Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 5079, Baltes Hochstrasser, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Hochstrasser, Walter or Hochstrasen, Baltus
R. 5079
CONTENTS

State of New York Albany County ss
Paul F. Hochstrafer of the Town of Bern in the County of Albany and State of New York being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he this deponent is a Brother of one Walter Hochstrafer of the Township South in the district of Niagara & in the Province of Upper Canada as he this deponent has been informed that that has been his Brother Walter Hochstrafer's place of Residence since he left the County of Albany in the State of New York which is about thirty six years ago And this deponent further says that his Brother Walter Hochstrafer is now between Sixty eight and Nine Years of Age And that he this deponent and his Brother Walter Hochstrafer resided in the County of Albany in the state of New York from the time the said Walter Hochstrafer was a Child of about one year old until the said Walter Hochstrafer removed to the Province of Upper Canada (Except such time as the said Walter Hochstrafer was in the United States Army) And this deponent further says that the said Walter Hochstrafer left home in the summer in the Year One thousand seven hundred and eighty one and enlisted in the United States Army as he this deponent then understood And this deponent further says that the next Winter after his Brother Walter Hochstrafer left home to enlist in the United States Army he this deponent saw his Brother Walter in the Army of the United States as a Soldier at a place called Fort Schuyler near the Mohawk River in the state of New York And then under the command of one Colonel Willet And this deponent further says that he then and there had a conversation over

with the said Colonel Willet about his Brother Baltus Hochstrafer in which conversation he the said Colonel Willet told this deponent that his Brother Baltus Hochstrafer had Enlisted in the Army of the United States and that the said Baltus was a good Soldier And this deponent further says that his Brother Baltus Hochstrafer remained a Soldier in the Army of the United States from the time he Enlisted in the said Army as aforesaid until the End of the Revolutionary War. And this deponent says that he is about two years and a half older than his Brother Baltus Hochstrafer and further says Not Sworn and subscribed this 20 th day of September 1834 before me Jacob J. Schell I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named deponent and that he is a creditable witness
Jacob Schell Commissioner of Deeds
State of New York
Albany County ss:
I Conrad A. Ten Eyck Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that Jacob Schell is one of the Commissioners of Deeds in and for the said County duly commissioned and qualified to administer oaths and take affidavits and that his name subscribed to the above affidavit is genuine
Given under my hand and Seal this 22 nd day of September A. D. 1834.
C. A. Ten Eyck Clerk

State of New York
County of Schenectady ss. On this 3rd. day of September 1833. Person- ally appeared before the court of common Pleas held at the court house in Lockport, in and for said county, before Nathan Dayton Esquire first Judge and Mr. William Paulin, Notary Public, Deputy Clerk of said court. Walter Stockstrafer, aged Sixty Seven in the month of January last, 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 7. 1832. That he resides in the Township of South, District of Niagara and Province of Upper Canada - That he enlisted in the army of the United States in the month of July 1781 according to the best of his recollection with Lieut. Storm Becker and served in the New- York Regiment commanded by Colonel Marinus Willett - he enlisted at Schoharie in the State of New York and he resided at the time of such enlistment at a place called Renpelaurville - he so enlisted for the term of three years and served over two years when he pro- cured Jacob Sverp as a substitute who was accepted as such by Major Fink of said Regiment and this deponent was permitted to leave the service - he received no discharge - he served under Lt. Royal Bingham, Captain Joseph Harrison, Major Andrew Fink and Colonel Willett - That part of the Regiment did not join any other troops while he was in service - about three months after enlistment, the company moved on to the Mohawk River and established winter quarters at Fort Plain where were other troops of the same Regiment - The Col. was absent - the Major lived about four miles distant, and when not there Capt. Wright com- manded the detachment - This force continued along the Mohawk River through the summer & fall of 1782 and established in winter quarters again at Fort Plain - in February 1783. a force of about five hundred men ordered against Oswego - this deponent among the number - it proceeded to within a short distance of the Fort

When owing to being misled by the guide a retreat was ordered and the force returned to Fort Plain again - and continued in that vicinity and about Fort Herkaine until he left the service in manner aforesaid - he was born in Germany and came to this country when very young - at the time he was in service he was acquainted with Capt. Small - Lieut. Jellis A. Fonda and Adjutant Pliny Moore - after the close of the war this deponent resided at Poughkeepsie and Schenectady after he left the service until about thirty years since when he removed to Canada - this deponent further says that his substitute agreed as this deponent was informed and believed until he was discharged - He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the pension of any agency in any State -
Sworn to and subscribed the third day and year first aforesaid - Baltes Stockstrafer before me J. McCollum Judge of Mayana County Courts
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named Baltes Stockstrafer was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states -
I Henry Kattin clerk of the said court of common Pleas do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Baltes Stockstrafer for a pension -
In testimony Whereof I have hereunto Subscribed my name and affixed my official Seal at Lockport this fourth day of September A.D. 1833 Henry Kattin Clerk

28.193
Walter Nokechap of Canada for a Rev. Pension
In testimony Whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official Seal this second day of September 1831.
Henry Austin Clerk of Mifflin County Courts
from Buttsville
Lemington N.Y.

State of New York
Niagara County ss. On this 2nd Day of Sep- -tember 1834, again personally appeared the above named Peter Hochstrafer before me these Deys Van Pelt M c Collum & Daniel Van Hornbridge of said court who being again duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath further de- -clare that when he procured the above named Sinep as his substitute those enlisted for during the war had been discharged which he well recollects as Sinep was one of them
1. That he was born in Strasburg, Germany - That since making his declaration above mentioned he has ex- -amined a record of his age which he has at his residence in Canada, and which purports to be a copy of the Parish record where he was born and was pro- cured as he has been informed and believes by his Father on his leaving Germany - Said record shows that the this deponent was born 31. Decr. 1764 - making his age sixty nine years in December last - which he now believes to be his true age. 2. He has a record of his age at his residence as above stated - 3. He lived in Rensselaerville New York when he enlisted - Since the Revolutionary war he lived in Rensselaerville & Schenectady until about thirty years

Since when he removed to Grantham in Canada where he continued about six years he then moved into the Town Ship of South where he has resided since and still resides.
4. He enlisted Voluntarily -
5 He cannot recollect the names of any other officers than those above named -
6. He did not receive a written discharge -
7- The Rev. - Eastman, John Clark & William M Merrill Esquires are the names of persons who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution.
Sworn to and Subscribed Baltho Hochstrafer
This day and year above written before me in open Court Henry Catlin Clerk of Michigan County Courts
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 -
I Henry Catlin Clerk of the court aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Baltho Hochstrafer for a pension
In testimony Whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official Seal this second day of September 1831. Henry Catlin Clerk of Michigan County Courts
28 193 Baltho Hochstrafer of Canada for a Rev. Pension
from Baltho Levinson N.Y.

28. 1903
Walter Hookstra- N. York.
2/11
Hon. G. Hard HR
Dear Walter Hookstra Sir Yours

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. These 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, showing the Service of Baltes Hookstra
   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.     1781 2 Q 1 Capt. Harrison Col. Willett. 67 N.Y. none  
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 } ss.  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 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 _____ 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, (1) 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 inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit to 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 time 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 [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule 10 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.

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
REJECTED
5079
P. O.
Bellus Hookstra
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18 .
Discharged: _____, 18 .
Application filed: _____, 18 .
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
Recognized. _____ Contract.

THE PEOPLE of the State of NEW-YORK, By the Grace of GOD, FREE AND INDEPENDENT;
To Baltus Hochstraser Gentleman Greeting.
W E reposing especial Trust and Confidence, as well in your Patriotism, Conduct and Loyalty, as in your Valour and Readiness to do us good and faithful Service; HAVE appointed and constituted, and by these Presents, DO appoint and constitute you the said Baltus Hochstraser Ensign of a Company of Light Infantry in the Regiment of Militia in the County of Albany whereof Stephen Van Rensselaer Esquire is Lieutenant Colonel Commandant ————— Ensign YOU are therefore, to take the said Company into your Charge and Care, as thereof, and duly to exercise the Officers and Soldiers of that Company in Arms, who are hereby commanded to obey you as their ————— Ensign ————— and you are also to observe and follow such Orders and Directions, as you shall from Time to Time receive from our General and Commander in Chief of the Militia of our said State, or any other your Superior Officer, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, in Pursuance of the Trust reposed in you; and for so doing, this shall be Your Commission, for and during our good Pleasure, to be signified by our Council of Appointment. IN TESTIMONY whereof, We have caused our Seal for Military Commissions to be hereunto affixed. WITNESS our Trusty and Well-beloved GEORGE CLINTON , Esquire, our Governor of our State of New-York, General and Commander in Chief of all the Militia, and Admiral of the Navy of the same, by and with the Advice and Consent of our said Council of Appointment, at Poughkeepsie the twentieth Day of March in the Year of our LORD, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty eight and in the twelfth Year of our INDEPENDENCE.
Passed the Secretary's Office, 1 st April 1788.
Robt. H. Hammond SECRETARY.
Geo. Clinton

Barnes Hockno.
Suspended
9 th June 34- See let rs to Bates 600/16 6 th Oct 1834
to Hall & Harkness 6 Oct 1840
to Beadle June 22 '47
to same August 19 '47
to Wood & Vincent 23 May 48
to C.B. Matteson Dec 20/49
Sand Lake Oct 20/51.
5079
Dec. act. 1832

Niagara District To Wit
Appeared before me James Black Esquire one of His Majesty's Justices assigned to keep the Peace in this District and a Commissioner duly appointed to take affidavits in the Court of King's Bench for the Province of Upper Canada, Mary Graf of the township of Grantham in the said District Widow of the late Michael Graf of the same place, who maketh oath & saith that she is acquainted with Baltes Hochstrasser who resided at Ranseller Ville 20 miles west of Albany during the revolutionary war, that she knew he left his father's house at that place about the year 1782 to go into the American Army under Colonel Witsdell and she knew he was absent on service a considerable time and that she has frequently seen him since his return after the close of the war.
her Mary X Graf mark
Taken before me at Grantham this 20 th day of August 1833
J. Black J.P.
Witness
Davie Graf

District of Niagara To Wit —
affirmed before me John Colash one of His Majesty's Justices for this District. Henry Smith of South in the District aforesaid who maketh affirmation  sath and saith that about the close of the Revo- lutionary War, he worked for the Father of Botten Hostriper at Rensselaersville about 20 Miles west of Albany, and that he understood the said Botten Hostriper was then in the American Service —
Taken before me at South this 21 st day of Aug t 1833 John Colash J.P.
Henry Smith sworn

Oct 5 1840
NY add proof Baltus Lockstrafer
Free
Thos J. L. Edwards Esq. Comm. of Pensions Washington City D. C.

Buffalo Sept. 29. 1840.
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comm. of Pensions
Dear Sir,
Sometimes in 1833 or 1834 Dallas Roekstrafer made application for a pension & had his papers prepared by Mr. Bates Cooke then of Leaviston, now Comptroller of this state. His papers he supposes are now on file, and at his request we transmit the enclosed certificates which we suppose will be satisfactory evidence of his having served.
He supposes that an affdt. of his brother also showing something of his service is also on file.
If all the papers are not sufficient to place him on the pension list please be so kind as to write us what papers are on file and what the obstacles are in the way of his being allowed a pension.
Please address us at Buffalo N.Y.
We are my Resp't Your oldt. Servants
Hall & Marshall Atty's & Buffalo

House of Reps May 20. 1848
Sir.
Some years ago Mr. Baltu Hochstrafer made application for a Pension through my predecessor the Hon. Bates Cooke. He now wishes me to examine his papers and see what the difficulty was and what further proof is needed. He is a very honest man I believe, and I feel bound to look into it. Will you have the goodness to refer to the papers and inform me wherein his case is defective. I know nothing of the facts.
Yours truly W. Hunt
Col. J. L. Edwards Iowa

Saint Catharines Canada West July 20 th 1847.
Sir, I have shown Mr Baltus Hochstrafer your reply to my inquiries relating to his application for a pension. He said he thought the Comptroller of the State of New York had mistaken the name of his brother Paulus, for his, Baltus. That he, Baltus, never served in any capacity except as a private. Being convinced that there was an error, I wrote the particulars to my son, who went to the Comptroller's office and obtained the enclosed certificate. The orthography not corresponding exactly with his name, I asked Mr Hochstrafer if he signed his name when he enlisted. He said, "No," but after if he signed his name when he enlisted. He said, "No," but he gave his name and it was written by some one who rec d the recruits. He recollects no other Baltus in his company, which is verified by the records at Albany. He enlisted with two others, Thomas Pierce and Abram Scott. After his application through Messrs Hall and Marshall, Buffalo, he obtained an affidavit of his brother Paulus, since dead, attesting his services as set forth in the declaration. This affidavit and other papers, were entrusted to the late Peter Cook Esq r which have not been yet found. He had however obtained the two enclosed affidavits of Mary Craft and Henry Smith, as they will show, some years before. I know both of the deponents and the two gentlemen before whom they were qualified, and am fully assured they are deserving full credit. Mr Hochstrafer says that the Company to which he belonged was not of the regular troops, but, I think, he said were called Rangers.
I send you a Commission which he rec d under Gov. Clinton soon after the war to show the estimation in which he was held and the various modes of spelling his name. The name is written in two places in the Comptroller's Office and although

referring to the same person, is spell differently. The records in Albany being deficient in the amount of time he served appears to be the principal point not fully established, but I beg you will allow me to remind you that he was in the service when those records were discontinued, and they therefore do not set forth the close of his services.
I have every confidence in his statement and if it could afford you any satisfaction the most unexceptionable testimonials of his veracity could be forwarded. I flatter myself you will give full credit to his declaration, but if it would be more satisfactory I will get further evidence if you can inform me that any one of Capt. Harrison's company is yet living, which may probably be known by reference to your pension list.
Please direct to me - Via Buffalo. N.York.
Your Most ob't serv't
J. L. Edwards, Esq. Compt. of Pensions
C. Beadle

St. Catharines Canada West, June 9 th /47.
Sir
Some years since Baltus Hochstrasser, a revolutionary soldier made a declaration of his military services, which together or with other evidence he gave to the late Baltus Cooke Esq. of Lewiston in the State of N. York, expecting him to take the necessary steps to pro- cure his pension.
Since the death of Mr. Cooke nothing has been found of these papers and I take the liberty of asking if they are on file in your office.
I have known Mr. Hochstrasser for more than twenty-five years and he has always sustained a good character for unaffected honesty. He has been liv- ing here with his children ever since I first knew him. He enlisted and served in the State of N. Y. Fully be- lieving his simple narrative of services and sufferings I have at his request undertaken to assist him in collecting his scattered testimonials that he may obtain the reward proffered by a grateful coun- try, and all the information you can give compatible with your official relations will be received as a particular favor. Please address me via Buffalo New York.
I have the honor to be your obedt- Servt- E. Beadle.
E. L. Edwards Esq.

Palts Hochstraßen

Province of Upper Canada
District of Niagara ss. Personally appeared before me James Black Esquire one of His Majesty's Justices assigned to keep the Peace in said District. Mary Graff resident at Grantham in said Province aged seventy years, who being sworn in due form of law doth depose and say that she is acquainted with Baltho Stockstrafer of the Township of South in said Province and has been acquainted with him from about the year 1780 till the present time - That this deponent, and said Stockstrafer formerly resided in Rensselaer County State of New York from which place both removed to Canada (within a few years of each other,) more than thirty years since where they have resided up to the present time - This deponent further saith that before the close of the Revolutionary war she will recollect that said Stockstrafer enlisted in the American Army, according to the best of recollection in the 1781 or 1782 and under command of Colonel Willet. She recollects he was absent from home for a considerable time but she cannot recollect how long - further this deponent says that the character of said Stockstrafer for truth and veracity is and always has been since her acquaintance with him fair and unexceptionable - and further Saith -
Sworn to and subscribed at Grantham this second day of May 1834. before me & I certify that the above named deponent is a credible Witness -
J. Black J.P. Commissioner for taking Affidavits on the King's Bench.

Province of Upper Canada
District of Niagara J. P.
Henry Smith and Catherine Smith his wife do - hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Beller Nochstraper of South in said Province aged about sixty eight years - That we believe him to be of that age - That he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion -
The above named persons, being duly sworn severally made oath that the facts above stated are true according to the best of their recollection & belief - and I certify that the deponents are credible witnesses -
Dated this Third day of May 1834.
John Black J. P. Niagara District

Upper Canada
District of Niagara } I Edward Clarke Campbell of the town of to wit } Niagara in the Niagara District and
Province of Upper Canada Esquire, & Notary Public in and for said Province, do hereby certify that James Black and John Clarke whose signatures appear on the affidavits annexed are respectively Justices of the Peace in and for the District of Niagara, and were such officers at the dates of taking the within Depositions - and that as such Justices they were duly authorized to administer oaths - and that said signatures respectively are of the proper hand writing of the said James Black and John Clarke
Given under my hand and seal of office?
Thus 23 rd day of May 1834 -
Edward Clarke Campbell Notary Public N.C.
Willie Schuchman

Buffalo June 30 th 1857
Hon. J. E. Heath Comt. of Pensions
Sir - I have made an application for a pension for Revolution-ary Service many years past through Bates Cook Esq. now deceased, but have never received my Pension Certificate. I wish to be informed what further is required from me, and wish you to communicate all the facts necessary to a correct understanding of my case to Samuel Lake of Buffalo who my Attorney for this purpose.
Respectfully Yours
Yours truly
Robert M'Kelip J.P.
Bates Rockstraw
Sir. The Hon. Bates Cook is dead and in order to prosecute the claim of this old Gentleman it is necessary to know what has been done and what more is required. You will therefore please inform me if the Declaration is on file and is correct. I understand it has been amended. Give me the Service Claimed to have been performed. The proof if any has been furnished. The names of Officers & other facts necessary to a correct understanding of the case. and what further proof is required - This Old Gentleman is nearly 86 years of age & is one of the best noblest looking men of his age I ever saw - His erect form, preserved

Health, and Sound mind is the reward of a temperate pure life — — —
Respectfully Yours Samuel Luke

Leominster 26. Sept. 1834.
J. G. Edwards Esqr.
(Comr. of Pensions.)
Sir,
I forward again the papers of Bates Northrup he has supplied the defect noted in his declaration and added the affidavit of Paul Northrup touching his services - Be pleased to have the papers examined and give your answer as soon as convenient -
I am with great respect Your Ob. t Servt.
Walter Cooke

Jacob J. Lansing being appointed Commissary of musters for the State of New York do certify that John Taylor Esq. has enrolled and delivered me, at his own expense an able-bodied Man, named Walter Nochhafer to serve for two years, after the first day of January next agreeable to an act of the Legislature of the State aforesaid. Entitled "An act for raising troops to complete the line of this State in the service of the United States, and the two regiments to be raised on frontiers of unappropriated lands and for the further defence of the frontiers of this State" passed 23 March last. Passed Muster before me this 29 th day of July 1782
Jacob J o Lansing Commissy of Muster State of New York
State of New York Comptroller's Office Albany Sept 22 1840
I hereby certify that I have carefully compared the foregoing with with an original copy now on file in this office, and that it is a true transcript thereof and of the whole of said original
Richard H. Col. Compt.

The number and amount of certificates issued by the Treasurer of the State of New York for levies and militia services &c contained in Book No 5
To whom given
  1781 Oct 21 29.290 Walter Woghtstrante 0. 17. 8   1781 Nov 4 29.327 Walter Woghtstrangler 0. 10. 6 3/4   1. 8. 2 
State of New York Comptrollers Office Albany Sept 22. 1810
I hereby certify the above to be true Extracts from Book No 5 now remaining in this office and that the service for which the two certificates above named were issued were performed under Lieut Genl Van Riper in a regiment commanded by Colo Philip P. Schuyler, and also that Paul Woghtstrante served as a Sergeant in the same company in both of the above named tours
1781 2 Walter Woghtstrante 3. 52
1781 3 Walter Woghtstrangler 16 20 32 3. 52 37. 0

In pursuance of a law passed the 27th of April, 1784, entitled "An act for the settlement of the pay of the Levies and Militia, for their service in the late War, and for other purposes therein mentioned," the following certificates have been issued, bearing interest at five per cent per annum, viz :
31 st Dec, 1782 Baltu Ostranter per £ 22 15 1
44  11  55  1 88  256 8  25.44  87 100
STATE OF NEW-YORK,
COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE, Albany, 15 th July — 1847.
I hereby certify the above to be true extracts from Book No. 2, ————— now remaining in this office, and that the service for which the certificates above named were issued, were performed under the following officers, viz :
First—under Capt. Joseph Harrison in Col. Maurice Millett Reg't.
  Second  "  "  "  "  "    Third  "  "  "  "  "    Fourth  "  "  "  "  "    Fifth  "  "  "  "  "    Sixth  "  "  "  "  "    Seventh  "  "  "  "  "    Eighth  "  "  "  "  "    Ninth  "  "  "  "  "    Tenth  "  "  "  "  "    Eleventh  "  "  "  "  "    Twelfth  "  "  "  "  "  
M. C. Hagg, Compt.