Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17,999, Ephraim Hinman, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Hinman Ephraim Sylvania.
W. 17999.
CONTENTS

Letter to R. R. Hinman Sept 28. 1857
Rep.
2259
Connecticut.
Sylvania Hinman, died widow of Ephraim Hinman who died on the 11 December 1829 of Hartford in the State of Connecticut who was an apt. Dept. in the Commissary by Captain of the  commanded by Colon in the Revolution line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Hartford at the rate of 600 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 1 st day of March, 1831 & end 13 February 1839 when she died.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 th day of October 1850 and sent to N. N. Sylvester, Present.
Arrears to the 4th of Charlestown New Hampshire Semi-annual allowance ending
Increased from $480.00 Payable
Royal R. Hinman Revolutionary Claim, only surviving child Act July 4, 1836, Section the
Recorded by Chase Clerk, Vol. 2 Page 353

District of Columbia, vis, city of Washington on this 4 th day of Nov r A D 1846, personally app- -eared before me, H. C. Williams a justice of the peace for the County & District. Royal R. Hinman of the City & County of Hartford in the State of Connecticut who after being duly examined as sworn and -ing to Law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain an allowance of pension due Sylvanica Hinman, his deceased Mother, for the services of his father Ephraim Hinman late of Roxbury in the State of Connecticut and, performed in the war of the Revolution - That he the said Royal R d is the only surviving child of the said Ephraim & Sylvanica Hinman - That his father the said Ephraim died at Roxbury in the year 1829 & that his mother the said Sylvanica, died in his family at said Hartford on the 13 th day of February in the year of our Lord 1839 - And at the time of her death, she was in the receipt of a small pension for the services of her said husband

as a but  but  station  station in said town  town at Morweth in the year 1782 and as a Quarter Master in the year 1778, being in all for the period of six months services in both offices - said Royal further declares that he has recently discovered documents & letters, directed to his father, by the said Ephraime superior Officers in the Commissary Department, which he fully believes clearly proves that his said father served as an Assistant Commissary of Forage for more than the full term of two years, (twelvemonth) from the 30 th day of Nov r 1778 until the fifth day of October 1782, as appears by Document No 1 and Document No 26, and the intermediate time fully proved & sustained by twenty four letters & documents accompanying this declaration, from his superior Officers in the Commissary Department in hand. Which said letters not only acknowledge, but direct him in the duties of said Office, supplying him as such, with monies from the public coffers to purchase Forage and provisions for the Army, to hire and impel teams to transport Forage & provision

at the expence of the public, directing him to make monthly returns to the Assistant Q. Master Genl of Forage & - the said documents and letters are herewith submitted for the consideration of the Commissioner of Pensions as they are - But at the same time suggesting, that they are are addressed to said Ephraim holding different offices in the Commissary Department, Your Declarant fully believes the said Ephraim either held different offices at the same time, or his superior officers by inatten- tions & omissions gave him the wrong title of office, - from the nature of the instructions given & known by his superior Officers, as well as the duties performed by him from Nov 30 th 1778 to 1782 - Your declarant is satisfied, he performed the duties of Assistant Commissary of Forage at ninety dollars per month after the 1 st of January 1779 - and if he

performed other duties, which strictly might be classed under the duties of any other office mentioned in the Department or of a higher grade or rank, an allowance by the law missioner for the pay of an Assistant Commissioner of Forage, which is an inferior grade of office as any which he held during said period of time proved by the documents, would be satisfactory to the Defendant and did no injustice to the law or the country.
Noyal R. Kleinman
Sworn and Subscribed
To before me Nov 4 th 1846
H. C. Williams
Sp

State of Connecticut } County of Hartford }
Hartford July 28 th 1838
On this twenty Eighth day of July personally appeared before Thomas S. Williams Esq r a Judge of the Sup re Court and chief Judge of the Supreme Court of errors. Sylvania Hinman a resident of the Town of Hartford in the County aforesaid and State of Conn t aged Seventy eight years and upwards who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 4 th 1836: That she is the widow of Ephraim Hinman late of Roxbury in the County of Litchfield and State aforesaid who was a Quarter Master and Cap t in the War of the Revolution.
She further declares that she was married to the said Hinman on the 3 rd day of Feb y in the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy Nine, and that her Husband the aforesaid Ephraim Hinman died on the 11 th day of Dec r eighteen hundred and twenty Nine aged Seventy six years; and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.
With respect to the time of service of her husband the declarant cannot ascertain at this period the house in which they had abode & where his services were rendered many years ago - & as she believes all her own papers relating to his service - But she does recollect that he was about several months in service after they were married so that they did not commence keeping house until September following.
Sylvana Hinman

The within declaration was sworn to and subscribed by the within named Sylvester Hinman - The day & year within mentioned & written Before me
Thos. S. Williams a Judge of the Sup re Court & Chief Judge of the Supreme Court of Errors of State of Connecticut
State of Connecticut Office of the Secretary of the State July 30 th 1838
I hereby certify that Thomas S. Williams is a Judge of the Superior Court and Chief Judge of the Supreme Court of Errors of this State as appears of record in this office and the signature above is his genuine signature
In testimony of which I have hereunto affixed the seal of this State & signed the same Rogers K. Hemen Secretary of State

Points
in continuation of the synopsis on the claim of Royal R. Newman -

Points in continuation of the Synopsis on the claim of Royal R. Hinman.
Since the papers in the case of Royal R. Hinman were submitted, it has occurred to the claimant that one or two points may be added in support of it which it may be well for the Department to consider. By a reference to the affidavits on file in the case of Sylvania Hinman for a Pension, it will be seen that the House of Ephraim Hinman in Southbury was burnt to the ground near the close of the war, with nearly its entire contents. The war Books, Documents and papers, including the Commission of the said Ephraim, were then destroyed, (except the few letters of his correspondence in the service, recapitulated in his Synopsis now on file) - that the fire was sudden and overpowering - that the wife of David Hinman, brother of the said Ephraim, barely escaped with her life by running from the scene, at dead of night, with a child in her arms, and in her night clothes. One of the men in an upper room was hurled from the chamber window and his leg broken to save his life, by another brother of the said Ephraim (Benjamin Hinman) - In that unfortunate conflagration, many valuable records and papers were destroyed - and it was only by a peculiar providence that those embodied in the Synopsis were miraculously preserved. This, then, clearly shews the destruction of the Commission which is the reason of its absence from among the files.
In relation to the Commission of Captain of Coast Guards, it will be remembered that this was in 1780. No evidence of the performance of military duty under it has appeared until after 1782, - & then only that said Ephraim was on a short tour of duty of a few months, for which a PENSION for 6 months has been allowed the late widow, Sylvania Hinman. But this (serving as a complete estoppel to all argument in opposition to the sufficiency of the testimony now submitted) need not be recapitulated here. It will be seen that it goes to establish the continuation of the service of said Ephraim Hinman. All the testimony, indeed, tends to prove that the said Ephraim actually served in the Department of Quarter Master General from the first of September 1778 for more than two years thereafter. This is fully shewn by living witnesses, who attest either to their personal knowledge of the facts stated, or prove them by general repute. And it is also shewn that the said Ephraim Hinman was known and acknowledged in the said Department as an officer of the grade assigned him in all that region of country where he performed its duties. True, he was sometimes addressed by his Superior Officers under different titles; and it is probable that he actually performed service under them all. - These documents, however, either under the titles given him, or in the body of the letters of instruction themselves, effectually prove him to have belonged to the Staff of the Army ; and consequently entitled to all the benefits, intended for the relief of that and other branches of the military service in the war of the Revolution.
It may be further observed here, that officers of this branch of the service were required, under the act of Congress of 1779 (page 207, June 12 th ) to take an OATH to obey orders, according to the rules of discipline established for the Army. Those in the Quarter Master General's Department were all of them, of every grade, thus required to swear before entering upon their duties. [vid. Journals of Cong. of July 15. 1780, page 1496.]
These officers were responsible to the government - liable to trial by Court Martial, - and subject to be punished by death or otherwise for a violation of duty.
The claimant has thought proper (although the Department must be much more familiar with this subject than himself) to submit the above points and references to its consideration when considering the pending application, and before any final decision is made.
Respectfully submitted.
January 18 1847. -
Royal R. Hinman

JONATHAN TRUMBULL, Esquire, Captain General and Commander in Chief in and over the State of CONNEC- TICUT; in AMERICA.
To
Ephraim Hinman
GREETING.
YOU being by the General Assembly of this State appointed to be Captain of the eleventh Company or Trained Band in the 13th Regiment in this State
reposing special Trust and Confidence in your Fidelity, Courage, and good Conduct, I DO by Virtue of the Laws of this State, me thereunto enabling, appoint and impower you to take said Company into your Care and Charge as their Captain , carefully and diligently to discharge that Office and Trust; exercising your inferior Officers and Soldiers in the Use of their Arms, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, ordained and established by the Laws of this State, keeping them in good Order and Government, and commanding them to obey you as their Captain and you are to observe all such Orders and Directions as from Time to Time you shall receive, either from Me, or from other your superior Officer, pursuant to the Trust hereby reposed in you.
GIVEN under my Hand, and the Public Seal of this State, at Hanford the 16 th Day of June — Anno Domini, 1780.
By His Excellency's Command.
George Wyllys Secretary.
Jn. Trumbull

Extract from the Hon ble Robert Morris's Letter to Ralph Pomeroy Esq m Dated Phil a 25 Sept r 1782.
Sir,
I have this Morning received & considered your Letter of twenty seconds instant, I give due weight to your Observation that the payment of Monies due to your People by Paper receivable in the Taxes would at once facilitate the collection, & establish a credit on which future supplies might be obtained, a view of these things had led me very early to extend a considerable Paper Circulation which has constantly returned upon me for payment & instead of being absorbed by the Taxes, I desire of supporting the various branches of Public Service, has induced me to make considerable Anticipation, relying on the most pointed Assurance from the most respectable Authorities, that I might expect very considerable from the States of particularity from Connecticut, it is I am Sure Sir, unnecessary to inform you how much I have been deceived, I am therefore determined not to extend my engagements any farther until the Taxes shall have enabled me to comply with those already made. I am very unwilling that new debts should be contracted for the shameful, & I think I might say, treasonable negligence of those (whoever they are) whose duty it is to compel the collection of Taxes, taking away the hopes of being able to pay them, yet it is my determination not to engage promise where I do not see the prospect of Performance it is for this reason (founded on those principles of justice & truth which alone can be relied on) that I am determined, as I have already said, not to extend my engagements before I have complied with those already made. I know well that the service must suffer, but I also know that an early suffering is better than a late ruin; —
and

I find myself reduced to the necessity of choosing between these two Evils by the Negligence of the States, whatever be the consequence it must be theirs to answer it, &c. I hope the People will at Length distinguish between those who admonish them to their good, & those who flatter them to their Destruction
2 - 16 - 26 2 - 10 2 - 5 9 1 16 10 5 1
1782
Ephraim Heiman Comm. M17999

Ephraim Kenison Conn. W. 17999
24 orders, ranging from Nov. 30, 1778 to May 4, 1783. and a written copy of the Resolves of Congress relative to orders, have been removed from this case to be sent to the War Dept.
Aw. -
Mar. 28, 1911
Sent to War Dept. Jany. 16, 1913 c

11
Public Service
Mr Ephraim Heman
Ms. A. 9. 2. 11
1782

Hartford 5 th Oct. 1780.
Sir,
The inclosed Extract of a Letter from the Superintendent of Finance will serve to shew you that I am entirely disappointed in my views of making any new Contracts or even paying old ones.
Therefore I must not engage to receive any Forage grain, or any other Article although much wanted in the Army.
It distresses me greatly that I am compelled to give you this notice & that it is not in my power to satisfy you provided you collect & retain the same.
I am Sir your most Obedient
& Humble Serv t
Ralph Pomeroy
B.L.M.
Ebenezer Hemenway

Synopsis,
Points made in the case of Royal R. Newman, claiming instead of pension of
Sylvania Newman.

Synopsis
Of the claim of Royal R. Hinman of Connecticut for an increase of Pension of his mother, Sylvania Hinman deceased
A Report from the Pension office of the 4 th November last, presents some reasons, from the papers then before the Commissioners, for declining the asked for increase. These reasons are, that no satisfactory proof can be discerned, in the papers put upon file, from No. 1 to 24 that Ephraim Hinman, husband of the late Sylvania deceased, was ever regularly appointed to that office; or that he ever held a military commission.
The Report admits the fact that the said Ephraim was employed in purchasing supplies for the Army, and forwarding them to certain posts; but it is alleged that it is not shown that he ever held an appointment in the Staff of the Army.
Among other things, the report makes allusion to the several designations or titles in the letters addressed to him, sometimes being styled Commissary, A.C.P. (supposed to mean Assistant Commissary of Purchases,) sometimes A.D. Q.M.G. signifying Assistant Deputy Quartermaster General.
It is set forth in the report that sometimes no title, office or station is given, but the word, "Mr." is prefixed to the name. And the Commissioners, from this statement of the case, conclude that it would be exceedingly difficult to draw from the papers any legitimate conclusion that he ever was appointed to any one of the several staff offices of the Army, and that such proof seems to be indispensable in the case.
The foregoing is the substance of the report. Now let us examine the main point presented, and indeed the only one essential to the question, the sufficiency of the Proof.
And what is the substance of the proof offered? - A short synopsis of the case, and of the letters and correspondence referred to, will exhibit it.
Letters from 1 to 24.
Letter 1. John Mire, Brigade Major, addressed to Mr. Hinman, Commissary, Southbury, Nov. 30. 1778.
Informing that Genl. Huntington had sent him two Cooper, to remain till 1 st Jany. then to be returned by him to their Regiment. Signed by order of the General.
Letter 2. John Fitch, Deputy Commissary General of Issues, to Ephraim Hinman Esq. Asst. C.P. dated at the Commissary's Office, Danbury, April 29 th 1779. Inclosed "Public Service".
States that he had rec d a letter from Peter Colt, in which he desired that he return to Fitch all the meat in his charge as soon as possible.

Letter 3. Ezra Starr, A.D. Q.M. under date of 1 st May 1779, addressed Mr. Ephraim Kimman at Southbury "for Express", & marked "Public Service". Stating that he had intelligence that the Garrison at Peekskill was nearly starved & that a large body of troops was collecting & had collected there, and that until provisions were speedily sent to their relief, they must inevitably suffer, and requesting teams for transportation, &c. Also, asking Mr. Kimman to draw money, &c. as might be needed.
Letter 4. Ezra Starr, A.D. Q.M. under date May 20. 1779 written Ephraim Kimman, marked "Public Service". Requesting him to procure teams for transportation of provisions to Danbury, and to call for Pick warrant in case of refusal of the people to supply teams.
Letter 5. Ezra Starr, A.D. Q.M. to Ephraim Kimman A.D. Q.M. (written by Express & marked Public Service). Requesting him to give his assistance in raising teams, and in forwarding salt-provisions from Watertown & Woodbury to Danbury, & if teams cannot be otherwise procured, to impress them by warrant, as the provisions were much wanted for the immediate use of the troops.
Letter 6. Ezra Starr, A.D. Q.M. to Ephraim Kimman, A.D. Q.M. under date, Danbury, June 3 rd 1779. Informing him that since 11 o'clock that morning, he had rec d two Expresses, to forward on all the salt-provisions &c. that the Expresses were of the most pressing nature, &c. and that General Washington was the next day expected at the North River with the whole Army. That the militia were busily collecting, and only a small quantity of provisions at that Post - and begging him, at that critical moment, to lose no time in forwarding the whole supply then remaining at Woodbury, to press teams if necessary, and to have it at Danbury the next day night.
Letter 7. Samy Clark, A.D. Q.M. under Ephraim Kimman by - date Danbury, July 20. 1779. Mentioning that he had seen Capt. Hubbard, & he told him that he thought would be best to do at Woodbury. Says that Mr. Kimman, in the Forage department, & ordering him to contract for all the Forage that could be had in those towns, and see it properly secured, till wanted, and direct him to forward his monthly returns of all his contracts, money paid, quantity of Forage on hand, & where deposited.

Letter 8. James Clark, A.D.M.G. to Ephraim Hinman Esq. A.D.C. & G. under date, Danbury, 3 rd Aug. 1779 & on "Public Service".
Enclosing him $2.280, and begs him to exert himself to the utmost in procuring Forage. He also directs him what prices to give for hay and oats. Again he directs him to make his returns to him every month by the close of the month, saying that he had been disappointed for not sending them on.
Letter 9. James Clark, A.D.M.G. to Ephraim Hinman Esq. A.C.P.
Stating that he had rec d . and enclosed a resolve of Congress about the wages of the departments, and an extract of orders rec d . from the Deputy C. G. G. respecting the returns which are
1 st Return of all Forage purchased in his district in each month. 2 nd All Forage delivered at Posts, Magazines, or on hand at the end of the month. 3 rd Of all money expended in said month. 4 th Of the names and number of persons employed, with their wages.
Mr. Clark strongly urges prompt returns, and if no other way offers of transmitting them, to send them on by Express.
Letter 10. George Starr, Agent to the Board of War, to W. Ephraim Hinman Assistant Commissary Purchases, dated Middletown, Aug. 20. 1779 "on Public Service".
Requesting him to send him all the shoes belonging to the public by the State Land returning to Middletown; to take duplicate receipts, and that he (Starr) would pay the transportation. Directing to send a Bill of the shoes, &c.
Letter 11. Israel Starr, A.D.M.G. to Ephraim Hinman Esq.; Danbury, sent by Mr. Sandford. (letter torn).
Stating that there was not a Barrel of salt provisions in the store, and he had orders for a quantity to be sent immediately for the relief of the troops at Peekskill, praying him to hasten it on, &c.
Letter 12. Benjamin Hubbard, A.D.M.G. to Ephraim Hinman, dated Hartford, Sept. 30. 1779.
Directing him as to the prices to pay for hay & grain; directing all the hay in his district, corn and oats, that could be spared, should be purchased without loss of time on the best terms it could, not exceeding the prices fixed by Capt. Clark. He wishes him to go on in his purchases as fast as possible; directing him to see that the hay be pressed in proper bundles, and forwarded to Danbury as fast as purchased. He also instructs to have the oats and corn forwarded as fast as it was possible to collect it.

Letter . . . 13. Nehemiah Hubbard, Q.M. under date of Hartford, Oct. 14. 1779. to Ephraim Hinman Esq. Commissary Forage, indorsed "Public Service". Saying that he had that day rec d directions from the Quartermaster General to screen 200 tons of hay, & that 100 tons of it be pressed into proper bundles of about 11.00 weight each - instructing him to lose no time, and to spare no pains in having it well done - Orders him to keep the screen under cover that the hay may not get wet, &c.
Letter . . . 14. Nehemiah Hubbard, Q.M. to Ephraim Hinman Esq. under date Nov. 7. 1779. Referring to his last letter as to screening the hay, & informing him that the troops will probably winter at Reading Connecticut & that a large magazine of hay & grain must be wanted - directing him to continue the screening of hay and forwarding it to Danbury before the rainy season - Further stating to Mr. Hinman that all the grain that could be spared in his District be screened without loss of time - This letter further goes on to say that Capt. Clarke had a fresh supply of Cash and could furnish him with any sum he wanted.
Letter . . . 15. James Clark, A.C.G. to Ephraim Hinman Esq. dated, Danbury, 22 d Nov. 1779. States that they were, at that Port, in a shocking situation. That two divisions of the Army were there from the east & west, & not a bushel of grain for their horses. begs him to send three or more loads of oats, Buckwheat or corn. He further says, by the bearer of that letter he incloses £3,000, (and requests him to sign the receipt therefor, and return it by the boy.
Letter . . . 16. Ezra Starr, Q.M. to Ephraim Hinman Esq. A.C.G. indorsed "Public Service", dated, 14 th Dec. 1779. Stating that he had rec d orders from Genl. Greene respecting the Quartering of troops, and that nothing could be had for but wood, which must be upon a certificate (specifying the quantity rec d ) from the Quartermaster or commanding Officer - that if he had any such certificates, to send them to him.
Letter . . . 17. James Clark, A.C.G. to E. Hinman, A.C.G. dated, Danbury, 15 th Dec. 1779. Acknowledging his return as Assistant Commissary General of Forage for the month of November, and regretting that some of his (Hinman's) Forage had been eaten by Col. Sheldon's Regiment. He further states that that Post must suffer unless supplies could be had from Woodbury, and that there was not a handful of Forage of any kind, there or hand. Nothing (the letter alleges) but reasonable supplies from abroad could save the lives of numbers of valuable cattle - Directing him to purchase any species of Forage in his District that could be spared, and that if the same could not be purchased by fair contract, to apply to a magistrate for a Press Warrant.
Letter . . . 18. Enoch Poor Q.M. to Mr. Ephraim Hinman Q.M. under date of Danbury, Dec. 19. 1779. Directing said Hinman to deliver Mr. Simpson Forage Master of the Brigade, hay & grain for the use of his Brigade, as he should draw from time to time.

Letter . . . 19. Ebenezer A. D. B. to Mr. Ephraim Hinman, A.D.B. Forage, under date, Danbury, Feb. 20. 1780. Directing to forward all the corn immediately, which he had purchased, to Mr. Buchanan, D.M. Letter . . . 20. William Simpson, D.M. of Genl. Poor's Brigade, to Mr. Hinman, A.C.D. Woodbury, under date, Camp near Danbury, Feb. 29. 1780. Respecting the purchase of additional horses, the laying in of a quantity of hay, to be pressed immediately, &c. He wished the hay pressed directly he would send a receipt book to him (Hinman) that he should depend upon eighty or an hundred tons of hay from his (Hinman's) district. — This was by order of the Commander of the Brigade, &c. Letter . . . 21. James Clark, A.D.C. Forage, to Ephraim Hinman, A.C.D. date, Danbury, 14 th March 1780. marked, "Public Service". Stating that he was then called upon to settle his accounts, &c. he wanted Mr. Hinman to make up and forward his; instructing him as to the mode of making them by referring to the Commissary General of Forage, with a general return of his receiving & issues. Letter . . . 22. James Clark, A.D.C. G.D. to Ephraim Hinman, indorsed "Public Service", under date, Danbury, Aug. 3 rd 1780. "N o Express". In reference to certain articles ordered by the Governor of Connecticut. Letter . . . 23. Ralph Pomery, D.M. to Ephraim Hinman, A.D.O. 1782, marked "Public Service". Including an extract of a letter from Robert Morris, Superintendent of Finance, Philadelphia, in which he advises the stopping of all further purchases for want of money. Mr. Pomery refused, on receipt of this intelligence, receiving any forage, grain, or any other article, although much wanted for the army. This information arrested all further operations in the line of purchases, altho' the suffering was great for want of subsistence, at that distressing period. Letter . . . 24. Ralph Pomery, D.M. to Capt. Ephraim Hinman, under date of Hartford, 14 th May 1783, "Honored by Capt. Clark". Directing Capt. Hinman to look up a quantity of Iron Spades, & other articles, left at Woodbury & Watertown by continental teams, in 1782, and to advertise them, by order of the Quartermaster General, for sale, either at auction or otherwise, as he might judge best for the public interest. As soon as convenient, to sell the same for money, as he was then anxious to close up all of his accounts.

The Answer to the objection raised by the Commissioner in this case seems to be in a Nut Shell. It can scarcely be necessary to add a word to the preceding correct statement. All the requisite proof seems to be clearly embodied in the lettered statements. They carry their own validation with them. and it really strikes the claimant (the law must speak itself with all deference and respect) as particularly strange that a single query has been raised at the Pension office as to the sufficiency of the proof. In admitting at the Department that the services have been rendered, seems to be a surrender of the entire question. If Ephraim Hinman performed the services, the inquiry is, in what capacity he performed them.
The first letter addressed to him (No. 1.) was in 1778, as Commissary , Southbury. It was written, it seems, by the Brigade Major, informing that two Cooper had been sent him.
The second letter was from the Commissary General of Issues.
The 3 rd 4 th 5 th 6 th 11 th & 16 th were from the Assistant Deputy Quarter Master General, one particularly addressed to Ephraim Hinman as "Assistant Quarter Master General", another under the title of "Assistant Commissary General of Forage", by abbreviation. Letter 7 th 8 th 9 th 15 th 17 th 21 st & 22 nd were rec d from James Clark, "A.D.Q.M.C." (Assistant Deputy Quarter Master General) Principally addressed to Ephraim Hinman as serving either as Quarter Master or Commissary; and seeming to have been varied according to the particular duty or service the Officer upon the order wished to have performed at the time.
Letter No. 10 is from George Chase, agent to the Board of War, addressed to Ephraim Hinman, Assistant Commissary Purchaser, expressly "on public service".
Letters 12, 13 & 14 are from Nathaniel Hubbard, A.D.Q.M.C. (Deputy Quarter Master General)
Letter 17 th (with that the letter of Mr. Hinman had been rec d - This note from Gen. Clark, acknowledging the returns made by Gen. Hinman as Assistant Commissary General of Forage for November of that year.
Letter 18, is from Brigadier General Poor, directing Ephraim Hinman to deliver to one Mr. Simpson certain Forage for the use of his Brigade. &c.
Letter 20 is from William Simpson, Forage Master, respecting the purchase of certain horses, hay, &c.
Letters 23, & 24 are from Ralph Pomeroy, Deputy Quarter Master, giving certain directions, enclosing a tract of a letter from Robert Morris, Superintendent of Finance, &c.
Here is the correspondence, or substantiation of it as will be found at the last day. It was on the my proof offered in this case that a pension was allowed to Mrs. Ephraim Hinman; and it must be seen that this fact alone, was there some other things to sustain the present claim, none of itself have been sufficient to have estopped the raising of the objection of the insufficiency of the proof under the present claim.
It may be well here to refer to the law organizing the Commissary Department of the Revolution. The act of Congress of June 1777, authorized Deputy Commissary General to appoint Commissaries to act under them - to assign to each a particular District to reside in - to make no purchase out of it - to inform them of prices to be paid - Commissary General of Purchases to supply Deputies with money - to employ Cooper and packers, &c.
Under this law, Ephraim Hinman (as most clearly appears from the papers) was assigned the District of Woodbury to reside in and officiate in his duties. He was from time to time, instructed in the line of these duties - he was supplied with money with which to make purchases, & made his regular monthly returns of the same to the proper officer. At other times of that description, but Mr. Hinman resided in that District - he performed all its duties; & it seems pretty clear that he executed the duties not only of Deputy Quarter Master General, but that of Commissary of Purchases, Assistant Deputy Commissary General of Forage, &c. No doubt from the evidence exhibited in the above recited correspondence, that his duties were arduous, and sometimes performed in several different capacities - and can any question be raised as to the fact whether or not an officer of the Commissary Department belongs to the staff of the Army? - The law above recited seems

clearly to have defined its duties, as of the staff, & that it must be a fixed construction to attach to it any other meaning. Such is understood to have been the construction put upon this question by the War Department.
For the proof by deposition . The above correspondence is fully sustained by affidavits which have been submitted by the claimant, and which, it is believed, go to establish his right to the pension he seeks.
It is proved by the deposition of Isaac Newman Esq. of Derby, Vermont, that Ephraim Newman was a Quarter master in 1778, and issued Rations for six months to Teamsters, while said Isaac remained in the team service at Southbury, and for a long while afterwards.
It is proved by the deposition of Timothy Newman of Vermont, that he served as Orderly Sergeant under the said Ephraim as a company of Coast Guards, during the war, three months at Middlesex; and that during the war said Ephraim was reputed to be a Quarter master.
It is proved by the deposition of Park Brown that said Ephraim was reputed to be a Quarter master during said war.
It is proved by the testimony of Sarah Newman, of Southbury, that said Ephraim was reputed to have held the office of Quarter master & Commissary during the war, until 1782, when he removed to Roxbury. that he made large purchases of cattle for the army, & other provisions, and forwarded them to Danbury, and impressed teams in the neighborhood for that purpose. also, that a slaughterhouse was erected near the house of the said Ephraim, where the cattle so purchased were slaughtered for the Army, and barrelled, under his direction.
It is proved by the deposition of Miss Pierce of Southbury, that the year said Ephraim was married (1779) he was engaged in purchasing cattle & provisions for the Army, and was called a commissary - that her grandmother was in the habit of keeping the cattle for him, at the time he was so employed.
It is also proved by the deposition of Jonathan Newman of Oxford, Conn. that said Ephraim was called Commissary in the Army - that he many times purchased hay, cattle and provisions, which were said to be for the Army - that the deponent drove teams with loads of hay to said Ephraim's residence in Southbury.
It is proved by Mary Ann Newman of Southbury, aged 84 years, that she knew said Ephraim from her infancy - that, during the war of the Revolution, said Ephraim, as she then understood, was a commissary, & so regarded at Southbury. & that he was engaged then in slaughtering cattle for the Army, pressing hay, &c. for the use of the Army; and that she has no doubt he was then in the Army.
[This last affidavit is new testimony in the case, never submitted, as it has just been rec d .]
The foregoing are some of the prominent points presented upon the pending pension claim. Many additional facts might be offered in its support. It is sincerely to be hoped that they will be found sufficient, upon their careful examination, to justify the Pension office in reopening the hearing, and in granting the prayer of the claimant.
Respectfully submitted,
Royal H. Brown
January 12 th 1847

Hartford Connecticut December 1. 1886
I Joel Tinsdell of Bristol Hartford County & State aforesaid of lawful age Depose & say. That I formerly lived in Woodbury in said State & Society of Southbury and was acquainted with Ephraim Aspinwall then of said Southbury who during the war of the Revolution according to the best of my recollection operated as Quarters Master at which time a Bridge called the Carlton Bridge was thrown across the Housatonic River between the towns of Woodbury & Newtown & that I the deponent worked in drawing timber for said Bridge & that the team above by me was owned by Joseph Pierce Esq. & according to the best of my recollection was pressed into the public service either by Ephraim or Asa Aspinwall his brother. The said Ephraim Aspinwall according to the best of my knowledge and belief was married to Sylvanus French of said Southbury about the years 1779. or 1780. & said to have been married by Benjamin Sprock Esq of said Woodbury who was a justice of the Peace & who was deprived of the Office of Justice (as was generally reported and believed) for marrying them without being published over

and furthermore the deponent saith not George Townshend
Stafford 60
Stafford Dec. 1 st 1836
Personally appeared before me, Geo. Townshend Esqr., sign- -er of the system and above deposition, and known to me as a man of veracity and as a respectable magistrate & made Oath to the truth thereof
Jeremiah Brown, Jus. of Peace.
State of same kind Officer of the Secretary of State Dec 3 rd 1836
I hereby certify that above named Jeremiah Brown is a justice of the Peace within & for the County of Stafford & has been for one year last past that the above is his genuine signature In testimony of which I herein affixed the seal of this state and signed the same at the above date Royal William Secretary

Sylvana Hummer
[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]

State of Connecticut
County of New Haven
Southbury
Res d remembered that on the 12 day of August 1858 personally appeared before me the subscriber a justice of the Peace within and for said County Theodore Osborne Esq of said Southbury aged 89 years to me personally known and whom I certify to be a credible and reputable witness who being first duly sworn on oath deposes and says that he was from infancy & will acquaintance with Ephraim Himmann (a) formerly of Roxbury in said State now deceased and remembers well that said Himmann was married to Sylvanna French. This deponent was a commissary in the army and remembers that soon after or some time after the marriage said Ephraim Himmann was elected by the Military or Turnhouse Company in Southbury (then a part of Woodbury) a Captain. Mr French the father of said Himmann's wife was a Lieutenant of said company. and was supervised or promoted by the election of Himmann as Captain of said company over Mr French. This deponent remembers the marriage was against the consent of Mr French & Himmann's friends appointed him Capt to punish French.
Himmann and wife were since 1780 have lived together as husband and wife until the death of said Himmann as I understand
Theodore Osborne

State of Connecticut Office of the Secretary of State July 25 th 1838
I hereby certify that that Edward Hinman Esq. was a justice of the peace within and for the County of New Haven during the year 1836 and ever since, and that the above is his genuine signature
In testimony of which I have hereunto affixed the seal of this State and signed the same at the seat above
Royal S. Hinman Secretary of said State

The above & foregoing affidavit or Deposition subscribed & sworn to on the day & year aforesaid -
Before me - Edward Herriman Justice of the Peace
Sylvester Herriman

At a Court of Probate held at Hartford within and for the District of Hartford on the 21 st day of October A D 1846 Present, Henry Perkins, Esq n Judge.
Satisfactory evidence has been adduced to this Court that Sylvania Newman, Widow of Ephraim Newman deceased was a prisoner of the United States under the act of July 4 th A D 1836, that she died February 13 th 1839 and that Royal R. Newman Esq y of said Hartford Son of said deceased, is her only surviving child.
State of Connecticut District of Hartford.
I Isaac C Perkins, Clerk of the Court of Probate within and for said District, hereby certify that the above is a true copy from the Records of said Court of Probate.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court of Probate this 21 st day of Oct r A D 1846.
Isaac C Perkins Clerk

State of Connecticut District of New Haven } Oct 21 st 1846
Henry Perkins Judge of Probate within and for the District of Hartford hereby certify that Isaac C. Perkins is Clerk of the Court of Probate within and for said District of Hartford duly appointed & sworn and that his attestation on the other side written is in due form of Law
Henry Perkins
Judge.

I Royal R. Hinman of Hartford in the County of Hartford & State of Connecticut do hereby depose and say that my Mother Sylvanid Hinman was a Revolutionary Pensioner under the act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838 & subsequent subsequent acts extending the same that said pension has been increased since her death to the amount of 480.00 per annum which was paid to me the only surviving child of the said Sylvanid deceased that I verily believe that said pension should be increased to the amount of 600.00 per annum and for purpose of obtaining which I make this affidavit dated at Hartford this May 15 th 1850.
Royl R. Hinman
State of Connecticut City County of Hartford } ss.
Personally appeared Royal R. Hinman Esq. & made oath to the truth of the above affidavit, this fifteenth day of May A.D. 1850.
James H. Holcomb Justice of the Peace.
State of Connecticut Hartford County ss -
I William A. Matson Assistant Clerk of the County Court for Hartford County, hereby certify that James H. Holcomb is a Justice of the Peace within the said County & that the signature to the foregoing supporting the his is his genuine hand-writing & signature.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed the seal of said County Court this 15 th day of May 1850 William A. Matson Assistant Clerk of the County Court for Hartford County

R.R. Simmons Letter 1846
 480  90   390  8   3720 
Dec. 11. 1846
No.
Hon. L. Edwards Clerk of Pensions Washington D.C.  Recd. of Mr. H. Chapman

R. R. Simmons
Letter 1846
480 90
390 8
3720
Dec. 11. 1846
No.
Rev. Samuel H. Edwarde Cannon of Pensions Washington D.C.

Thos B. Edwards
- Sir,
I have found the day book of Nehemiah Hubbard 2 d M. G. in 1779, in which the hired teamsters, and hired purchasers of forage were paid for that year - one purchaser for so eight months (Eben s Smith) - Justus Johnson for purchasing forage for Stags at Southbury about four months & Eben s Strong for the same service 29 days all in the District of Woodbury for Stags, - Embracing the names of hired teamsters & purchasers for a term from the 26 th day of March 1779 to Jan y 1780 - The name of my father is not mentioned amongst the hired purchasers in the book which shows he was paid by his superior officers and was attached to the army - Since my return, I have conversed with several old & experienced officers, who say that there is not a doubt of the right which is proved in my case at W. That in that war every officer in the Connissary Department, indiscriminately performed any duty required of him, and would often be directed to do it, by the orders under which such duty would be done, provided such duty came within any duty or part of that Department - whether it was commissary of forage, Q.M. G. of forage or A.M. G. - A. T. S. - A. G. S. - That the subject matter of the letters would divide the office & its duties, - Not only so, I have lately examined all the laws of Congress

in the Journals during the war, and in doing so, I cannot discover the validity of any of the objections in your Report, to which I shall shortly reply in form, and offer other evidence, in addition to the Dispositions & letters on file in your office. The law applied to the facts now before you, in my mind leaves no doubt of my right to an allowance, unless it is to be rejected for capricious causes - for the facts applied to the law shows my further was located in the district of Woodbury for years and no other man was located there in the same capacity - This alone shows his office and his authority to act, as fully as if he had ten commissions - Not only so Isaac Newman swore he served under him 7 months as Q.M. while they were building Carlton Bridge that he issued the provisions, that my father was in the office before he was enlisted in the team service and for a long time after he left it, and these letters first, confirms his testimony, not only for 7 months, but for years after wards, with more certainty than a commission could do, for the service is proved, which could not have been performed unless he had held the office - Not in- not only so the former allowance must operate as an estoppel to such an objection at this time - If Secretary

Mary wanted this small sum to aid in the Mexican war, & this was the reason, so I am assured could not be allowed, I would have been satisfied. But I do not like the reputation of the cause, when all experienced men in this quarter think alike upon the subject. I have uniformly been a friend to the Secretary, particularly in his fair distribution of the officers in N.Y. under Mr. Polk, for which he has many friends in this state - tho' he has made some enemies by it in his own - Most Respectfully Yours
W. R. Linnman
Wm L. Redwards Washington -
The Parsons Esqr is yet dangerously ill -

Jan 2. 1846
St. Martin St
Dec 29 th
Adalbert Conrad Joseph Paul Newman
Joseph Newman
Washington
Res
R.R. Newman Esq.
10
Disposition of Jonathan Newman aged 82 years - 1846

Deposition of Jonathan Hinnam aged 82 years - 1846
Jan 2. 1846
Choral Union
Paul Hinnam
Dec 29th
St. Martin St
Rev. Mr. Hinnam Washington St R.K. Hinnam Esq.
10

I Jonathan Heman of Oxford in the County of New Haven do depose and say that I believe I am 82 years of age that when young about 15 or 16 years old and during the war of the Revolution I lived with my father Ebenezer Heman of Southbury in said New Haven County in the Parish of South Britain and at that time I knew of Ephraim Heman then of said Southbury but afterwards removed to Roxbury in said New Haven Litchfield County being many many times about the Parish of South Britain buying hay, cattle and provisions which were said to be for the Army that I drove Teams with loads of hay to his residence in Southbury and that he was called Commissary in the Army and that afterwards the said Ephraim was Captain of a Company stationed at what was called Middlesex near Horse Neck and that I was a member of said Company and a part of the time I was waiter for the Officers Oxford 26 th of December 1846
Jonathan Heman
State of Connecticut } New Haven County viz Oxford Decm 26-1846 Then & there personally appeared before the Subscriber Jonathan Heman subscribed his deposition and made solemn oath in due form of Law to the truth of the same. The Subscriber also certifies that he is personally acquainted with the witness, and that he is a responsible and credible witness
Henry Lurn Justice of Peace

State of Vermont Orleans County ss  Be it known that on the 10 th day of November, 1836 Personally appeared before me P. Redfield a justice of the Peace in and for said county Isaac Himmann of Kirby in the county aforesaid aged eighty one to me personally known and whom I satisfy is a credible and responsible person, and after being duly sworn according to law on his oath deposeth and says that in the year 1778 at the time the continental troops under the command of Col. Carlton built a bridge over Houseatonits River between Woodbury and Newtown Conn. he the deponent enlisted into the training service for the term of seven months about the first of September and served six months and while in the above service he was acquainted with Ephraim Himmann then of Woodbury Conn. that he was quartermaster or officiated as such the whole time he was in the above service and he understood that he the said Ephraim had been for some time before and a long time after in that station by detailing rations and supplies but am unable to state the length of time he served in that department the deponent further says that the said Ephraim was a captain and commanded a company of foot guards in the fall of 1782 for a term of time he thinks not up than three months and that this same Ephraim Himmann afterwards moved to Roxbury Conn.  Isaac Himmann
sworn to and subscribed the day and year above named
Before me P. Redfield justice of the peace
State of Vermont Orleans County ss  I, Samuel C Crafts, Clerk of Orleans County Court, do certify that P. Redfield is a Justice of Peace in and for the County of Orleans aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, (his commission is dated Nov r 6 th 1835, and will expire on the last day of December, 1836.) and that his name subscribed to the above certificate is his own hand writing. In testimony whereof I have unto set my name and affix the seal of said Court, this 11 th day of Nov r 1836.  Samuel C Crafts Clerk

Deposition of Isakiah wid w of Col Simon taken Dec 1846

I Sarah Himmann of South- bury in New Haven County and State of Connecticut aged Eighty five years of age and say that I was personally and well acquainted with Genl Ephraim Himmann late of Roxbury in Litchfield County in said State who was formerly of Woodbury in said Litchfield County in Southbury Society located within the limits of said Town of Woodbury, that during the Revolutionary War he I recollect the said Ephraim Himmann had the reputation of holding the office of Quarter Master & Commissary for several years during the existence of the said Revolutionary War I should think until he moved into said Rox- bury in the year 1782 - I will remember that the said Himmann made large purchases of cattle & other provisions for the use of the Army of the Revolution and forwarded the same to Danbury in said State, that said said Himmann was under the necessity of pressing teams from the neigh- bourhood in which I resided for the purpose of sending provisions to Danbury as before mentioned that there was a Houghton an- -ted near the house where the said Himmann resided for the

purpose of Slavery, the cattle purchased for the use of the army and that large numbers of cattle were returned to said Slavery under the inspection of said Himmann and cancelled under his direction for the use aforesaid and further the Disputant Saith not -
Sarah Himmann
State of Connecticut County of New Haven } ss January 16 th Dec r 1846
Then and there personally appeared Mrs Sarah Himmann before the Subscribers Subscribed and made oath in due form of law to the truth of the foregoing affidavit as Dis- putant and that the Subscribers authority is well acquainted with the said Sarah Himmann and knows her to be a credible and responsible Witness and that her mental faculties do not appear to be in the least impaired
Edward Himmann Justice of the Peace

In addition to my answer to the Report of the Commission of Pensions in the case of Sylvania Simmons, Sask have to add, that a law was enacted in Aug t 1780 by Congress punishing by Genl Court Martial every person intrusted with the care of provisions in the Departments of the 2 d Master Genl - Quartermaster Genl or Purchasing Com ee Genl of Military Stores & should be convicted of embezzling, wilfully misap- ply, damage or spoil any of the provisions or belonging to the U d States, should suffer death or such other punishment as should be directed by a Genl Court Martial or at the discretion of Court passed Aug t 22 d 1780
Also every Asst d Q u Master, Com ee of Forage Wagons - Master Genl - Forage Master & all others employed in the 2 d Master Genl branch who refuse to make monthly returns should be dismissed from service passed 1777 page 128

See Oath of office of Staff Officers Journal of Congress June 12 1779 - p 307 - to obey orders of Congress, Command in Chief & all other Superior Officers according to the rules and discipline of war - No person to perform any duty until sworn - All officers in the 2 d Master Genl Department to take the oath of office prescribed by Congress of whatever denomination before entering on duty - J. Congress p 486 passed July 15 th 1780
Respectfully submitted

Washington Nov. 9/1856 3
Mr. Sir,
I am requested by Royal H. Winman Esq. of let. to request the favor of you to re-examine the papers of his late Mother, Sybrian Winman, widow of Ephraim Winman, a pensioner under the act of 1836, with a view to an increase of the same.
M rs Winman, I am informed was allowed for but a small portion of the service of her late husband as capt. & Q r Master, and I most respectfully request that I may be furnished with a Statement of the services &c from her declaration, in order that I may procure some additional evidence in its support.
I enclose the certificate of Judge Russell, showing the date of M rs Winman's death, and that H. H. Winman, is her only surviving child.
I am, very respectfully W. W. C. W. H. H. Addison
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comm r of Pensions

Deposition of Mary Ann Timman 1847

State of Connecticut
St. Lawrence County
Woodbury
We at remembrance that on the 1 st day of January 1847, previously appeared before me Chas O'Keefe a Justice of the Peace within and for said County. Mary Ann Hissman of Bristol who being duly sworn said evidence on oath before me and says as follows
"June Eightyfour years since our the Mother of David Himmann formerly of said Southbury now at home very superior to her acquaintance with Ephraim Himmann formerly of Roxbury, he was in the latter part of his life, was called General Himmann, he was born in Southbury and was the Brother of my Mother. He was older than myself. During the Revolutionary War Ephraim was in the army as I have understood and was captured at Battle He was a common soldier and was regarded at Battle. I remember that he was engaged in fighting cattle for the army.

I recollect that at one time he went to Mr. Hill's place and proposed Mary for the wife of the army. The Father resented his taking the Mary and Ephraim went with Francis & a file of men and armed and compelled Hill to submit and took away his Mary. Ephraim was called Capt Ephraim and there is a belief at some time during the war the commission of a commission but in what service he was as engaged cannot tell.
In our family it was known & understood that Ephraim was a Commissary. There is no doubt he was in the army. There were other men by the name of Hinman who held a Captain's commission one was Capt David Hinman in the time war. Ephraim was called Captain.
Mr. Hinman has been dead more than fifteen years Mary Ann Hinman

State of Connecticut
Rutland County
ss Woodbury
We of Rutland County do hereby certify that on the first day of January 1847 personally appeared before me Chas B Phelps a Justice of the Peace within and for said County the Widow Mary Ann Hemenway who acknowledged the foregoing deposition and made oath to the truth of the same before me
Chas B Phelps Justice of Peace
Certify that I have been many years acquainted with Mary Ann Hemenway who acknowledged the foregoing deposition and that she is of a fair character for veracity and truth
Chas B Phelps Justice of Peace

Comptrollers Office Hartford Connecticut November 28th 1836
I certify that the name of Capt Ephraim Hinnman appears on Haskell's Receipts now in this Office, under the following head to wit, "The United States Dr. To the State of Connecticut for sundry expenditures for the service and eff- -ence of guards on the sea coast for the defence of said State," and he is credited Feby 13th 1782 for services at Norwalk $174-13-6 Specie, which also charged the same date, To paid Capt Ephraim Hinnman's Pay Roll at Norwalk the same amount. The name of Capt E Hinnman also appears on Pay Table books and War is charged for his pay roll at Danbury alarm $35-11-2. March 16th 1779, Wm Field Comptroller

Sylvania Hingham died
born
Act 4 July '35
increased
2 yrs - A. D. (om) of Forage
480 to 13
Feb 1839 when she died.
To R. R. Hinman only surviving child.
R. R. Hinman

Watrous July 29. '30
Sir,
I herewith forward to you the hopes in relation to the claim of Mrs. Sylvania Hinman, widow of the late Gen. Ephraim Hinman and request your attention to it, as soon as convenient. The documentary & other proofs must, I think be satisfactory so far at least as respects six months since as quarter master & three months as Captain. The proof as to the marriage it is also believed will be found satisfactory.
I am Yours &c
J. L. Edwards Esq. New York
D. M. Miles

Barnes August 6. '39
Sir
I have your Letter of the 3 d inst which I have submitted to Mrs. Hinson and her friends who have desired me to inform you that she agrees to accept a Pension for the six months service as you propose, and you may make out & forward the Certificate accordingly
I am very respectfully
Yrs the act
J. M. Wilson

State of Connecticut.
I, CHARLES WM. BRADLEY, 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 Henry Sum (Esquire) is, and since the 20th day of June last past, hath been a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of New Haven , in said State, duly appointed and commissioned,===having full power and authority by the laws of said State to take the Acknowledgment of Deeds and to certify the same; also to administer Oaths, 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 his, official acts and attestations.
And I further certify, that I believe the foregoing signature of the said to be genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said State, at Hartford , this fourth day of January , in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-seven.
Charles Wm. Bradley, Secretary of State

Pension office. January 15 th 1847
Sir,
I have the honor to submit the application in the case of Mrs. Sylvania Newman. Said was was upon proofs which would not now be deemed satisfactory allowed a pension for such a term of service as Quarter Master as, would, with her husband's service as a Captain of Militia make up six months. This application is based upon the documents recently discovered numbered from 1 to 4 inclusive showing her husband's employment in the Quarter Master General's Department. My letter of the 4 th November last will show the grounds upon which it has been resisted. To that letter I would merely add that he was appointed Captain of Militia in June 1780 and in 1782 performed a tour of duty under it.
I have the honor to be Sir very respectfully Hon. W. L. Marcy, Secretary of War.
your obt. servt.
J. L. Edwards

Mr Edwards
Sir,
In your letter to the Hon J. M. Niles, several weeks since, you stated that you would allow to Sylvania Simmons the now of Captain Simmons (my dear Father) one and a half months as capt n and four and a half months as 2 d Master, if so allowed by her - I had supposed that capt n receives 48 months was $40 and for 2 d Master  $27.50 $27.50 per month; if so if only one month and a half is allowed as capt n and 4 1/2 as 2 d Master it will be, as I had it $90.87 per annum - The certificate allows only $90 per annum I am correct in my calculations you will have the goodness to correct it - I supposed the record evidence proved by one entry of three months service as capt n - and seven months service proved by a entry who served under him, as 2 d Master would entitle him to two months - and my Mother should not have appointed to the six months - Respectfully
New Bedford Sept 6 th 1838
Yours R. Simmons

Pension Office
December 17 th 1846.
Sir, In reply to yours of the 8 th inst. in the case of Mrs. Sylvanus Hinman dec'd. I have the honor to state that a certified copy of the hired men and officers under Genl. Wadsworth to which you refer would no doubt be serviceable when you shall again present this claim for an increased. After you have collected all the attainable proofs which may go to clear up the doubts as to the character of the service and the tenure of office under which it was rendered, a full examination of all the papers will be made with every disposition to estimate them liberally.
I am Sir, very respectfully your obt. servt
Signed J. L. Edwards
Royal R. Hinman Esq. Hartford, Conn.

State of Connecticut.
I, CHARLES WM. BRADLEY, 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 Hon. Edward Hirmann, is, and since the 20th day of June last past, hath been a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of New Haven, in said State, duly appointed and commissioned,==having full power and authority by the laws of said State to take the Acknowledgment of Deeds and to certify the same; also to administer Oaths, 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 his official acts and attestations.
And I further certify, that I believe the foregoing signature of the said to be genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said State, at Hartford, this 26 th day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-six.
Charles Wm. Bradley, Secretary of State

Penruw Office, January 8 th 1847.
Sir,
The additional testimony consisting of the depositions of three witnesses deposed by you in the case of Mrs. Sylvanus Hinman deceased, has been examined and filed. They show that her husband was, during a part of the Revolutionary war, engaged in procuring and forwarding supplies to the army from the District of Southbury, but they do not throw any further light upon the question in issue, viz whether these services were rendered under a military appointment. The numerous documents previously filed established what these witnesses verify of his actual engagement in the duties of purchasing, collecting and transporting surplus provisions of his District to the Depot at Danbury &c.
This additional testimony therefore leaves the case to be decided upon the documents which were

were deliberately examined and consid- ered when my letter to you of 4 th November last was drafted. Having confidence in that decision, those documents have not been reexamined.
I am, Sir, very respectfully your obt. serv t
Royal R. Airman Esq. Present.

Connecticut 2,259.
man Sept 24 1838 son July 18 44 Sept 1846
Sylvania Hinman, widow of Ephraim Hinman, deceased, who died on the 11 th of December 1829, of Hartford Co. in the State of Connecticut, who was a D.M. Captain in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ in the Connecticut. time for 4 Months 15 days Dr Master, & 1 Month 15 days Captain.
Lt 1 75 1 00
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut, at the rate of 90 Dollars _____ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 th day of August, 1838, and sent to the Hon. J. M. Niles, Hartford, Conn.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1838, $630.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept. 45.00
$675.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 rd }
Recorded by Book A,
G. T. Rhodes Clerk, Vol. 2, Page 69.

2259.
Connecticut
Sylvania Hinman widow of Ephraim Hinman
who died on the 11 th December, 1829, of Hartford in the State of Connecticut who was an A. D. C. in the commanded by Captain of the commanded by in the Revolution time for
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 480 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831, and end 13 Feb. 1839, when she died. Increased from $60.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 th day of Jany. 1847 and sent to N. R. Hinman, Present.
Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the }
Recorded by E. N. Robinson Clerk, Book 4 — Vol. 2 — Page 69.

Special notification - See Letter Book. Jan. 19, 1847.

May 20 1850
Sir
Royal R Hume of Haleson son of Mr Sylvanus Hume deceased, claims an excess of pension for the services of his late father for his services as a assistant commissary in addition to his other services for which he was paid during the revolution. I enclose his declaration
I am Respectfully H. H. Sylvanus
Genl H. Edwards Commissary

Sylvania Hinman died, Widow of Ephraim.
Connecticut -
On 4 th July - 1836
Ad?
Ap d Defig Comp 2 years $ 600. per annum, from 4 th Feb. 1831 to 13 Feb 1839, the day of her death. Payments made under said acts to be deducted at the rate of $480. per ann.
Payable to Royal R. Hinman, only surviving child.
Certificate to be sent to
H. H. Sylvester Present -

Letter
4 Nov. 1846

(Copy.)
Pension Office, November 4, 1846.
Sir,
I have examined and filed your statement, accompanied by papers numbered from 1 to 26. It appears that for the service of your father as a Captain and a Quarter Master, your mother, Mrs. Sylvania Hinman, as widow of Ephraim Hinman, obtained a pension of $90 per annum, and that she died in 1839. An increase of pension is now asked upon the papers which you have just deposited here. You claim for the alleged service of Captain Hinman as Assistant Commissary of Forage for two years; but I can discover in none of these papers any satisfactory proof that he was ever regularly appointed to that office, or that he ever held a military commission. Of one thing I have no doubt, and that is that he was employed in purchasing supplies for the Army and forwarding them to

certain posts; but it is not shown that he ever held an appointment in the staff of the Army. He is styled, in some letters, "Commissary," "A. C. P.," which I suppose was intended as Assistant Commissary of Purchases; in others he is called "A. D. Q. M. G.," which signifies, I apprehend, Assistant Deputy Quarter Master General. In one he is addressed as Assistant Deputy Commissary of Forage, and all the variety of titles applied to officers engaged in procuring and transporting supplies are used in letters addressed to him. In some letters, no title, office or station is mentioned. The word "Mr." is prefixed to his name, and his residence is given; but nothing more appears either in the letters or on the superscription. It would be exceedingly difficult to draw from these papers any legitimate conclusion that he ever was duly appointed to any of the several staff offices of the Army. The evidence of his having been regularly appointed seems to me to be indispensably necessary in order to a due investigation of the claim. I cannot

allow any increase upon the papers exhibited.
Very Respectfully, Your Obt. Servt. (signed) J. L. Edwards.
Royal R. Hinman, Esq. of Connecticut, Present.

Sylvia or Sylviana  Hinman , widow of William of Connecticut
ad. 1856
C.E.
Col Thompson - Feb 4 th 1856
Ms. A. 9. 2. 22

U Sylvania Hunman wid of Ephraim Conn Sister of Hon John Niles Aug 3 1838

Sylvania Hinnon
Con.
Sub R. R. Hinnon
Dec. 17, '46
Same, Jan. 8, '47.
Act 4 July 1836.

Sylvania Hinman (m: act 36- last p.??
SHJ
Died 13 th Feb. 1839
Paid to her death.
(BSP)

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 17.999
Sylvania Hinman
Wid. of
Ephraim Hinman
Asst. Supt. Com. of
Rev. War
Act: July 4, 1836
Index:—Vol. 64 , Page 335
[Arrangement of 1870.]

I Avis Person of Southbury in New Haven County and State of Connecticut aged eighty four years the present month, depose & say that I was perfectly well aware -ainted with Capt. Ephraim Himm- -on late ofbury in Litchfield County in said State also, but formerly of Woodbury in said Litchfield County in the Society of Southbury (being a Society located within the limits of said Woodbury) that during the Revolutionary War I resided within about two miles of said Himmons residence that at the time the said Himmons was married to Sylvania French I well recollect the said Himmons was engaged in purchasing cattle and provisions for the use of the army of the Revolution and was called a commissary. That my grand mother Bennett had a large farm in the neighborhood where I lived and was in the habit of keeping or pasturing cattle for said Himmons at the time he was employed in the business before mentioned and further the deponent saith not. Abel Dyer
State of Connecticut County of New Haven S. Southbury 17 th Dec. 1846 Then and there personally appeared before the Subscriber M c A. Dyer

Pierres and after being duly cautioned subscribed to the Salem oaths in due form of law to the truth of the fore- going affidavit on Deposi- -tion, the subscriber also certifies that he is personally acquaint- -ed with the said His Pierce and that she is an credible and responsible witness
Edward H. Hemen
Deputy of the Pierce

State of Connecticut
of New Haven County
New Haven City
Be it remembered that on this 24 day of December 1836 personally appeared before the Subscriber a sister of the Rev within and for said County. Park Brown of said City of New Haven to me personally known and who is a credible witness and being duly sworn and sworn upon as follows.
I am twenty two years old. and was well acquainted with the late Rev Ephraim Hildreth of Roxbury Dist. from the commencement of the Revolutionary War. I lived at Southbury in the year 1778 & 1779 more or less and remember that said Ephraim Hildreth was was then and performed the form of the duties of a minister and was regarded as such.
some time during said year 1779 a quantity of hay was mentioned for the supply of the Army. Benjamin Stites had the hay but refused to part with it. as as was said. Application was

Mease to said Ephraim Himmann for aid and direction. said Himmann ordered a file of men soldiers stationed at his house & under his command to go with to said Himmann and take said Himmann He ordered the men to charge their guns and march with them to the lot where the Himmann was at in the Barn. He ordered the men to the officers who mentioned it for the use of the Re Continental Army.
I also know that said Himmann was absent from Southbury in the year 1782. on a tour of duty at. Newbury as was said.
Sarah Himmann was married to Sylvanna French in the 1779 as was said. I know that for forty years they lived together as husband and wife.
I parted said Himmann in having a Cuss from Mr French to said Himmann

which can well be the property of the French
Yours and faithful before me on the day & year aforesaid
Joseph H. H. Davis Justice of the Peace
State of Connecticut ss Office of the Secretary of State July 25 th 1836
I hereby certify that Joseph H. H. Davis was a justice of the peace within and for the county of Middlesex in this state for the year 1836 as appears from the record in his office — the above is his signature In testimony of which I have hereunto affixed the seal of this state at the date last aforesaid. Gerrit Smith Secretary

State of Vermont } Be It Known that on the 10 th day of November Orleans County ss } A.D. 1836 Personally appeared before me Pileg Redfield, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Orleans, Pimothy Himmann Esq r of Derby in Orleans County aforesaid, to me known personally, and whom I certify is a credible and responsible Witness. And after being duly sworn according to law, on his oath Deposes and says, That in the latter part of the summer and autumn of 1822, Ephraim Himmann then of Woodbury in C a was a capt d and commanded a comp y of Post guards for the term of three months, and that he the Deponent served under the said Ephraim an orderly sergeant the three months, and that the said capt d Ephraim Himmann remained with his comp y the whole term of three months they were stationed on the post most of the time at a place called Middlesex between Cornwall and Housatuck, And further states, that the said Ephraim Himmann had been a D r Master or in that Department for years previous to 1822 as he learnt by general report, the Deponent being abroad from the Town of Woodbury from 1776 to 1780, in the States New York New Jersey & Pennsylvania, the aforesaid E. Himmann was a Genl at the C a Millen, afterwards
Eph m Himmann
Sworn and subscribed the day and year above mentioned before me
Pileg Redfield Justice of the Peace
State of Vermont } Orleans County ss } I, Samuel C. Crafts, Clerk of Orleans County Court, do certify that Pileg Redfield, is a Justice of Peace in and for the County of Orleans aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his name above subscribed is his own hand writing.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto sub- scribed my name, and affixed the Seal of said Court, This eleventh day of November, A.D. 1836
Sam l C. Crafts Clerk

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claims.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 4 th July, 1836, the pension of Sylvania Hinman, widow of Ephraim Hinman, an Assistant Deputy Commissary of Forage, who was a Pensioner under the same act at the rate of Ninety Dollars per annum, is increased to the rate of Four Hundred and Eighty Dollars per annum - commencing on the 4 th of March, 1830, and terminating on the 13 th February, 1839, when she died - subject to the deduction of all previous payments; and that the same is due and payable to Royal R. Hinman, her only surviving child.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 19 th - day of January, one thousand eight hundred and forty-seven.
Examined and Countersigned. } S
Secretary of War.
Commissioner of Pensions.

At a General Assembly of the Governor and company of the State of Connect- icut in General held at Hartford on the second Thursday of May being the 18 th day of said month, and continued by several adjournments until the 23 rd day of June following Anno. Domini 1780 —
This Assembly do establish Ephraim Himmann to be Captain of the 11 th Company or Independent in the 13 th Regiment in this State
State of Connecticut Office of the Secretary of State, at Hartford August 18 th A. D. 1836
I hereby certify that the wherein foregoing is a true copy of Record in this Office
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the Seal of this State and signed the same at the seat of Government
Day H. Himmann Secretary of State

Mr Waldo
My Dear Sir,
Yours of July 6 th was recd, in due time, and I found I knew little of pensions and the like granting them - I have been in Northampton Mass, since the 13 th of July most of the time confined to the house with that curse attendant on man,ague & fever, I am now some better, and shall leave here for New York tomorrow (2d) - I am so weak in want of a few hundred dollars, that I wish to turn your attention once more to my pension papers on file, as to the time of service of Ch n Hinton my father, what the papers on file say, I do not recollect, or what your rule in the office is & has been as to time, I do not know, - But I have heard my father say he was in the service most of the time during there or and was in service the fore part of his service with his brother Benjamin, and after both of them

attended a ball in Philadelphia with Genl Washington & other officers in 1778, and stated that his brother danced much like Washington very straight & he was married while in the service in 1779 if I recollect rightly, - I am satisfied he was in the service in 1778, and joined Penns into service that year - Now friend Waldo, if on examination, you can allow a little more time, I hope you will examine and do so - and it would greatly rele- -ase my present subscribers - Coll Edwards, allowed even years and acted like the Devil about the pension from first to last, address me No 29, Nassau St, N York, care of C. B. Babcock - Remember me to Mr Prior, & Fitch if there, Your Friend &c
Sept 25 th 1854
R R Main
Wm L P Waldo, -
Washington
D G

Probate court,
District of Hartford, (Conn.)
Hartford, October 24, 1843.
I certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before this court, that Sylvania Heinman, (the Widow of Ephraim Heinman,) late of Hartford, deceased, in the County of Hartford, and State of Connecticut, died in said Town of Hartford, on the 13 th day of February, A.D. 1839, leaving Royal Ralph Heinman as her only child and legal heir.
John Russell Judge.
I Lucius B Allyn Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Hartford, in the State of Connecticut, hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the proceedings of said Court on the subject referred to.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Probate Court at Hartford, this twenty third day of October A.D 1843
Lucius B Allyn Clk of Court of Probate

3634—an X Sylvania Haiman wid of Ephraim Conn Act 4 July 1836
admd 4 mo 15 dr. Dr. Master 1. - 15. dr Crpt $90 No deduction
Hon. J. M. Miles Hartford Conn:

Royal Robbins of the Town and County of Hartford and State of Connecticut aged fifty three years do depose and say that I am a son of Ephraim Kimman formerly of the Town of Rockledge in Litchfield County and State aforesaid, (now deceased) and I recollect often to have heard my father in his life time say that he served as Quarter Master in the war of the Revolution, and that all his papers public and private relating to his service were burned with his house.
I further depose and say that it appears from the family record that my late Father Ephraim Kimman was married to Silvanah French in the month of February in the year 1779.
I further depose that my Father died December 11 th A D 1829 and that my Mother the said Silvanah Kimman has lived in my family ever since.
Royal Robbins

Hartford County ss: Hartford July 30. 1838 Personally appeared before me, Rev. Royal A. Himmann Secretary of the State of Connecticut, & made solemn Oath to the truth of the within Deposition, & signed the within, & I further Certify that he is a creditable witness. —
Jermiah Brown, Jus: of the Peace
State of Conn. ss Office of the Secretary 9 th State July 30 th 1838
I hereby certify that Jermiah Brown Esq. is a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Hartford and has been for two months last past and that his signature above is his genuine hand writing & signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the public seal of this State and signed the same at the date above
Royal A. Himmann Secretary 9 th State