Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 31,719, Paul Harris, Conn.

SERVICE
bonn
Harris, Paul
NUMBER _____
S 31 719
CONTENTS

12.968
Connecticut
Paul Harris
of Brooklyn in the State of Conn who was a Pri — in the Conn command by Captain Butts of the Regt command by Col McLean in the Conn Troops time for 12 mos. 92 yrs
Note
Inscribed on the Roll of Conn at the rate of 41 — Dollars — Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 day of October 33 — and sent — Annual Bolle, Brooklyn Conn Arrears to the 4th of Sept 33 3/4 102 Semi-annual allowance ending March — 20
$122
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by E. D. Bullock Clerk
Book 6 Vol. 3 Page 20

Paul Harris
25736
enlist Holmes Co. Penn
1 Aug 1780 for 6 mos dis 9 th Dec -
3 Return to be sent to Armin Bolles Brooklyn Connecticut
Ms. A. 9. 2. 20. 10

Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
STATE OF CONNECTICUT, } ss. COUNTY OF WINDHAM, }
On this 18 th day of June A. D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court, before the County Court of the County of Windham aforesaid, now sitting, Paul Harris a resident of the town of Brooklyn in the County of Windham, and State of Connecticut, aged 88 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 under the following named officers, and served as herein stated :
1 st Service 2 months — On the first day of March in the year 1776 I was drafted from the Connecticut Militia at Canterbury (Conim) for the term of two months, and joined a Company of Militia there is the name of the United States under the command of Capt. Nathaniel Pratts who belonged to Canterbury, on the first or second day of March 1776 I marched from Canterbury to Bristol in the State of Rhode Island, and while there said service was employed in guarding the Shore at said Bristol, at which time the British had a fort on Rhode Island, and three or four great ships of the enemy were lying in the River or Bay opposite to the Island of Conanicut, and between where I was stationed and the Island. I cannot recollect the names of any of the officers under whom I served in this tour, except Capt. Pratts above named, and Samuel Smith who was one of our Sergeants — there are no survivors of this tour, and for proof of this service I would refer to the Affidavit of Benajah Pratt which is herewith transmitted. During this tour I was in the service of the Continental Congress for the full period of two months, at the end of which time I was discharged from said service at said Bristol in the space of the month of May of 1776, having served said time as a private soldier in the company above stated —
A term of seven months. On the first day of April in the year, 1778 at Connecticut Farms, I enlisted into the Company commanded by Capt. Ebenezer Robinson in the Regt. commanded by Col. Samuel McClellan, and I joined said Company at Springfield (Borum) and marched from thence through New Haven, Thorne Neck & to the White Plains in the State of New York, and was there stationed as then in Autumn of said year, I was then ordered to New London in Connecticut, and was there stationed until the last day of January or the 1 st day of Feb y in 1779, when I was dismissed from service at the end of seven months, and according to my best recollection thirty two months - While stationed at New London I prepared medicine for all members of my Company in a great bottle, which I believe was the first bottle, who was with me in said Company in this war, all this term was performed by me in the
Term of service 5 months On the first Monday of May in the year, 1780 I was drafted out of Col. William Hubbard's Compt. of Connecticut Militia at said Canterbury for the term of eight months, I was not ordered out on duty until the 25th day of August following, when I joined a Company in the service of the United States at Danbury (Conn.) and moved from thence to West Point in the State of New York, and marched from thence into the State of New Jersey to a place called Red Bank, near Topen Church Road where stationed until cold weather commenced. While I was stationed at this place the British came into the neighborhood and took cattle, horses &c. there were 300 of our troops ordered to pursue them which number I was one, and we marched all night in a severe storm of rain in pursuit of them, and in the morning we found they had escaped, and got on board their boats, and we returned to Camp about sunrise the same day having marched 30 miles in this expedition, a short time after we returned to West Point, and went into winter quarters there. During this time of duty I was present and saw Maj. Wolfe executed. I was there during this time, Genl. Washington and Genl. Greene. There were but 3 or 4 persons drafted for this term of service from Col. Hubbard's Compt. that went with me, and they have all since deceased. I cannot state positively the names of any of the officers commanding during this time, that were all strangers to me when I entered the service. I was discharged from said service at West Point on the 15th day of Jan. 1781, having served during this time the term of five months. 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.
The following interrogatories were by said Court propounded to said applicant, viz:—
1. Where and in what year were you born ? Ans r in Canterbury (Conn.) in the year 1745 2. Have you any record of your age ; and if so, where is it ? I suppose my age is recorded in d o Canterbury - 3. Where were you living when called into service ; where have you lived since the revolutionary war, and where do you now live I have always lived in d o Canterbury till said Brooklyn 4. How were you called into service ; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute ? And if a substitute, for whom ? These questions are answered above 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 service. I have stated above all that I can recollect on this subject 6. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service ; and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it ? I once had a written discharge, which was burnt in my house 10 years ago 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 in your services as a soldier of the revolution. Rev. Samuel H. May, V. Nathan Williams
Paul Harris
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year aforesaid, before the County Court for the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut.
We Samuel H. Hall a clergyman, residing in the town of Brooklyn in said Windham County, and Nathaniel Williams residing in (the same), hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Paul Harris who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration, that we believe him to be 88 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, on the day and year aforesaid, before the County Court for the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut.
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 Samuel Pollard who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman resident in the said town of Brooklyn and that Nathan McClelland who signed the same is a resident in the said town of Brooklyn and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Admirin Bolles Clerk of the County Court for the County of Windham, in the State of Connecticut, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Paul Harris for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this 18 th day of June A. D. 1933
Armin Broiles Clerk

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office.
183
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 subjjoined 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 Paul Darius Windham  County Connecticut
   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.     Draft Mar. 1776 - 2 - private Capt Dutton 88 years Traditional evidence, & three   Enlist 1st Ap. 1776 - 9 - " Capt Robinson, Colonel Canterbury witnesses, certified credible   Draft May 1780 - 5 - " Capt. Collett, Capt. Hibbard, Connecticut papers correct  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
[Faint, illegible handwriting at the bottom of the page]

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
Wdellani Ref in 1778 was raised upon condition it was to serve but I am at one time. There is some oversight a misstatement relating to the service if the claimant lives even in the Ref which requires better proof
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 prove 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 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, deposes 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 and years, I served as a ; For and 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, in 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 term, the name 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 organized 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 employment.
(f) The law makes the relinquishment indispensable. The opinion of the Court is always required.
(g) The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
(h) 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.
(i) In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authorizes 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.
(j) Mode of authenticating papers. In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authorizes 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.
(k) 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 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 magistrates who may administer the oaths, must certify to the credibility of the witnesses and the official character and signature of the magistrates must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
(l) The names from (c) to (f) are all equally essential to the success of the claim. Voluntary and State Troops. The proof required by rule is essential to authorized service.
(m) The interrogatories to be used in all cases.
(n) If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
(o) The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. Paul Harris S. 31719
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     March 1, 1776 2 mos Pvt. Shenbiah Butts Conn.   Apr. 1, 1778 9 mos " Abner Robinson Samuel McClellan   Aug. 25, 1780 5 mos " at West Point no officers named   He was at the execution of Major Andre  
Battles engaged in, _____
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Canterbury Conn.
Date of application for pension, June 18, 1833 His el. was ab.
Residence at date of application, Brooklyn, Windham Co. Conn.
Age at date of application, born at Canterbury Conn. in 1745
Remarks: Soldier's wife is referred to but no name is stated
Very respectfully,
William Hubbard was capt of Canterbury militia out of which soldier was drafted so he is not included in the above.
Commissioner.

31719
Ray
INVALID.
File No. 31,719
Paul Harris
Per Rev. D. D.
Act: June 1 st 32
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 178
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1911 Mch. 7 Hest. to Mrs. Wm H. R. Du Bois V.P.M. Letter referred to Record Div. for answer to civil war inquiry. (Mrs. Du Bois' address is 51 Brooklawn Place, Bridgeport Conn.)

James Brumham Affidavit for Paul Harris

7 I James Brunham of Hampton in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut aged seventythree years do depose and say that on the first day of April in the year 1778 at Windham in said County I enlisted for the term of one year, into a company commanded by Capt. Asa Robinson in the Regt. commanded by Col. Samuel McClellan in a corps called minute men. during this year, I served 6 months in the service of the United States - and left said Windham with said company and marched through New Haven, Housatonic to the White Plains in the State of New York, and from thence to West Point. and during this time I served three months in the State of New York. and then returned home to Connecticut. and went to New Poudue where I served for the term of three months - I well recollect that Mr. Paul Harris of Brooklyn was in the same company & Regt. above named. and that he served with me as a private soldier, during the term of six months as a private soldier, in said company & Regt. and further the deponent saith not - Hampton June 13 th 1833 James Brunham
Windham County ss. Hampton June 13 th 1833
Then Mr. James Brunham signer of the foregoing affidavit, who is a credible Witness, personally appeared and made solemn oath to the same, before me
Asa Briggs Justice of the Peace

I Amin Bolles Blake of the County Court within and for the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut do hereby certify that Amin Bolles before whom the within affidavit was made is duly qualified as a Justice of the Peace in and for said Windham County, that the within signature of his name is in his hand writing in due form.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court at Norwich in said County this 14th day of June A.D. 1833
Amin Bolles Blake

Supplemental Declaration of Paul Harris

State of Connecticut, } County of Windham } Sp. Brooklyn September, 15 th . 1833.
Then personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for said County, Mr. Paul Harris of said Brooklyn aged 88 years and after being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following supplemental declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. That he said Harris according to his best recollection served the several terms of duty, at the time and in the manner, stated in his former declaration, as sworn to before the County Court for said Windham County on the 18 th day of June 1833, in the following order, viz. 1 st Term of service 2 months at Bristol in the State of Rhode Island in 1776 - 2 nd Term of service 9 months in the State of New York and in the State of Connecticut in the year 1778 & 1779 3 rd Term of service 5 months in the State of New York and in New Jersey in 1780 Amounting in the whole to the full period of sixteen months in the capacity of a private soldier. - And the said Harris doth further depose and say that in the year 1778 he enlisted for one year, into the Comp y commanded by Col o Robinson in Col o McClellan's Reg t and soon after said enlistment he went into service in the State of New York where he continued to serve until some time in the fall of said year, and then according to his best recollection he returned home to Connecticut and remained at home only 7 or 8 days when he went to New London and there continued in the service of the United States until he was finally discharged from his said enlistment on the first day of February 1779, having served during this term, nine months as formerly stated. And

He said Harris doth further depose and say that according to his best recollection he enlisted into said Robinson's Comp y . for one year, expecting to serve one year without interruption, and he has no recollection of there being an understanding or agreement that while in said Robinson's Comp y . he was to serve but 3 months at one time, he then supposed and does now, that according to the terms of his enlistment he was to serve for the full period of one year in said Company, but that he was actually discharged after having served nine months as before stated - He now forwards to the War Department the affidavit of Rev. James Burnham who swears that he (said Burnham) served in said Comp y . & Reg t . with said Harris in the year 1778 the term of 6 months - viz. 3 months in the State of New York and three months at New London in Connecticut. And the question now to be decided is; whether said Harris served under this enlistment 6 months as proved by Mr. Burnham, or 9 months as proved by Mr. Webb - said Harris doth now say that he has stated all the facts he can recollect of all his services during the revolutionary war, and has produced the best proof, and all the proof he can obtain in relation to the same, and his case is now submitted to the Department for a final decision - And if the Department upon reviewing all the facts stated in the case and the testimony adduced, shall be of opinion, that the applicant is entitled to only 6 months pay in Col. McClellan's Reg t . they will so decide; and if such should be their decision, it will leave him but 13 months service, which he hopes and trusts the Department will allow him.

without delay.
He earnestly requests the Department to take his case into consideration, and to decide as early as possible, as his health is such owing to his extreme age, he is sensible that unless he receives soon the bounty of his government he shall be where it cannot reach him -
In presence of Armin Bolles
Paul his X Harris marks
State of Connecticut } County of Windham } ss. Brooklyn September 13 th 1833
Then Mr. Paul Harris, signer of the foregoing Affidavit personally appeared and made solemn oath to the to the truth of the facts therein stated - before me.
I further certify that I am well acquainted with the said Harris, and know him to be a credible witness.
Armin Bolles Justice of the Peace.
I Armin Bolles Clerk of the County Court within and for the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut do hereby certify that Armin Bolles before whom the foregoing affidavit was made is duly enrolled as a Justice of the Peace in and for said Windham County that the foregoing signature of his name is in his hand writing in due form.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Brooklyn in said County this 13 th day of September
A.D. 1833
Armin Bolles Clerk

I Ebenezer Parks of Canterbury in the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut aged seventy four years do depose and say that in the year 1776 my brother, Elijah Parks then of said Canterbury served a term of military in the service of the United States for the period of two months at Bristol in the State of Rhode Island in the Comp y commanded by Capt. Butts of said Canterbury. I frequently heard my said brother, Elijah Parks say that during said term of service Mr. Paul Harris who now lives in Brooklyn (Conn.) was a member of said Company and that he said Harris served with him in said Company at said time & place for the term of two months - and I well recollect that at said time I was informed that said Harris was in the said Company commanded by said Capt. Butts, and that he served with my brother in the same company for the period of two months as above stated - I have always lived in five or six miles of said Harris, and I have no doubt but that he served at said time & place for the period of two months - My said brother, Elijah Parks died in the State of New York five or six years since -
Canterbury June 13 th . 1833
Ebenezer Parks
State of Connecticut } S d Canterbury June 13 th 1833. County of Windham }
Then Mr. Ebenezer Parks signed after foregoing Affidavit, who is a credible witness, personally appeared, and made

Affidavits of Ebenezer Parks and Abner Webb in support of the claim of Paul Harris for a Pension

I Abner Webb of Hampton in the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut aged seventy three do hereby and say that in the year 1778 on the 4 th day of April in said year I enlisted for the term of one year, in the Comp y . Commanded by Capt. Abner Robinson, in the Regt. Commanded by Col. Samuel M c Clellan, called Minute Men. I enlisted at Windham in Connecticut & joined the D Comp y . there & marched from D Windham through New Haven, Horse-neck to the White Plains in the State of New York, and from thence to West Point and was there stationed a part of the time, and I returned to Connecticut and was stationed at New London until the last of January in the year 1779 - having been in said service nine months & more - I will recollect that Mr. Paul Harris of Brooklyn was a member of said Comp y . & Regt. with me, and that he continued to serve in D Comp y . & Regt. for the full term above mentioned, and we both entered said company at the same time, and were both discharged at the same time at New London the last of January 1779 - Hampton June 13 th . 1833
Abner Webb
State of Connecticut ss. Hampton June 13 th . 1833. County of Windham
Then Mr. Abner Webb, signer of the foregoing Affidavit, who is a credible witness, personally appeared and made solemn oath to the truth of the same.
Before me Armin Bolles Justice of the Peace

I Ammi Buelles Clerk of the County Court within and for the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut, do hereby certify, that Ammi Buelles before whom the affidavits annexed herunto were made, is duly enrolled as a Justice of the Peace in and for said Windham County, that the within and foregoing signatures of his name, are in his hand writing in the form -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Brooklyn in said County this 14 th day of June A.D. 1833 -
Ammi Buelles Clerk

Affidavit of Abel Staples in support of the claim of Paul Harris

I, Asa Smith, Clerk of the County Court within and for the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut do hereby certify that Andrew S. Jackson Esq. before whom the within affidavit was made, is duly enrolled as a Justice of the Peace in and for said Windham County, that the foregoing signature of his name is in his hand writing, and that full faith and credit ought to be given to his acts as such.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Brooklyn in said County this 22 d day of August A.D. 1832
Asa Smith Clerk

I Abel Staples of Brooklyn in the County of Windham, aged 75 years, testify and say that I am well acquainted with Said Harris of said Brooklyn, now here present, and do say that during the Revolutionary war, said Harris went from home to serve as a private in the Army, and I knew when he returned. I did not serve with him, he was absent more than a year. His family often con- cerned about his being in the Army in his absence, I worked for his wife in his absence on his farm. Most of the time. Brooklyn Aug. 21. 1832. Abel Staples
Windham County ss. Brooklyn August 21. 1832 Personally appeared Abel Staples signer of the foregoing affidavit and made oath to the facts therein stated, and I further testify that I am well acquainted with said Staples and that he is a credible witness Andrew T. Tuck Justice of the Peace

Brooklyn Sept. 13 th 1833.
Sir
At the request of Mr. Paul Harris I again forward his papers in support of his claim for a pension, with a supplemental declaration, and the Affiant of Rev. James Burnham, and I would respectfully state, that the Deponents Messrs Webb & Burnham are both of them credible and intelligent witnesses & their characters cannot be impeached - Mr. Burnham means that said Harris did serve in the same company with him in Col. McClellan's Regt. 1778 - for the term of 6 months, viz. 3 months at West Point &c and 3 months at New London in (Conn.) Mr. Harris & Mr. Webb say 9 months in the same year - The Department will decide this case; and if they cannot allow this applicant but 6 months pay in Col. McClellan's Regt. he will be satisfied - He is very poor, and is supported entirely by public and private charity, he is in a very feeble state of health, and in my opinion will not live but a short time, an early decision in this case is earnestly solicited.
J. S. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions
Very respectfully
Your obedt Servt
Almin Bolles.