Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 5081, Benjamin Hodge, Conn. Privateer

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn Privateer
Hodge, Benjamin
R. 5081
CONTENTS

Benjamin Woodges Declaration
20321
M. Wood wishes to be paid at Buffalo N.Y.

[Declaration of a Revolutionary Soldier who served in the MILITIA, to obtain a Pension under the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.]
State of New York, ) On this 28th day of December 1832 personally appeared in open Court, before the Court of Common Pleas, now sitting at Buffalo, in said County, Sensen  nm  Hodge a resident of Buffalo in the County of Erie and State of New York, aforesaid, aged 79 years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832, That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated
That he was born the 1 st day of February in the year 1753 in the Town of Hartford in the County of Hartford in the State of Connecticut
That in the fore part of February 1776 he enlisted for two months in Capt. Hales Company in Col. Willis Regiment of Militia (he believes this was the Col. Mann) the name of the Lieutenant of the Company was Thomas Hollish. He was marched immediately after he enlisted to Roxbury near Boston and was there when the British left Boston for New York. That after the said two months expired he was voluntarily discharged & returned home having served at Roxbury a part for the full term of two months as a private soldier. Then immediately after his return home and in the month of April 1776 he volunteered in Capt. Abijah Easton's Company in the New York Militia - his Company name was Phoenix Battery. Soon after he enlisted he was marched to Skaneateles near Whitehall in the State of New York and there he had charge of several boats engaged in loading them from Fort Ann to Skaneateles for Shipbuilding. He remained there about seven weeks upon the return of his Company to New York in the Second Brigade and joined the Regiment & remained there until the first part of December when he was discharged & returned home having served the full term of eight months and that he enlisted as a Corporal and according to his last recollection and as near as he can recollect he served one month as a Corporal and was then made a Sergeant & served in the remaining time of seven months as a Sergeant. That in the Spring of 1778 he met a privateering vessel Capt.

Thomas Shaw who lived in Hethersfield along six miles from the ap- plicant - The Captain in his commission in the Second Regiment who was then Governor of the State of Connecticut - A number of Boats were commissioned at the same time and sent out to guard our coast against the smuggling trade. Every boat carried muskets and one large gun - We set out the last of April or first of May & returned about the last of December being absent from home virtually  virtually  virtually  virtually  virtually  virtually this service not less than Seven months. The next Spring 1777 and about the first of May again volunteered as a private company a false order under Capt Thomas Shaw who was ordered out and commissioned by Governor Trumbull. This department continued as second in command or mate - They cruised about until some time in July when they heard there were several vessels from New York after Wood in a place called Hay Island inlet on the north side of Long Island - for American boats went to go & capture them but they were apprised of the move- ment & prepared and lost three of our boats the other three made their Escape. In among the vessels taken to New York was one of them there as a prisoner until late in the fall when 182 of them were exchanged and set on shore at Elizabet- town New Jersey. That he was absent from home here this last mentioned service for a total service not less than Seven months and was then virtually discharged Can only be returned and on Decm 1779 & Januay 1781
a Company was drafted at Haverbury afterwards where he then lived to go to Milford. I think as a Substitute for Aaron Holliston I think and was a Sergeant of the Company the name of the Captain was I think Roberts or Robins. The Lieutenant and name was Elisha Goodrich who lived in Haver- bury aforesaid. That they captured him in what the rest was called in which he served, not the Col. name.
He served in said Company as a sergeant for the full term of two months but at the end of the time was virtually dismissed - That he was employed during this time in guarding the Milford and remained there and about there during the time for which was out, was not in any battle during this time, and did not know any of the regular Army regiments during this time.
A few days before Elisha was burnt and some time in May 1777 he volunteered with Capt Elisha Hall.

try Company dont remember the regt. but was commanded by Genl. Putnam under Genl. Putnam & was marched from Glastrebury down said - when he volunteered to Red Hook on the Hudson River and remained there until they heard that Benjamin had surrounded down the river about 30 miles where they were or then and finally dismissed having served not less than one month as a private soldier.
That he struck, he received a written discharge from Cap. Abijah Perkins Company, but thinking it of no consequence lost soon after or during the War & his Discharge Warrants not the same fall from the same Cause.
He has no documentary or other Evidence to prove his service He knows of no person who has testimony he can procure who can swear to them.
He has a record of his age in his bible, He has lived since the Revolutionary War, in Glastrebury aforesaid, and in the Town of Rockfield in Allego County and about 25 years moved to
Buffalo where he now resides, and he further says that Nathl. Voshuyk and Ephraim J. Gilbert are persons with whom he is acquainted in his present neighborhood, and with many others in his neighborhood can testify to his character for truth and veracity.
That he cannot procure the attendance of any person at the Court without great inconvenience, and trouble.
He hereby relinquishes every claim, whatever, to a Pension, or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State,
Benjamin Hodg-
Sworn and subscribed this 6 th day of December 1842
Noah P. Spayen Clerk of our Common Pleas

We, Nathaniel Voshough residing in the town of Buffalo and County of Erie and Ephraim F. Gilbert residing in the same place, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Hodge who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration; that we believe him to be 79 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.
Subscribed and Sworn, this 6th day of December 1832 }
Noah P. Sprague Clerk of our Common Pleas
Nathl Voshough Ephraim F. Gilbert
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 Nathl Voshough who has signed the preceding certificate is a Ephraim F. Gilbert resident in the town of Buffalo and county of Erie and that Ephraim F. Gilbert who has signed the same, is a resident of the town of Buffalo and county of Erie and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Noah P. Sprague, 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 Benjamin Hodge for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this
6th day of December 1832
Noah P. Sprague Clerk of our Common Pleas

State of New York
Civ. Court of the On this 11th day of June 1833 personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in & for said County Benjamin Hoag of the Town of Buffalo in said County who being sworn duly deposes & says that he was 80 years old in the month of February last - that he was born in Haskening in the County of Hartford & State of Connecticut & lived there at the general time when he entered the service of the United States as stated in the annexed declaration by him made - that he resided there until he was about a full span of age when he moved to Richfield Village living in this State and that he staid there until he moved into the Town of Buffalo about 25 years ago where he has ever since resided
2 nd That during the Revolution he served under Capt. Hove as stated in his said declaration he went to Annapolis where he was engaged principally in standing on Guard & drilling & fortification at Dorchester Heights near Boston - That during said time General Washington arrived at Dorchester and that he thinks General Putnam was there a part of the time & that he cannot describe other Officers or Regiments.
3 rd That he thinks, says, Regiments - Rensselaer's Company in which he served was in the State Troops - That he volunteered at Haskening under Ensign Hosack who lived near him - That during the Revolution he staid at Hunsborough he was some part of the time looting & sometimes as says he had charge of a small party - That after they got to Ticonderoga he was stationed on the Mount Independence free time most of the time encamped a little out of the fort that there was at that time a floating bridge across from Ticonderoga to Mount Independence - That the bridge then cleared up considerable of the woods there for firewood - That General Arnold & General Schuyler were

2 Jan of 7 no. Each a 14 mi.
then Genl. Waterbury had him taken pris- oner & was then under Parole. That there are several thousand Troops there at that time That to the rear during the time he was under Capt. Shaw - they are engaged in trying to prevent illicit trade & smuggling between the Americans & the Enemy - they coasted along from Norwalk to Point Judith Town & and about Long Island & frequently run near Block Is- land & was almost continually changing their position so that they cannot be collected near all their movements. That Shaw was commissioned as a Lieutenant of Foot - Fencible as he took a step for the purpose of preventing illicit trade & taking small vessels of the Enemy - the First year he was a common sailor & the second made a serjt in command to Capt. Shaw - The second year was in 1779 he erroneously stated 1778 in his first de- claration here to annexed.
2 mi.
That after he entered the service as a substitute for Holliston under Capt. Robbins or Roberts he immediately marched to Old Millford Spring there quartered in private houses - Saw but little duty except Guard Duty on Picket Garde - That he was during the full two months he there found as serjt. but not the order of serjt.
1 mi.
He went for the last time and was out one night and was at Providence nearly all the time while he was there some British vessels were nearly opposite in the River Harbor sometimes fired a shot.
And this Deponent further says that both before and since the making his former declaration hereunto annexed he has made much enquiry of people he thought might know of some individuals who if living might testify to his services but he has not been able to learn & does not know a single.

individual living who can testify to his services stated in this & the before mentioned declaration or any part thereof although it is possible that some are living somewhere whose names & places of residence are to this Deponent unknown that he cannot procure any documentary ev- idence to prove his services and that proof of his having been for a great number of years repeatedly believed to have been a soldier of the Revolution I always have received & considered such is the best evidence of his service which it is in his power to produce. beyond his own oath.
That according to his best recollection he served in Rutledge's Company Swift's Regt. just one month as a Corporal & the remain- ing seven months as a sergeant.
From subscription before me this 4th day of June 1833 J. Clary justice of peace Benjamin Hodge
I certify that I am well acquainted with Benja- min Hodge who subscribed & swore to the above before me & that he is reputed throughout the the Revolutionary soldiers & that I concur in that o- pinion and that his reputation for truth & veracity is unimpeachable.
J. Clary J. P.
State of New York Catt. County ss thinks
Elias Ransom Sylvester Mat
of Buffalo in said County being duly sworn respectfully deposes & says that they are acquainted with Benjamin Hodge about named & have been for more than 15 years last past that du- ring that he has been repeatedly believed to have been a soldier of the Revolution & has been in the habit
of giving an

of attending & being received as such at celebration of the 4 th of July when the Dinner was given to Revolutionary Soldiers & a distinct place in the procession assigned them
And then Deponents further generally say that they believe him to have been a soldier of the Revolution
Ebenezer D. Barron
Matthew
Subscribed & sworn to this 25 th day of June 1833. J. Clary J.P.
I certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Elias Ran- som, Sylvester Mathews & that they are credible persons & have resided in Buffalo for a great number of years. J. Clary J.P.
State of New York
Civil Court, Clerk's Office. I, Noah P. Sprague Clerk of said Court, & of the County of Niagara, do hereby certify that Joseph Clary Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavits, or depositions were taken was at the time of signing the same, respectively, still a Justice of the Peace in & for said County duly qualified to & from & acting as such & that full faith & credit may be given to his acts as such & further certify that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice & that the signatures to said depositions & the certificates following the same are all are all in the proper hand writing & are the genuine signatures of the said Justice.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 28 th day of June A.D. 1833.
Noah P. Sprague Clerk of said Court

20321
Benjamin Hodge Erie County New York
C Wants to be paid at Buffalo N.Y.
Fillmore & Hall Buffalo New York (Hall & Fillmore) Buffalo N.Y.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
May 23 1835
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 subjóined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Benjamin Hodge Erie City N. York
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Enlisted Feb. 1776 2 pr. Capt Gates Col. Miller Mass. 79 Glastonbury   Ad. April 30 1778 8 capt 1 sergt 2 Capt Row sergt 2 Col Swift N. York { Additional   1778 7 pr. Capt Allen —   1778 7 " " —   Dec 1779 2 sergt Capt Rob erts —   May 1777 1 pr. Capt Hollis Gen Put nam   27  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
It cannot be readily admitted that the above allegations of service are insusceptible of proof; & claimants are required to produce the best evidence in their power.

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

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
□ The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
R. Newman

State of New York, Chautauqua County Clerk's Office.
I George M. Teym Clerk of said County, do hereby certify, that Parley Eaton whose name is subscribed to the above Jurat and Certificate, was at the day of the date thereof, and now is, a Justice of the Peace of said County, duly elected and sworn, and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing.
Hon. Mr. Fillmore H.R.

State of New York Chautauqua County } ss
Anna Webster of the town of Elliott in the county aforesaid, being duly affirmed  sworn says that she is 77 years old, that she is a sis- ter of Benjamin Dodge of Buffalo, an applicant for a pension, that during the Revolutionary war this de- ponent & her brother Benjamin afore- said resided in the town of Glas- tenburg, county of Charlotte and State of Connecticut, that they resided together with their father, that she re- lects that when the British were in Bos- ton and she thinks in January or Febry 1776 her brother Benjamin with others started from Glastenbury to go to Prof- bury as was said, under the com- mand of Capt Hale, the Lieutenants name was Hollister, that her brother was gone at least two months, that he returned soon after the it was said the British left Boston, that it was said he did duty as a sol- dier, that he started as a soldier and returned as such, and this deponent confidently believes, that he did duty as a soldier for at least two months -
That soon after the said Benja- min returned from Boston  he enlisted in the army under Colonel Phineas Gros- venor, that said Grosvenor was a near neighbor of this deponent's father, that the captain of the company was Abijah Howley, that the said Benja- min was a corporal as it was said and that he staid for some little

6 mths time in Glantonburg to enlist men after the company had marched, that in the latter part of May or begin- ning of June 1846 the said Benja- min marched to join the Northern Army at Siconderoga where that he returned home, sick with the fever & ague, the latter part of Novem- ber or first of December in that year , that they had letters frequently from the said Benjamin, from which it ap- peared that he was at or near Siconderoga, that during the ab- sence of the said Benjamin to the north the said Ensign Grovesner returned, and informed this deponent & their family that the said Benjamin was at Sicon- deroga as a soldier, this depo- nent verily believes that the said Benjamin did duty in enlisting soldiers and in the northern army at least eight months in the year 1846, that it was universally understood that the said Benjamin did duty as a soldier to the north, and this depo- nent never heard any thing to the contrary, she therefore believes he served as above set forth that it was said & reported that the Regiment was commanded by Col: Herman Swift -
That early in the Spring of 1848 the said Benjamin left home, for the purpose of doing duty on board of a squadron of whaling vessels, fitted out and armed to guard the coast

the said Benjamin left home for the purpose of doing duty on board of a squadron of whaling boats, fitted out and armed to guard the coasts
of Long Island Connecticut & to prevent the British from getting supplies of provisions on shore - That Captain Slew of Truro Hill commanded the boats, that the said Benjamin was absent from early in the spring till late in the fall, & this deponent says it was reported & she believes it to be true that the said Benjamin served for the time aforesaid on board of said boats & for the purpose aforesaid -
This deponent further says that in May 1779 the said Benjamin started to perform another tour of duty on board of said boats & for the like purposes & under the command of the said Capt Slew, that they commenced their duty as was reported & as this deponent very much believes, that in July of that year it was reported that the boats were taken & the men including the said Benjamin made prisoners, that this deponent very much believes they were made prisoners, that the said Benjamin was exchanged and returned home late in the fall of that year - That soon after he returned, & this deponent thinks it was in the month of December 1779 the said Benjamin marched as was said to Milford

to guard that place from the British that he was gone as much as six weeks, that he did duty as a soldier as it was said & as this deponent verily believes - And further this deponent saith not - Affirmed & subscribed This 16 th day of Jan'y 1835. Before me
Anna Webster
Parley Eaton Justice peace
I do certify that I am acquainted with the above deponent & that she is a person of truth & veracity, and that full credit ought to be given to her testimony - Parley Eaton, Justice peace State of New York Chautauqua County } ss William Web- ster of Ellicott in said county, the husband of the above named Anna Webster, being duly sworn says that he has been well & intimately acquainted with the said Benjamin - Dodge for more than fifty years, that the said Benjamin has ever been considered & this deponent verily believes him to be a man of truth & veracity, and this deponent believes the said Benjamin served in the Revo- lution as he has stated in his declaration -
Second subscribed This 16 th day of Jan'y 1835 } William Webster Before me

confidence & this deponent verily believes him to be a man of truth & veracity, and this deponent believes the said Benjamin served in the Revo- lution as he has stated in his declaration - Second subscribed this 16th of Jan y 1835 by William Webster before me
Parley Eaton Justice Peace
I do certify that I am acquainted with the above named William Webster and believe him to be a man of truth and veracity
Parley Eaton Justice Peace
ever was - he said you do me well

State of New York, Chautauqua County Clerk's Office p.
Hon. Mr. Fillmore N.P.
I George W. Jen Clerk of said County, do hereby certify, that Poley Eaton whose name is subscribed to the above Jurat and Certificate, was at the day of the date thereof, and now is, a Justice of the Peace of said County, duly elected and sworn, And further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice, and verily believe that the signatures thereto subscribed are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of said County, this 17 th day of January in the Year Eighteen hundred and thirty five - G. W. Jen Clerk -

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
REJECTED
5081
P. O.
Benjamin Hodge
Service:
Enlisted: _____, 18 .
Discharged: _____, 18 .
Application filed: _____, 18 .
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.

New York Rev
Buy m Hodge Suspended
let to Fillmore & Hale
29 Oct 1833
let to Hon. M. Fillmore
March 3 d 1835
5081
Act. 7 June '32

House of Rep. Feb. 19. 1835.
J. L. Edwards Esq. Sir,
Enclosed I send you some additional testimony in the case of Benjamin Dodge a Revolutionary pensioner of Buffalo N.Y.
Will you be so kind as to communicate to me as soon as may be convenient the result of his applica- -tion after the investigation of the enclosed testimony.
I am Your most att. Servt.
William Fillmore

William Patchin Suspended Case N. York
Dec 4-1852
Robert W. Pennycuick, SOLICITOR OF CLAIMS WASHINGTON, D.C.

STATE OF New York } ss. COUNTY OF Erie }
BE IT KNOWN, That before Benjamin Hodge a Justice of the Peace in and for the said county, personally appeared Lorin Hodge who being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say, that he is the child of Benjamin Hodge deceased, widow of _____ (who was a privateer in the war of the Revolution,) that he now makes this declaration to recover any pension-moneys that may be due on account of the services of Benjamin Hodge as aforesaid, for the benefit of Lorin Hodge, Benjamin Hodge and Velorus Hodge
_____ under any acts or resolutions of Congress applicable to the case; and that he is directly interested in the same, and makes this affidavit to be filed by his attorney.
Sworn and subscribed this 20 day of April 18 52 , before me,
Benj. Hodge
Justice of the Peace.
Lorin Hodge
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, That I Lorin Hodge child of Benjamin Hodge deceased, widow of _____ (who was a privateer in the war of the Revolution,) for value received do hereby constitute and appoint ROBERT W. YOUNG, Esq. Washington, D. C., my true and lawful attorney irrevocably for me, and in my name to prosecute my claim to any pension-moneys that may be found due on account of the services of said Benjamin Hodge as aforesaid; and I hereby authorize my said attorney to examine all papers and documents touching my claim, on file in the departments at Washington or elsewhere, and file any additional evidence or arguments he may think proper, to ensure the recovery of the same.
Witness my hand and seal this 20 th day of April A.D. 18 52 ,
Signed and sealed in the presence of
WITNESS, W. Van Vechten
WITNESS, Benj. Hodge
Lorin Hodge (L. S.)
STATE OF New York } ss. COUNTY OF Erie }
On this 20 th day of April A.D. 18 52 , before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, personally appeared Lorin Hodge and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be his act and deed. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand the day and year last above mentioned.
Benj. Hodge
Justice of the Peace.
STATE OF New York } ss. COUNTY OF Erie }
BE IT KNOWN, That on the 20 th day of April A.D. 18 52 , before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, personally appeared Mary C. Davis and _____ one two disinterested and respectable witnesses, and made oath according to law, that they were well acquainted with Benjamin Hodge deceased, widow of _____ (who was a privateer in the Revolutionary War,) and that Lorin Hodge, Benjamin Hodge, and Velorus Hodge
are the only surviving children. And that the said Benjamin Hodge departed this life on the 25 th day of February A.D. 18 37 .
Sworn and subscribed the day and year last above mentioned, before me,
Benj. Hodge
Justice of the Peace.
Mary C. Davis

STATE OF New York } ss. COUNTY OF Erie }
BE IT KNOWN, That before Benjamin Hodge a Justice of the Peace in and for the said county, personally appeared Lorin Hodge who being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say, that he is the child of Benjamin Hodge deceased, widow of _____ (who was a privater in the war of the Revolution,) that he now makes this declaration to recover any pension-moneys that may be due on account of the services of Benjamin Hodge as aforesaid, for the benefit of Lorin Hodge, Benjamin Hodge and Melorus Hodge
_____ under any acts or resolutions of Congress applicable to the case; and that he is directly interested in the same, and makes this affidavit to be filed by his attorney.
Sworn and subscribed this 20 day of April 18 52 , before me,
Benj. Hodge
Justice of the Peace.
Lorin Hodge
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, That I Lorin Hodge child of Benjamin Hodge deceased, widow of _____ (who was a privater in the war of the Revolution,) for value received do hereby constitute and appoint ROBERT W. YOUNG, Esq. Washington, D. C., my true and lawful attorney irrevocably for me, and in my name to prosecute my claim to any pension-moneys that may be found due on account of the services of said Benjamin Hodge as aforesaid; and I hereby authorize my said attorney to examine all papers and documents touching my claim, on file in the departments at Washington or elsewhere, and file any additional evidence or arguments he may think proper, to ensure the recovery of the same.
Witness my hand and seal this 20 th day of April A.D. 18 52 ,
Signed and sealed in the presence of
WITNESS, W. Van Vechten
WITNESS, Benj. Hodge
Lorin Hodge (L.S.)
STATE OF New York } ss. COUNTY OF Erie }
On this 20 th day of April A. D. 18 52 , before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, personally appeared Lorin Hodge and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be his act and deed. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand the day and year last above mentioned.
Benj. Hodge
Justice of the Peace.
STATE OF New York } ss. COUNTY OF Erie }
BE IT KNOWN, That on the 20 th day of April A.D. 18 52 , before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, personally appeared Mary C. Davis and _____ one true disinterested and respectable witnesses, and made oath according to law, that they were well acquainted with Benjamin Hodge deceased, widow of _____ (who was a privater in the Revolutionary War,) and that Lorin Hodge, Benjamin Hodge, and Melorus Hodge
State of New York, } ss. ERIE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE. }
I, WELLS BROOKS, Clerk of said County, and of the Courts thereof, certify that Benjamin Hodge before whom the annexed affidavit was taken, and whose name is subscribed in the certificate of proof thereof, was at the time of taking the same a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly elected, sworn and acting as such, and authorized to take the same; and further, that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe the signature thereto, to be his genuine signature.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said County and the Courts thereof, 24 day of April A. D 18 52
Wells Brooks Clerk.