Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 4490 1/2, William Hall, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Hall William
R. 4490 1/2
CONTENTS

William Hall
26. 927. e
S. Child Atty

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Suffolk ss
I, Thomas W. Phillips Clerk of the Municipal Court of the City of Bos- ton, said Court being a Court of Record, do hereby certify that the within contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of William Hall for a pension; also that Honorable Peter Thacher is sole Judge of said Court and that the signatures on these papers purport- ing to be his, are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court at Boston this twenty third day of August A.D. Eighteen hundred and thirty three.
Thomas W. Phillips, Clerk.

State of Massachusetts
County of Suffolk ss. On this twentieth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two three , personally appeared in open court before the Honorable Judge of the Municipal Court — now sitting at Boston in and for said County, William Hall — a resident of said Boston in said County, aged about seventy years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th, A. D. 1832.
THAT he was born at Yarmouth now Dennis in said Massachusetts on the fourteenth day of September A. D. 1764, and that there is a record of his birth in the town records of said Yarmouth that he was in the United States service from the first day of May A. D. 1775, to the twentieth day of April A. D. 1778 ( 27, 11m, 20s ) as a sergeant in the Massachusetts Militia
: that he was residing at Barnstable in said Massachusetts when he entered the service; that he enlisted as a volunteer in a company of minute men on said first of May and served for the period aforesaid under the command of Gen Nathaniel Freeman in Col Enoch Hallet's Regiment and Capt James Perkins company —
: that he marched from said Barnstable to Hiannis Oyster Island Sandwich, Falmouth, Great Island and many other places according as the landing and alarms of the enemy required : that he served with none
of the regular troops; and, (with the exception of Gen Knox and Col Colb with whom he became acquainted at Boston , whether he was sent on public service by said Col Hallet  no regular officers were known to him: that he was in two battles or skirmishes  viz one at a place called the Common Fields in said Barnstable the other at said Great Island on the South side of said Yarmouth — and at the end of his service received a discharge but not in writing : that he left the service on the eleventh day of April and that since the Revolutionary war he has resided at said Boston . He has no documentary evidence of his service.
ALSO: that he was in the United States service from the first of June A. D. 1778, to the eleventh day of April A. D. 1779 as a soldier  scout & spy in the Massachusetts Militia ,
that he was residing at said Yarmouth when he entered the service; that he enlisted as a volunteer in a company of minute men — and served for the period aforesaid under the command of said Gen Freeman in said Hallet's Regiment and in Capt Micah Chapman's company : that he marched from said Yarmouth to Eastham, Chatham Sandwich and many other places as directed by Col Hallet .
: that he served with none
of the regular troops; and except as aforesaid no
regular officers were known to him: that he was in no battle
that at the end of his service he received a discharge but not in writing — and left the service on said eleventh day of April .
ALSO: that he was in the United States service from the day of A. D. 17 , to the day of A. D. 17
as a in the that he was residing at when he entered the service; that he and served for the period aforesaid under the command of
: that he marched from
: that he served with
of the regular troops; and
regular officers were known to him; that he was in battle
that at the end of his service he received a discharge the service on
and left

in which capacities, and either swimming by water or riding by land, he traversed the country and the coast many times in pursuit of David Coffs and other traitors, Tories and enemies of the United States, as is more particularly set forth in the document hereto annexed.
The General Circumstances of this Applicant's service were as follows. The company into which he entered, commanded by said Peter Hkins was comprised of young men under the age of military duty, but it was warmly approved and encouraged by the ablest military and civil officers of the county of Somerset, and it was very active on occasions of alarm and in preparing by constant drilling to meet the enemy. A number of these young men afterwards became officers in the regular army. During the whole war guards and watches were maintained particularly by night all around the Cape, and this App t for was constantly subject and obedient to calls on duty whenever an enemy's appeared off the coast from Plymouth to Provincetown. In July 1775 a party consisting of about forty of the enemy landed from their tenders at the said Common Field, during the time of divine service on Sunday. This App t with about fifty others ran from the Church and neighboring houses towards the spot, fired upon the enemy, drove them to their boats and retook eight or nine of the cattle which they had succeeded in battering to carry off. During the same year this App t under direction of said Col Hallett assisted in transporting a large quantity of flour to Gen Washington's army at Cambridge. Said flour was the cargo of a British vessel laden with supplies for Gen Gage's army at Boston. She was captured by some fishermen off of Yarmouth. On the 24th Dec 1776 the Somerset British man of war was cast away on the backside of Cape Cod. About 350 men of her crew were lost. The remainder being about 800 in number were marched to Boston in very inhuman weather and this App t was detailed on the service of guarding them thro' the country. In 1777 this App t volunteered to go on an expedition to Great Island under Capt Gray. This expedition attacked a considerable party of the enemy who had landed from two British vessels lying in the Sound for the purpose of taking cattle. After keeping up a fire for sometime on both sides, the enemy retreated abandoning their booty. In this engagement this App t received a wound in the arm. In 1778 the British Frigate Friendship was also wrecked near the same place where the Somerset had been. Her crew were saved and in like manner marched to Boston and guarded by this App t and others. In the same year this App t having been directed by Capt Chapman to procure a watering trough for the use of the troops, messengers in a certain long distance where there was no convenience for watering and where said troops and other persons assembled had frequently to pass, procured to procure a log for the purpose, in loading which he disabled himself for life by causing a severe fracture. After that he acted under orders of said Hallett as a scout and spy.
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.
William Hall
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year first aforesaid. in open Court before Peter O. Thacher Judge of the same
We Sebastian Streeter a clergyman residing in the city of Boston and Marshall Keith residing in said Boston hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Hall who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be about seventy 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 as aforesaid. on the day & year first aforesaid in open Court before Peter O. Thacher Judge of the same
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 abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the court further certify that it appears to them that the Revd Sebastian Streeter who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman resident in the city of Boston and that Marshall Keith who has also signed the same is a resident in Boston aforesaid and a credible person; and that their statement is entitled to credit. In the Judge doth further certify that he hath known the said William Hall for many years, during which he has been a resident in Boston aforesaid, and he recommends his case to the favorable consideration of the War Department.
I of the do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application for a pension. See Clerk's certificate on outside of the application
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal of office on the day and year first aforesaid

2692
William Wall
Mass
Rejected
21 st Jan'y 1834
Dee Childs Boston Mass

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Oct 23 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 William Hall
   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.     1775 2 11 20 Sergt Capt Perkins Col Hallet 70 Yarmouth   1778 4 10 Priv Capt Chapman Col Hallet  
The claimant could not have been in active service during the whole time mentioned above as a Minute Man. He must specify each particular time of active service, the length of each time, & the name of all of the officers under whom he served. The credibility of Mr Allen must be also certified —
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 time, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal bases of authentication of 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 applicant. 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 making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
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.
[k] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

A statement of some of the principal facts, which took place in the Revolutionary War, in and about the County of Barnstable - on Cape Cod. - First. The last Tuesday of June - year 1775. It was at the stoping of the Court, and the rearing of the Liberty Pole - which was probably the first Court stoped, and the first Liberty Pole in the State, if not in the United States. Secondly - all the Boys, anxious in the cause, were organized into Companies, through the County (as I beleive) but in Barnstable, they were well tutored, disciplined and officered, being drilled two or three times a week. In the latter part of the ensuing summer, on a Sabbath day, an armed Schooner came into the Harbour, about the middle of the day, in the time of Divine Service, in the afternoon it was discovered that a number of people were driving the cattle together in the Common Fields - about a mile from the Meeting House. We left the House, and ran for the shore - got some Guns at different houses, which proved to be loaded. When the Enemy discoverd us, they ran for their Boats, leaving a number of the best cattle matted down about 8 to 10. - There proved to be three Boats from the Schooner, they were fired on, and one man appeared to be dangerously wounded, they soon left the Harbour. Soon after, five Fishing Boats, out from Nobs Riper, in Yarmouth, discovered a large Sloop, came near them to a place called Butler's Hole. They hailed from the Sloop for Pilot - all went on board - she proved to be loaded with Flour, on the Southward, for Genl. Gage's Army at Boston, they rose on her

run her to the mouth of Bass River, unloaded the Flour - let the Captain go off with the Vessel (he being the owner of her) carted the whole of the Flour across the Cape, to a place called Bass Hole - from thence it was rowed in Boats to Scituate XX, Robert and carted to Cambridge to General Washington's Army - without allowing any diminution whatever of any of it, 225 300 Barrels or more or thereabout.
It being thought proper, that some principal character of Yarmouth, should proceed on to see Genl. Washington on the Business, and to attend to its safe delivery. Col. Hallet proceeded on - and waited on Genl. Washington at Cambridge, informed him of all the transaction - and what time he supposed the Flour would be there - arrangements were immediately made for its safe conveyance through Roxbury. The Commissary was sent for - who informed the Genl. that there was not more than four days supply of Bread Stuff for the Army - that should a disappointment take place, in not receiving a quantity expected from Albany, they would then be under the necessity of drawing the supplies from the neighbouring Towns - which would be very troublesome and uncertain - and that would be the only alternative - or the Army would discharge itself. Genl. Washington expressed the strongest sensations of gladness at this providential occurrence, at such a critical juncture - at the Patriotism of all who were engaged in its obtainment - and offered to give Col. Hallet a Certificate thereof - which he declined in receiving. The Genl. informed Col. H. that the officers and men, of whom he was acquainted, from his quarters were amongst the best Men of the Army.
In the Winter of 1776. The ship summered. British It was cast ashore, on the back side of Cape said to have on board 1150 Men - 300 of which, were said to have been -

been lost, the rest were marched to Boston, which occasioned great confusion and distress through the whole county in which they passed.
The next Spring and Summer, the county had to organize a shore watch a nights, to keep off the small Privateers from landing and robbing in different directions; which exertion was continued through the War, and every possible means used to ward off and baffle the Enemy.
In the Spring 1776. when the British left Boston for Halifax and thence to New York - we were continually afraid on one side or the other of the Cape, causing the most arduous watchfulness and laborious exertions, being on duty obliged to continue several days together.
In the Spring of 1778. our family removed to Yarmouth, on our Farm. About this time, it was discovered that four of the richest Farmers, in the county, living on Scorton neck, between Sandwich and Barnstable, had sold to the British, and taken away a vessel load of Live Stock. Col. Hallett, the Sheriff of the county, gave me orders to go off a Boat Fishing, as often as I could get a crew and to row off back of Sandy Neck, to see if I could discover any suspicious vessel after another load of Live Stock, so as often as I could. Keeping a vigilant look out. He had also ascertained, that a David Bangs, of Harwick, had entered on board a British man of war, as a Pilot - cruising from Halifax to New York, which very much distressed our commerce. The Ship used to run in close to Harwick Flats, and at one time privately got Bangs' and Eldest sons off on board the Ship. She stayed about six weeks, remain'd in board and enter'd himself. Col. Hallett consulted deputies to devise some way, if possible, to take him. They concluded that they would be more mistrusted, than myself - gave me private

private instructions in the pursuit, I followed them, and found, that she, the wife, was landed down the Cape, with some valuable presents from the Capt. of the Ship, and doubtless money from her husband. I also learnt that the Capt. would not allow him off of the Ship's Deck; I was at least a month at times on the business, and at times, for years after to catch him, considering that the sheniousness of his coins required urgent apprehension.
In the Spring of 1779. (as near as I can recollect) It was found by Capt. Chapman and others - as from where I lived, it being two miles one way - and five  six miles the other - that there was no water on the Road, to water our horses, when on those excursions and alarms, that I was urged to get a large logg, and make a Trough, from a tree well 3 and 4 feet deep to have a supply of water. I immediately complied with the request, went to my wood lot, with the expectation of getting help to load the logg, but was disappointed, and attempted to load it myself in which, after a great exertion, I succeeded, but with such difficulty, that I strained myself and was very much injured by the effort - and carry the effects of it ever with me to this day . I was disabled from doing Military duty, for two Summers - from my exertions in the Public cause; But part of the time rode about to see what the Col. required of me. About this time, the Vineyard Sound, was thronged with Privateers, among the rest, was an English Light Gun Brig. Capt. Dimnick of Falmouth, had a vessel, called a Shaving Mill, Rowed with 19 Oars, mounting two swivels on pivot. This Eight Gun Brig, had succeeded in the obtaining of two Live Stock, one from the Vineyard, under the pretence of paying them, but when on board, they went off, without paying one The

other from Woods Hole and Norshon - they being Tories there - I suppose they paid them. The Brig came the third trip - when Capt. Dimmick discover'd her - came to anchor, about middle of the day, in the Sound - called his company together, selected 19 of his Bravest Men, (sent others to give a general Alarm,) provided him a crew for a Fishing - went out and anchored 1 1/2 miles from the Brig, she having her armings all spread. When light, the Deck of the Brig was filled with men; The Boat was hailed for Fish, and showed only six men. He answered them, that he had only but a few, and that when he had caught enough for them, he would bring them on board, about 11 o'clock, it being calm and hot, he observed only a few on deck, as a Centry, he went along side, 20, all leaped on deck, disarm'd the contineus, barred the hatch ways, stoped the Gangways - and compeled them all to render; Kept his own men on deck, and crew from out the Brig's Hole one by one, until he manned his barge at the oars, and placed his best men to steer - with a Hawsers, towed the Brig into Falmouth, she proved to be a Privateers of 14-6 pounders & 14-8 pounders - with Eighty two Men, all told.
Soon after the War, our then Government, made a stipulated act, and also a tender act, (For the purpose of regulating engagements of payment,) My Father, having died in my Infancy, left a considerable sum of money upon interest, and some of the persons indebted to the Estate, took the advantage of the Tendor act, lending my Mother, the then Emmission Bills, which she was obliged to receive in payments as aforesaid; And in one of the distressing years for Bread etc. None was to be had, only by the way of Nantucket, that being a Neutral port. I had to pay 11 3/4 dollars of that currency for one barrel of Flour - and 3 3/4 dollars for two bushels of Corn.

of Corn- and then had to cart it seven miles.
After many unsuccessful attempts, which I made to find a suspicious vessel going to Scorton, to get live stock. The Col o and his associates, resolved on a plan, which proved effectual. He went to Boston, found a man who proceeded to Scorton, and there entered into a written contract with a Cornelius and John Wing, Quakers- and a John and Simon Jones- for as many Beef Cattle, Fat sheep, Hogs &c. with all necessarys for them to live on to carry to Halifax: They so planned the business, that when he was leaving for Boston, with the people escorting him to Sandwich- The Col o and his associates fell in with them, took the man, prisoner, found all the contracts with him- then took the four contractors down to Barnstable Jail, kept them til next day- and after a legal trial of Examination, found the four guilty:- paid the man honorably for his services the project, and the four were kept in Prison, until released by the proper authority, and paying what was demanded- Such was the patriotic spirit pervaded in Barnstable County in favour of our then precious Cause!
It is thought proper to relate a particular circumstance which happened in Barnstable County, amidst the troubles and losses then sustained by the Inhabitants.
In the Town of Yarmouth- where our family lived- The Small Pox broke out amongst a Tribe of Native Indians, at the South part of the Town- it raged to that degree, that it was very difficult to obtain persons to take care of them. In the object state, which those people were in- The Selectmen of the Town

7. Town had to procure a number of Nurses for their assistance, which occasioned a very heavy Town Tax upon its Inhabitants. The numbers which died with the distemper, was over Eighty of them, nearly extinguishing the whole Tribe. The whole expence of their assistance, fell on the Inhabitants of Yarmouth.
When Genl Washington used to send his orders for more men, The Town of Yarmouth, in place of arasing them, came to the conclusion, to offer those who would enlist, Eight Dollars per month, and to pay their families according to the stipulated act, and for the Soldiers to draw their wages, when they could get it, for their own comfort. So we paid them and their families, by a Town Tax, which was punctually done, to keep them and families Comfortable.
From which measures, in addition to my own and brother's labour, exertions and services, in our devotion to the cause, with the expences attending, a very considerable Tax was borne by the Family property, to defray public Expence. For all of which, not one single cent, direct or indirectly has ever been received. Though many have since been rewarded for similar services. I have never found any way of obtaining any compensation, from that time to this. Nor should I ever perhaps have endeavoured to seek for it. Had not the very many losses and misfortunes, which I have met with, unavoidably, in my latter life, become a strong inducement for me to make my appeal to the justice and honorable consideration of Government authority, for a due consideration of what I have, with many others, a proper and Equitable claim.
June 16 th 1831
William Hall

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Suffolk ss. June 16. 1831.
Personally appeared the aforesaid William Hale and made oath that the facts set forth in the above statement, by him subscribed, are true.
Before me J. D. Wood Justice of Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Suffolk ss. June 17. 1831
Personally appeared Thomas D. Dyer of the county of Suffolk and state of Massachusetts and made oath that the facts set forth in the above statement, by him subscribed, are true.
Before me J. D. Wood Justice of Peace

This address is meant to meet the to meet the the  6 hopes, the eye of every worn out Veteran of the Revolutionary war of 1775 in the United States, In the course of the last winter session of Congress by the aid & Assistance of the Honorable Tristan Burgess of the state of Rhode- Island & by Unremitted Exertions, has obtain- -ed the passage of an act with near two thirds majority for the malicia through the United States to receive a remuneration for their services as as they had enlisted in the United States Army. During the war a few days previous to the United States Legislature's rising, this, with many other Bills were sent up to the Senate, but was laid over with other unfinished business to the next session session. In all human probability it will be among the first business of the session of the Senate. Can there be a more more important business on earth or more  more meritorious race of men than antient class of worn out Veterans. The writer as well as some of the first Political Characters thinks our Land Bounty will be given us as well as to the old standing Army as our wages, so soon as this statement of the selection of each

and every Town; & they will call a town meeting & ascertain how many of those weather battered veterans you are honored with, & by counties or districts your representation may  will  then  address a short Memoria to Congress with your desire for their  their proportion of land, the same as those that served during the war. Should this meet the approbation of all the New England States, doubtless it will go through the whole United States . When each citizen considerate shall look on the of those weary heads who bore the burden & heat of the of day for Freedom's rights, for all most sixty years, I now ask is there a citizen now on earth who under understand what citizen = ship is, that would with hold his hand or voice from giving to every one their portion in due season, whose claim is supported with proper documents. The answer must be NO. Let one & all say Amen & Amen.
A brief statement of the civil & military appointments, which were made in the country. Brigadier General Nathaniel Freeman; Chief Chief Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. Honorable Daniel Davis of Barnstable David. The Selectmen of Yarmouth, Solomon Freeman of Ennisk in Parish, were associate judges; Colonel Collett of Yarmouth, Sheriff; the Honorable Daniel Davis, Judge of Probate; & General Nathaniel Freeman, Clerk of Probate. His Esq. Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas.

 The State In 1776 Genl Freeman found he could not hold both Officers, Judge of the County Court & Clerk of the probate, so he Resigned his Judgeship, and remained so till he died. Judge Daniel Davis was Appoin- ted in His stead Chief Judge of Court of common Pleas & General Sessions, of the State & remain- ed so till he died. — Joseph Otis Esq. was appointed Brigadier Genl and remained so through war. Those Ancient Patriots were  were  wagon  devoted into the cause of Freedom & writes all the  pursuit of freedom & Independence  Humanity  for No earthly Tribunal would stay their progress, right or day, cold or hot, Storm or Fair, if they saw  the it Necessary to Persevere, they were ready by their manly Courage & undaunted Bravery to lead, and direct, & advise, what was best to be done to defeat our then common Enemy. It was  no sooner said by them what was best to be done, and their will  it was Instantly Obeyed. Then  then we never failed To give an account of ourselves or we should  now have been  not be here To tell our own story for our- Selves
Wm Hall John Thacher James Allyn
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

At Boston on the third day of August A.D. 1831, Personally appeared the said William Hall, John Thacher, and James Allyn, and made oath that the matter set forth in the statement above by them subscribed, are all true, according to their respective knowledge & belief.
Before William Davis Justice of Peace
Hall, Wm. Mass. R4490 1/2

REJECTED
44902
P. O.
William Hall
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
Cape Cod Mass
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
Part of Dis...

(3-223.)
No. 21.879
att Ray
RECEIVED
Examined by Buratts a newspaper man - Oct 24/83
_____, Ex'r.
OLD WAR INVALID.
William Hall of Mfs P.O. Pri Col Hallett Mass troops
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18 .
Discharged: _____, 18 .
Application filed: _____, 18 .
Alleged:

1938 / 1 -
P. O.
William Hall
Service: _____
Enlisted: REJECTED _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Rev
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

papers enclosed to H. Reed June 11 th 1821 see letter.
Rejected
July 21 1821
see letter
Lee Children Boston Mass

To the Honorable Senate & House of Representatives of the United States, respect- fully represents William Hall of Boston Massachusetts.
That your petitioner was engaged in many important and dangerous ser- vices for the United States, in the war of the Revolution; that he served as minute- man, shorewatch, scout and messenger during a considerable portion of said war as is more particularly set forth in the accompanying documents; that he was in several skirmishes with marauding parties of the enemy, and that he receiv- ed in said service a bodily injury which for many years greatly impaired his means of obtaining a livelihood, and at length has totally destroyed said means.
Your petitioner further represents that he has made application to the Secretary of War for the grant of a

pension under the act of Congress of June 7 th 1832 the result of which will appear in the accompanying documents, x and that your petitioner is advised that there is no existing law under, which he can obtain relief.
Wherefore your petitioner respectfully requests that Congress would take his case into consideration and grant him such relief as they in their wisdom may deem just and expedient. Dated at Boston May 1 st 1834 William Hall WH
* No documents sent to the office - S. Burch - May 9. 1834

Petition
of William Hall Maf Serg t Boston Ch t Hallett Maf
May 9 - 1834
Ref d to Com ee on Rev. Pensions
Dec r 11. 1834
Ref d to Com ee on Rev. Pensions
Feb y 10 1835 - Com ee disch d - to be
April 1. 1836
Ref d to Com ee on Rev. Pensions
April 22 d 1836
Com ee disch d - to be
May 19 1836
Ref d to the Com ee on Invalid Pensions
June 2 d 1836 - Com ee disch d - to be
June 25. dis d by Lins
2) Recd G. R. P. Pensions
Recd 4. Rev. Pensions Invalid Pensions

Petition of Mrs. Hull for a Pension
W. Lloyd
Dear Sirs,

24 Cong 1 Sep. 3
Petition
of William Hall for a pension on account of Revolutionary services
1836, June 11 referred to com: on Pensions " July 1. Discharged
5
R.
W. Hubbard

To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled The Petition of William Hall of Boston formerly of Yarmouth in the County of Barnstable State of Massachusetts Respectfully sets forth that on the 28 th day of June in the year 1775. your petitioner was called into the service of the United States to obtain the number of the Forces then assembled at Barnstable Court House (with the intention of interrupting the Court), & immediately after he was required to become one of the party to watch the movements of the British Privateers then on the Coast & continued in this service during the whole of the War when not engaged in executing other orders from the field Officers On duty, that he was occasionally put in charge of the Teams engaged in collecting provender & removing 3000 Barrels of flour and various other amputations down to the end of the War all of which will sufficiently appear by reference to the Documents & Testimonials herewith forwarded Your Petitioner begs your honorable Body to take his case into consideration and to place him on the Pension list for such an amount as his services entitles him to & he as in duty bound will pray — Your Petitioner begs leave further to represent that in a skirmish with the British in or about the year 1777 he received a severe gunshot wound in the left wrist & that in the year 1779 he received another wound that endangered his life for many years & from which he has never entirely recovered
May 1836
Wm Hall

Memorill N o 1
The Memorial of William Hall to the Senate & House of Representatives of the U.S.A. in Congress assembled
Jan. 28. 1833
Ref d to Com ee on Rev. Claims
Revol. Claim
Feb. 6. 1833
Ref d to Com ee on Rev. Pensions
Feb 12 1833
desch d - to lie
Feb. 1833
Ref d to Com ee on Invalid Pensions E C Reed 7 dis Hts Mrs. Penn
Wm Hall dis 2
Hts Penn.

To the Senate & House of Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled the Petition & Memorial of William Hall Late of the County of Barnstable in the State of Massachusetts Represents & Respectfully Sits forth — That he was engaged in the Old Revolutionary War that on the 28 th of June in AD 1775 he was at Barnstable at the stopping the First British Court & help put in the First whig court & hearing the First Liberty Pole in the State if not in the United States, & the opening & closing of sd Court & Heard the first sound from the Crier God save the People or the then Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Also was one of the Happy number of taking three Thousand Barrels of Powder or thereabouts with in six or eight ours sail of Generall Gage's Army & in about four days & an Half placed every Barrel in the enemy's enemyes Stores on the
common for Generall Washingtons Army without allowing any diminution of any of it what ever — Also many other Severivesses which is more fully set forth In my statement of Facts & Sworn to before the Honorable Judge Davis Judge of the District Court for the Dist District of Boston & Salem on the 3 rd day of August AD 1831 signed William Hall John Thatcher & James Allyn
we served our Country at least to say seven Months of the year to the end of the War in AD 1783
Your Honorable Bodys in AD 1832 the 7 th of June Passed an act that the Maria should receive their pay the same as those whom served or enlisted during the war — Having become a resident of the City of Washington

I have sent to Boston & Barnstable & obtained which was thought Necessary by the Civil Authority to enable me to receive My Pension Agreeable to the Provisions of sd act but am Refused to receive any thing from the War Department
I therefor submit to your Honorable Prods This my Memorall & Petition with all the accom- panying Documents & Is in duty bound will,
ever Pray
William Hall William Hall

Barnstable Jan'y 15 th 1833.
Mr. J. Reed
Sir enclosed is a document for W m Hall at Washington, which has been duly authenticated by John Thaxter, you will hand it to him.
Yours &c. Asa Young

House of Rep Jan 21 1833
Sir
The Bearer William Hall
I will know Asa Young of Barnstable J.P. Rev & I know he is a dustbin of Pleas J.P. Rev
as I have learned from him and his relatives & friends was born in the Town of Yarmouth & remained there until after the revolutionary war - Since that time & some years before I took up my residence at Yarmouth he removed & as I have understood has resided, the principal part of the time at Boston There is no minister now alive that lived there when he was there. From what I have seen & heard and known I believe him an honest man & a man of truth -
I also well know John Thacher who has testified in his case & considering his testimony as entitled to belief
With Respect
James L. Edwards Esq. Your & John Reed
N.B. There is no court now sitting in Barnstable County & the court of Pleas will not sit until April next J Reed

COPY.
War Department,
Pension Office, March-- 1833.
Sir:
Your claim has been examined. The declaration is materially defective in not setting forth as the regulations require the period, term & grade of each tour of service with the names of officers &c. - No allowance can be made for any service which is not set forth distinctly in relation to those points. It should also distinctly appear that the service was a military and actual in some organized & embodied corps in the field or garrison.
The credibility of the witnesses is not duly certified nor the official character & signature of the Magistrate who administered the oaths duly certified by the proper officer under his seal of office. The affidavits themselves are objectionably defective in the use of general terms affirming the whole facts of the narrative, instead of detailing those facts & the circumstances by which they acquired their knowledge of them.
A material objection to the admission of your claim is to be founded upon the allegation that you were ordered out in the Militia of Barnstable at the age of 13. There was no authority to order out men who were not enrolled in the Militia and none could be enrolled at that age. Your claim is therefore suspended & your papers placed on file.
Mr. Wm. Hall,
Present.

Copy
Dept. of War.
Pension Office
Jan 21, 1834
Sir
The documents in support of the claim of William Hall have been examined and placed on our files.
It cannot be conceived that a lad of ten or eleven years old could or would be employed as a Sergeant, and the proof of the other service as a minute man and scout is so confused and indefinite that the claim cannot be admitted.
J L Child Esq
Boston
Mass

William Hall
Act 7. June 1835
District of Columbia
Suspended la let.
per to let: Mar,
1833
HH 90 1/2

House of Representatives June 14 th 1834
Sir
The Committee on Pensions request You to furnish whatever evidence may be in Your Possession to support the Claim to a pension in behalf of William Hall of Boston Massachusetts.
With Respect Yr Ob. t Serv. t
John Reed
William Hall is the old man who was at this city & I dare say often at Your office. I think winter before last Please to send the information to me. J. Reed.

I Jonathan Hanes of Dennis County of Barnstable and State of Massachusetts I am now Eighty one years of age - enlisted in the militia in the Spring of the year A.D. 1776 in the Company Command- ed by Micah Chapman for and during the war as a minut man Subject to call at all times Micajah Lewis Lieutenant Jeremiah Ensigns Enoch Hallet Colonel Nathaniel Freeman General I saw William Hall then of that part of Yarmouth which is now Dennis aforesaid and have known him ever since and often time saw said William Hall riding up and down the County and I supposed he was employed by the officers of the militia Dennis August 3 rd 1833 Jonathan Hanes
Barnstable ss Dennis August 3 rd 1833 then personally appeared the above named Jonathan Hanes and made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed before me Ben Hanes Justice peace
I do hereby certify that I have been personally acquainted with the above named Jonathan Hanes for more than forty years and that he has ever sustained a good character for truth and honesty Ben Hanes

I hereby certify to the Pension Department to whom it may concern that I well know Orin Howes who officiated as a Justice in taking the within deposition, I know said Orin Howes is a Justice of the Peace, The Clerk of our Court is quite indisposed & I suppose unable to make a certificate
Yarmouth Aug 6 th 1833.
John Reed
Member of Congress for Barnstable District Mass cts

(A) I Wm Hall of Boston County of Suffolk & Commonwealth of Mass. I shall be 69 years old the 14 of September next which was Born in Yarmouth the county of Barnstable State A four said My Father Died in my Infancy in 1764 my mother Married Capt Ebenezer Gorham in 1768 or nine & moved to Barnstable where we lived Till 1778 my Father by law Capt Ebenezer Gorham followed the westing trade & was supposed to be lost sea 1772 or 3 as he never was heard of since in the spring of 1775 there was & independent company formed about the time of Lexington Battle James Perkins was capt Daniel Davis Lieut Thomas Perkins in since I was the first sergeant we were on drill 2 or 3 times a week for about 2 years on the 28 of June 1775 I was at the stopping the first British cost in Barnstable & putting in the first whig cost in the month July as near as I can remember on Sunday a large armed Schoon- er came in to the harbor on Sunday in the time of divine service in the forenoon in the afternoon in service time I myself saw a large number of men about one mile from the House of pub- -lic service driving the cattle to gather in a place called Con- -monfields where some left the House ran for the place where we were discovered they a number of cattle halted to the No of 9 as near I can remember they ran for their Boats to the No 30 or 40 men there proved to be 3 Boats they were fired on one appeared to be mortally wounded some after in the month August 5 fishing Boats out from Bass River at a place called Britlers hole was called on by a large sloop for a pilot they all went on board Rose on his run his into the mouth of Bass river where the Pilot was carted across the cape & then Rowed & sailed in Boats to situate & thence from there carted to Genl Washington's army at Cambridge with out any diminution what ever at that time it was sup- -posed to be from 2 to 3 thousand Barrels after this the Enemy so closely besieged Boath sides of cape Cod that we were constantly in alarms both side of the cape at least 7 months of the year during the war in on December 24 1776 the Somerset & British 75 was cast ashore on the Back side of cape Cod said to have men on Board 300 hundred in a very distressing snow storm were said to be drowned 850 were or there abouts were said to be saved & were then march to Boston 120 or 30 miles at that Time the snow so deep & cold it proved a very distressing Time for all the Inhabitants through the country which they passed I was one of the Century to have guard

in 77 we were frequent we had an engagement near Great Island in Yarmouth where the Enemy were in pursuit of cattle we succeeded in beating them off in 78 or 9 the ship Friend ship a 44 or 50 ship was castaway 4 or 5 miles west of where the Sammersit was the Inhabitants succeeded save- ing the lives of the whole & all her Larkling & app- erell as near as I remember she had 385 men in the spring of 1788 I was requested by Capt Chapman to get along to water our horses on our general alarms as the nowator for six miles I did so but being disappointed of help I expended & ingerd my self which rendered me unfit for milia- tary duty I then was called by the Field Officers & Col d Pallat Miss Debatty to go in pursuit of Capt Bangs who left Harwich in the County of Barnstable as a pilot on board of British Man of war on our
cost which distressed our commerce to a great degree as also there was reason to mistrust so many Tories in the country I was ordered by the General Officers of the country to be constantly on the look out & was as a mined man to go to any part of the country as ordered
 Capt Chapman directed to be sure to return to the ship before dark & to be sure to return to the ship 
William Hall

I Ebenezer Taylor of Yarmouth in the County of Barnstable & State of Massachusetts, aged Seventy Two years the twentieth day of November next Do hereby testify & say that from childhood I had been acquainted with Mr William Hall, when he lived in the East part of Barnstable. The first time I ever saw Mr Hall in the public service, was his assisting in transporting a cargo of flour taken from a vessel bound to Boston to General Gage's army. I was taken in the year one Thousand Seven Hundred & seventy five by Capt Samuel Gannis & others in a place on the South side of Cape Cod, called Butlers hole & conveyed across the Cape & sent in boats from the Cape on to Cambridge to General Washington's army. I also was, some years after in company with said Hall at a place called Great Island on the South side of Yarmouth aforesaid. When the enemy had landed in pursuit of battle & we were engaged in firing with the enemy for the most part of one afternoon & thereby prevented them from taking possession of any. I have reason to believe that said Hall was employed by Col. Boreel Hatch, then High Sheriff of the aforesaid County to ride through the County on public business for the most part of the Revolutionary War. - I went with others to Milford about forty miles & procured a boat and went on a hunt in the boat to transport a part of the flour to Natick or near there.

From there it was transported by land to the army at Cambridge -
The Officers in the company of Barns- table at that day were Brig. Genl. Nathaniel Freeman Col. Enock Hallett - Major Hamlin (I think Michael) - - - - -
Elizer Taylor
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Barnstable Aug. 6. 1833
Then the above named Elizer Taylor personally appear- ed and made oath that the above deposition by him subscribed is true - and I further certify that I am well ac- quainted with the said depos- ent & believe him entitled to full credit - before
Timothy Read Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that I well know Timothy Read who acted as a Justice of Peace in taking the above deposition I well know said Timothy Read is a Justice of the Peace of our Court is now sick & I suppose unable to certify I therefore make this certificate to the Pension Department
Barnstable Aug. 6 th 1833
John Read { Member of Congress for Barnstable District Mass.

I James Allen of Boston in the County of Suffolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged eighty one years on oath depose and say that I was born in Barnstable in the County Barnstable and Commonwealth aforesaid and resided there until I was twenty four years of age, after which I resided in said Boston about one year, then returned to said Barn- stable and continued there until the the last twenty four years, during which I have resided in said Bos- ton. Throughout the Revolutionary war I was a volunteer in the service of the United States and was con- stantly enrolled enrolled and render- ing service or ready at a minutes warning so to do. I was frequently called out with more or less of the regiment, commanded by Col Enoch Hallett, but generally with our company only, commanded by Capt George Lewis. These

calls were to watch the enemy's vessels protect the coast and repel invasions. I know William Hall and have known him from about the twelfth year of his age. He was a native of Yarmouth, or that part thereof now called Dennis . He came to Barnstable to Barnstable with his mother and elder brothers about the year 1770, and I then became acquainted with his said brothers and some time afterwards viz a few days after the Bunker Hill Battle I became acquainted with said Hall himself. We met first at the stopping of the King's Court of Common Pleas for the County of Barnstable. On that occasion about 1600 whigs and 600 Tories were assembled in and about the Court House. About this time a volunteer company of young men under sixteen years of age to act as minute men was formed in Barnstable and said Hall entered therein. I well recollect several occasions on which he performed services

to his country. Under the immediate orders of Col Hallett said Hall went on a convoy of flour to Gen Wash- ington's army at Cambridge, said flour having been captured from an enemy's vessel by Fishermen of Yarmouth. It was carried by water in whale boats, to Scituate, and thence by land to Cambridge. In the year 1776 or 7 the British landed from their ten- ders in said Barnstable, at a place called Common Field, about a mile from the meeting House Their object was to take & carry off cattle. Said Hall and other minute men ran to the spot. The enemy's party had got some cattle and were driving them toward their boats, when our men came up and fired upon them. One was wounded & they made their escape leaving the cattle behind them. I was not present at this affair, being then at Boston, but was informed of it at the time and have stated it as I then heard it. Said Hall

was detailed for various services by the said Col Hallett. On one occasion, he was ordered to provide a watering trough for the horses of the regi- ment. In executing this order he was obliged (not being accompani- ed and assisted according to the in- tentions of the colonel) to lift and load a heavy log alone. This exertion caused him a very bad rupture, which has prevented his doing any heavy work ever since. After this Col Hallett employed said Hall to act as a spy or scout, particularly to watch and inform of the movements and plans of the Tories. I will recollect seeing said Hall riding over the country and particularly the county of Barnstable on this business, in which, I think, he continued till the end of the war.
Said Hall inherited about $2000 from his father, but the person in whose hands it was, took advantage of the James M c Agyn

tender law to pay it over in deprecated paper, when the paper was worth but one for a hundred This circumstance was notorious, and the subject of much talk in Barnstable as a very wicked and dishonorable thing on the part of the execu- tor who did it, one Sylvanus Gorham by name. And further the deponent saith not  James Allen 20 Aug 1833
I further testify and say that John Thacher of Barnstable who was knowing to all the transactions in this affidavit mentioned, and has testified thereto, died at Barnstable about a month ago.
James Allen  Suffolk ss Commonwealth of Massachusetts I Thomas A. Phillips Clerk of the Municipal Court of the City of Boston hereby certify that James Allen above named made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit, by him subscribed before said Municipal Court. Attest Thomas A. Phillips Clerk and the seal of said Court hereunto set this twentieth day of August A.D. 1833.

I hereby certify, that, from the information which I have received from persons, to whom the within named Isaac Allen is known, that I am satisfied that he is a credible person, and that faith and credit may be reposed in his statement.
Boston December 26 th . 1833.
Peter O. Thacher Judge of the Municipal Court.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Aug. 23. 1833.
* hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that I have not found any rolls of a Company commanded by Capt. Micah Chapman, in which Company William Hall claims to have served. — Many of the Rolls of the State Troops & of the Militia, known to have been in service, are missing — Edward D Bangs Secy

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Suffolk ss. Municipal Court of the city of Boston December 4-1833
Personally appeared before me the undersigned, Judge of the said Court, William Hall, who being duly sworn deposes and saith; that by reason of old age and consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned and the following grades:— For five months I served as a sergeant in Capt James Perkins company in Col Hallett's regiment at Barnstable and Yarmouth. This was from the month of June as nearly as I can recollect in 1775. Daniel Davis was a lieutenant in the same company:— For six months I served as sergeant under the officers aforesaid at said Barnstable and at Hyannis:— For one month I served as sergeant under the officers aforesaid in conveying prisoners of the Somerset man of war from said Barnstable to Boston. These two last mentioned periods were in the year 1776:— For four months, viz in the year 1777, I served as a sergeant in said Perkins company and as a private in Capt Joshua Gray's company in said Hallett's regiment at Barnstable and at Great Island or Nyctea Island:— For five months viz in the year 1778 I served as a private at Yarmouth and other places on the Cape under Capt Micah Chapman in Col Hallett's Regiment. Micajah Sears was 1 st and James Howe 2 d lieutenant of the company. For one month in 1779 I served under the same officers until I received an injury in lifting and after that I served three months under the command of said Hallett as a watch and kept a sentry boat to observe vessels coming to Scorton or Sandy Neck to get provision for the enemy. For six summer months

In 1700, beginning in the month of April and during the same period in the two succeeding years, I served as a scout and watch pursuing Tories, intercepting provisions and keeping a look out along the coast under the command of said Hallett. And during all the aforesaid period I was not employed in any civil pursuit. All the services aforesaid were rendered by me as a minute man. William Hall
Signed and sworn to on January 4 th 1834. in open court before me Peter O. Thacher Judge
At a special session of the Municipal Court of the City of Boston, held at said Boston, on the fourth day of January A.D. 1834. The above named William Hall after examination, made solemn oath to the truth of the contents of the foregoing affidavit. And the court doth further certify that it is his opinion that the said William Hall did serve as a Revolutionary Soldier as he states. And the judge, referring to his certificate on the application of the said Hall, which hath heretofore been before the Honorable Secretary of the War Department and hath been examined by J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions, doth further certify that he hath known the said Applicant for many years, and hath no reason to doubt the truth of his statement.
Peter O. Thacher Judge of the Municipal Court of the
City of Boston Commonwealth of Massachusetts I, Thomas D. Phillips, Clerk of the Municipal Court of the City of Boston, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of William Hall for a pension. Also that the Honorable Peter O. Thacher is sole Judge of said Court and that the signatures on this paper purporting to be his, are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this fourth day of January A.D. eighteen hundred & thirty four.
Thomas D. Phillips Clerk

No 2 The Deposition of John Thaxter & James Allyn

District of Columbia } Washington County viz } On this 7 th day of November 1832 personally appeared before the Subscriber one of the United States Justices of the Peace in & for Washington County in the District aforesaid William Wall late of Boston at present residing in Washington City in the said District aged Sixty Nine years who being first duly sworn according to law cloth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provi- sion made by the Act of Congress passed 7 th of June 1832 - That on the last Tuesday in June 1775. He was ordered out in the Militia of Barnstable in the State of Massachusetts, to stop the pro- ceedings of the British Court then sitting in that County, that he continued in service until the month of December when the severity of the Winter set in - That in the Winter of 1776 he was called to assist in capturing a British 74. that was cast on shore on the

Back of Cape Cod said to have on board 1150 Men 300 of whom were said to have been drowned the rest were manured to Boston. The next spring & summer the County organized a Shore Watch to keep the privateers from landing & plundering the citizens of which party Lieutenant Mase one In the spring of 1776 when the British left Boston for Halifax there was a laborious & watchful duty required of the same Militia for many days That in the spring 1778. he was ordered by Colonel Hall let to watch the movements of a British Men of War said to have on board a certain David Bangs who had entered as a Pilot, that he pursued the said Ship & made several important disco- veries, which occupied at least one month. about that time he moved his family to Yarmouth on a farm. That in the spring of 1779, he was ordered by Captain Chapman to adopt a plan to furnish a supply of Water for their horses when engaged in excursions against the enemy That by over exertion in procuring logs for that purpose he got so injured that he was un- able to do Military duty for two years, but was occupied in riding & hunting horses in that

Situation that the whole time he served in the Militia under these circumstances exceeded four years - That he served under Captain M c Chapm in Col t Healleys Regiment, That he has no documen- tary evidence to produce.
We hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the agency of any State -
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Will. Webb. J.P.
William Hall
Suffolk ss. Boston Nov 24. 1882
On this twenty third day of November A. D. 1832. appeared before me  in court James Allen aged eighty years and upwards and made oath that the facts and circumstances as above stated in the petition subscribed by the said William Hall, were to him generally the said James Allen personally known to be and that the same are true.
James Allen
Subscribed & sworn before me
David Lee Child Jus: Peace

Barnstable ss. Barnstable January 16 th A. 1833. Personally appeared this sixteenth day of January A. 1833. Before me John Thacher of said Barnstable aged eighty one years and upwards, and made oath that the facts and circumstances as stated in the within petition subscribed by William Hall were to him the said John Thacher personally known, and the same are true.
Subscribed and,
John Thacher
Sworn to before me Asa Young Justice of the Peace.