Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 13,245, Aaron Hatfield, New Jersey

SERVICE
NUMBER
New Jersey
Hatfield, Aaron
S 13,245
CONTENTS
Carded.

+ Albany 17211 + New Jersey 17211
Aaron Hatfield
of Essex Co in the State of New Jersey who was a Private in the Co commanded by Captain Brittain of the Regt commanded by _____ in the New Jersey line for 14 months
13 do Infantry 43.33 1 do Artillery 4.17 47.50
Inscribed on the Roll of New Jersey at the rate of 47 Dollars 50 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 a day of Aug t 1830 and sent to _____ Cheswood Elizabethtown N.J.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1831. 95.00 Pensant. allowance ending Sept 23 23.75 $118.75
{ Revolutionary Claim, } Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by _____ Clerk, Book _____ Vol. _____ Page 115.
see let. H. K. Averill, Sept. 9 th 34 - to transfer -
see Tra. Cer. 6 th Oct. 1834
see do. do. 22 nd June 1835
To Albany from 4 th Mail 1834 June 30 th 1835
see let. Penn. Aug t 31 st 35
see cir. Tra. Sept. 25 th 1835
To New York from 4 th Mail 1834 Oct. 2 nd 1835

1421

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1830
State of New Jersey } ss. Borough of Elizabeth }
On this Fourth day of September A.D. 1892 personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the Borough of Elizabeth in the County of Essex and State of New Jersey now sitting Aaron Hostfield a resident of the township of Elizabeth in the County and State aforesaid aged Seventy five — 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. 1830
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.
That while he resided in the township of Elizabeth aforesaid, in the year and month in which the British landed on Staten Island which was in 1776 being 19 years of age for the first time, he volunteered in the New Jersey Militia in the Infantry service, on monthly duty, in the Company commanded by Captain Wadsworth 1st & 2nd which does not recollect whether at that time the company belonged to any particular Regiment but if it did he has forgotten He joined the company at Elizabeth Town, and marched to Staten Island then officers was there when the British landed on Staten Island. Saw them land and march up the hill at the water's place. Remained there a few days, & returned to Eliz th Town and assisted in erecting the fort and breast works at the shore on the sound in said township, and kept

guard on the lines to prevent the enemy from crossing over into New Jersey, from Staten Island where they lay at this time. Served the month out and was dismissed.
In the fall of 1776, he thinks it was in the beginning of the month of November, he volunteered in the Militia again, and went to New Brunswick in the County of Middlesex in the State aforesaid, and was put in the Infantry under Command of Captain Britton - he does not recollect whether he was under any particular Colonel - he remained with the Company a short time at New Brunswick, and then was marched to Morristown in the County of Morris State of New Jersey and was stationed there a short time, he can not say how long - and from thence marched through Bottle Hill and Chatham to Springfield in the County of Essex where the Company took up their winter quarters, during the winter he frequently went down to the shore on the lines to keep guard and prevent the enemy from crossing, and the whole of the winter was very much exposed and suffered much in the service of the Militia under Capt. Britton - in the month of May following, he was dismissed from service for a while, on relief, after having continued under Captain Britton in the service of the Militia for six successive months.

The next service which he remembers, was in the three months service under the Command of Captain Jacob Crane Wm Simmons & Sons - David Jaynes & Sons - Lieut. Colonel Garrison Ensign from Westfield Township, he was stationed at Elizabeth town, and kept guard on the lines at Elizabeth town down over to Wallabout Point - He recollects that John Hendrick, Richard Clark and Charles Marsh belonged to the same Company - he thinks this service was in the winter of 1777 but can not say with certainty what months he served it -
In the Spring of 1777 he volunteered in the artillery in the Militia service - can not state the months with certainty, - he performed duty in this service for one month under the Command of William Garthwait (as he thinks) and the Company was stationed in Elizabeth town and quartered in the Barracks in that town, - he can not say to what Regiment the Company belonged to any particular Regiment - and of it now he has forgotten the officers.
In the summer of 1777 he volunteered in the infantry under Command of Captain Amos Marsh of Rahway and was stationed in Rahway township for the space of one month, on monthly duty, and quartered in a house opposite the Meeting House - Name Norris was Lieutenant of the Company -
In the fall of 1777 he was on monthly duty as a volunteer and was stationed in the township of Aquackanonk in the County of Essex, and lay at the Bridge, - he does not now recollect the name of the Captain - while on this tour of monthly duty he marched with the Company

under the Command of General Wind, to Para- -Mun and from thence to the Fort at Hackensack in the County of Bergen.
In the month of June 1780 he was on Monthly duty and served a month in the infantry under the com- mand of Captain John Craig, and was stationed at the Wheat Sheaf now in Rahway township - during this tour of duty the Company went on alarm to the Battle at Springfield - he recollects seeing Captain William Shute of the Continental army at that Battle - the enemy burned the Church and many of the dwelling houses in Springfield at this engagement - he pursued the enemy on their retreat to Elizabetta Port and kept up a constant fire upon them -
The above are the only tours of duty which he can re- collect with any certainty, he has performed other tours which at present he can not enumerate - - He volunteered in all times of alarm and turned out at every opportunity which was afforded to destroy and harass the enemy during the whole period of the war. - Abraham Mann who was an appren- tice to his father during a part of the war turned out with him on two occasions and went to the shore on the lines at Hoback Point, and attacked two boats filled with the enemy, and fired upon them, and on one of these occasions they stood the thick fire from the Boat until the enemy landed,

and compelled them to retreat - And this deponent further states that he is dependant upon the charity of his friends for his support and would be glad to receive from the Government of the United States, something to sustain him in his declining years, as in part an equivalent for the service which he rendered to his Country in the day of her peril -
He knows of no person living whose testimony he can procure, who can testify to all his particular services -
In the time of the war he was acquainted with General Washington & General M'Intosh - he was also acquainted with Col: Alin Spencer, Col: Nathaniel Ogden, Col: Francis Barker, Col: Elias Dayton Lord Sterling of the American Army - with Captain Jonathan Dayton, Capt: Aaron Ogden, Capt: William Shute - Lieut: Moses Ogden who was killed at the engagement at Connecticut Army, with a musket ball shot through his forehead -
He was born in the township of Elizabeth in the county of Essex and State of New Jersey on the thirtieth day of July - A.D. 1757 and has resided in said township since his birth - The record of his age is in his family bible in his possession -
He never received any documentary evidence of service or discharge

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 aging of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed } the day and year aforesaid }
Aaron Hatfield
We Mr. John M c Donnell a Clergyman residing in the township of Elizabetta in the County of Essex and State of New Jersey and John C. Woodruff residing in the same place hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Aaron Hatfield who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be Seventy five years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a Soldier of the Rev- olution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed } the day and year aforesaid }
John M c Donnell J. C. Woodruff
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 Revolu- tionary Soldier and served as he states. And the Court further certify that it appears to them that John M c Donnell who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman resident in the township of Elizabetta in the County of Essex aforesaid

and that John C Woodruff who also signed the same is a resident in the township of Elizabeth aforesaid, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Francis H. Chittenden, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas at the Borough of Elizabeth, the same being a Court of Record in the County of Essex and State of New Jersey, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Aaron H. Field for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this fourth day of September Eighteen Hundred and Thirty Six.
J. B. Matthews, Clerk

State of New Jersey } ss. Borough of Elizabeth }
Abraham Mann of the township of Elizabeth in the County of Essex and State of New Jersey being duly sworn according to law on his oath says that he is well acquainted with Aaron Hotfield of the township aforesaid, that he knew the said Aaron to perform service in the Revolutionary war, in the Militia of New Jersey but is not able to say for what length of time - that the said Aaron did perform one monthly tour of duty in the same Company with this deponent and was stationed with him (in the then township of Rahway) at the place called the wheat Sheaf for one month under the Command of Captain Moses or Capt. Craig - that while on this duty which was in the month of June 1780 the said Aaron marched with him on alarm to the Battle of Springfield and fought the enemy at that battle - that the said Aaron assisted in preparing defences for the five months service, and this deponent further says that after his return from Long Island in the said service he understood that the said Aaron had been out on monthly duty -
Subscribed and sworn this 5th day of September 1832, before me
A. Woodruff Recorder
Abraham Mann I certify that Abraham Mann who subscribed and was sworn to the above affidavit is a man of credibility & statements are entitled to full credence.
State of New Jersey } Borough of Elizabeth }
Is: J. Francis B. Chetwood Clerk of the Borough of Elizabeth in the County of Essex
A. Woodruff Recorder

and state aforesaid and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the same hereby certify that Aaron Woodruff before whom the foregoing affidavit of Abraham Mann was subscribed and sworn, at the time of taking the said affidavit was and still is Recorder of the Borough aforesaid and a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the same, duly Commissioned and sworn, residing therein, and as such, is authorized to take affidavits, and I further certify that I am acquainted with the handwriting of the said Recorder, and that the signature "Aaron Woodruff Recorder" to the foregoing affidavit subscribed is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the said Court at Elizabeth Town in the Borough aforesaid this twentieth day of June A. D. 1833
J. H. Hutton, Clerk

State of New Jersey Borough of Elizabeth } ss.
Charles Marsh of the township of Westfield in the County of Essex and State aforesaid being duly sworn according to law on his oath, says that he was acquainted with Aaron Hotchkiss in the time of the Revolutionary war, and that the said Aaron performed duty in the service of the United States, in the New Jersey Militia - that the said Aaron was in the 3 months service with deponent in the winter of 1777 and continued therein until April 1777 under the Command of Captain Jacob Evans and was stationed in Elizabeth Town - This deponent also knows of his own knowledge that the said Aaron served 1 month in the Company of which deponent was a member, in erecting the fortifications at Elizabeth Town Point in 1776 -
Charles Marsh
Taken & Subscribed before me this 4th day of Septm 1832
I certify that Charles Marsh who subscribed & was sworn to the above affidavit is a man of credibility and his statements are entitled to full credit
A. Woodruff
Recorder
A. Woodruff Recorder
I, Francis B. Chittenden Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the Borough of Elizabeth the same being a Court of Record in the County of Essex and State of New Jersey do hereby certify that Aaron Woodruff above whom the foregoing affidavit was taken is Recorder of the Borough aforesaid and a Judge of the said Court duly commissioned and sworn, and as such is authorized to take affidavits, and that I am acquainted with the handwriting of the said Recorder and that the signature "A. Woodruff Recorder" to the foregoing  above affidavit, is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this Sixth day of September 1832
F. B. Chittenden, Clerk

9421 17-11 Aaron Hotchkiss N.J.
Return
Adm. L. G. G. D. Monmouth. Monmouth thereof Artillery.
Return Francis B. Smith
Elizabeth town N. Jersey

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
25 th May 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 Sarah Mitchell N.J.
   Period when the service was rendered Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant Name and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Name and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Yrs. Months. Days.     1776 volun d 1 Private 1 st Brigade N.Y. 75 born in Essex   " " 6 " 1 st Contin t Col l forgotten N.D. 1 st Cont t and N.J. 1 st entered the service there and lives there now.   1777 serv d 3 " 1 st Cont t at Red Bank at Red Bank Left Guard of Town   " volun d 1 " 1 st Cont t Point different places in N.J. a living witness proves the 3 rd serv d   " " 1 " 1 st Cont t Battle of Spring Field one other witness proves the 1 st serv d   1780 June serv d 1 1 st Cont t he has given all the certificate of a clergyman and one citizen  
he performed may also tend to prove, and length of time is not forgotten
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

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

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance. [b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned. [d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served. [e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; 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.
ms ms ms ms ms ms ms ms

May 20, 1932
Mr. R. M. Hatfield 5871 Romaine Place St. Louis Missouri
BA-J/MCS XXXXXXXXXXXXX Aaron Hatfield S. 13245 aw
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter requesting information in regard to Aaron Hatfield, a soldier of the Revolution.
The data furnished herein were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, S. 13245, based upon the military service of Aaron Hatfield.
He was born July 30, 1757, in Elizabeth Township, Essex County, New Jersey and lived there until 1834.
He enlisted in 1776, at the time the British landed on Staten Island, and served at various times until June, 1780, amounting to fourteen months in all, as private with the New Jersey troops under Captains Nehemiah Wade, Brittin, Jacob Crane, William Garthwait, Amos Morse, John Scudder and John Craig, and Colonel Samuel Potter and was in the battle of Springfield. He also served on various short tours during alarms, no details given.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 4, 1832.
He moved to Plattsburg, New York, in April, 1834. His wife, her name not given, was then dead, and he moved there to live with his daughter. Her given name was not stated but she was the wife of Silas Halsey who was a major in the United States Army. In 1835 the soldier moved to New York City to live with his children, their names not given.
The above noted is the history of the only Aaron Hatfield that is found in the Revolutionary War records of this office.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator

E. Ames
Sept 28 - '35
Aaron Hatfield
Mr. Greene Oct 1st

James L Edwards Esq Comm d of Pension
Mech d & Farmer Bank Pension Agency Albany Sept 28 1835
Sir
In reply to your letter of the 25 th Inst t we have to state that it appears by our Books that Aaron Hatfield a Private at $47- 50 / 100 per annum was last paid to the 4 th of March 1834—
I am Very Respectfully Your Ob t Serv t .
Thos M c Cluskey

Penfield Office
PAID
Mr. Secretary of War Washington
Mr. Secretary of War

State of New Jersey } Borough of Elizabeth } ss. Personally appeared before the subscriber an Alderman of the Borough of Elizabeth and a Judge of the Court of Com- mon Pleas in and for the same, Aaron Hostfield of the township of Elizabeth in the Borough aforesaid who being duly sworn on his oath says that, the 3 months service mentioned in his declaration under- Capt. Jacob Crane  Hutton , was rendered in the New Jersey State Troops Service in the manner, under the officers and at the station in his declaration mentioned, and ac- cording to the best of his recollection Col. Samuel Potter commanded the Regiment -
That Capt. John Scudder commanded the Company in which he served one month in the fall of 1777 at Acquia- nack, according to the best of his recollection & belief -
He has made diligent enquiry to find surviving wit- nesses to his service, but can find no other persons who served with him at any time during the war, than Charles Marsh and Abraham Munn, - whose affidavits he has procured -
That by reason of old age and the consequent loss of mem- ory, he can not swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recol- lection he served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the following grades. For Ten months I served a private in the New Jersey Militia, For Three months I served in the New Jersey State Troops, a private. For one month I served, a private in the artillery ser- vice of the New Jersey Militia, and for such service I claim a pension.
Subscribed and sworn

This 20 th day of June A.D. 1833 before me
Aaron Hatfield
Edward Price Alderman
State of New Jersey
Borough of Elizabeth } ss.
I Francis B. Chetwood Clerk of the Borough of Elizabeth in the County of Essex and State aforesaid, and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the same, hereby certify that Edward Price before whom the foregoing affidavit of Aaron Hatfield was subscribed and sworn, at the time of taking the said affidavit was and still is an Alderman of the Borough aforesaid, and a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the same, duly commissioned and sworn, residing therein and as such is duly authorized to take affidavits, and I further certify that I am acquainted with the handwriting of the said Alderman, and that the signature "Edward Price Alderman" to the said affidavit subscribed is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the said Court at Elizabeth Town in the Borough aforesaid this twentieth day of June A.D. 1833.
F. B. Chetwood, Clerk

N.
N.J.
Aug 20.
2. AL 2 -J-
Yue 18 1/4
J. L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Elizabeth Town N. J. Aug. 17 1835
Sir
Some time since I addressed you in relation to the order given from your department to the Pension agent at Trenton N. J. to withhold any further payment to me on account of my pension, until the further order of your department, to which letter I have received no reply. It is my intention to draw my annuity in future from the St. J. agency and as the time for payment is close at hand I will be much obliged to you to give the necessary orders to the agent at Trenton to make payment of my annuity to myself or attorney and advise me of the same.
Very Respectfully
Your Obed. Servt.
Aaron Hatfield
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions

APPLICATION FOR A TRANSFER.
County of New York
ss.
On this Twenty first day of September 1885, before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace  Notary Public for the said County of New York personally appeared Aaron Hatfield who, on his oath, declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain Jacob Crane in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Samuel Potter in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of New Jersey, and was transferred to the pension roll at Albany N.Y. from whence he has lately removed; that he now resides in the State  City (District, or Territory,) of New York where he intends to remain, and wishes his pension to be there payable, in future. The following are his reasons for removing from Plattsburgh State of New York to the city of New York , to reside with his children who dwell in the city of New York .
Sworn and subscribed to, before me, } the day and year aforesaid. }
Note = The words "Notary Public, interlined, and Justice of the Peace erased, & the words "was transferred to the pension roll at Albany N.Y., the word City, interlined, & the words State (District or Territory) erased before execution"
Aaron Hatfield
John Lester Spencer Notary Public
The oath to be taken before a duly qualified Magistrate, whose official character and signature must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. The county Clerk, Secretary of State, or some other officer, certify, under his seal of office, that the officer who administered the oath is a Justice of the Peace, Judge, Commissioner, or Notary Public, as the case may be, and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine. The oath must be supported by the testimony of some respectable person, as to the Pensioner's identity. He must swear that the person who has taken the above oath is the person described in the affidavit. The Magistrate must also swear that the witness is a person of veracity; and the affidavit must also be authenticated in the manner above.

(Under Act of 7th June, 1832.)
City and County of } ss. New-York, }
Be it known, That before me, SYLVESTER SPENCER , a Notary Public, in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Aaron Hatfield and made oath, in due form of law, that he is the identical person named in an original Certificate, in his possession of which (I certify) the following is a true copy:
WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS.
I Certify, That in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 7th of June, 1832, Aaron Hatfield of the State of New Jersey who was a Private in the Army of the Revolution
is entitled to receive Twenty Seven dollars and Fifty cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable, semi-annually, on the 4th of March and 4th of September in every year.
GIVEN AT THE WAR OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES this Tenth day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty three
(L. S.)
Examined and Countersigned,
J. S. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.
Seco Coaf Secretary at War.
That he now resides in the City of New York and has resided there for the space of about four months, past, part and that previous thereto he resided in Hattsburgh, Clinton County State of New York and previous to that in the State of New Jersey
SWORN and Subscribed before me, this 21 st day of September 183 5
Aaron Hatfield
Sylvester Spencer
Notary Public.

State of New York City and County of New York 3/1
Be it known that before me Sylvester Spencer a Notary Public in and for the City and County aforesaid, personally appeared C. S. Fisk Esq of the city of New York a respectable Witness and a person of veracity, and made oath in due form of law, that he is personally acquainted with Aaron Hatfield and knows him to be the identical person described in the Original Pension Certificate, and the affidavit which he has signed and sworn to, herunto annexed, that his name was placed upon the roll at the Agency in New Jersey, from whence he removed to Plattsburgh Clinton County State of New York, and had his name transferred to the roll of the Albany Agency, that about four months since he removed to the City of New York where he intends to make it his permanent residence with his Children, who dwell in said City, as he has no other home,,
Sworn and Subscribed before me this Twenty first day of September 1835
C. S. Fisk
Sylvester Spencer Notary Public

Albany
to
N. York

Official signature of the Magistrate.
Sylvester Spencer Notary Public
STATE OF NEW-YORK,
County of New York } ss.
I Thomas Serovich Clerk of the Common Pleas Court, of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Sylvester Spencer is a Public Notary in and for the City & County of New York duly commissioned and qualified; that his Commission is dated on the Tenth day of March 1835 and will expire on the Tenth day of March 1837 and that his signature above written is genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said County, the Twenty second day of September 1835
Th. Serovich Clerk.

County of Clinton ss
On this twenty ninth day of September 1834 before me the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace of the said County of Clinton personally appeared Aaron Hatfield who on his oath declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the Company commanded by Captain Jacob Crane, (but from failure of his memory he cannot now recollect the name of the Colonel of the Regiment) in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of New Jersey from whence he has lately removed; that he now resides in the State of New York where he intends to remain and wishes his pension to be there payable in future. The following are his reasons for removing from Elizabeth Town in the State of New Jersey to Plattsburgh in the State of New York to wit: That he has no wife, and was desirous of living with and making his home with his daughter who is the wife of Major Silas Halsey late of the United States army who resides at Plattsburgh
Sworn & Subscribed before me the day & year aforesaid
Aaron Hatfield
H. J. B. Skinner
Justice Peace
Clinton County ss
Silas Halsey late a Major in the United States army being duly sworn doth depose & say that Aaron Hatfield who has taken & subscribed the above oath is the identical person described in the above affidavit - And this deponent further saith that he has known the said Aaron Hatfield for more than thirty years and knows him to be the person therein described
Sworn & Subscribed to
Silas Halsey

this 29 th day of September AD 1834 Before me & I certify that deponent is a man of veracity St John B. Skinner Justice Peace
State of New York Clinton County }ss
I Nathan Taylor Clerk of the County of Clinton do certify that St John B. L. Skinner before whom the two foregoing affidavits were sworn is a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Clinton duly qualified and authorized to administer oaths, and that his signa- =tures to the two foregoing affidavits are genuine.
In witness whereof I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the seal of said County this twenty ninth day of September AD 1834
Nathan Taylor Clerk

N. Jersey
Aaron Hatfield
17. 259
Washington Frank D.C.
(President Office)
Hon. Secretary of War
Sept 9
FREE

Plattsburgh N.Y. Sept. 4. 1836
Sir
Inclosed is an affidavit of Aaron Hatfield late of New Jersey a Revolutionary Pensioner of the U.S. — he has lately removed to this place and is desirous of being transferred to the New York agency — The afft states that the original certificate is at the office of the N.J. agency, where it was required to be deposited — Please send a Transfer certificate as soon as convenient,
I am Respectfully Your old Enem H. K. Averill

Free
June 15.
Mr. Burdine P. 22
J. A. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.
to N. J. L.
Chase Hall 22

C. L. Edwards Esq.
Elizabeth Town June 12, 1835
Sir
While I was at Plattsburgh in the State of New York on a visit with my daughter who is married & settled there, I applied to a Magistrate to make out the necessary papers to enable me to draw my pension arrears to the 4th of March  Sept last, but was informed that I could not draw the arrears unless I was transferred to the New York Roll.
In order to effect the transfer application was made to the Pension Department in answer  in answer to which the a letter of which the following is a copy was received,
"Sir
War Department
Pension Office
December 11. 1834
"In reply to your letter of the 24th ultimo I have to inform you that no pensioner can be transferred from the Roll of one State to that of another at present."
I am respectfully
Mr. H. K. Ansell Plattsburgh
Your Obt. Servt.
C. L. Edwards
(New York)
Since receiving the letter above copied, I have returned to Elizabeth Town, and being recd. no further information in relation to being transferred, I accordingly made application to the pension agent at Trenton N. J. and received for answer that in October last he received from Mr. Edwards, Pension Commissioner a letter dated Oct. 6th 1834 saying that Mr. Hatfield would be transferred to the New York Roll & that no further payments were to be made him at Trenton, & that being the last information recd from Washington of course the money can not be obtained at Trenton under the present state of things & if he were was carried to the New York Roll the mistake should be corrected by a letter from the Pension Commissioner.
Will you have the goodness to give me such directions as will enable me to receive the arrears due me since the 4th of March 1834, & in future I should prefer to draw my arrears from Trenton N. J.
I am very respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
Horon Hatfield

New York Sept. 28. 1838.
Hon. A. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions, Washington City Sir,
I enclose you here with, the documents necessary for transferring Mr Aaron Hatfield from the Albany Pension Roll to that of this City, which he desires, —
Immediately after Mr. Hatfield drew his pension money in March 1834, at the New Jersey Agency, he petitioned for a transfer to the Roll of this State, intending to reside with a branch of his family at Plattsburgh, where he went first April 1834. After remaining there more than a year, fearing he should not obtain the transfer for which he had applied, he returned to New Jersey and applied for the year's pay due him 4 th March 1835, when he was first apprised of his having been transferred to the Albany Roll, & subsequently rec d . formal notice of it from the War Department, by way of Plattsburgh. Mr. Hatfield is now with a branch of his family in this City, where he intends making it his permanent residence, & where he wishes to receive his pension money, eighteen months of which is already due.
I have the hon. to be Sir, Most respectfully Yours, C. S. Fish

1932 May 20. List to Rev. P. M. Hatfield. Met
Rev. M...
13245
INVALID.
File No. 13. 245
Sarah Hatfield Rev. P. M. Hatfield
Act: June 4th 1832
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 48
[Arrangement of 1870.]
✓

March 22, 1932
Director of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
reply 1
From books in the St. Louis Public Library concerning the history of New Jersey I find Aaron Hatfield, Jr., was appointed first lieutenant, from Essex County, New Jersey, and I believe the date would be about 1776.
I wrote under date of March 11 to the Adjutant General, War Department, Washington, requesting the war record of Aaron Hatfield, Jr., and Major General Bridges replies under date of March 16 that no record has been found in his office. He suggests that I might possibly secure this record from you.
I would greatly appreciate if you would advise, if consistent, of any record that you might have of the above.
Yours very truly,
R. M. Hatfield
RMH:EH
R. M. Hatfield, 5871 Romaine Place, St. Louis, Mo.