Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 16600, Benjamin Higgins, Conn.

SERVICE
Conn.
NUMBER
Higgins, Benjamin Jane
N 16600
CONTENTS
[Faint, illegible handwriting on the left side of the CONTENTS section]
[Faint, illegible handwriting on the right side of the CONTENTS section]

Draft.
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of April 1838 from 4. March 1840 to 30. Aug 1840. Age Note filed 2 Oct 1840
New York 2221.
Mrs. Abigail Higgins, widow of Benjamin Higgins,
who died on the 10 th of March, 1835, at Albany in the State of N. York who was a priv. & serg. in the 10 th Regt. commanded by Captain Martin of the regt. commanded by Col. Ely Conn. in the Connecticut line for private & sergeant 18 mos.
Inscribed on the Roll of New York (old) at the rate of 80 Dollars 16 2/3 Cents per annum, to commence on the 16 th day of March, 1835, day after husband's death.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 th day of July, 1838. and sent to Mrs. Abigail Higgins, Clifton Park, N. York
Arrears to the 4 th of March 1838 $142:40 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept. " 40:00
$182:00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 }
Recorded by Book 4
Vol. 2
S. A. Elliott Clerk, Page 115.

Old Certificate which was incorrect returned and correct one issued to same agent Nov. 2. 1833
G.B.
let. to Isaac Lawrence 22 Nov. '33 do to Hon J. Cramer 5 Mar 34
20.654
New York  Benjamin Higgins
of Montgomery in the State of New York who was a Serg. Maj. in the Comp. commanded by Captain Mearin of the Regt. commanded by Col. Ely in the Count- time for 6 months private $200 12 " Serg. May. } 60 $80
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 80 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of Sep. 1833 and unto S.M. Higgins Halfmoon D.O.
Arrears to the 4th of Sep. '33 $200 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 M. '34 110 $210
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by G. C. C. Clerk, Book E Vol. 1, Page 91

State of New York Montgomery County Clerks. Office
Yo. Richard V. Bushney Deputy Clerk of the County of Montgomery do hereby certify that David F. of Tacy Edgine whose name is subscribed to the sworn of the affidavit hereto annexed (made) by Jane Higgins was at the date of the same one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County and that I am well acquainted with his handwriting and verily believe the signature of said Judge to the sworn of said affidavit and also to the accompanying cer- tificate to be genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 28 th day of November 1837
R. V. Bushney Dep. Clk.

State of New York Montgomery County
I David F. Laia — one of the judges of the court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Montgomery and State aforesaid Do Here by Certify that I am personally acquainted with Jane Higgins who has this day appeared before me and subscribed and sworn to the fore going declaration and that the said Jane Higgins is a Credable person and her statement is entitled to the fullest Credit And I further certify that the said Jane Higgins is unable to attend court by reason of bodily infirmity And I further certify that I am also personally acquainted with Seth W. Higgins & James B. Atton — Who have this day appeared before me and subscribed and sworn to the above affidavit and that they are Credable persons and entitled to the fullest Credit all of Which is proof Satisfactory to me
D. F. Laia Judge of Montgomery county courts being a court of Records —

State of New York Montgomery County
W th Seth W. Higgins of Saratoga County and residents of the town of Carpiejohnaw in the County of Montgomery and State of New York aforesaid on oath depose and say that we are personally acquainted with Jane Higgins who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration that we believe her to be the lawful Widow of Benjamin Higgins referred to in her declaration which Benjamin Higgins was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States at the time of his death under the act of Congress of June 7 th 1832 and that the said Benjamin Higgins died at the town of Carpiejohnaw aforesaid on the tenth day of March in the year One Thousand eight hundred and thirty five leaving the said Jane Higgins his Widow him surviving who has never intermarried but remains his lawful
Widow — Note the word "residents" erased before Execution
Sworn to and subscribed the 2 nd day of November 1837 before me
Seth W. Higgins
Darius B. Alton
D. F. Lacia Judge of Montgomery County courts
State of New York, Montgomery County Clerks Office
I, Richard H. Cushman Deputy Clerk of the County
of Montgomery do hereby certify that David F. Lacia Esqr was at the date of the above affidavit one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County and that I am well acquainted with his handwriting and verily believe his signature to the draft of the above affidavit to be genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 28 th day of Nov r 1837
R. H. Cushman Dep Clk

State of New York County of Montgomery
On the 2 nd day of November 1837 personally appeared before me David F. Sacia one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Montgomery aforesaid Jane Higgins a resident of the town of Canajoharie in the County of Montgomery and State of New York aged seventy nine years who being duly sworn first according to Law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4 th 1836 That she is the Widow of Benjamin Higgins late of the town of Canajoharie aforesaid who was a Sergeant Ma- =jor in the War of the Revolution and a Pensioner under the act of Congress of June 7 th 1832
The further declares that she was married to the said Benjamin Higgins on the Twentieth day of November in the Year Seventeen hundred and Seventy Seven and that the aforesaid Benjamin Higgins died on the tenth day of March in the Year Eighteen hun- =dred and thirty five and that she has remained remained a Widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to proof hereto annexed Sworn to and subscribed the day and Year above written Jane Higgins D t F. Sacia Judge of Montgomery County courts being a court of Record

W 3.008 Jane Higgins
Admitted.
Private 6 months, $ 20 Leag. 12 — 60 18 80
Resign to Commence 11 th March 1835
J.W. Higgins Esq. Clifton Park New York

These are to certify that Mr Benjamin Higgins and Miss Jane Peck both of Lyme were lawfully married together the 20 th day of November A.D. 1777. by me.
Stephen Johnson Pastor of the first Church in said Lyme
The above is a true copy from the records of the Town of Lyme Certified by. Joshua R. Warren Town Clerk
Lyme Septem r 11 th 1837.
I hereby certify that Joshua R. Warren above named is a Town Clerk in and for the town of Lyme aforesaid
And I hereby further certify that the above certificate is true & in his own hand writing
Stephen L Peck Justice of the Peace
I, ROYAL R. HINMAN, Secretary of the State of Connecticut, and keeper of the Seal thereof, do hereby certify and make known to whom it doth or may concern,
THAT Stephen L. Peck Esquire, is, and for more than six months last past, has been a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of New London in said State, duly appointed, commissioned and qualified, having full power and authority, by the laws of said State, to take the acknowledgement of Deeds and to certify the same; also to administer oaths to witnesses and to take Affidavits and Depositions out of Court, and to give certificates thereof; and that full faith and credit may and ought to be given to the official acts and attestations of the said Peck in Court and Country.
In testimony whereof, I have, in my capacity of Secretary as aforesaid, hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of said State, at the City of Hartford, in said State, the 23 rd day of
October
in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven
and I further certify that the above signature of the said Peck is his genuine handwriting
R. R. Hinman Secretary of State

No 18.397
Benj. Huggins - Montgomery Co - N.Y.
e. 4.
Service as Ensign with out Commission to be esti- mated as Sergeant Major
Adm d
6 mo - per
12 mo. Sergt. Major &
Ensign (without Com- mission)
W. Huggins Seth Swart Halfmoon P.O. Saratoga Co - N.Y.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
May 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.
New York
A Statement, shewing the Service of Benjn Higgins Montgomery Co
   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.     April 775 Private Lieut Col 79 years Witness J. L. Edwards 1775 for   July 75 Capt Marvin Newson 3 mo - in 77 for his service add   Vol. Aug 76 Col Ely Conne justant - in 80 for service as   until Oct 76 Genl Putnam Connect Ensign also J. Greenfield for   Infy Dec 76 2 Sergeant Capt Lay service in 80 as Ensign of Genl   Out Sept 77 Maj Col Throop 3 mo in 76 M. Griswold for   until Oct 77 1 Adjutant Col Parsons service as Ensign - B. Shadwell   April 80 Ensign Lieut Griswold for service as Ensign in 80 -   until Jan 81 indefinite A. Beckner for year 1776-77 -   1775 0 3 0 Lt Lieut Lay as Sergt Major 2 mo - J. Smith   1776 - 3 - Capt Dane Marvin until 1776-77 for 2 years as   " 2 Lieut Lieut Lay Sergt Major 2 mo - J. Smith   1777 1 " Col Parsons until 1776-77 for 2 years as   1780 9 Europe Lt J. Griswold Sergt Major 2 mo - J. Smith  
Yours respectfully, Col Dyer Throop N. L. and n 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 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 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 the 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 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.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
John C. Ashton

State of New York Montgomery County 38 The claim and Declaration of Benjamin Higgins of Canajoharie Montgomery County New York as taken on oath before me that Wood further of the peace in and in said County on the 7 th day of June 1833 The Claimant in compliance with the request of the war Department amends his Declaration by making the following statement That on the first of April 1775 he entered the service of the United States in a Company of Guards as stated in the former Declaration and served as a Private in said Company until the first of July following which term of service was Three Months Ref. to A in Declaration
That Claimant again entered the service as stated in first declaration in 1776 the middle of August of said year as a Volunteer, was dismissed the middle of November of said year served as private in said term which was Three Months from the time of entering the same term of service Ref to B in former Declaration
That Claimant again entered the service in December 1776 by draft, served as Sergeant Major in a Reg t commanded by Colonel Dyer Troop Connecticut State Militia until February Following the middle of the same The term of service was two months Ref to C in declaration
That in the year 1777 in the month of September Claimant again entered the service of the United States as a Volunteer for his father Christian Higgins, On joining the Regiment Claimant was Appointed Adjutant by Colonel Mansfield Parsons Com d of said Reg t in which capacity Claimant served until the Regiment was dismissed which was in October following after a term of service of one month Ref to D in declaration
And claimant further saith that on the first of April in the year 1780 he entered the service again as an Ensign in a Company of Guard under the command of Lieutenant

John Griswold as Statute in former declaration, that this Claimant continued to serve as such until the first of January 1781 when he together with the remainder of the guard were discharged. The term of Service in the last tour was nine months. the Ref Documents Further Saith that the foregoing contains a correct statement of the term of Service and the different periods in which he served according to the best of his recollection and that he served not less than the periods mentioned in each tour of Service and in the grade therein specified. That said Service so above stated to have been performed was so done in a regularly organized and organized Company & Regiment of Militia called into Service by competent authority and for the time during which the Service was performed as above declared he was not employed in any civil Pursuit.
Sworn & subscribed the 7 th day of June 1833 before me
This Claimant would further depose - say that in reference to services performed under General Putnam as stated in declaration Note B it was that of a volunteer from among the Regt I then belonged in to go on an Expedition against some Indians a distance of a few miles
Uriah Wood Justice
Benj o Higgens
I do further certify that the above named applicant Benjamin Higgens who subscribed & swore to the above declaration at the date above named is well known to me as a credible person and his statement is entitled to credit
Dated at Canajoharie 7 th June 1833
Uriah Wood J.P.
State of New York Montgomery County Clerks Office
I Richard H. Cushing Deputy Clerk of the County of Montgomery do hereby certify that Uriah Wood Esqr whose name is subscribed to the Jurat of the above affidavit and also to the above certificate was at the date of the same a Justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid and duly authorized by law to take affidavits &c and further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Justice and verily believe the signature to the above affidavit and also to the above certificate is genuine -
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the said County this 7 th May 1833
R. H. Cushing
The word June written on an erasure R. H. Cushing

State of New York Montgomery County
On this 19 th day of September One Thousand Eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in Open Court before the Court of Common Pleas now sitting in and for the County of Montgomery and State of New York Benjamin Higgins resident of the town of Canajoharie in the County of Montgomery State Aforesaid aged Seventy nine Years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832
That he Entered the Service of the United States under the following named Officers and Served as herein Stated
A
That in the Year 1775 in the Month of April as near as this deponent can now recollect he Entered the Service of the United States as a Militia man in a company of Militia of the State of Connecticut which company was under the Command of Lieutenant Lee Lay That said company was raised for the defence of the Sea Coast and stationed along the bank of the Long Island Sound and near the residence of Matthew Griswold then Deputy Governor and Lieutenant General of the Militia of the State of Connecticut. Much Alarm existed in consequence of a British frigate which appeared off in the Sound and fears were entertained as to the safety of the Governor in this guard this deponent served as a private and was dismissed with the remainder of his company on or about the first of July following his entering the Service
B
Also in the Year 1776 in the Month of August about the middle of the same this deponent again Entered the Service of the United States as a Volunteer in a company commanded by Capt Dan Marvin in which company William Lay was Lieutenant This company was of the Militia of the State of Connecticut aforesaid this deponent left the town of Lyme New London County for White Plains where he together with the remainder of his company was under the Command of Colonel John Ely and this deponent further saith that he was at White Plains at the time

of the Battle. That during the stay at that place he this deponent volunteered under the Command of General Putnam to go on an Expedition against an Encampment of Indians that this detachment marched but they did not arrive at the Enemies Camp until about the dawn of day when it was ascertained by the Commander that it was not prudent to attempt an Engagement we were then ordered to retreat back to the Camp from whence we came. That he this deponent continued in the Service as afore stated until about the middle of November when he together with the remainder of the Company was discharged.
C
And this deponent further saith that in December 1776 he was drafted in a company of Militia of the Militia of the State aforesaid which company was under the Command of Capt. Lee Lay in which company John Griffin was first Lieutenant and Daniel Lord Second Lieut. Colonel Dyer Troop Commanded the Regiment in this Regiment this deponent served as Sergeant Major until dismissed which was two months the term for which this deponent was drafted this Regiment was Stationed at New London to guard that place against an Expected from the British fleet that had Blockaded that port.
D
And this deponent further saith that in the Year 1777 in the Month of September he this deponent again Entered the Service of the United States in the Militia of the State aforesaid as a Substitute for his Father who was drafted as a private to go to New London as a Guard that he this deponent went and joined the Regiment of Militia of the State aforesaid under the command of Colonel Mansfield Parsons of Lyme that on joining the same he this deponent was appointed Adjutant in said Regiment by the said Colonel Parsons above named.

And Continued to Serve as Such untill discharged which was in the month of October following the time of his Entering the same which term of Service was One month when this deponent together with the remainder of the Regiment was dis- charged this Regiment was Stationed at New London as a Guard
Full this deponent further saith that in the Year 1780 in the month of April this deponent again Entered the Service of the United States in the Militia of the State aforesaid as an Ensign in a company of Guards Commanded by Lieutenant John Griswold which Company was raised by order of the Governor of the State aforesaid for the defence of the Sea Coast along the Long Island Sound in the town of Lyme on the East Side of the Connec- ticut in which town stood the residence of the Deputy Governor as aforesaid this Guard was divided into two divisions, the one under the Command of Lieutenant Griswold was Stationed near the Deputy Governor's residence the other under this deponent's Command was Stationed east of the former at a place called Blackpoint a distance of four or five miles and that he this deponent continued in the Service as aforesaid in the Company of Guards and Served as Ensign as above stated untill about the first of January 1781 when he together with the remainder of the Company was discharged
Full this deponent further saith that he was not in any important Engagement excepting the one herein stated, that his services in the Army of the Revolution were performed within the County of New London at all times as stated in the prece- -ding deposition excepting the one in the Year 1776 which Expedition was at White Plains as aforesaid

To the interrogatories propounded by the court I answer as
follows
1 st I was born in the town of Lyme in the County of New London State of Connecticut in the Year one thousand Seven hundred and fifty three 2 nd I have a copy of the record of my age which record is on the town record of ages in Lyme New London 6 th 6 th 3 rd I lived in the town of Lyme County of New London State of Connecticut at the time I entered the service of the United States I lived in said town County & State during the revolutionary war and at the close of the same, I moved from that place to the town of Canajoharie Montgomery County State of New York where I now live and have lived ever since which is about twenty seven Years 4 th I entered the service of the United States as a Volunteer by draft as a Substitute and by General Order as stated in my preceding deposition 5 th I here name the following officers as Militia Colonels Parsons Hoop & Ely Captain Marmay. Continental I have seen under General Putnam seen Gen l Washington Green and others and as to the general circumstances of my service I would refer to the foregoing statement which contains the facts connected therewith 6 th I never received a commission to my recollection service as Adjutant as afore stated and Ensign by appointment nor do I ever remember of ever receiving a written discharge at the period of any term of service 7 th I here offer the names of Phillips W Lake a clergyman residing in the town of Canajoharie Montgomery N York and Seth Wetmore residing in the same place who are known to me in my present neighborhood who can testify to my character for veracity and their belief of my services as a Soldier of the Revolution

22.1 We hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declare that his name is not on the pension list roll of the agency of any State Subscribed and Sworn the day and Year aforesaid Sworn in open court. Geo: D. Ferguson, Clerk. Benjamin Higgins
We Philip W Lake a Clergyman residing in the town of Canajoharie in the County of Montgomery N York and Jotham Wetmore residing in the same place hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Higgins who has Subscribed and Sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be Seventy nine Years of age, that he is a native and believes in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion Philip W Lake Jotham Wetmore Subscribed and Sworn the day and Year aforesaid Sworn in open court. Geo: D. Ferguson, Clerk.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier & officer served as he states and the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Philip W Lake who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the town of Canajoharie County of Montgomery & State of New York & that Jotham Wetmore who has also signed the same is a resident in the same town & is a credible person & that their statement is entitled to credit

I, George D. Ferguson, Clerk of the said Court, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Benjamin Higgins for a pardon.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 29th day of September 1832.
Geo: D. Ferguson.

I John Lay of Lyme in the County of New London (and State of Connecticut) a revolutionary pensioner, aged 68 years do hereby depose (and say) That I am well acquainted with Benjamin Huggins formerly of said Lyme but now living in the State of New York - In the year 1775 in the first year of the war a company was raised to guard the sea coast in the State of Connecticut east of Connecticut River - Benjamin Huggins aforesaid was one of the company. I was a boy at that time (and used frequently to go down and see them - One object of the guard was to protect the residence of Governor Griswold, then Deputy Governor of this State (and Lieutenant General of the Militia A British ship had a short time before appeared in the Sound (and alarmed the people - She was a Frigate (and chased a vessel into Connecticut River - He served at this time according to my best recollection to belief as much as three months - I will recollect seeing Huggins there that season -
I have also understood that he served at New London in or about the year 1777 as adjutant of Colonel Mansfield's Fanny's Regiment I was not in the Regiment myself but I was

my understanding that he did serve at that time - I used frequently to hear him (and others) speak of his service at that time. One circumstance in particular makes me remember this service - In a suit which Bock Pleaser Mather brought against him for his professional services Mr Higgins carried Col Doyons to court (and proved by him that on the 10th when one of the charges which Bock Mather (he) made against him was dated Higgins was in service at New London - This circumstance has often been spoken of. In the year 1780 I was myself a private in the company raised to guard the sea coast - At that time John Griswold son of Governor Griswold was Lieutenant of the company (and) Benjamin Higgins was Ensign - The company was in two divisions one stationed at Black Hall near the mouth of Connecticut River (and) near the residence of Governor Gris- wold under the immediate command of Lieutenant Griswold - The other stationed at Black Point about seven

near the mouth of Connecticut River & near the residence of Governor Gris- wold under the immediate command of Lieutenant Griswold - The other stationed at Black Point about seven miles east of Black Hall and on Long Island Land under the command of Ensign Higgins - I entered in the month of August as a substitute and served until the company was dismissed on the first day of January following - He served the whole time I did and also some time previous - He entered about the first of April or the first of May and served as much as eight or nine months. I lived in Lyme at that time and often saw him in the guard frequently before I entered - His family lived that year in the same house that my father lived -
John Lay
State of Connecticut } ss Lyme August 18 th 1862 New London County }
Personally appeared John Lay and subscribed and made oath to the foregoing dep- osition.
Before me Henry M. Waite Justice of Peace

I James Greenfield of Lyme in the County of New-London (and state of Connecticut) on oath depose and say that I was well acquainted with Benjamin Higgins formerly of said Lyme but now living in the state of New-York. — I recollect that during the Revolutionary War he served as an Ensign in a company of Guards on the sea Coast in Connecticut. I entered in the month of May 1780 as a substitute in the same company (and served until the first of January following — The said Higgins belonged to the company when I entered, and served as Ensign the whole time I did. According to my best recollection he entered in April, (and I should think about the first of April) and served as much as eight or nine months —
In the year 1778 the said Higgins belonged to the same company that I did, in the Militia under the command of Capt. Sam Marris. — Some time in the month of August or the first of September Captain Marris company was ordered to march to the White Plains — I was selected from

said Company to remain as a guard when the sea coast - Benjamin Huggins and a great many others started for the White Plains - I was on the parade in Lyme when they left the town of Lyme and as I understood went there. Huggins was gone about three months and so were the principal part of them that went with him - It was my understanding at that time that he served three months in that tour - I have understood that he served in the first guard that was raised to guard the sea coast in Lyme, but am not very much familiarly knowing to it, as I was absent that season at Roxbury. James Greenfield
State of Connecticut } At Lyme August 8 th 1832 New London County } Greenfield Personally appeared James Greenfield Subscribed and made oath to the above decla- ration. Before me Henry M. Waste Justice of Peace
I Matthew Griswold of Lyme in the County of New-London and State of Connecticut aged 72 years, on oath before me say, that I was well acquainted with Benjamin Huggins, formerly of said Lyme, as I understand. in the

Personally appeared me subscribed and made oath to the above decla- ration.
Before me
Henry M. Waste Justice of Peace
I Matthew Griswold of Lyme in the County of New-London and State of Connecticut aged 72 years, on oath depose and say, that I was well acquainted with Benjamin Higgins, formerly of said Lyme, but now living, as I understand, in the State of New-York — I recollect that at some time, during the Revolutionary War, the said Higgins was an Ensign in a Company of Guards, raised for the defence of the Coast upon Long Island found — My brother John Griswold was a Lieutenant of the same Company — I cannot tell how long he served nor in what year, whether it was before or after I left college, which was in the year 1780, I am unable to say. But I well recollect that at some period of the War the said Higgins was an Ensign in that Company — This was ac- cording to my understanding at the time Matthew Griswold

At the Connecticut Dist. Court July 6 th 1832
State of Connecticut New London County
ss. Lymn August 7 th 1832
Personally appeared Matthew Griswold and made oath that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed is true
Henry M. Waite Justice of Peace

I Reuben Chadwick of Lyme in the County of New-London and State of Connecticut aged 90 years on oath depose and say that I was well acquainted with Benjamin Huggins formerly of (said) Lyme but now of the State of New-York and know that he served in the Revolutionary War— There was a company raised to guard the sea coast between Connecticut River and New-London in the state of Connecticut— I will recollect that the (said) Huggins was an Ensign in that Company— How long he served I am unable to state with certain- ty but according to my best recollection and belief he served as much as six months at one time in that Company— The de- ponent believes it was the third year of the war, but will not be positive as to the year— The deponent lived in Lyme aforesaid at that time and well recollects seeing him frequently while in the Guard—
State of Connecticut New-London County
Reuben Chadwick Lyme 8 August A.D. 1832
Personally appeared Reuben Chadwick and made all that the above declaration by him subscribed is true— before me Henry M. Wells Justice of Peace

I Silas Champlin of Lyme in the County of New-London (and) State of Connecticut aged 74 years on oath depose (and) say that I was well acquainted with Benjamin Higgens formerly of said Lyme but now of the State of New-York (and) know that he served as an Ensign in a Company of Guards raised for the defence of the sea coast in the State of Connecticut - I should think he served as much as six months (and) I doubt how much longer - I used frequently to see him, but did not serve with him - I served in the same guard one year, but not the year in which he served - I don't recollect the year that he served - but think it was after I served, which was in the year 1777, but will not be certain.
Silas Champlin
State of Connecticut } New-London County } ss Lyme 8 th August A D 1832
Personally appeared Silas Champlin and made oath that the above declaration by him subscribed is true - Before me Henry M c Waite Justice of Peace

I Abner Beckwith of Lyme in the Coun- ty of New-London and State of Connecticut aged 74 years on oath depose and say that in the Winter of the year 1776 and 1777 viz in the months of December and January. I served in the same Company of Militia with Benjamin Higgings then of said Lyme but now residing in the State of New-York in the County of Montgomery and Town of Cana- johorie. We were drafted from different Compa- nies of the Town of Lyme by order from the Government of Connecticut and sent to New-London, where we were enrolled under a Company of which Lee Day of said Lyme was Captain. The 1 st Lieutenant was John Diffin and Daniel Lord was 2 d Lieutenant. The Major Throop was Colonel of the Regiment. The said Benjamin Higgings acted as Sergeant-Ma- jor. I was well acquainted with him and well know that he served out the whole time for which we were drafted viz two months. The harbor of New-London was then blockaded by the British two ships were lying near the mouth. and further the deponent saith not— Abner Beckwith

State of Connecticut } do Lyme August 6 th A D 1832 New London County
Personally appeared Abner Peck.
With made oath that the above declaration by him subscri- bed is true —
Before me
Henry J. No. Waite Justice of Peace

I Seth Smith of Lyme in the County of New London and State of Connecticut of lawful age on oath depose and say that in the Winter of the year 1776 and 1777 viz in the months of December and January I served as a Sergeant in the same company of militia with Benjamin Higgens then of said Lyme but now resi- ding in the State of New York in the County of Montgomery & Town of Canajoharie. We were drafted from different companies in the Town of Lyme by order from the Gov- ernment of Connecticut & went to New London, where we were enrolled under our company of which Lee Lay of said Lyme was Captain. The 1 st Lieutenants was John Griffin & the 2 nd Lieutenants was Daniel Lord. The Colonel of the Regiment was Ezer Durd. The said Benjamin Higgens acted as Sergeant Major. I was well acquainted with him and well know that he served out the whole time for which we were drafted viz. the term of two months. The harbour of New London was then blockaded by the British - two ships lying near the mouth. And further the Defendant saith not. Seth Smith
New London County State of Connecticut p. Lyme July 6 th 1832 Personally appeared Seth Seth Smith signer of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed and being duly concerned & examined made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me Charles J. W. Burdy justice of Peace.

New-London County State of Connecticut August 9-1832
I hereby certify that the several deponents in the foregoing deposition, on John Lay, James Greenfield, Silas Champlin, Ruben Champlin , Horace Burdick and Seth Smith are all well known to me and are credible persons Henry H. Wait Justice of Peace

I Thomas Day, Secretary of the State of Connecticut and keeper of the Seal thereof, do hereby certify, That Henry M. Waite and Charles J. McCurdy Esqrs. before whom the foregoing Depositions were taken, the latter only before said McCurdy, are and at the time of taking said Depositions were, Justices of the Peace within and for the County of New London in said State, duly appointed, commissioned and qualified, and that full credence is due to their official acts and attestations.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said State, the 9th day of August 1832.
Thomas Day
I further certify, that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of the aforesaid Charles J. McCurdy and Henry M. Waite Esqrs. and verily believe that the foregoing signatures purporting to be theirs, are genuine. Dated at Hartford, the 12th day of June, A. D. 1833, and authenticated under the Seal of the State, by me heretofore affixed.
Thomas Day Sec'y

Post Office
DATE
James M. Hoppin New York
Hon. Joel P. Poinsett Secretary of War Washington D.C.

Cliftonpark NY. Feb 28. 1838
De Sir
Some time in the month of November last I forwarded to Your Office the Declaration Affidavits &c of Sam Wiggins of Canajoharie Montgomery County NY Widow of Benjamin Wiggins recd a Revolutionary pension under the act of June 7, 1832. Which claim was intended to be presented under the act of July 15 th 1836. The claim having been left with me and under my direction I am requested by earnest & numerous application from said Widow to enquire if those documents reached Your Office and if so if they have been examined
I am Yours Obedt
Wm F. Forster
S. W. Wiggins

Payments to be made at New York by Pres. U. S. M. M. Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of
New York
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book E. Vol. 10, Page by G. L. Stiles Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Benjamin Higgins of the State of New York who was a sergeant Major &c. in the Revolutionary Army is entitled to receive Fifty dollars and  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 28 day of September one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three
John B. B. Lee acting Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. }
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
Sept. 15 th 1843.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the third section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, The children of Jane Higgins, decd. a Pensioner on the Roll of the Albany, N. York Agency, at the rate of eighty ————— Dollars and Cents per annum, under the law of the 4 th July 1836, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of March 1840, to the 30 th Aug: 1840,  Respectfully, yours,
William L. Gassie
Comptroller.
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS, Present.

3.008 Dec 11. Pension Claim under the act of July 4 th 1836 4 July 1836 3 Sec.
Cliftonpark NY Dec 8.
The Hon Secretary of War.
Washington D.C.

Clifton Fork Seneca County State of New York Dec 2 nd 1837
De Sir
Enclosed is the papers and documents in relation to the claim of Mrs Jane Huggins for the benefit of the provision of the act of Congress of July 4 th 1836. All of which are respectfully submitted for your approval
Yours Very Respectfully Serv t
J. W. Huggins
Hon J. C. Edwards

Benjamin Higgins -
1775 apt till July - 0.3.0 Capt. Lee Lacy 1776 - 0.3.0 " Daniel Morrison, Col John Ely Dec " - 0.2 0.8 M " Lee Lacy 1777 Sept 0.1.0 adf ts Col Mansfield Parsons 1780 Apr 0.9.0 adf ts Lieut. Griswold
New York - Albany Benjamin Higgins a prisoner under the act of June 7 th 1832 at the rate of $80 per annum to what time paid?
Yours, &c V. Lace
John Hany Esq 3 rd Auditor's office Due 10 th March 1835 for that Service JH 3-1 71 111 171

N. York Jane Higgins Letter to S. W. Higgins 24. March '38

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 16600
Jane Higgins Widow of Benjamin Higgins sergt 1st Reg Wis
Act July 4 th 86
Index: Vol. A , Page 335
[Arrangement of 1870.]

24 Clifton Park NY April 20 th Miss Jane Huggins
A. W. Wiggins P. M. Free
Wm J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.

Colyton park N York
April 20. 1838
D r Sir Enclosed is the Certificate of the Controller of the State of Connecticut in relation to Services of Sunday officers of the Revolution under whom Ben- jamin Wiggins late of Canaanham NY dec d a Revolutionary prisoner claimed to have served and on whom Services Jane Wiggins Widow of the said Benjamin has presented her Claims under the act of 1836
Your letter before me in relation to further proof has been strictly complied with as far as there could be Evidence found with the Controller of Connec t
Mr. Fields the Controller says that the Rolls of the Services have been forwarded to Your Office and no other returns, that the only Evidence he has is what gathers from the pay Table of the State, a copy of which forwarded under his signature here Enclosed
The Claimant is old infirm and destitute and If any thing can be done for her by way of her Certificate it would be highly beneficial to her Comfort the few remaining days she may yet live, I requested the Controller to affix the Seal of the State to his Certificate as here Enclosed to which he assured me it was not required
I Am Yours with respect
J. W. Wiggins