute and appoint Samuel A. Pugh of Washington City D o the District of Columbia our true and lawful Agent and Attorney, to prosecute the Claim of our Father Thelus Hotchkiss for any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or other pension, that may be due; and hereby authorize said Agent to examine all the papers and documents in relation to said claim, on file in the Departments at Washington City, or elsewhere; to file additional evidence or arguments; and to receive the Certificate which may be issued for said Claim, which Certificate we wish made payable to ourselves,
to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed; and to do all things that we might or could do were I personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that our said Attorney and Agent shall lawfully do in the premises, hereby ratifying and confirming all other Powers of Attorney
WITNESS our hand and Seal this 29 th day December A. D., 1857. made in the premises
Edward Hotchkiss Miles Hotchkiss
Signed and Sealed in the presence of Asaph Turner E. H. Pugh
STATE OF Ohio COUNTY OF Ashtabula ss:
On this Twenty ninth day of December A. D. 1857 before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Edward Hotchkiss & Miles Hotchkiss and acknowledged the foregoing Power, of Attorney to be their act and deed, for the purposes therein mentioned.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand, the day and year aforesaid.
Asaph Turner J. Peace.

Claim of Act of
STATE OF Ohio COUNTY of Ashtabula } ss.
day of December
Be it known, That on this Twenty ninth
A. D., eighteen hundred and fifty one , before the
undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared
Edward & Miles Hotchkiss
a resident of Geneva
in said County, and
made oath according to law that
they are the sons of Thebus Hotchkiss, of the same County
& state, who was a Revolutionary Soldier, or was in the revolutionary service
That he was heretofore & is now hereby an applicant for a Pension
who was a Revolutionary Pensioner
at the rate of
allowed
Dollars per annum; that they have
informed that the said Pension ought to be increased ; that they are directly interested as claimants in
said Pension, and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as their
Agent may use in prosecuting said claim.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid, before me. Asaph Turner J. Peace.
Edward Hotchkiss Miles Hotchkiss
I Asaph Turner & Miles Hotchkiss & Edward Hotchkiss
Justice of the Peace, in and for said County do hereby certify that
who executed the foregoing paper is  are
respectable residents of this County, and are , I believe, directly interested in said claim as therein set forth.
Asaph Turner J. Peace.
I,
Clerk of the
Court in the County
and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that
before whom the
foregoing papers were executed, was, at the date of the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for said
County, duly authorized by law to administer oaths; and the name thereunto subscribed, is signature.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official Seal, this day of
A. D. 185
Clerk.

STATE OF Ohio } ss. COUNTY OF Ashtabula
It is hereby certified that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me Asaph Turner a Justice of the Peace within & for the county and state aforesaid, that Thelus Hotchkiss was an Applicant for a Revolutionary Pension of the United States that was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States at the rate of $ per annum and that he resided in the now lives in the county of & state aforesaid eighteen hundred and that he has now living leaving surviving the following named children, Edward Hotchkiss, Miles Hotchkiss David Hotchkiss, Anna Lockwood, Molly Morris, Esther Plerrin, Sally Cowles Aurelia Hotchkiss, &c. and that
the only surviving child of the aforesaid.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this Twenty ninth day of December one thousand eight hundred and fifty- one Asaph Turner Justice of the Peace

State of Ohio, } I Solina Hendry of Harper field, in the county Ashtabula Co. p. } of Ashtabula & State of Ohio, aged seventy four years last November, being first duly sworn,
according to law, do on oath, depose & say, that I know that my brother, Thelus Hotchkiss, then of Waterbury in the State of Connecticut and now of Geneva in S. Ashtabula County, enlisted into the Ficklin Team Service of the United States, which in the spring of the year 1781, before the spring's work was commenced, on my father's farm, and returned late in the fall of the same year or in the fore part of the winter of 1782. I never understood that his service was under a civil contract, but did understand & it was said at the time, that he enlisted into the regular service, as a Teamster of the Public Team Service. My brother, Russell Hotchkiss who now lives in Harperfield in the State of New York, was in the revolutionary army at the time that my brother Thelus enlisted. And further this deponent saith not. Solina her Hendry mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me, This 12 th day of April A.D. 1843 Peter Markell. J. Pierce

Thebus Hotchkiss Ohio - as 1852
Hotchkiss, Thebus Conn R5249

POWER OF ATTORNEY
For ascertaining whether any increase or arrears of Pension are due the Widow or Heirs of Revolutionary Pensioners, &c.
STATE OF Ohio COUNTY OF Ashtabula
Be it known that before me Asaph Ferris a Notary Public personally appeared Edward Hotchkiss aged 54 years, who being duly cautioned and then sworn in due form of law, states that he is the Son of Phileas Hotchkiss who was a Revolutionary Soldier, or Pensioner of the State of Connecticut and that he died on the 12th day of April 18 52 and that his mother, named Sarah Hotchkiss died on the 20th day of September 18 40 and that they were married on the 24th day of March in the year 17 84 and that they were residents of Walterboro in the State of Connecticut and that they resided there many years, and that he resides in the County and State first above written. He further stated that his father Second as a Seaman and made an application for a Pension in the year 18 25 or 26 and never received any thing, the application was made from the town of Greenwich, Connecticut .
And that furthermore BY THESE PRESENTS, constitutes, appoints, and fully empowers and authorizes irrevocably and with powers of substitution [Redacted]  Rev. Powell and in his name and stead, to examine into, prosecute, to demand, and to receive from the United States Government Officers his rights in all and in any manner of claim for increase or arrears of Pension or Land, that may be due as The Son of Phileas Hotchkiss who died leaving the same undrawn, as in right of law, custom, or equity he is or may be entitled, and for good and sufficient reasons do hereby revoke and countermand any and all other Powers of Attorney or other authority that may have been heretofore given. And that his said Attorney shall be entitled to one fourth of all moneys collected by him.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF he has on this Second day of February 18 55 hereunto signed his name and affixed his seal.
Witness W. L. Hoskins Witness Willis Hoskins
Edward Hotchkiss
Sworn to, subscribed, and acknowledged before me the day and year above written, and I hereby certify that I believe the said Edward Hotchkiss to be directly interested in said claim as set forth, and to be the identical party therein alledged. & that he is a man of respectability & a man of truth & veracity and that I am not interested in any manner in the above claim .
Asaph Ferris a Notary Public within & for said County
STATE OF Ohio COUNTY OF Ashtabula
It is hereby certified, that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me, Clerk of the Court that Asaph Ferris acknowledged the foregoing Declaration and Power of Attorney is the true power of Attorney and I further certify that Asaph Ferris Esq., before whom the preceding Power of Attorney were made and acknowledged, was at the time of so doing, a Justice of the Peace, in and the signature purporting to be his, I believe to be genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and this 10th day of February

27 Thelus Hotchkiss

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7 th of June 1832. ~
State of Ohio } Ashtabula County } On this seventeenth day of September A.D. One thousand eight hundred and thirty three personally appeared before the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Ashtabula aforesaid, Thelus Rootchkip a resident of Geneva in the County of Ashtabula and State of Ohio, aged sixty nine 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 7. 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States on the first day of April 1781, by enlistment (as a volunteer) for the period of nine months from that date, and was to receive eight dollars per month; that he was engaged in what was then called the Wagon service, and served under Pangford Cartee or Cartly a Conductor, so called, in said service under the direction of Roswell Ransom a Commissary, or Officer in that Department; that on entering the service he was directed to repair to Hartford, and from thence to New Marlborough where he met the Company to which he belonged; that they were then ordered to Hartford from whence he assisted in transporting Cannon & other Military stores to a place called Continental Village opposite West Point on the Hudson; that from thence he went with the Army to White Plains; that when the Army under Genl. Washington marched into the Southern States in the summer of 1781, he accompanied it, crossed the Hudson river at Dobbs Ferry, went to Philadelphia, Baltimore, Head of Elk, & finally to within a few miles of Yorktown, that he was then ordered back to the Head of Elk where he staid until the Army under Washington returned from the South & then attended it on its march to the North; that he left the Army about the first of November at the Highlands near West Point, and returned home to Waterbury in Connecticut, where he arrived about the 25 th of December 1781, & where he had

permission to remain a week, or until the first of January 1782, and was to have then reported himself at Hartford to receive his pay & discharge; that before the expiration of the time he was to remain at home he was taken sick of the small pox & was not able to go to Hartford at the time appointed, in consequence of which he never received any discharge from the service; He further states that previous to the period of his enlistment he resided in Waterbury in the State of Connecticut; that he resided in the same place for about four years after leaving the service, & that he has since resided in the States of New York and Ohio, and now resides in the County of Ashtabula, Township of Geneva in said State of Ohio; - He further states that he was born in Wallingford in the State of Connecticut in the year 1764; and that he believes there is a record of his age in that town; but that he has no authentic record in his possession: He further states that he knows of no person whose testimony he can obtain, who can testify to his services above specified: - He refers to the Rev d Perry Pratt and Maj Levi Gaylord of Geneva aforesaid and Samuel Hendry Esq r of Jefferson in S t . Ashtabula County as persons to whom he is known and who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution - 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. -
517- Phoebe Hotchkiss Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid - Attest Sam d Hendry Clerk P.P.
We, Perry Pratt a Clergyman, residing in the County of Ashtabula and Levi Gaylord residing in the same County hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Phoebe Hotchkiss who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be sixty nine 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 - do Perry Pratt - Levi Gaylord Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid -

And the court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, that 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 Perry Pratt who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the County of Ashtabula, and that Levi Gaylord who has also signed the same is a resident in the said County and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. —
The State of Ohio Ashtabula County } ss
I Sam Hendry Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County of Ashtabula do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the Application of Thelus Hotchkiss for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court at Jefferson the eighteenth day of September A.D. 1833 — Sam Hendry Clerk P. T.
In amendment of the foregoing declaration, I Thelus Hotchkiss, on this eleventh day of April 1843, further declare, on oath, being first duly sworn according to law, that the service which I rendered, as set forth in the foregoing declaration, was in the public Team or wagon service, and not under a civil contract. I further state that I am here of hearing & did not probably understand the said first made declaration, distinctly, as it was read to me, or I should have made declaration of this fact at that time,
Thelus Hotchkiss
State of Ohio } On this eleventh day of April 1843, personally appeared before me Ashtabula Co. ss } the said Thelus Hotchkiss & acknowledged & made solemn oath to the foregoing amended declarations appended to his first declaration which was made in open Court, on the 17th. September 1833. I further certify that from the infirmities of age, the applicant is unable to attend in person. John Sherman } Affix at Linder Ashtabula County } and State of Ohio

REJECTED
5249
P. O. Theobus Hotchkiss
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____ _____
Re-enlisted: _____ _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____ _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

27.791
Thebus Hotchkiss Ohio.
HR Gaylord 29 April 1834- H Stelle Aug 23 1843- Hon J R Giadings Aug 5 1846- A Leake Aug 18 1847- S A Pugh Feby 4 1852. Same Feby 11 1852- W G Wade May 25 1853- S A Pugh Oct 12 1853- Same Mch 15-1854- S R Powell Aug 1 1855-
5249
June 7, 1832

James ... ... ...
I assign my agency to Mr. Leake Esq And Joy
James ... ...

To Hon J. L. Edwards Comr. of Pensions, Sir I have appointed Arad Joy of Onida my agent to investigate my claim to a pension Dated New Dec 1846
Philo Hotchkiss

Jan: 13. 1853
Rel: to claim of Thebus Hotchkiss
cc: G. Bell
Present.
Recommendation of Prisoner Hasbrouck

Thebus Hotchkiss - Surpended 3470
I have long had this case in charge from Arad Joy

In If consistent will you be kind to answer the enclosed request
Respectfully M. G. Edwards
J. L. Edwards Esq

27.791
Thebus Hotchkiss Ohio
See letter 29 th April 1834.
To H. B. Gaylord Geneva Ashtabula Co
let to H. Stelle Aug 23 1843 Ohio Hon. J. K. Kirtland August 3. 1847. N. Leake, August 18, '47. S. A. Pugh Feb 4. 1852. same Feb 22 1853 M.S.W. (OVER) act June 7 1852
S. A. Pugh Feb 11/52 M. G. Wade May 25/53
Letter to S. A. Pugh Oct 12, 1853.
Do March 15. 1854
B. R. Powell Aug. 1. /55

J. A. Prugh car of
Thulus  Heathkip
Thulus Hotchkiss Susp n 32 - Ohio
Mr. W. G. Wade. Mr. E. H. J. G.
/

Washington City D.C. 7 th Jan. y. 1853
Mr W. G. Wade Dear Sir
The name of the case of mine in Ohio is Thelus Hotchkiss, Susp.
Please get the papers out.
I will allow a few days, perhaps until Wednesday next.
Resp y , &c S. H. Pengle.
R.S. Should you find { any evidence upon which } to establish this case you can take } charge of it for your own benefit }
W.H.P.

Helen Hotchkiss Ohio 1852/53
A. M. Blackwell

Washington City Oct 29 '56
Geo C. Whiting Esq Commr of Pensions Sir
As the attorny for S.A. Peugh Esq, I respectfully call your attention to the case of Thelus Hotchkiss of Ohio 1852 & 53, the objection heretofore urged against the allowance of said claim was, that Sanford Carter under whom he alleges to have served was not a Continental Wagon Conducter, I think you will find in your office evidence of his having been a Continental Conducter, I will point it out to the examiner when the case comes up for adjudication.
I am Sir Very Respectfully yours O.K.H.
A. H. Markland

Thelas Holchtop Ohio
Act 7 June 1832
Geo. L. May Present

To the Hon Geo. C. Whiting Commissioner of Pensions
Please accept Geo. C. Ames Esq. of Washington D.C. as my substitute to examine the claim of Thelus Hotchkiss of Geneva, Ashtabula County, Ohio. —
L. Matthey Attorney
for the Heirs of Thelus Hotchkiss
Locke Cayuga Co. N.Y. 17 th Nov. 1856

Washington D.C. 12 th January 1853,
Sir,
In compliance with the request of S t A. Prayk Esq. contained in his letter herewith enclosed, - who is the authorized attorney of the claimant I have examined the papers, of Thelus  Hootchkip suspended act 32 Ohio, and have the honor to respectfully request that the same may be reexamined in connexion with the papers of or evidence found with the papers of Rufus  Phelps pensioned act 32 Vermont, who mentions in his statement relative to his own service, that Sanford  Carter was a conductor of Trains, - and for reference to the papers of Joseph  Beckwith , pens d act 32 N.Y. for services with Roswell  Ryan conductor, under whose command claimant states his service was performed in part, which evidence it is believed will be abundant to remove the existing objections to the admission of this claim,
I am Respectfully Yours Obedt Servt W G Wade S t A. Heath Esq Comm r of Pensions

J. E. Hutton Comr, Sir
In the case of Thelus Hotchkiss he seems to 80 9 months service in the Wagon Dept. in Connec'ticut on Continental establishment. His statement, is substantiated by the affidavit of Simon Gayton a pension on the Ohio agency at $144. The Capt. in whom he seems to be pensioned as Conductor of teams. The Comptroller of Ex. Concludes the evidence of the Military Character of the service as well as the allowance of the Case of Reply.
In addition to this is the evidence of Salina Handly, & the Honor Thelus Hotchkiss all of which go confirm his statement. His story establishes the fact of the march of the Army south at the time spoken of by the Command.
I therefore hoped that the old soldier (who yet lives) may enjoy the little bounty granted in a pension for 8 Months service at $64 per annum.
My letter of Attorney is filed in the case { at P.
Respectfully G. H. Peugh

Willoughby Ohio
July 17 th A.D. 1855
H. P. Waldo Commissioner Dear Sir
Herewith I send you the Pension Claims of John - Pearce & Edward Hatch Rip. also the evidences in support of the claim of John Pearce for his Father Capt. Lawrence S. Pearce with a Family Record of Captain Lawrence S. Pearce which shows that they must have been married before the close of the war I hereby refer you to an Application that was made by one of the heirs of Capt. Lawrence S. & Nettie Pearce whose name is Elizabeth Williman the appl- ication I believe was made in the year A.D. 1852 as B & placed in the hands of F. C. Kapler of your place & the Proof was made at that time I believe by a Living Soldier that knew Lawrence S. Pearce in the service, if there is anything more wanted in order to allow

These Claims Pleas inform me what it is at this Place
Yours with Respect &c. &c.
S. R. Powell

Comptroller of Connecticut 15 th March 1882 Mr 18
no and Cony  Hobbs

Comptroller's Office
Hartford March 15 th 1852
S. A. Pugh Esq.
Dear Sir,
Your letter of the 9 th inst. with $3 00 enclosed has been received, and that amount placed to your credit.
I have examined the documents in this Office, and also the Wadsworth books at the Historical Society, and do not find the name of Phileus Hotchkiss on them. I find under date Jan. 13 th 1781 on the Journal of the Governor & Council of Safety, an order to deliver to — Carter a conductor of Teams one hundred & fifty weight of beef, & one hundred & fifty weight flour for the use of "the Public Teams."
The Christian name of Carter is not given but it undoubtedly relates to the Carter who was the Conductor under whom Hotchkiss served.
If you wish a certificate in this case of what is found you will please send me two dollars or if not, one dollar for the search.
I am, very respectfully your obedt Servt Geo. Robinson For Comptroller

State of Ohio } I Levi Gaylord, being eighty three years old Ashtabula County } last March, and being duly sworn, do depose and say that I have been acquainted with Thelus Hotchkiss, formerly of Waterbury in the State of Connecticut, and now of Geneva, in the County of Ashtabula & State of Ohio, ever since he the said Hotchkiss was ten years of age: - that I know the said Hotchkiss enlisted, in the spring of the year 1781, into the public waggon service. I never understood that his said service was rendered under a civil contract, but it was understood & believed by me and by all others at the time & ever since, so far as I know, that said service of the said Thelus Hotchkiss was rendered in the public team service under the authority of the United States, At any rate it was al- ways so reported in the neighborhood where we then resided. Said Hotchkiss returned home from the public service, about the same time that my brother Jedediah Gaylord did, which was in December 1781, I think.
I further state that the said Thelus Hotchkiss has always sustained a good moral character. And further this deponent saith not, except that my present residence is in Geneva above mentioned.
Levi Gaylord
Sworn to and subscribed before } Me, this 11 th day of April A.D. 1843 } Peter Markell J. Pease }

The State of Ohio Ashtabula County, p.
I, W. C. Hubbard, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, within the County & State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that John Sherman, who has in his own proper hand writing subscribed the annexed certificate, is now, and at the date of said certificate, was, an Associate
Judge of said Court, duly commissioned and qualified according to the laws of the State of Ohio. I do further certify, that Peter Markell is, and at the date of the annexed certificate, by him, in his own proper hand writing subscribed, was, a Justice of the Peace in said County of Ashtabula, duly commissioned and qualified agreeably to the laws of the State of Ohio.
In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court at Jefferson, this 15 th day of May, A D 1843.
W. C. Hubbard Clerk

I Roswell Hotchkiss of West Harpersfield in the County of Delaware and State New York aged eighty years being first Duly sworn according to law do on oath Depose and say that while I was in the Army Encampment at White Plains if I mistake not my Brother Thelus Hotchkiss called on me and said he had enlisted in the Team Service and was with others going to the South with stores for the Army at that time I understood from him and afterwards from the Family and others that he was engaged in what was then called the cont the Continental Service and supposed was paid by the General Government I never knew or heard of any civil contract as it respects my Brothers Publick Service State of New York } Delaware County ss }
ROSWell HOTCHKISS
Sworn before me this Eighth day of May 1843 —
Matthew M c Laughry Justice of the Peace —
State of New York & Delaware County ss.
I Crawford B Sheldon Clerk of the County of Delaware do certify that Matthew M c Laughry Esquire before whom the above affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Delaware duly Elected and Sworn, and further that the Signature above written is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said County May 10th 1843

I Roswell Hotchkiss of West Harpersfield in the County of Delaware and State New York aged eighty years being first Duly sworn according to law do on oath Depose and say that while I was in the Army Encampment at White Plains if I mistake not my Brother Thelus Hotchkiss called on me and said he had Enlisted in the Team Service and was with others going to the South with stores for the Army at that time I understood from him and afterwards from the Family and others that he was Engaged in what was then called the the the Continental Service and supposed was paid by the General Government I never knew or heard of any civil contract as it respects my Brothers Publick Service State of New York } Delaware County ss }
ROS WELL HOTCHKISS
Sworn before me this Eighth day of May 1843 —
Matthew M c Laughry Justice of the Peace —
State of New York Delaware County ss.
I Crawford B Sheldon Clerk of the County of Delaware do Certify that Matthew M c Laughry Esquire before whom the above affidavit purports to have been Sworn was at the date of the same a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Delaware duly Elected and Sworn, and further that the Signature above written is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said County May 10th 1843
C B Sheldon Clerk

Sir It has been found extremely difficult to prove the Team service - some of it being rendered under a civil contract - and some in the Public Team service.
Capt Samuel Risley, well known as a Conductor of Teams, applied for a Pension. He served in the early part of the war as a soldier, and subsequently as a Conductor of Teams. He was allowed a soldier's Pension, but his claim as a Conductor was rejected. Subsequently, just about the time of his death, I met in the records of the Council of Safety, the widow, of which I furnish you a copy, and the Commission deemed it satisfactory and granted Capt Risley, or Captain's pay. George Risley, or as he spelled his name Wrisley, a brother who served under Capt S. Risley as a Teamster has a full pension allowed him on this testimony. Hoping it may prove sufficient in your brother's case I am very Respectfully Gideon Welles
11 th Feby 1863
R. Hotchkiss Esq

R. Hotchkiss Esq. P.M. West. Haverfield Delaware Co N.Y.

State of Connecticut Comptroller's Office Hartford 11 th July 1843
The following is a correct copy from the Records of the Council of Safety, under date of Jan y 13 th 1781. - viz -
"The Governor having given orders upon Daniel Pitkin of Hartford, to deliver Samuel Risley a conductor of Teams one hundred & fifty weight of Beef, & like quantity of flour for public use, which is approved -
Noted an order on Daniel Pitkin of Hartford to deliver to a Conductor of Teams, one hundred fifty weight of Beef and one hundred fifty weight flour, for the use of the P.M. Teams to be accountable." (Copy given to D. D. M. Pomeroy)
A true Copy certified by Gideon Wells Compt r .

Department of State, Washington, February 10, 1852.
This certifies that, in the Old Congress Papers N o 173, Vol 3, P 141, there is a "Return of Teams hired and employed by Nehemiah Hubbard, D. 2. M. G. Aug. 1. 1779" signed by Nehemiah Hubbard, in which under the head "Conductors" appears the name of "Roswell Ransom."
W. Hunter, Acting Chief Clerk.

Jan 8, 1897
Power of Attorney
in certain shares
Paul E. Sheehan born 7 January 1897

Washington Jan 6 th 1847
Sir
I enclose powers of attorney in several cases of applications for pensions, which have been transferred to me by A. Joy Esq of N.Y. Viz the widow of Nathl Palmer late who was himself an applicant under the law of 1832 before his death, also that of Wheeler Hotchkiss of Ohio, also that of the son of Hugh Union an applicant from Ohio, also Mrs Betsey Brewster of N.Y. act of '36, & from the children of Benjamin Smith formerly of N.Y. but who died in Michigan, applied under act of 1832 & served several years during the revolution, & Mrs Lois Cole's heirs also, whose application was made from Connecticut under the law of 1836, all of which cases I am desirous of having reported to me, or permitted personally, to examine the papers filed, Very Respectfully Your obt Servt Nathan Leake
Wm J. L. Edwards Com of Pension Present

June 27 43
Ohio 1832
Hon. Hotchkiss J. P. Edwards
Chairman of Pension Washington City, D. C.
FREE

Hon. J. L. Edwards, Com t Pensions,
Parnersville Lake Co. O. June 22 d 1843.
Dear Sir, Herewith I send you sundry papers in support of the claim of Phoebe Hotchkiss to be enrolled as a revolutionary pensioner, consisting of the following, viz-
1. His original declaration, with the amendments. 2 d . The deposition of Levi Gaylord 3 d . The deposition of Solina Hendry. 4 th The deposition of Hon. Roswell Hotchkiss, all which are duly authenticated. 5 th The certificate & letter of the Comptroller of Connecticut - from all which it seems to me to be put beyond all doubt, that Phoebe Hotchkiss did serve in the Public Team service , and is justly entitled to a pension. By the Comptroller's certificate, it appears that both Daniel Pitkin & Sam d Risley were engaged in the public service, and that Carter was also engaged in the Public Team service as a Conductor, and the Claimant declares that when he enlisted he was placed under the direction & command of this Carter.
The testimony shows that his service was not , at the time, considered to be under a civil contract - but was said to be in the public service. He is now near 80 years of age - quite infirm, and sustains an irreproachable character. I hope you will give prompt attention to the investigation of the subject, & without delay, place his name upon the roll of pensioners, to draw back from the time of making his first declaration. His children are poor & unable to support him, and he is therefore compelled to labor daily with his hands, to obtain a support.
It seems from the letter of the Comptroller, that the claim of Capt. Sam d Risley, to a pension as a conductor of Teams, was ultimately allowed, on the same testimony, which is now finished, from the records of Connecticut, as furnishing satisfactory evidence that he and all under him, of course, were engaged in the public Team service .
If you require any further testimony, please write me, and if, what I send is deemed sufficient, (as I confidently trust it will,) please send his certificate directed to me at this place. I am yours & very respectfully, Horace Steele.

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 th of June 1832
State of Ohio
Ashtabula County ss on this fifteenth day of April A.D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty four personally appeared before the court of Common Pleas of the County of Ashtabula aforesaid Phileus Hotchkiss a resident of Geneva in the county of Ashtabula and State of Ohio, aged sixty nine years & eleven months 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 7 th 1832
That he entered the service of the United States on the first day of April 1781, by enlistment as a volunteer for the period of nine months from that date & was to receive Eight dollars pr. month that he was engaged in what was then called the waggon service and Enlisted and served under Langford Carter a Conductor so called in said service under the direction of Roswell Ransom and sometimes under the direction of Iron Chapman, Ransom was called a Forage master & Chapman a Conductor in that department in entering the service he was directed to New Marlborough where he met the Company to which he belonged; that they then received Teams & were ordered to Hartford from whence he assisted in Transporting Cannon & the military Stores to a place called Continental Village opposite West Point on the Hudson, & from thence he went with the Army to White Plains but does not recollect the names of any field Officers on said march he was at White Plains two week the Army at White Plains was under General Washington the Army then marched under Washington into the southern States which was in the summer of 1781 he accompanied it crossed the Hudson River at Dobbs Ferry where the Teams were loaded with Boats the army marched on to Philadelphia Baltimore Head of Elk & within a few miles of Yorktown when General Knox sent him Back towards the Head of Elk after some Oxen that were left; after finding the Oxen Iron Chapman ordered him

To the head of Elk contrary to the oaths of General Knox where he staid until the army under Gen. Washington returned from the south & then attended it to the north while on its march: that he left the army about the first of November at the Highlands near West Point & returned home to Watertown in Connecticut about the 25 th of December 1781 & where he had permission to remain a week, or until the first of January 1782 & was then to have reported himself at Hartford to receive his discharge & his pay that he was taken sick of the small pox & was not able to go to Hartford at the time appointed in consequence of which he never received any discharge from the service he further states that previous to the period of his enlistment and at the time thereof he resided in Watertown in the State of Connecticut that he resided in the same place for about four years after leaving the service & that he has since resided in the States of New York & Ohio & now resides in the Township of Geneva in the County of Ashtabula & State of Ohio he further states that he was born in Wallingford in the State of Connecticut the 19 th day of May 1764 that he has a record of his age in his family Bible which was copied from his father's record; he further states that he knows of no person whose testimony he can obtain who can testify to his service above specified; he refers to Rev. Perry Pratt a clergyman & Major Levi Gaylord of Geneva Offsusa- -id & Samuel Hendey Esq. of Jefferson in said County of Ashtabula as persons to whom he is known & who can testify as to his character for veracity & their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution - he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present & declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.      Thelus Hotchkiss
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year before written Samuel Moffitt Associate Judge
I Perry Pratt Clergyman residing in the County of Ashtabula & in the vicinity of Thelus Hotchkiss do certify that I am well acquainted with said applicant who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration that I believe him to be fifty-nine years & eleven months old of age that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution & that I concur in that opinion Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid.      Perry Pratt. Samuel Moffitt Associate Judge

I Levi Gaylord residing in Geneva in the County of Ashtabula & State of Ohio do certify that I am well acquainted with Phileus Hotchkiss who has subscribed & sworn to the foregoing Decl- aration; that I am believe him to be Sixty-nine years & Eleven months of age also that I have been acquainted with said Phileus Hotchkiss for Sixty years or more at the time he states his services to have been performed in the Revolution. I resided in the Town of Watbury in the County of New-Haven State of Connecticut; I did not see him while in the service but think he was gone from April to some time in December. I saw him soon after his return to Watbury in December it was generally reported & believed in the neigh- borhood & town where he resided before & after said service that he was a Soldier of the Revolution & I believe the same myself I also certify that it is reported & believed in the neighborhood where he now resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution & I concur in that opinion. Levi Gaylord Sworn to & Subscribe the day & year aforesaid. Samuel H. Offitt Associate Judge
And the Court do hereby declare their Opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the inter- rogatories 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 Perry Pratt who has signed the foregoing certificate is a Clergyman resident in the township of Geneva in the County of Ashtabula, and that Levi Gaylord who has also signed the Certificate im- mediately preceding is a Resident in Geneva aforesaid and that both of them are credible persons and that their statements is entitled to credit

The State of Ohio Ashtabula County
§ 3 I Sam d Hendry Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County of Ashtabula do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the Application of Melus Hotchkiss for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Affixed the seal of the said Court at Jefferson the 16 th day of April A. D. 1834 — Sam d Hendry Clerk. P. Tem.

27. 791.
Thelma Hotchkiss
Ohio
Return ✓
Harvey R. Gaylard Geneva Ashtabula Co Ohio

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
11 th Nov. 1833
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
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.              
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
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 A. B. sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[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 the forms 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; where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants 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 stating, "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposes and says that to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must be under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.