Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 13463, Henry Hoffman, Privateer. R.I.

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Privateer R. L.
Hoffman, Henry
S. 13463
carded
CONTENTS

Vermont 18772
Henry Hoffman of Calais St. in the State of Vermont who was a private 1st in the Company commanded by Captain Taylor of the Regt. commanded by Col. D. D. D. in the Army one line for 7 mo. pri 3 " 7 ds. 5 est.
R.I. Line and Privateer. Records corrected May 16, 1906. P.
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 39 Dollars 50 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 2 day of October 1833 and sent to J. P. Bridgman Jr. Lamoille.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept: 1833. $98.75 Semi-ant. allowance ending March 34- 14.75 $118.50
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk, ok Vol. 3. Page 69

Henry Hoffmann's Declaration
12.239

State of Vermont } ss. District & County of Caledonia } ss.
On this 20 th day of August A. D. 1832 personally appeared in open court before the Hon. Benj. H. Dunning Judge of the court of Probate for the District of Caledonia aforesaid now sitting Henry Hoffman a resident of Lyndon in the county and District aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to law doth in his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the provisions of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.
I Henry Hoffman of Lyndon Caledonia County & State of Vermont do hereby say that I was in 1775 on the 18 th of March being now past eighty three years of age. I arrived in the city of Philadelphia in the fall after I was fifteen years old. I lived in that city until I was of age & then moved to Newport Rhode Island where I lived three years & then came to Providence. Soon after my arrival at Newport I attached myself to an independent company chartered by the Legislature styled the Governor's Guard. Gov. Look was then Governor. John Matheron was Capt. Lieut. Ellis, Ensign. Franklin. I was orderly sergeant. After I went to Providence a similar company was organized & chartered. called the Governor's Independent Volunteers. By the charter the Capt. held the rank of Col. the two Lieuts. the rank of Majors the ensign the rank of Capt. I was orderly sergeant. Look was Governor at this time - Robert Taylor was Capt. Lieut. Eddy & Jackson Ensign Williams. In the early part of the summer of 1775 soon after the Battle of Bunker's Hill our company was ordered by the Governor to Boston to supply recruits we furnished our own provisions; on the second day after we started we arrived at Dedham Mass. At that place news arrived that our services were not needed we then marched back to Providence. Very soon after my return the company was ordered to Patuxet to remain there a month. Our employment there was to guard the shore against the incursions of the enemy. After our time was out there we returned to Providence. The

we then marched back to Providence - Very soon after my return the company was ordered to Patuxet to remain there a month. Our employment there was to guard the shore against the incursions of the enemy. After our time was out there we returned to Providence. The militia was ordered in our place. I was then substitute in the militia for one Smith of North Providence; was hired by the father of Smith. Job. Oney was my capt. in the militia was ordered first to Patuxet thence to Warwick Neck & remained there until some more than a month had expired from the time of enlistment & then returned home. Our employment at Warwick Neck was similar to that at Patuxet. There were other companies stationed besides my own. Our company was relieved by Col. Barton's Regt. After my return a few days, an alarm was raised & the independent company were ordered down to Bristol we arrived as far as Warren & then received news that our services were not wanted. We returned home & staid about a week. The militia were then sent out again to go to Patuxet. I was substitute for a young man by the name of Brown who was drafted - I was out this time a month. Burrel was capt at this time - It was now fall in the latter part of October - I was not called out again until the latter part of the next March 1776.
I then enlisted into an independent company of Grenadiers commanded by Capt. Zephaniah Andrew. The former independent company having disbanded. The Lieut's name was Holden; Ensign John Potter. I was a private in this company. We were ordered to Patuxet to build a Fort to remain until it was finished. While there orders came to our capt. to take two thirds of his company as an advance guard to a regiment of militia who were ordered to Coventry to conduct three deserters. one was executed the others were reprieved. This piece of service consumed a week. We then resumed our labor at Patuxet. We remained there in all six weeks when the Fort was completed & then returned home. Directly after my return I was drafted into the militia & served one month. Joshua Linsley was Captain. My employment was to guard the magazine in the town. Directly after this piece of service was thro', I volunteered in an expedition fitted out by John Brown of Providence in which Silas Tabbot was Commander. The object of this expedition was to capture a fifty gun ship called the Renown. This vessel lay off against Bristol & was constantly annoying the american commerce. I was engaged in this service three weeks. In this expedition five hundred continental soldiers volunteered. Tabbot was major in the land service. I was not called upon again until early in May 1777. At this time the Independent company

3 - When our Captain was Commander. The object of this expedition was to capture a fifty gun ship called the Renown. This nefarious vessel lay off against Bristol & was constantly annoying the American commerce. I was engaged in this service three weeks. In this expedition five hundred continental soldiers volunteered. Talbot was Major in the land service. I was not called upon again until early in May 1777. At this time the Independent Company of Grenadiers to which I was attached, was called out to go to Patuxet. We remained there one month and then were relieved by the militia. I remained at home one fortnight & then another part of the militia were drafted & I was then substitute for one Benjamin Franklin & was out one month, was stationed at Warwick Neck. I was drafted in the militia in the expedition to the island of Rhode Island. I think it was the latter part of Sept. 1777 - or 8. I was out at this time about six weeks - was attached to the boats. Richmond from Providence was capt. Thomas Atwell was Col. Spencer from Connecticut was the commander in chief of the expedition. These are some of the expeditions in which I was engaged & in which I was called away at a distance from Providence. But during the intervals of time while at home, I was almost incessantly engaged in short skirmishes & excursions when alarm guns were fired. I was regularly on fatigue & guard in Providence. I was constantly engaged when not in service abroad in collecting fascines & other materials for fortifying the town of Providence. I have not the least hesitation in taking my oath that I was full three years employed in the publick service on land for the reasons described.
Directly after the failure of Spencer's expedition I entered the naval service in a privateer vessel. Capt. James Munroe commander. The vessel carried twenty guns called the Place Castle. I was out on a cruise in this vessel five months & three days & were then captured by the British Frigate Unicorn & carried into Halifax . During the cruise we took seven British valuable prizes. I was boatswain. I was confined in jail at Halifax three months, & underwent intense suffering for provision, water, &c. I was then paroled aboard the British fleet & remained in their service seven weeks in the ship Clouden a seventy-four. Being then unfit for duty thro' sickness I was carried into Newport & confined in close jail for three months before I was exchanged. Fourteen days after my exchange I entered the naval service the second time in a privateer vessel of sixteen guns which sailed from New London and remained on a cruise for three months. Seven valuable prizes were taken. We were then captured & sent into New York. We remained prisoners but a few days & were exchanged. In the last cruise I was engaged in an action which was continued at intervals for four days. I had acquired at the close of my services five thousands dollars of continental money which

It were exchanged. In the last cruise I was engaged in an action which was continued at intervals for four days. I had acquired at the close of my services five thousands dollars of continental money which depreciated to a dead loss. I was personally acquainted with Col. Tappan a continental officer & with Col. Barton. I have lived in Lyndon for the last thirty years. I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension. I have no documentary evidence nor do I know of any person alive who was a witness to my services. I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present & declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
Henry Hoffmann
Sworn to and subscribed by the above said Henry Hoffmann this 20 th day of August A. D. 1832.
Before Benj. F. Denning Judge of Probate
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 William Caboon and Isaac Fletcher whose certificates are herunto annexed are well known to the court as among the most respectable of the inhabitants of said Lyndon and that their statements are entitled to the fullest credit.
I Amos Paul Register of the court of Probate for the District of Caledonia aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said court in the matter of the application of Henry Hoffman for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this seventh day of September A. D. 1832.
Amos Paul,
Register Probate
5 I William Caboon of Lyndon Vermont certify & say that I have been

I William Lahoone of Lyndon Vermont certify & say that I have been personally acquainted with Henry Hoffman of this town for twenty years or more - lately I have not been intimately acquainted with him. While I knew him he sustained a good character for truth & veracity & that was his reputation in his town - (I should think him of the age he represents. I do not certainly remember of having heard him relate the story of his Revolutionary services.
W. Lahoone
Sworn to & subscribed this 28 th day of August 1832. Before me Alpheus Fletcher justice of peace
I Isaac Fletcher of Lyndon in Caledonia County & State of Vermont certify & say that I have been personally acquainted with Henry Hoffman of said Lyndon for about twenty years, being the time I have resided in said Lyndon - I have ever considered him a man of truth & should believe him on oath - I have frequently heard him both before & since the year 1818, narrate his Revolutionary services & sufferings & his statements have been uniformly the same - I have never doubted the truth of his narration - I further say that I believe his statements would be credited where he is known - I further state that I have heard his story in substance from his contemporaries in the Revolution - I have never heard it doubted - I believe him to be as old as he represents -
I Fletcher
Sworn to & subscribed this 29 th day of August A.D. 1832. Before me Alpheus Fletcher justice of peace

State of Vermont Caledonia County ss.
I Benjamin F. Dunning Clerk of the County Court for the County of Caledonia aforesaid do hereby certify that Stephen Fletcher before whom was taken the within affidavit of Isaac Fletcher and the annexed affidavit of William Cahoon was at the date thereof and now is a Justice of the Peace for said Caledonia County and the within signatures purporting to be his are genuine
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my name and the seal of said Court, this seventh day of September A. D. 1832
Benj F. Dunning Clerk

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C., _____, 190_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Henry Hoffmann a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
L. 13,463
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1775 4 mos. 1 wk. Ordly Sgt. & Pvt. Robert Taylor Job Olney + Burrell ✓ R.I.   1776 4 mos. 1 wk. Pvt. & 1 st Sgt. Zephaniah Andrews Joshua Linsley Major Silas Talbot "   1777 3 mos. 2 wks. Pvt. & 1 st Sgt. Amos Atwell "   1779 5 mos. 3 days Boatswain  During intervals at home was engaged in public service amounting in all to 6 mos. & 10 days. After Brimfield, promoted "Place Castle" Capt. James Mearns. Captured by British frigate "Union" after 11 mos. service, exchanged.    1780 3 mos. captured Boatswain  
Battles engaged in, Spencer's expedition to R.I. Residence of soldier at enlistment, Providence, R.I. Date of application for pension, Aug. 20, 1832. Cl. ab. Residence at date of application, Saydon, Caledonia Co., Vt. Age at date of application, b. Germany Mar. 18, 1749. d. June 9, 1835.
Remarks: Soldier arrived in Philadelphia in 1764. After becoming of age he moved to Newport, R.I. and there joined an independent co. called the Governor's Guard. Three years later moved to Providence, R.I. and there joined the Governor's Light Inf. Vols. as Ordly Sgt. under Capt. Robert Taylor. No family data.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

1912, Apr. 5 Hist. 15 Hermon H. Hill.
Perkins
13463 INVALID.
File No. 13.463
Henry Hoffman Rev. Rev. war
Act: June 7 th 1832.
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 180
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Henry Hoffman's
Affidavit in answer to the 5 th objection to the admission of his Pension Claim.
See inquiries in the margin of the Brief Page 3 rd ¶

Personally appeared before me the Undersigned a Justice of the Peace within and for the county of Caledonia Henry Hoffman , 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 three months and seven days I served as an Orderly Sergeant. For seven months I served as a private and for such service I claim a pension. For the time during which the above service was rendered I was not employed in any civil pursuit. Signature  Henry Hoffman
Sworn to and subscribed this 14 th day of August AD 1833.
Stephen M c Gaffey Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that the above-named Henry Hoffman is a man of truth and veracity and that his general character in the community where he resides, for truth is good. Stephen M c Gaffey Justice of the Peace
State of Vermont } I Benjamin F. Denning Clerk of the County Caledonia County ss } Court for said Caledonia County do hereby certify that Stephen M c Gaffey is a Justice of the Peace for said County and that I believe the foregoing signature purporting to be his to be genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this 16 th day of August AD 1833.
Attest Benj a F. Denning Clerk.

Henry Hoffman's Rpers. 12.239-
Is no allowance to be made for the time the appli- =cant was imprisoned?
30
15. 1.17 23.33   $39.50
Admit - 79.00  19.25
Benoit 70's Lergeau $8.75 7" — Private
John Bridgman Esq. Camilleville Vt.

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Henry Hoffman which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Ye II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Ye III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? V. * Has he mentioned 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? No VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? He has not definitely stated his services in each grade. Ye VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Ye VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Ye IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Ye X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Ye

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? No
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? No
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? Yes
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?
No
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? No
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. 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 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 shewn 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.
† QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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.
‡ QUERE XVI. 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 paper 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.
¶ In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.
Service in privates does not entitle him to a pension. How long was he a Sgt. & how long a private?
Is there no allowance for the time the Applicant spent in the Naval Service? For the time he was imprisoned? The Applicant states in his Declaration "I have not the least hesitation in taking my oath that I was full three years employed in the public Service on land in the way described." Vide Declaration—

Amended Declaration of Henry Hoffman & certifi- -cates annexed -
Amos Paul Regulus

We Daniel Quimby a Clergyman residing in the town of Lyndon in Caledonia County & State of Vermont and Isaiah Fisk residing in Lyndon aforesaid hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Henry Hoffman who has subscribed & sworn to the Declaration number 12,239 filed in the Court of Probate for the District & County of Caledonia aforesaid on the 20 th day of August A.D. 1832; we also certify that we believe him to be past eighty three years of age as he has declared in the aforesaid Declaration - 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 - Daniel Quimby Isaiah Fisk
Sworn & subscribed this fifth day of March 1833.
Before
Stephen Tuttle Justice of Peace
State of Vermont Walesboro County
Benj H. Denning Clerk

Caledonia County } State of Vermont
Personally appeared before me, the undersigned a Justice of the Peace within & for the County of Caledonia aforesaid Henry Hoffman who being duly sworn, deposeth & 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 and periods of the Revolution - The first service rendered by me in the Revolution was in the year 1775 - in the early part of the summer of that year soon after the battle of Bunker Hill as set forth in my Declaration the company to which I was attached was ordered to Boston. I was first sergeant of the company at this time I was out nearly a week - I was out the next time at Patuxet & remained there one month. This service was in 1775. I was first sergeant in the company at this time - I was out the same year above one month in the militia service - at this time was a private - I was out directly after the last service I think in 1776 - at this time I served as first sergeant in the independent company referred to in my Declaration - at this time was out about one month - I was next a private in the militia service for one month in 1776 - I was out next six weeks in an independent company a private in 1776 - Directly served one month in the militia a private in 1776. I was next out three weeks in a private expedition fitted out by John Brown referred to in my Declaration was a private - In 1777 I was out one month in the Independent company referred to in my Declaration was first sergeant - In the same year I was out one month in the militia service was a private - I was next out in Shencers expedition was out six weeks was a private - this was in the fall of 1777 or 78. I do not distinctly remember which -

I was next in the Naval service - in a privateer vessel. was out five months & three days when I was taken which is fully described in my declaration. I was boatswain during this service - I was then imprisoned three months & a half. This service & imprisonment I think was in 1779. I was then pressed aboard a British vessel where I remained seven weeks. I was then confined three months in Newport goal. This was in 1779. I think
I was next in a privateer vessel for three months as described in my Declaration. I was boatswain - This service was in the year 1780. I think - I was then imprisoned three days & three nights - My services are more fully detailed in my Declaration -
Sworn & subscribed on the 5 th day of March A.D. 1833.
Before Stephen Mitchell Justice of Peace -

State of Vermont Caledonia ss.
I Amos Pail Register of the Court of Probate for the District of Caledonia do hereby certify that it appears to said Court that Daniel Quimby who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman resident in the town of Lyndon in the County of Caledonia, and that Isaiah Fisk who has also signed the same is a resident in said Lyndon, is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 13 th day of April A.D. 1833.
Amos Pail Register
Amended Declaration of Henry Hoffman & Certificate - annexed -

Washington, D.C. April 1, 1912.
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Sir:
Will you please furnish me with all data available in your office, regarding an ancestor, Henry Hoffman , who was a private and sergeant in the Rhode Island militia in the Revolution. I believe that he was placed on

The pension roll Oct. 2, 1833, his pension beginning on March 4, 1831.
I desire to know particu- larly when and where he was born, his children, &c. as well as the periods of his enlistment, and any engagements in which he participated. A prompt reply will be appreciated.
Very respectfully
Hermon N. Hill
143 Rhode Island Ave. N.W. Washington, D. C.

Washington, D.C. April 1, 1912.
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Sir:
Will you please furnish me with all data available in your office, regarding an ancestor, Henry Hoffman , who was a private and sergeant in the Rhode Island militia in the Revolution. I believe that he was placed on

The pension roll Oct. 2, 1833, his pension beginning on March 4, 1831.
I desire to know particu- larly when and where he was born, his children, &c. as well as the periods of his enlistment, and any engagements in which he participated. A prompt reply will be appreciated.
Very respectfully
Hermon N. Hill
143 Rhode Island Ave. N.W. Washington, D. C.