Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25,788, Asa Holden, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Holden, Asa
V. 25, 788
Mary
B.L.H. 3992-160-55
CONTENTS

34,887
Act March 3/55 April 2/55
Mary Holden, widow of Asa Holden pin
Private - Nippon Regt. Map-out line
War of Revolution
Rec Pension Act July 3. 1853
Bryantown
Adm 107 act Aug 21/55 Dodge
3992 ip Aug 22/55
William Valentine Albany New York
ms
File 53 - no 3579
Vol. Rec - 46. 5

New York 31, 356
Asa Holman.
N. York in the State of New York he was a Pvt - in the Comp y commanded by Captain Moore of the Reg t commanded by Col. Wilson in the M ty line for
7 m 7 8 7 1/2
Inscribed on the Roll of N. York at the rate of 25 Dollars 32 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 day of Mar 1838 and issued to Hon. Eli H. Moore, H. of Rep.
  ears to the 4th of m ch - =  177.24    Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 th m ch -  12.66         $189.90  
  {  Revolutionary Claim,  }    {  Act June 7, 1832.  }  
Recorded by R. Bensen Clerk, Book 52 - Vol. 4 - Page 31
Let to Sec. War, April 17/45. " Hon E. Curtis 8 th May 1845.
Let to John Fay Esq Mar 24/45 do. to same from Sec. War Oct. 2/45 Let Hon. N. Fish, Sep. 24/52. Same 2 Nov "
John Fay Esq

1887 Aug 7. Agt reports h d to Dec 4. 1880 & living in N.Y. City (then aged 89 yrs)
3579.
Increase
New York
Mary Holden widow of
Mrs Asa Holden
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private
N.Y. City
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 dollars 00 cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
27th July 1868. Recd 100.00
Certificate of Pension issued 5 th day of Oct. 1868
and sent to Thos. E. Lloyd Present
Act of Feb. 3/53 Act of July 27/68. 8 3 Febry 53.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 18 Vol. H. No 3.
Holman Seligson sent

Asa Holden for a pension. Under act 7 th June 1832

State of New York City and County of New York ss. On this 15 th day of October 1832 personally appeared in open Court, before the Justices of the Marine Court of the City of New York Asa Holden of the City of New York in the State of New York aged about Seventy Years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 That he entered the army of the revolution about the last of April 1775 at a place called Winter Hill near Boston in the State of Massachusetts in the Eight Months service of the Militia in the Regiment commanded by Colonel John Nixon enrolled in Captain David Moores Company but served as a waiter to Abel Holden the Adjutant of said Re- giment. After his discharge he was drafted in the Militia and sent to Rhode Island for six Months and discharged a short time before the expiration of the time. In 1778 he entered the Army under the Continental establishment and served in a number of different Regiments in the course of the war, That he served in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Graton in General John Nixons Brigade in the Continental establishment in the Massachusetts Line. In 1780 he was taken from that line and enrolled in the Company of Captain Joseph Williams in Colonel Shepherds Regiment, General Pooles Brigade and Marquis LaFayette's Division of Light Infantry and a short time after was transferred to Captain Abel Holdens Company in said Shepherds Regiment, about the close of that Campaign and was then sent back to General Nixons Brigade in the Re- giment commanded by Colonel Thomas Nixon and in the Winter following was honorably discharged from the Army. And Shortly after he entered the Army again and served until nearly the close of the war. He was in Captain Sages Company parts of the time on the lines under the Command of Colonel

Gamisons in a Corp called the Flying Camp and a part of the time with the Main Army and was again Honorably discharged In the course of his services he was drafted and sent to Peekskill in the state of New York and was stationed at a place called Gallows Hill and then served in Captain Bowkers company in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Webb. At another time he was drafted and sent to Poughkeepsie in the state of New York in a company attached to Colonel Baileys regiment and was attached to a guard commanded by Seargeant Hall to guard continental stores in which service he was taken sick, and sent to the Hospital where he staid untill discharged. He was in another campaign in the company commanded by Captain Cutting in the Regiment of Militia commanded by Colonel McIntosh or McIntire and was most of the time stationed at Rhode Island. He was also in a select guard in Sudbury, Massachusetts guarding continental stores from the time of entering said guard which was about six years. untill discharged. He served as near as his memory serves him about six years in the Revolutionary War. In his infirm state advanced age and impaired memory the above attached narratives are as near as he can recollect and cannot give dates in many cases.
That he has no other evidence of his said services except the above statements and proofs annexed.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not enrolled on the Pension Roll of the agency of any State.
As to the 1 st & 2 nd Interrogatory proposed by the War department the deponent answers and says he was born in the Town of Sudbury in Middlesex County, State of Massachusetts and is upwards of seventy years, and that his age is recorded in the Town Clerks office in that town.
As to the 3 rd Interrogatory deponent answers and says that the time he was called into service he lived at Sudbury.

Aforesaid and that was his place of Residence untill the end of the Revolutionary War, from thence he went to Hanover New Hampshire where he lived about Twelve Years and from thence to the City of New York where he has resided since
4 th That he entered the service as a Volunteer at a place called Winter Hill, near Boston about the last of April 1775 in the Militia as he has above stated
5 th The names of Regular Officers who served with the troops in which applicant served to the best of his recollection were Colonel Graton, Colonel Shepherd, Colonel Thomas Nixon, Colonel Jamison, Colonel Bailey, Major Hovey in Col. Nixon's Regiment, Captain Joseph Williams and Captain Gage and Captain Abel Holden and Captain Goodwin, And the Continental Regiments which he recollects were commanded by Colonel Thomas Nixon, Colonel Graton, Colonel Shepherd, Colonel Jamison and Colonel Bailey
And the Continental Militia Regiments which he recollects were commanded by Colonel McIntosh or Colonel McIntire and Colonel Webb
6 th Applicant received Honorable discharge as before stated which are lost
7 th Deponant is known in his present neighborhood by the Honorable Ogden Edwards Circuit Judge, Honorable Richard Riker Reader of the City of New York who will testify as to applicant's veracity and their belief of Applicant's service as a Soldier of the revolution. Sworn to and subscribed the day & and year aforesaid in Open Court
John Barber Clerk
Asa Holden

We Richard Hatfield Clerk of the Sessions of the City and County of New York and William S. Haverbrook of said City Marshal Residing in the City of New York do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Asa Holden who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be Seventy Years of age and upwards and he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier in the Revolution and we concur in that opinion
Sworn and subscribed } Richard Hatfield the day and year aforesaid } William S. Haverbrook in open court } John Barberie Clerk
And the said Court 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 Richard Hatfield Clerk of the Sessions of the City and County of New York and William S. Haverbrook of said City Marshal who have signed the foregoing certificate are residents in the City of New York and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit
I John Barberie Clerk of the Marine Court of the City of New York do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Asa Holden for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of the said Marine Court this 15 th day of October in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty six
John Barberie

Forwarded by Mr Valentine of Albany NY
DECLARATION.
REVOLUTIONARY WIDOW FOR BOUNTY LAND,
State of New York } ss County of Westchester }
On this 26 th day of March 1855, before me, Charles Bathgate a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, personally appeared Mary Holden aged sixty one years, a resident of Morrisania in said county, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following DECLARATION, in order to obtain the Bounty Land to which she is entitled under the act of Congress, passed March 3d, 1855, that she is the widow of Asa Holden who was Private in the Revolutionary War, and for the service of her husband aforesaid she now receives a pension at the rate of Twenty five Dollars & thirty two cents per annum, under the act of Congress, passed Feb'y 3 1853 For evidence of the services of her husband aforesaid, this declarant refers the Department to the evidence on file in the pension office at Washington, and requests the Land Warrant forwarded to her Agent, Mr Valentine of Albany NY. She further declares that she is now a widow; and that she has not received or made application for bounty land under this or any other act of Congress.
Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 26 th day of March 1855 } Mary Holden
Charles Bathgate Justice of the Peace
I certify that Mary Holden is the identical person above named and described. And I further certify that I have no interest whatever in the result of the matter above referred to.
Charles Bathgate Justice of the Peace
STATE OF New York } ss. County of Westchester }
David Morse and William Cummings of Morrisania in said county, who are credible and competent witnesses, being duly sworn, deposeth that Mary Holden is the identical person above named and described.
David Morse
Subscribed and sworn to before me, this day of March 1855 }
William Cummings
Charles Bathgate Justice of the Peace
Forwarded by Mr Valentine of Albany NY

State of New York COUNTY OF Westchester } ss.
I, Robert R. Oakley Clerk of the County aforesaid, Do hereby certify, that Charles Pathgate was at the within date a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly qualified and authorized by Law to administer Oaths for general purposes, That I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Charles Pathgate and verily believe his signature within written is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the official Seal of said County, this
twenty eighth day of March 185 5
Robert R. Oakley CLERK
34.587
Forwarded by M c Clintock J. H. H. H.

State of New York } City & County of New York } ss Court of Common Pleas
On this 17 day of January 1854 in open Court before me D. P. Ingraham one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the city of New York personally appeared Mary Holden who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the second section of the Act of Congress passed February 3 d 1853. That she is the widow of Asa Holden, late of the city of New York a pensioner of the United States on account of services as a private in the war of the Revolution. That she was married to said Holden on the sixteenth day of March in the Year one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven in the city of New York by the Rev d Joseph Harrison, a certificate of which marriage she now has in her possession and herewith delivers to her Agent W m Valentine of Albany N.Y. to be forwarded to Washington as evidence of her marriage in her application for a pension. Declarant further saith that at the time of her marriage aforesaid, her name was Mary Howard. That she was not married to said Holden prior to January eighteen hundred, but at the time and place above stated — And that she is now a widow — That her husband the said Holden died in the city of New York on the third day of August in the Year one thousand eight hundred and fifty three And that she is now a widow — Declarant further saith that her husband aforesaid made application in his life time for an increase of his pension on account of services in a higher rank and longer time than that for which he was allowed, Declarant therefor solicits a reinvestigation of his claim as aforesaid, as she verily believes there to have been an oversight in the disallowance of said claim, not only from what she has heard him & others

say upon the subject, but from the reports or letters which have been received by her husband & which she believes show an admission of more service than that for which he was allowed. She therefore makes this application for said increase if that is to be made payable to her.
Sub this before
State of New York, City and County of New York, } ss. I, RICHARD B. CONNOLLY , CLERK of the City and County of New York, and also Clerk of the Supreme Court for the said City and County, being a Court of Record, DO HERE-BY CERTIFY, That D. P. Ingraham before whom the annexed deposition was taken, was at the time of taking the same, elected Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for said City and County, duly appointed and sworn, and that his signature thereto is genuine, as I verily believe. In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said Court and County, the 17 day of January 185 4  Richd B. Connolly Clerk.
This is to Certify, That in the City of New-York, on the 16 th day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty thirty seven the rites of Matrimony were solemnized according to law between Asa Holden and Mary Howard both of this City Witnesses Henry and Derinda Veyron By me, Joseph Hazuron Pastor of  Providence Chapel  H. S. G.

say upon the subject, but from the reports or letters which have been received by her husband & which she believes show an admission of more service than that for which he was allowed. She therefore makes this application for said increase & that it be made payable to her ————— Subscribed & sworn to in open court } Mary Wadsworth This 19 th day of January 1854 } before me —————
D. P. Hycobarn Judge of N York (Com: Pleas)

State of New York City & County of New York
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
John C. Helme and
David Morse of the city of New York being each duly sworn according to law Depose that Asa Holden a pensioner of the United States died in said city of New York on the third day of August in the Year one thousand eight hundred and fifty three. And at the time of his death left a widow viz Mary Holden who resides in said City of New York and is now a widow —
Subscribed & Sworn to before me This 16 day of January 1854
John C. Helme
George G. Taylor Notarius of Deeds
David Morse
I certify that John C. Helme and David Morse are credible and competent witnesses and verily believe their statement as above set forth is entitled to full faith and credit — " " —
George G. Taylor Notarius of Deeds

State of New York, City and County of New York, } ss.
I, RICHARD B. CONNOLLY , Clerk of the City and County of New York, and also Clerk of the Supreme Court for the said City and County, being a Court of Record, DO HERE- BY CERTIFY, That George G. Taylor before whom the annexed deposition was taken, was at the time of taking the same, a Commissioner of Deeds, for said City and County, duly appointed and sworn, and authorized to administer oaths to be used in any Court in said State, and for general purposes; and that his signature thereto is genuine, as I verily believe.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said Court and County, the 17 day of Jan 185 4
Richd B. Connolly Clerk.

State of New York City & County of New York Superior Court of the County of New York.
On this 17 th day of January 1854, it was proved by the adduction of the annexed testimony which is satisfactory to said Court, that Asa Holden a pensioner of the United States died in the city of New York on the third day of August in the Year one thousand eight hundred and fifty three. And at the time of his death left a widow viz Mary Holden who resides in the city of New York and is now a widow.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & caused to be affixed, the official seal of said Court the day and Year first above written.
Murray Hoffman one of the Justices of the Superior Court of the County of New York

Ref
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 25.788
Mary Holden Widow of Asa Holden Prir Rev War
Act Feb 31 1853
Index : Vol A , Page 352
[Arrangement of 1870.]

No. 34. 887
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
Received April 2 nd 18 55
Mary Holden wid. of Asa Holden pri. Knapp's Regt. Mass. Cont'l Line Revolutionary War
Warrant 3992-165-55
William Valentine Albany New York.

3579. New York.
City. Mary Holdene, widow of Asa Holdene, who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private,
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 25 dollars 32 — cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
August, Certificate of Pension issued 3rd. day of Feby, 54. and sent to
Wm. Valentine, Albany,
N. Y.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 76 Vol. A.

Asa Holden N.Y.
Lett: to Hon: H. Fish
13. May 1853 Mrs Mary Holden. 24 th Jany. 1854.
7 June 1832

for Bromley Secy Ad March 3 1855 34.88 3/4
L. P. Waldo Esq. Commr of Pensions Washington City D. C.

New York 3.579 Nelly Mary Holden widow of Asa
who served in the Revolutiona- ry war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 25 Dollars 32 Cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February August
Certificate of Pension issued 3 rd day of February 1854 and sent to
M m Valentine Albany N.Y.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 76 Vol. a
Certificate corrected and sent to J. G. Helme N o 111 Bowery New York Feb y . 21 st 1853
Let to Source 23 May '54

New York Rev.
Asa Holden Suspended
lot. to Clamank 21st 1834. Let to H. E. Moore, Feb 3 1837 to same " 9 1838
Act. 7 June 32

15 } 1775 0. 8. 0 - * Capt David Moore - Asa Holden 2. 0. 0 Supt Guard at Sudbury 1778 0. 6. 0 at Rhode Island Dec " 0. Col Bailey - not on rolls June 1780 0. 4. 27 1/2 Quarters right 1781 0. 6. 0 Capt Gage. Col Garrison 1782 0. 3. 0 " * Barker. Col Webb * See Vol 17- page 129 - Mrs 2 & 21 days

Mr J. E. Heath Boston Jan. 21 1853
Dear Sir
I wrote You about a fortnight ago respecting Mr Asa Holden's claim for a Pension as a Revolutionary Soldier in the Massachusetts Regiments during that War & have not received any answer as yet if You will be so good as to look for his name on the Rolls & give me an answer to this as soon as possible I will be very much obliged to You untill You are better Paid which will be Very Soon.
Very Respectfully
Yours
John Holden N o 1 Harvard Court Boston
N. B. as he has given me power of Attorney to act for him I should feel disposed to Pay You well for an early attention to the Same

Written to in regard to the claim 13 May 1853.

N.Y. City Pension Agency Feb y 24 th 1854.
The accompany notification was inadvertently omitted to be enclosed when my former letter of this date to the Commissioner of Pensions refering to the same was mailed a few minutes since.
Vanbrugh Livingston

The account of Asa Holdens service in the Revolutionary Army Recorded in the Pension as stated in Mr Edwards letter
  In Col Goats Regiment four Month and 27 days  4.27    In Col Nixons Regt - five month and 26 days  5.24    In Col Shepards Regt - four month  4    In Col Webbs Regt capt Bowditch company  2 21/21    72 days is two month & 12 days  2 12     17 12  
The amount of Pension from March to March 1859 Thirty five years at ninety six dollars a year is 3360 Pension money Twenty two years at Twenty five dollars and 32 cent a year is five Hundred and fifty seven dollars and four cent    557:04    2802 96    Balance Due

Boston Jan 7, 1853
Mr J. C. Heath
Dear Sir, Your communication to Mr Asa Holden of New York, was put in to my hands to do with as I thought best now as he is advanced in Years & in want of Funds I think the best move will be to get his claim as a Revolutionary Pensioner proved & paid as soon as possible now if You will give this an early attention You will Very much Oblidge Your humble servant John Holden Mr Edwards wrote him some time ago that he found his name in Col Graton's Reg. & Col Nixon's & Col Shepard's do with Capt Brooks company now if You will give this an early attention & deduct for Your trouble 25 or 30 per cent of the amount coming to him I think it will be the best thing that can be done for him, as soon as You can make any Progress in the matter pleas let me know Respectfully Yours
John Holden N o 1 Harvard Court Boston

Albany N.Y. Feb 18 th 1854
Sir
Asa Holden died on the 3 rd of August last, and it appears by the enclosed pension certificate in the case of his widow Mary Holden, that her pension is to commence on the 3 rd of Feb. Upon the supposition that there is an error & that it should commence at the death of her husband, I have thought proper to return the certificate for correction,
Please return it to the address of J. C. Holme Esq r No 111 Bowery New York City
I am Yours very respectfully M m Valentine
S o J. Waldo Esq r Comm r of Pensions Washington City

No. 4183
Mary Holden widow of Asa - Private
Act 3. Feb. 1853
Adm? $25.32 pr. ann. Commencing 3. Aug t 1853.
N.Y. City
Wm. Valentine Albany N.Y.
Seton

Albany N.Y. Jan'y 19 th 1854
Sir
Enclosed is the Declaration & proof in the application of Mary Holden widow of Asa Holden deceased under the 2 nd Section of the Act of Feb'y 3 1853 — Also a renewal of application for the increase of pension due her husband. I am Yours very respectfully, (W m Valentine)
L. P. Waldo Esq. Commr of Pensions Washington

(copy)
War Department Pension Office
January 21, 1834.
Sir,
Your claim to the benefit of the Act of 7 th June 1832, has been again acted upon and suspended. Your claim is founded upon the following items of alleged service. 1 st . For eight months in 1775 (13 years old), as waiter to Maj t Abel Holden. All service alleged to have been rendered before the applicant reached an age at which the law recognizes the capacity to perform it, should be supported by some evidence. The service of a waiter is not necessarily military; and if Capt A. Holden considered you as a component part of the army while acting as his waiter, it is fair to infer he would have so stated, when he undertook to recite his knowledge of your military service.
2 o After being discharged, (supposed to be 1776), you allege that you were drafted in the militia, and sent to Rhode Island for 6 months, (no officers mentioned) and discharged before the expiration of the time. It cannot be admitted that you were enrolled and drafted at the age of 14, or 15.
3 o In 1778, for ——— in Col. Grooton's Regt. This allegation is discredited by the rolls and should therefore be proved by two credible witnesses, who should state the manner of entering & leaving the service &c.
4 th . In Bowdoin's company, Webb's regiment of militia, for 3 months at Gallows Hill.

(copy)
War Department Pension Office
January 21, 1834.
Sir,
Your claim to the benefit of the Act of 7 th June 1832, has been again acted upon and suspended. Your claim is founded upon the following items of alleged service. 1 st . For eight months in 1775, (13 years old), as waiter to Maj r Abel Holden. All service alleged to have been rendered before the applicant reached an age at which the law recognizes the capacity to perform it, should be supported by some evidence. The service of a waiter is not necessarily military; and if Capt A. Holden considered you as a component part of the army while acting as his waiter, it is fair to infer he would have so stated, when he undertook to recite his knowledge of your military service.
2 o . After being discharged, (supposed to be 1776), you allege that you were drafted in the militia, and sent to Rhode Island for 6 months, (no officers mentioned) but discharged before the expiration of the time. It cannot be admitted that you were enrolled and drafted at the age of 14, or 15.
3 o . In 1778, for _____ in Col. Grooton's Regt. This allegation is discredited by the rolls and should therefore be proved by two credible witnesses, who should state the manner of entering & leaving the service &c.
4 th . In Bowlin's company, Webb's regiment of militia, for 3 months at Gallows Hill.

2 5 . In Col. Bailey's Continental Regiment and attached to a Sergeant's guard over Continental Stores for 6 months. This allegation is not supported by the rolls and should therefore be proved as required under the 3 rd item.
6. In Captain Cutting's Company, Col. McIntosh or McIntire, one Campaign; and most of the time at R. Island. This item requires more specific recital, particularly as to duration.
7. In a Select guard at Sudbury, the place of your residence 2 years, under a Sergeant guarding Continental Stores. You could not have been required, as a militia man, to render two years continuous service, and consequently must have been enlisted, under some authority, creating, organizing & providing for the Corps. This Service should, therefore, be established by the records of Massachusetts, under certificate of Mr. Bangs, Secretary of State of Massachusetts.
The above are the facts of your service as alleged in your declaration taken 9 th July 1832. In your 2 nd declaration, drawn by Mr. Leugster, you allege an item of service without stating its period & duration, in Gage's Company, Farnsworth's Regiment, called Spring Camp, which should be established by Mr.
Jan y 21 st 1834

Holden's Company, Nixon's Regiment, was under three years enlistment, and was not entitled to a discharge until 6th April 1781, which would have rendered your service between 11 & 12 months. It does not appear that he was either transferred, or exchanged. The rolls, as before stated, shew that you enlisted, served & was discharged, in Nixon's Regiment. 6- Summer of 1781, in Capt Gages Company, Larnison's Regt. (flying camp), for 6 months. 7- Summer of 1782. 3 mos. Bowdoin's Comp y Webb's reg t of militia. From the above you will learn what
is necessary to establish your claim agreeably to the regulations. Your letter of 30 th Ultimo, charging the Chief Clerk with having said in New York, that with all the proof you could obtain you should not be allowed a pension, & that the decision now to be made upon your claim would determine the force of his intimation, is received. The decision upon your claim is made by myself, & is strictly conformable to the every day practice of this Office, to require of claimants - to establish by testimony every allegation of service & capacity of proof. You allege six years' service & produce but one witness, (Abel Holden), whose testimony relates to one item of service which is established by the rolls, & its every material part of the other services, although not off
of account of the service. - 4 th Dec r 1778, was drafted and sent to Poughkeepsie, to join the regiment of Col. Bailey of Massachusetts Line - which is not supported by the rolls. 5. May, or June 1780, for 6 months, in Greaton's Regiment & exchanged with Calvin Eames of Nixon's Regiment & served 9 months. Silas, Jotham & James Eames belonged to Nixon's regiment, but served at their time, and was discharged in 1780. Calvin Eames belonged to

Bangs certificate. The only evidence of service, which the rolls of the Massachusetts regiments on Continental establishment furnish, is an entry in Nixon's regiment, to wit: "Asa Holden, private, - Enlisted 8 th July 1780, for six months, and discharged 15 December 1780."
In your 3 rd declaration, you allege 1st 8 mos service in 1775, and in Dec r of that year joined a guard at Sudbury - In addition to the above objection to the character of that service, it may be remarked, that the ordinance for raising that force, passed 23 rd of April, so that 8 months service under it, to some time in Decem r would appear impracticable. 2 nd Dec r 1775 - 2 years as a guard at Sudbury. - 3. In Spring, or Summer 1778, was drafted and sent to Rhode Island for 6 months; discharged
the expiration of draft for other service ed one term of 8 months under him. This is satisfactory. Where you shall produce the testimony, which it is known may be obtained of any service under the officers you have named, and explain the ambiguities in which your several declarations have involved some items of your claim, it will be admitted notwithstanding the very unfavorable impressions which your verbal communications have made upon the mind of the Chief Clerk, who from delicacy declines adjudicating it.
I am, respectfully, your obed Servt.
(Signed) L. L. Edwards
Asa Holden, Esq. New York
Holden, Asa Mass 7/25/80

52
New York Feb y 16 1838
I received inclosed from you Mr Edwards statement which I think to be correct as to my service in Col Grafton's regiment but as I had two Brothers that were Officers in other regiments and for the sake of being with one of them he got a man in his company to swap places with me and I had to serve his time out which was some months longer than the time I should have had to serve if I had remained in Grafton's regiment - I was also in Col Jemison's regiment in Capt n Gages Company on the lines it was called the flying camp always on the move Col Jemison had seven companies of foot and about as many horse I was one campaign at Rhode Island with Gen l Sullivan in Col McIntosh's regiment and Col Hexam's Regiment in eight months service at Winter Hill near Boston - and if I should be ever able to go to Massachusetts it is likely I should be able to prove the most of my service and if it will not deprive me of further application I will accept of the pension offered by Mr Edwards as I am at present in great want of a little cash and if you will attend to it and if possible get arrears in money and send it on to me as soon as you can, and you will greatly
Oblig d yours &c &c
Isaac Holden
Hon d Ely Moore

War Department Pension Office Feb. 9. 1838
Sir
The papers of Asa Holden have again been examined. Since the previous examination the rolls of the militia of the State of Massachusetts have been received at this Office. The applicant claims to have served in the militia and continental regiments of that State upwards of five years, but the rolls do not confirm his statement, except as to the tour in Col. Greatear's regiment in 1780, which appears to have been four months and twenty seven days, instead of six months; and he is credited with two months and twenty one days, instead of three months, in Capt. Borske's company in 1782; in all seven months and eighteen days, for which he will, upon the proof on file, be allowed. If he decides to accept a pension for that term, a pension certificate will be issued accordingly. The letter of Mr. Holden is herewith returned.
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully Your Ob't. Serv't.
J. L. Edwards
7 18
Hon. Ely Moore
House of Representatives
7 months & 18 days. 7 18 1 month to 12 th  days 1 12 If they will not allow noting more than what is allow d in the letter it must be some more 25 dls & 32 cts

War Department.
Pension Office.
10 th October. 1832.
Sir.
Your letter of the 20 th August has been received.
M r Verplank left your papers in this Office before Congress adjourned. They were examined and returned to him on the 25 th July last, and are now probably in his possession.
The following is a copy of that portion of the letter sent with your papers to M r Verplank, in relation to your case.
"The deposition of M r Holden "which was made on the 27 th of "March 1818, to which the enclosed "was said to be an addition, was "not as stated, annexed thereto. "In order to obtain the benefits of "the act of 7 June 1832. M r Holden "must make a declaration before "a court of record. — That part of "the enclosed regulations which "is applicable to his case, is marked. "The name of M r Holden does not "appear on the records of revolutionary service.

"service in this office."
I enclose a copy of the regulations of 7. June 1832, for your guidance.
I regret that the very great pressure of business, has prevented my giving you an earlier reply.
very respectfully, your obed. serv. t
J. L. Edwards
M rs Asa Holden, New York City.

War Department Pension Office
July 25 1832
Sir,
I herewith enclose the documents in support of the claims of Asa Holden and Sylvester Marius.
The deposition of Mr. Holden which was made on the 27. of March 1818, to which the enclosure is said to be an addition, was not, as stated annexed thereto. In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of June 7. 1832, Mr. Holden must make a declaration before a board of record. That part of the enclosed regulations which is applicable to his case, is marked. The name of Mr. Holden does not appear on the records of revolutionary services in this Office.
Mr. Marius cannot obtain a Pension under the Act of March 18. 1818, because the proof of his services in the Continental Army is not satisfactory, and he has not furnished such proof as the regulations require in relation to the disposition of his property. The enclosed printed sheet marked A. will show wherein the proof is defective. If, however, he wishes to obtain a pension

under the Act of June 7. 1832, the proof will be deemed sufficient for that purpose, provided he will accept the same, and signify in writing his wish to re- ceive the stipend under that law.
I have the honor to be Very respectfully Your obed Servt J. L. Edwards
Hon. G. C. Verplanck New York

War Department
Pension Office
April 23 d 1833
Sir,
The amended declaration of Asa Holden, together with his former papers, have been again examined. The rolls of service of the Massachusetts line on continental establishment, in which he alleges various services, without being specific as to dates and terms of enlistment, furnish no evidence beyond 4 mo service. He is therefore required by the rules of the Department, to prove his service by two credible witnesses.
His claim for 9 mo service as a waiter, which was not upon a first examination considered as of any importance, in consequence of the belief that he intended to claim for two years service independently of it, has in the progress of this investigation, become a distinct part of the computation of the service within two years; It is therefore necessary to apprise him, that it was contrary to the regulations of the army to enlist boys of that age, (13 years) and such an enlistment cannot be admitted, without positive and satisfactory proof. Unless he was enlisted and by virtue of

of that enlistment, subjected to the law martial, his employment as waiter is not deemed a military service in the contemplation of the act of 7 June '32. His papers are herewith returned.
I am Respectfully
Dr. O. Smith
J. L. Edwards
Col. Edwards, Inf'ty C.P.O. 1893 Capt. Joseph Williams Comp. H, 11th Inf'ty
J. L. Skinner Esq Present

New York Oct 13 th /52
Sir
Included are some papers from Asa Holden, to which I ask the attention of your Office.
Mr Holden says, — if his Pension is not increased, — that he desires a return of his papers.
I do not understand the facts or law of the case, but most respectfully ask the attention of the Department to it.
Yrs Respectfully James Bush

Pension Office, April 17, 1845. Commissioner of Pensions.
Report in the case of Asa Holden, of New York.
On the appeal made to the secretary of war he has examined this case and confirmed the decision of the Comm. of May '45. W. C. Wallace

Pension Office,
April 17, 1845.
Sir,
I have the honor to return the letter of Mr. Curtis, respecting the case of Asa Holden, and to remark that it appears to be in the same hand writing of a similar letter signed by Mr. Gay, and addressed to you, to which I returned the enclosed letter of the 27 th ultimo. The application for the benefit of the act of the 18 th March, 1818, is not renewed in Mr. Curtis's letter, which asks an increase of pension upon the grounds that the letters of this Office acknowledge the establishment of more service than has been allowed. This is mere inference from the fact that one of the letters of this Office describes the four months and twenty seven days rendered by him in 1780, in the Massachusetts Line of the Continental Army as having been performed in Nixon's and another in Greadon's regiment. It is one and the same tour of duty. He has been allowed for all the service, he ever rendered; and this is asserted upon the authority of records which parol proof may not now controvert. With respect to the remarks about the "Conversation which made unfavorable impressions upon the mind of the Chief Clerk," that gentleman (who draws up this letter) states

that in 1833, a nest of felons engaged in the manufacture of spurious Claims, of which Osgood was the head, was discovered, indicted and convicted; that this Claimant was arrested for an Affidavit made by him to establish the service of one of these factitious Claimants, and discharged without indictment; that he was a witness for the accused, and had repeated conversations with the Chief Clerk during the month he was attending upon three trials, and that there was nothing in those conversations, or in the character of Claimant developed in those trials, which was calculated to inspire a very favorable opinion. This Claimant asserted a claim for two years continuous service in a guard at Sudbury, Massachusetts. The records shew that there was no such service. He also claimed that he was in the eight months service in 1775, when, by his own shewing, he was but thirteen years old, and of which the rolls, known to be full and complete, afford no evidence. Other observations in his narrative of service are equally contradicted by the rolls, and by the information of this Office. He was sixteen years old in 1780, and served four months and twenty seven days in that year, which is represented in his original statement to have been something like two years . He also served two months and

twenty one days in 1782, in the short levies on the Hudson; and his pension was adjusted according to these proofs by by Mr Luce, an examining Clerk of this Office, in March, 1838.
The above report will enable you to estimate the force of the remarks that "Claimant's affidavit, is entitled to Credit," and the innuendo that the adjustment of his pension was affected by the unfavorable opinion which his conversations had made upon the Chief Clerk.
I have the Honor to be,
very respectfully, Sir,
Your Obedient Servant.
J L Edwards
Hon. William L. Marcy, Secretary of War.

New York March 20 th / 1848.
Law office 44 Wall Street.
Sir,
I have the honor to call your attention to the claims of Mr. Asa Holden, a Revolutionary soldier to a pension under the act of Congress of 18 th March 1818 - upon proofs on file in the War Department at Washington. That act provides that private soldiers who served for the term of nine months or longer at any period during the war, on Continental establishments , and who are or shall be by reason of reduced circumstances in need of assistance from the country for support, having substantiated their claims, shall receive from the United States eight dollars per month from the day on which the required declaration was first made upon oath &c. Mr. Holden is to my knowledge in reduced circumstances, I am informed made the required declaration.

then soon after the passage of the act in 1818, as will appear by his paper, then forwarded to the Department, I retained there -
In 1832, he received from Mr. Poinsett then secretary of war a pension certificate under the act of 1832, for Twenty Five dollars  32\frac{1}{2} per annum. A letter from the chief Clerk of the Pension Office dated Feb. 9, 1838 addressed to the Hon Ely Moore then of the House of Representatives remarked - "The applicant (Asa Hoxden) claims to have served in the Militia & Continental Regiments of that state (Massachusetts) upwards of five years, but the rolls do not confirm his statement except as to the four in Col Greaton's Regiment, in 1780, which appears to have been four months Twenty Seven Days instead of six months, he is credited with two months Twenty one days instead of three months in Capt. Bowkers Company in 1782. in all seven months & eighteen days for which he will upon the proof on file be allowed. If he decides to accept a pension for that term, a pension certificate will be issued accordingly -"
An error of much importance Mr. Hoxden

had been made in the examination of the rolls of which the result is stated in the letter quoted. Mr. Holden had served in Nixon's Regiment, a continental establishment for upwards of five months in the year 1780 - as was admitted in a previous letter from Mr. Edwards of the Pension Office, addressed to Mr. Holden under date of "Jan. 1. 1834" - of this letter the following is an extract. "The only evidence which of service which the rolls of the Massachusetts Regiment in Continental Establishment furnish, is an entry in Nixon's Regiment - 'Asa Holden, private. Enlisted 8 th July 1780, for six months & discharged 15 Dec. 1780.'"
This material fact seems to have been overlooked when the letter of Feb. 9. 1838 was written - and as the service here admitted to have been performed, when added to that in Col. Grafton's Regiment which was also a continental establishment, makes them complete the 9 months service required by the act of 1818, I believe no other proof is necessary to entitle Mr. Holden to a full pension of $8 per month from the date of his declaration in 1818 -
- Respectfully asking that the Rolls may

be re-examined, & a new pension Certificate awarded to Mr. Holden, for the amount to which by Mr. Edward's letter he appears to be entitled.
I have the honour to be
Jan.
Very Respectfully
Your obedient Servant
John Jay
The Hon William L Murray
There is evidence on the way that Mrs. Hilda's career has of being so to 5 days so. in which Col. Kinross says - that no evidence of some is greater; Regt - it was a mistake that he since in question was to my way
New York, March 20 th /95 John May Prisoner for Health- care. New Bedford 24/45 Prisoner

New York September 22. 1852
Rev E Heath Esq Commr of Pensions Sir
hi
M Asa Holden has called several times upon me to ascertain the result of his application for an increase of Pension which I presented to you considerable several weeks since -
You will oblige me, by letting me know the action had upon the application -
Very Respectfully - H. Millard Fitch

Senate Chamber August 6. 1852.
James E. Heath Esq Commissioner of Pensions — —
Sir
I enclose herewith a letter from the Hon. Brod. A. T. Fullinwidge, containing certain papers for the purpose of procuring an increased pension for Asa Holden, who now receives a pension of $25 32 under the Act of 7 June 1832. I think that he is entitled by some more recent law to an additional sum. His certificate dated 6 March 1838 is among the papers enclosed.
I am personally acquainted with many all the gentlemen whose names are signed to Mr Holden's application, & recognize many them as among those of the highest respectability.
I beg an early examination of the application and enclose.
Very Respectfully Yours and Sir Hamilton Fish.

N.Y. City Pension Agency
Feb y 24 th 1854.
Sir,
In reply to your instructions contained in notification of the 21 st Inst. respecting Mary Holden Wid w of Asa I return, accompanied herewith, your notification of the 3 d Feb y 1854 relative to the same pensioner, and in lieu of which the former was sent to this agency.
Respectfully Your Obedt. Servt.
Vanbrugh Livingston
No notifications returned
L. P. Waldo Esq r
Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.

New York July 31. 1852
Yours & Dear Sir,
Mr Asa Holden of this City, a very aged man, has desired me to inclose certain papers for the purpose of procuring an increased pension for Revolutionary services rendered by him.
He now receives as appears by his Certificate which I now inclose, $25.32 per Annum, but he supposes, that by Laws passed since the date of the Certificate, (March 1838), that he is intitled to an increased amount.
May I ask your kind attention to the application of this old & meritorious Soldier —
I regret to trouble you with this business, but I feel unwilling that an associate of our fathers in the Revolutionary struggle, should be compelled to ask the aid of those Harpies who are continually asking for their pensions — very Respectfully Yr Old Servt J. A. Hall

New York Oct r 12 1852
Sir I called on you as Governor Fish was sick, to write to the Pension office for an answer to my request for an addition to my Pension you wish for information of my situation and before I give it to you Gov r Fish got well and he wrote for an answer and they sent him a line that they should not add any thing to my Pension, which appeared to displease every one that I have seen that signed my petition I called to get on Gov r Fish to get him to write to the Pension office to send my papers back and to include Mr Edwards letters. he was gone from home - I wish you now to be kind enough to write to the Pension office for my papers and to include Mr Edwards letters for they acknowledge to have received evidence of nearly the of my service more than the law requires - now I wish to know what other evidence they want to entitle me to full Pension, your attention to it will greatly oblige
Your Humble Servant
Asa Hildon
James Brooks Esq r

New York October 20. 1852
James E Heath Esq Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
Mr Asa Holden desires me to in- vite the return of some papers, which accompanied a letter from Hon F. A. Hall. made which I transmitted to the Pension Office in the early part of August last with his application for an increase of Pension -
Yours Respectfully Yours and Sir J. W. Foster

New York April 5. 1845.
Sir:
Asa Holden of this City, a Soldier of the Revolutionary Army, with whom I have been personally acquainted for many years, informs me, that he is about renewing his application for a Pension, and has exhibited to me an Affidavit made by him and sworn to yesterday, before Judge Neshoeffer of this City, relating to a portion of the Service rendered by said Holden, during the War of the Revolution.
Mr Holden has also shown to me, a letter addressed to him by J. Edwards, Esq. dated War Department, Pension Office, January 21. 1834, from which I make the following Extract :
"The only evidence of service which the Rolls of the Massa "Chusett's Regiments on Continental Establishment furnish, is "an Entry in Nixon's Regt. to wit: "Asa Holden, private, enlisted "8 th July 1780 for six months, and discharged 15. Dec. 1780." —
Mr. Holden has also exhibited to me, another letter from Mr Edwards dated the 9 th Feb y , 1838, from which I make the following Extract :
"The applicant claims to have served in the Militia & Continental "Reg ts of that State, upwards of five years; but the Rolls do not "confirm the statement, except as to the term in Col. Graton's Regt. in "1780, which appears to have been four months & twenty seven days; "and he is credited with two months and twenty one days, in Capt. "Bowser's Company, in 1782: in all, Seven months and Eighteen "days, for which he will, on the proof on file, be allowed." —
Mr Holden's Affidavit to which I have referred, sets forth, that his services in

services in Gratton's Regt. and Col. Nison's Regt. in 1780, was continuous service; and I consider his affidavit as entitled to credit. The Rolls shew, that he served in 1780 upwards of Nine months - and for this service, Mr Holden feels the pension which the laws provide.
From one of the letters of Mr Edwards to Mr Holden - the letter in which he says, that according to the Rolls, his only service was in Nison's Regt. it appears, that some conversation has previously passed between Mr Holden and the Chief Clerk of the Pension office, in New York, which made "very unfavorable impressions upon the mind of the Chief Clerk". - In the same letter, Mr Edwards speaks of the "Ambiguities", in which the several declarations of Mr Holden had involved some items of his claim. Mr Edwards states, however in speaking of these things, that whenever Mr Holden shall produce the proper testimony of service under any of the officers named by him, and shall explain the "ambiguities", his claim will be admitted, notwithstanding the unfavorable effect Mr Holden's verbal communications had made upon the mind of the Chief Clerk.
It is quite likely to have happened, that this old man, who is but little learned, and whose several declarations have been drawn up by the assistance, and by the hands, of others, may have appeared to make errors, and may have claimed for services which he cannot at this day prove. Doubtless, also, this aged Soldier was not over-courteous in language to the Chief Clerk who controverted his claim, and questioned his military services. The history of this application shows, that there may be apparently, con=

contradictory statements, if not ambiguities, on the part of official persons, even as to the evidence on the face of records; and surely, if there be ambiguities in the different narrations of his Revolutionary services made by an old man, now eighty four years of age, and written down for him by different persons, they may be well set to the account of infirm memory, and so, be forgiven. If these ambiguities may be thus charitably considered, Mr. Holden has the assurance of the Commissioner, which I have adverted to, that his claim shall not be rejected by the Department, on account of the unfavorable impression made on the mind of the Chief Clerk, by the manner in which old Mr. Holden talked to him. I should doubt whether this last objection, alone would, in the time of it, have been a sufficient bar to the claim of an old soldier to a Pension, if it had not been, expressly, raised by the Commissioner. But, it is outlawed now, being an offence of more than ten years standing; and since the communications under the hand of the Commissioner acknowledge record proof in the Department, of more than nine months service, in the same year, 1780, I cannot doubt that the Pension, allowed by law, will be granted, and made to take effect from Mr. Holden's first application, when the Rolls afforded the same evidence they now exhibit, of his services both in Col. Enoton's Regt. and Col. Nixon's Regt. in the year 1780.
I have the highest respect for the candor and intelligence of the Commissioner and of the Chief Clerk, but I will not disguise, that a perusal of the two letters, and Holden's

Statement, have impressed me with a suspicion, that they, as it happens to other good men sometimes, have allowed themselves to be a little more excited than they ought to be, in dealing with a pertinacious old man, who, I confess, is not over-civil towards any body who intimates a doubt of his Military services.
I am Sir,
Very respectfully,
Your ob. servant,
Hon William L Marcy Secretary of War,
Washington,
L.C.
Lucius D. Curtis.
New York, April 3/45 J. Austin In behalf of Genl. Butler Chairman of the Committee App. the App. Com. Munin Office

SM
New York Feby 26 th 1838
I am very sorry to trouble you so much but I have an important object which requires a little more cash than I have got to accomplish it. if it is decided that I shall have the pension Mr Edward mentioned to receive back pay, and it can be paid to you and you will inclose it on to me as soon as you possible can you will be doing me one of the greatest favors, or if I cannot receive the money if you will be kind enough to drop me a line on the receipt of this you will be doing me an ever memorable kindness to let me know my fate, from your most
Ob t & Hum l Serv t
Asa. Hilders
Hon d Ely Moore

Holden
Payment to be made at New York City by Van B. Livingston
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of
New York
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 3d, 1853, Page 76 Vol. A
J. L. Getty Clerk.

182 182
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. WIDOW'S PENSTON.
I certify that in conformity with the 2d section of the act of Feb- ruary 3, 1853,
Mary Holden
widow of Asa Holden
who was a Private in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Twenty five dollars and thirty two cents per annum, commencing on the 3d of February August 1853, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the Department of the Interior, this third day of February. one thousand eight hundred and fifty four.
Wm. L. McLellan Secretary of the Interior.
Examined and Countersigned.
J. P. Mals Commissioner of Pensions.

New York June 3 rd 1852
Sir:
I have again the honour to address you in behalf of the claim of Mr. Asa Holden a Revolutionary soldier to a pension under the Act of Congress of 18 th March 1818. & to enclose the Affidavit of the applicant, which taken together with the proof offered by the Rolls in the Pension Office, I believe establishes his claim according to the provision of the act to a full pension of eight dollars per month from the date of his first application in 1818 to the present time, with the deduction of the moneys received by him, under the pension granted under the act of June 7 th 1832. which he is ready to relinquish.
I have received from Mr. Edwards of the Pension

Office, a reply dated the 27 th March, to the letter which I had the honor of addressing to you a few days previously. Mr. Edwards remarks that "he (Mr. Holden) has never applied under the act of 1818," in which case the pension could only commence from the date of completing the proof. The affidavit of the applicant shows that he did apply in March 1818, a few days after the passage of the act, & that his deposition, with other proofs, & the certificate of the Recorder of this City were then forwarded to Washington. Their receipt acknowledged by the War Department. I may be permitted to add that Mr. Edwards in a letter addressed to the Hon. Julian C. Trumbull, under date of July 25, 1832, which had doubtless escaped his recollection, when he wrote me, refers to the deposition of Mr. Holden which was made on the 27 th March 1818. and in the same letter Mr. Edwards said " The name of Mr. Holden does not appear on the records of Revolutionary Service in this Office. "
In a subsequent letter of Mr. Edwards dated 21 January 1834 that gentleman says " The only evidence of service which the rolls of the Massachusetts regiment on Continental

Establishment furnish in an entry of in Nixons Regiment Droit - Asa Holden, private - enlisted 8 th May 1780, for six months, and discharged 15 th December 1780 -
And by a later letter of Mr Edwards dated Feb. 9. 1838 it seems that a further Examination of the rolls showed that Mr Holden had served as he had previously stated in his declaration, in Col Greadon's Regiment in the year 1780. four months & twenty seven days. Over further credited with two months & twenty one days in Capt. Bowden Company of militia in 1782 two months & twenty one days . Upon the proof of these two last services with Col. Greadon Capt. Bowden, without reference to the service in Nixons Regiment the pension was granted in 1838 under the act of June 7. 1832.
I respectfully submit therefore that as the Rolls do now sustain the application for a pension under the act of 1818. The applicant having at that time taken the steps required by the act, is not to be prejudiced by the fact that the rolls then did not, as was supposed support his declaration. But that the facts being established the pension will date from the day of the first application - Twenty seven years have elapsed since Mr Holden

asked for the support provided by the act for Revolutionary Soldiers. During all that time his declarations have been discredited, because not confirmed by the examination of the rolls, made in the Pension Office. The three several items of service, which they are now admitted to confirm have been acknowledged one by one after long delay. Without intending to impeach the fidelity & accuracy of the officers in the Pension Department, since the discrepancies in the successive statements, may have been owing to the incomplete- ness of the rolls, at the earlier dates. Which I have referred to, the fact does entitle Mr. Holden to a speedy settlement of his claim, after so long & painful a delay. And I submit it with great confidence for your decision.
I have the honor to be
Sir
Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
J. M. [unclear]
Honorable William L. Marcy.
Secretary of War.
Washington —

New York Jan'y 18 th 1854
Sir
Asa Holden a pensioner under the Act of June 7 th 1832 died in this city on the 3 rd of August last leaving due him about eleven months pension. His widow Mary Holden made application to the paying Agent for this ballance and she was required to surrender her husband's certificate, which she could not do as it is not in her possession, having been either lost by her husband or it was sent to Washington in his application for increase of his pension prior to his death. I am requested by the widow to write to the Department and if it is in your file then, for it is to be forwarded to her. Mary Holden No 187 - West 28 th St New York City. It may be supposed that she can obtain the ballance without surrendering her husband's certificate, by her showing by a certificate of a court of record that it is not in her possession, &c. It may be proper here to inform the Department that our Judges and Salary officers are disinclined to give any attention to matters which is not supposed to be only within the limits of their known or specific duties. It is therefore about next to impossible, in most cases, to get any matter of this kind attended to. Should not the Agent pay this arrear upon her affidavit of the facts without the proof by a certificate of a court record. In some

cases the Judges require at least the personal attendance of two witnesses in Court, which the parties have no legal means of enforcing, therefore in most cases are unable to get them at all, in other cases the written evidence that is satisfactory to the court upon which to issue the Certificate of the court, it is alleged by the Judges, should be satisfactory to the Departments at Washington, they therefore further assert that it is superfluous I soon say even absurd, this latter remark was made to me to day by Judge Oakley of the Superior Court of this city. I have extended these remarks not only in reference to the matter of Mr. Holden, but for the purpose of showing the many difficulties attending these matters under the present forms & printed rules, sent to the Paying Agent for his guidance, he hopes that some other plan may be adopted or such ones as will not in substance compel the parties either to dispense with their just dues or perform impossibilities, Before our Judges were salary officers there was no difficulty in these matters, but now as there is no fee to  such matters , it is about as next to impossible to get any attention unless it is by mere chance, special courtesy, or begging, if I may use the expression.
I am Yours very respectfully
L. P. Waldo Esq.
Couns of Pension Washington
Wm Valentine

Brief in the case of W. York
Mary Holden widow of Asa,
County and State of
act 3. Feb. '53
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband Deceased Act 1832
Marriage & Identity certified by Court, upon evidence of the Clergyman's marriage certificate & the testimony of witnesses - Death of husband also Certified by Court.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent
Wm. Valentine Albany N.Y.
R. M. R. Examining Clerk.

Letter of agreement Asa Holden N.Y. City { No 70. { 8 th Avenue,
Mr Cole Jan 27 1837 A. H. Holden
Ex 13 Papers for S. H. Pugh Jan 28 th 1837

Asa Shelden at Winter Hill from April 1775, to Dec in col Nixon Regt, 8 mos. {guarding Continental Stores at Ludbury, from 1776 to August 1778, 19 months at R.I. August 1778, to Nov 1778 Substitute for Roxbury 1778, exchanged 1781

S. L. Peabody Esq. Sir
City of New York, 17 th April 1850
I am in the receipt of a pension of about $75. per annum & made application for the benefit of the act of 1818. I served more than 5 years in the war & am entitled to $80. per ann.
I hereby request you to examine my papers in the Pension & induce to get me the arrears which are still due me, and I hereby agree to give you 20 per cent. of whatever amount you may obtain for me. I am very Respectfully &
Isaac H. H. H. H. H. H.

New York, April 21/45
John Jay
Referring to his letter of the 3 rd inst, asks decision of Grey on Asa Holden's claim
Id. Recd Apr 23/45
Prison Office
[Faint, illegible text]
[Faint, illegible text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side]

New York April 21 st 1845.
Law Office 44 Wall Street.
Sir
On the 3 rd instant I had the honor to address you a second letter in reference to the claims of Mr. Asa Holden, a revolutionary soldier & a pension under the Act of 1818.
Not having received any reply to it & fearing that it may have been referred to the Pension Office, without directing your personal attention, I venture again to address you. I ask that the claims of Mr. Holden, may be reviewed by yourself. & I trust that the facts stated in my last letter will be deemed a sufficient warrant for a request which may be unusual = Mr. Holden

Service during the war of the Revolution, nearly sixty years. Although he is unable from the lapse of time, to adduce legal proof of his service during all of that period, the xxv. rolls in the Pension Department authenticate his service for a sufficient period to entitle him to the pension, which for the last twenty eight years he has in vain been seeking to obtain.
I have the honor to be Sir
With Great Respect
Your obedient servant
J. M. [unclear]
Am. M c Intire
Secretary of War Washington

All papers relating to pensions go as a matter of course to the Govt. of Pensions & the cases only come to the Ld. of War on an appeal from the Govt's decision.
y
[Faint, mirrored handwriting from the reverse side of the page]

Memorandum
Brief in the Case of
Mary Holden Widow of Asa Holden 3559 657 3 rd Av. New York
New York
County and State of
New York
3 rd Sec
Act
Feb 3. 1853.
CLAIM FOR NEW PENSION CERTIFICATE,
PROOF EXHIBITED,
A pension Roll of New York am $ 25.32 Certificate returned. Claims due Act July 27 1868.
Personal Identity & Loyalty & Widowhood shown
Admitted Oct 1. 1868 to a pension am $ 96. per annum to commence July 27. 1868. deducting payments since.
Name and residence of Agent,
Thomas E. Lloyd Present
W. E. Frasc Examining Clerk.

SW
New York Dec r 10 th 1833
I have sent you my Pension papers once more for your inspection, in my first application not reflecting sufficiently on my services I did not state them in rotation as they took place altho in substance they were true - In this affidavit I state them as they took place as near as my memory will admit. I had a conversation with Doct r Crump when here he said I had stated more services than the time would admit of - but in that calculation - by looking over my statement you see he was mistaken - he also said I must get position proof of my services - But that is very different from the printed directions sent me from the Pension office which are here annexed, and which say in speaking of the soldiers in page 2 nd to demand of them position proof independently of their own statements would be to deprive many of them of the benefit of the act - You will see I have sworn to my papers four different times - my credibility is certified to by twelve who are or have been Judges on the bench of our Courts of Law - two of them have been Mayors of this city, two have been members of Congress, my minister &c, All who have been well acquainted with me more than twenty years. Doct r Crump said the credibility of Abel Holden in the Records Certificate was not properly sealed to my affidavit and he might meet some other Abel Holden than the one that swore to my services, and I must get the Recorder to amend it on mentioning it to the Recorder I thought he was not well pleased that Doct r Crump should think he would be guilty of such a deception, when it was the same date handwriting & ink, and on the back of my affidavit, I have shown my Vouchers to some of our best counsellors & Judges of high standing, who advise me not to be at the expense of going to Massachusetts on an uncertainty to look up evidence as I cannot hear of any living, they say if the prejudices are so strong against me in the Pension office, that if the Vouchers I now have do not succeed all the proof I can get will avail nothing. I have got them last certificates all sealed together at the marine court that you may be sure they are not forged - There was two affidavits with my name forged to them, and the Recorder as sworn to before him sent to the Pension office by Garret Luystra or Walter F. Osgood, Luystra said he saw my sign one of them, after my satisfying all concern, that they were forged Luystra has confessed they were forged and that he knew it. Doct r Crump told him that the Secretary of the Navy told him that he must to get hold of Walter F. Osgood & Abel Holden - I wrote to M c Amor Brundall who answered me that my name was not found in the navy office, on showing his letter to Doct r Crump he said he was mistaken - as to my claim in the Connecticut line as mentioned in your letter to M c Shinnes I have no claim, for I never pretended any. It will be very mortifying to me and not very pleasing to the Honorable gentlemen who recommended me to inform them that their certificates were disregarded and treated with contempt in Pension office, which I hope and trust will not be the case.

I have complied with the printed directions of the pension office to the fullest extent. If my pension is not allowed now I think it cannot be that you do not think I am intitled to it, but from some other cause - So say all who have seen my papers - You have Abel Holden proof of one campaign in Col Shepard Regt and Duct Crump sign is found in Col Nixon Regt - I was informed by one of the clerks of the war office my name was found in Spatons Regt - Duct Crump informed me that the time I served in the Sudbury Guard could not be counted, but I served time enough without it - But that Guard was under military discipline, under the directions of the Dept of Common Sense and if one of the Guard was guilty of a misdemeanor he was sent with a corporal and two men to guard him, to Concord and there confined until tried by court marshal
If my application is rejected I wish you to be kind enough to let me know it soon that I may apply for justice elsewhere as Congress is now sitting. Your attention to it will greatly
Obeys your Most Sert Asa Holden
J L Edwards Esq m
Pension office
Washington City
D C

Statement of Claim of Asa Holden to a pension under the Act of 18. March 1818—

In the matter of the application of Asa Holden a Revolutionary Soldier for a pension under the Act of March 18, 1818
Asa Holden a Revolutionary Soldier claims a pension under the Act of March 18, 1818 of $8.00 per Month. On the ground of having served for the term of Nine Months and longer. Continuously in two of the Continental Establishments to wit -
In Col. Greatons Massachusetts Regiment in the year 1780. for four Months and twenty Seven days , and immediately there- after in Col. Nixons Massachusetts Reg- iment for five Months and seven days . to wit from the 8 th July 1780 the date of his enlistment to the 15 th Dec. 1780 the date of his discharge
The claimant made the declaration under oath required by the Act 7 March 1818. a few days after its passage. His papers duly certified by the Hon. Richard Nixon at that time Recorder of the City of New York, were forwarded to the Department at Washing- ton and their receipt has been repeatedly acknowledged. The Rolls in the Pension Office at that time and even as late as 1832. did not contain his name, and the appli- cation was refused. In 1838 a pension was

granted him under the act of 1832 for $25 per annum, on proof discovered in the Records and this pension he is ready to relinquish on receiving one under the Act of 1818.
Proof
1. Of the Service having been performed
1. The affidavit of the claimant, made before Hon: M. Ulshoeffer. Judge etc. 4 April 1845. and now on file in the Pension Office - that his service in Greaton and Miron's Regiment was continuous for upwards of 9 Months 2. The Rolls in the Pension Office, as referred to in the Letter of the Chief Clerk as follows
Take in (A) below.
Extract from a letter of S. S. Edwards Esq. to Hon: Eli Almon, dated War Department February 19. 1838. "The Applicant (Asa Holden) claims to have served in the Militia & Continental Establishments of that State (Massachusetts) upwards of five years, but the rolls do not confirm his statement, except as to the town in Col. Greaton's Regiment in 1780 which appears to have been four months and twenty seven days instead of six months , & he is credited with two months & twenty seven days instead of three months, in Capt. Perkins Company in 1782 in all seven months &c."

(A)
Extract of a letter of J. S. Edwards Esq. to Mr. Asa Holden, dated War Department Jan 21. 1834.
The only evidence of Service which the Rolls of the Massachusetts Regiment on Continental Establishment furnish is an Entry in Mims Regiment - to wit - "Asa Holden, private, enlisted 8 th July '80 for six months & discharged 15 th Nov '80." (that is five months & seven days)
These two Services thus proved by the roll with the exact time in each
  1. In Mims Regt 5 Mos 7 days   2. " Greaton Regt 4 " 27 "   Making together 10 " 4 days 
Exceeding the time required by the Act of 1818 and however incorrect may have been some of the claimants declarations, from lapse of time and loss of memory. it is respectfully submitted, that this affidavit that his service in these Regiments was continuous. is sufficient proof of the fact, until it is positively disproved. And that it is highly probable is shown by a circumstance mentioned by Mr. Edwards in a subsequent letter, which will presently be quoted, that the two Regiments of Greaton & Mims were engaged in the same line of duty —

In reply to the Question of these two Separate but continuous Services, Mr. Edwards in a letter to John Jay dated March 27. th 1845 Said
"I would inform you that the act of 18 th March 1818 did not provide for less than Nine Months Service, in the Continental army under one engagement . If therefore Mr. Holden could establish by the rolls, what he has not asserted a continuous service of Nine Months or more under one  Enlistment  establishment , the pension would date from the time of the establishment of the fact."
The opinion here made that the Services in Frost's & Nims Regiments were under separate enlistments - and that the act requires that they be performed for 9 Months or more - under one  Enlistment  establishment , it is submitted is unsound. The Act only requires the Service to have been performed "for the term of Nine Months or longer at any period of the War" and a transfer or exchange from one Regiment to another during that period cannot destroy Mr. Holden's rights
Another objection was made by Mr. Edwards in his letter to the Secretary of War April 17. th 1845 entirely inconsistent with the last. - That, is based on the fact, that the Services were under separate engagements. This on the assumption that there was but one.
The following is an extract from the letter "The application for the benefit of the act

of 18 March 1818 is not renewed in Mr. Curtis letter which asks an increase of pension, upon the ground that the letters of this Office acknowledge the establishment of more service than has been allowed - This is mere inference from the fact, that one of the letters of this office describes the five months and twenty seven days rendered by him in 1780 in the Massachusetts line of the Continental army as having been performed in Nixons, and another in Greatons Regiment - It is one and the same term of duty. "
Admitting that it was one and the same term of duty, which satisfactorily accounts for the services being continuous - the former letters of Mr. Edmonds show that the services were distinct - for different periods - the time in Nixons Regiment being five Mos. & 7 days , and the time in Greatons Regiment 4 Mos. & 27 days .
That the two Regiments were not identical - & that they had each their separate rolls, is evident from passages in the letter already quoted of Jan. 21. 1834 addressed to Mr. Holden, & also from a letter to the Hon. C.C. Cambeling dated Feb. 4. 1834. in which he said "He (Holden) alleges two terms of service in the Massachusetts Line; the first is not supported by the Rolls , and the other contradicted

by them in several respects particularly as as to the length of time" It was not until four years afterwards - to wit, in 1838 - that the rolls were found, to support the first also, as appears from the letter to Mr. Meara already quoted _____
2.
Proof that application was made by the Claimant for a pension under the Act of 18 th March 1818. on the 27 th of March in the same year _____
Mr. Edwards in his letter to Mr. John Jay of the 17 th March 1845. Says.
If Asa
Holden can establish by the rolls, what he has not asserted, a continuous service of Nine Months, or more, under one en- listment, the pension would date from the time of the establishment of that fact. But he has never applied under the Act of 1818. _____
It is by no means extraordinary that Mr. Edwards should have ceased to recollect that such an application had been made - but that his present assertion is incorrect is shown by several of his former letters -
In a letter addressed by him on the 25 th July 1832 to the Hon. Julian C. Verplanck, he speaks of " the deposition of Mr. Holden which was made on the "

27 th March 1818 " and again in a letter to Mr. Holden 10 October 1832 containing an extract from the one to Mr. Verplanck. The Affidavit of the claimant corresponds with the statement of these letters, that the declaration was made on that day, the 27 th March 1818. before Record-keepers and forwarded to the Department. From which they have never been returned to him
The date of the Pension — Mr. Edwards in his letter above quoted of the 17 th March 1845. says that the pension would date "from the time of the establishment of the fact" —
The act declares "§3 That every pension by virtue of this act. shall commence on the day, that the declaration under oath or affirmation prescribed in the foregoing Section shall be made."
That the Records of the Pension Office did not then establish the fact, was not the fault of Mr. Holden. Even as late as July 25. 1832, Mr. Edwards writes to Mr. Verplanck " The name of Mr. Holden does not appear on the Records of the Revolutionary Service in this Office.
Since that time his name has been successively discovered

5 in the Rolls of Wirns Regiment — Greathus Regiment — and Capt Bowens Company — showing services which he has before declared under oath, but which were at the time discredited — and very possibly in future years his declarations of other services, during five years of the War of the Revolution may be established by future additions to the Pension office — His necessities are great, and on the proof recited. He respectfully and confidently submits his claims for a pension under the Act of 1818 —
2
John Jay — on behalf of the claimant
Dated New York July 1, 1845 —

WIDOW'S DECLARATION FOR Increase Obtaining Army Pension.
State of New York County of New York } ss.
On this 12th day of August A. D. 186 8 personally appeared before me, Clerk of the New York Com Pleas of the State and County aforesaid, Mrs. Mary Holden a resident of New York City of New York in the County of New York and State of New York aged 77 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress, approved July 14th, 1862; that she is the widow of Asa Holden who was a Private in Company Revolutionary commanded by Revolutionary in the Revolutionary Regiment of in the war of 18 6 who died at New York City August 3d 185 4 . — That she was granted a pension at the rate of $ 25.32 per annum under the Act Feby. 3rd /53. — Certificate dated Feby. 3rd /54
She further declares that she was lawfully married to the said Asa Holden on the 18th day of March in the year 18 37 that her husband, the aforesaid Asa Holden died [ or was killed ] on the day above mentioned; and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed, and that she had children by her said husband, who are all under sixteen years of age, are still alive and reside with her, named and aged as follows, viz:
That she has no children whatever under 16 years of age.
She also declares that she has not in any manner been engaged in, or aided or abetted, the rebellion in the United States.
POST OFFICE ADDRESS
657 - 3d Ave
New York City
Mary Holden
Also, personally appeared Mary Cummings of New York City County of New York and State of New York aged 22 years, and James McMahon of New York County of New York and State of New York aged 51 years, both of whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, who being by me duly sworn on their oath depose that they were present and saw Mary Holden sign her name [or make her mark] to the foregoing declaration; and they further swear that they personally know the said applicant to be the identical person she represents herself to be; and that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim.
James McMahon Mrs Mary Cummings
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 12th day of August 186 8 And I hereby certify that I have no interest, directly or indirectly, in the prosecution of this claim.
Kate James

Know all Men by these Presents, That I,
Mary Holden
do hereby appoint and make Phoebe Lloyd  Marvin L. Merchant , of New York City, my true and lawful attorney, to prosecute and secure whatever pension I may be entitled to, and receive the certificate therefor. under the 13 th Sec. of Act July 27 th /68
Mary Holden
Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of
James M. Mahon
Witness.
M. H. Garrison
Witness.
Duly acknowledged before me this 12 th day of August 186 8
[Signature]
General Application of Widow for Pension.
Act July 27 1868
APPLICANT'S ADDRESS,
Mary Holden
Widow of
Col. Holden
Private
Provisional Genl.
for ATTORNEY'S ADDRESS,
Thomas E. Lloyd
Washington D.C.

State of New York City & County of New York } ss Personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the Court of General Sessions for the City & County of New York, Asa Holdren of said City well known to the Judges & officers of said Court, and made oath to the following declarations in order to aid him in obtaining the benefit of the pension act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. Stating that he entered the army of the Revolution in April 1775 at a place called Winter Hill near Boston in the state of Massachusetts, in the eight months service, in Col John Nixons Regt. In Dec r 1775 joined a Guard at Sudbury to guard Continental Stores, was there about two years — In the spring or summer of 1778 — was drafted and sent to Rhode Island to the best of his memory for six months but was discharged before his time expired — and Dec r 1778 was drafted as a substitute for a drafted man for six months and sent to Poughkeepsie to join Col Bailey under the Continental Establishment and from there was attached to Guard commanded by a Sergeant Hall and in a short time sent to the Hospital and there detained after his time was out on account of his sickness.
In May or June 1780 entered Army again for six months and joined Col. Grootons Regt and was soon after detached from that Regt and sent to Col Shepards Regt, of Infantry under Marquis De La Frette and from there exchanged places with a man in Col Thos Nixons Regt whose name he thinks was Calvin Emes and had to serve the mans time out, which made about nine months — In the summer of 1781 he entered Army again in Capt n Gages Company Col Jonesons Regt on the lines called the flying camp for six months — In the summer of 1782 — was in Capt n Bowmans Company Col Webbs Regt of Militia three months at Fishkill or Galloway hill so called.
The above is as correct a statement of his services as he on due reflection can recollect — but it being between fifty & sixty years ago and he then a youth it is very likely that all the dates may not be exactly correct — But this he declares as a positive fact that he was at different time under the command of all those different officers mentioned in this deponants application and that he positively served in the Revolutionary Army against the common enemy much more than two years which is all the law requires to be entitled to a pension. The above with other affidavits before sworn to and which accompany this, is all this deponent can produce at this present time.
Asa Holdren

City of New York ss.
Court of General Sessions of the Peace.
On the 13 th day of December in the Year of our Lord 1888. Asa Holden was sworn as to the truth of the within statement by him subscribed.
H. Meigs. Clerk.
We the Judges do Certify that we do believe the statement made by Asa Holden, as within set forth
P. Pikes
Recorder of the City of New York
James Palmer Alderman 13 Ward
Samuel Dunfee
Ald man 14 th Ward City of New York

LETTER
FROM
THE SECRETARY OF WAR, &c.
IN
Relation to the execution of the "Act supplementary to the act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the revolution."
JUNE 25, 1832.
Laid on the table, and ordered that one thousand additional copies be printed for the use of the Senate.
WAR DEPARTMENT,
June 15, 1832.
SIR: In answer to your letter of this date, I have the honor to observe, that the act of Congress of March 18, 1818, entitled "An act to provide for persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war," made provision for placing upon the pension roll all commissioned officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians, and private soldiers, and all officers in the hospital and medical staff, who served in the war of the revolution. The construction given to this clause by this department was, that the specific enumeration of "officers of the hospital and medical staff," excluded from the benefit of the act all other officers of the staff not holding commission in the line of the army. Because, if the words "all commissioned officers," &c., extend to the whole staff of the army, there was no necessity to insert a particular provision for any branch of the staff. And such a provision, when inserted, would embrace only the particular class described. Officers of the line only, were, therefore, supposed to be included in the first description. It is, however, clear to me, that, had the law contained no particular enumerating clause, the general provision, "all commissioned officers," would have included all the officers of the line and staff of the revolutionary army.
I allude to this subject here, that the reasons of the difference in the construction put by this department upon the act of 1818, and that which, it appears to me, should be put upon the act of the present session of Congress, entitled "An act supplementary to an act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the revolution," may be apparent. The benefit of the latter act is extended to each of the surviving officers, &c., who shall have served in the continental line or State troops, volunteers or militia, &c., without any clause necessarily, or by construction, limiting its operations. It is, therefore, my opinion, that all the officers, whether of the line or staff, of every description, are embraced in this provision.
With respect to the evidence which should be required of the applicants,

there is a manifest difference between the regular troops and the militia. Of the former, there are rolls in this office, more or less perfect, and where a person's name is found upon them, no other testimony is or should be required. Where the name is not thus found, the presumption is, that the applicant did not render the service stated, and the defect must be supplied by other testimony. The certificate of a commissioned officer, if one can be obtained, is required. But if it cannot, then the corroborating statement of two credible witnesses must be produced. Not that these witnesses should both certify from their personal knowledge to the actual service of the applicant; but that they should, by direct or indirect circumstantial evidence, confirm the account given by himself. These principles have regulated the department heretofore, and they appear to me to be founded in reason and justice. When, however, the rolls are known to be imperfect, considerable relaxation should be allowed; and, under these circumstances, and as the difficulty of procuring testimony gradually increases, the regulations have recently been relaxed, particularly with respect to the nature of the circumstances required to be shown.
The case of militia service is, however, different. There are no rolls of the militia in this department, except those of the State of New Hampshire. There can, therefore, arise no presumption against the applicant, to be met by stronger evidence than, under other circumstances would be required; and time has so reduced the number of those veterans, and of the witnesses of their services and sufferings, that to demand of them positive proof independently of their own statements, would be to deprive many of them of the benefit of the act. My impression is, that the applicant should produce the best evidence in his power. If he has no living nor documentary evidence of his services, he should transmit as detailed a statement, under oath, as he can prepare, showing the time, place, and manner of his employment, the corps to which he belonged, and such other circumstances connected with the subject, as he may be able to recollect, and as will serve to guide an examining officer in his investigation of the justice of his claim. To this should be added the certificate, under oath, of at least two respectable persons, whose characters can be established at the department, stating the general impressions of the neighborhood, where the applicant resides, or has resided, that he was engaged in the revolutionary war. I imagine there are few or none of the survivors whose claims to this character are not recognized in the vicinity where they live. This traditional evidence, in the absence of other proof, will corroborate the statement of the honest applicant, and check the attempts of those who are dishonest; and it appears to me to be as far as it will be safe to go.
These are my impressions, hastily written, in answer to your letter. I have the more confidence in them, as they are fortified by the opinion of Mr. Edwards, in whose experience and judgment I place great reliance. And I think the committee will agree, that they pursue a just medium between a latitudinous construction, which would throw the doors of the Treasury open to all who are willing to fabricate documents which would insure them the benefit of this act, and such a rigid administration as would render nugatory the benificent provisions of the law.
I have the honor to be, sir,
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
LEWIS CASS.
Hon. SAMUEL A. FOOT,
Chairman of the Committee on Pensions in the Senate.

DEPARTMENT OF WAR, Pension Office, June 27, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted by the Secretary of War for carrying into effect the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832, entitled "An act supplementary to 'An act for the relief of the surviving officers and soldiers of the revolution.'"
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 storekeepers, &c. teamsters, boatmen, &c.
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 before the of the , A B, a resident of in the county of , and State, Territory, or District of , aged 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 7, 1832. That he enlisted in the army of the United States in the year , with , and served in the 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.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the pension 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 that the abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I, _____ 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.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration cannot be found, they will receive detailed instructions respecting the nature and form of the testimony they must produce to secure their being placed on the pension roll. As the presumption will, in such cases, be against the applicants, in consequence of the omission of their names in the muster rolls, they will be required to furnish, as near as may be, the same evidence as has heretofore been required by the regulations and practice adopted for carrying into effect the act of Congress of March 18, 1818, and the acts supplementary thereto; with such relaxations as have been, from time to time, sanctioned by the department, on account of the rapid decrease of the survivors of the revolutionary army, and the consequent difficulty of procuring direct positive testimony in every case.
Wherever an officer or non-commissioned officer is now in the receipt of a pension, he should make application, if entitled to the benefits of this act, by letter merely, setting forth his rank, and the regiment, corps or vessel, in which he served, and his present place of residence. His pension certificate must accompany his letter.
In those cases where the applicants have once been on the pension roll, under the act of March 18, 1818, and have been dropped therefrom on account of property, or for any other reason, or where application has been made under the act of May 15th, 1828, and the evidence of service is in the departments; or, having made application and proof of service, and having been rejected, instead of the above declaration, they will make a statement, setting forth, under oath, their having been previously on the pension roll, and their having been struck from the same, shewing their rank, the regiment, corps, or vessel in which they served, their present place of residence, and their place of residence when the first application was made, or of their application under the act of 15th May, 1828.
In a case where a claimant may make personal application at this department, and can produce satisfactory proof of service, and of his identity also, at the seat of Government, he may make his declaration before a justice of the peace.
2. The case of the State troops, volunteers, and militia, is different. There are in the department no rolls of the State troops, except those of Virginia; and no rolls of the militia, except those of New Hampshire.
Applicants, who served in the State troops of Virginia, and applicants, who served in the militia of New Hampshire, will be required to produce the same proof as is prescribed for those who served upon the continental establishment. But, with respect to the other State troops and militia, there is no record to advert to, and no presumption to be rebutted. The nature of the case, therefore, demands a different rule of proceeding.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State troops, volunteers, or militia, except as is above provided, will make and subscribe the following declaration:

Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
STATE, TERRITORY, OR DISTRICT OF } COUNTY OF } ss.
On this day of , personally appeared in open court, before the court of , now sitting, A B, a resident of , in the county of , and State, Territory, or District of , aged 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.
[Here set forth the names and rank of the field and company officers; the day (if possible) and the month and year when the claimant entered the service, and the time when he left the same; (and, if under more than one engagement, he must specify the particular periods, and the rank and names of his officers;) the town, and county, or State, in which he resided, when he entered the service; whether he was drafted, was a volunteer, or a substitute; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged; the country through which he marched; the continental regiments or companies with which he served; and the names of some of the regular officers whom he knew, together with such farther particulars as may be useful in the investigation of his claim; and, also, if the facts be so, that he has no documentary evidence, and that he knows of no person, whose testimony he can procure, who can testify to his service.]
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, or (if any) only on that of the agency of the State of
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
C D.
And then will be annexed the following certificate:
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 abovenamed 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.

The form of the proceedings, and of the certificates, will be so varied as to meet the case, when the declaration is made out of court, before a judge, as hereafter provided for.
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, 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 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 service.  6. { To a soldier. —Did you ever receive a discharge from the service; and, if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?  To an officer. —Did you ever receive a commission; and, if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the revolution. 
The court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a clergyman, the court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.

The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important in the absence of any direct proof except the declaration of the party. And the courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject. To require from the applicants positive proof of service from a contemporary survivor, would, after the lapse of so many years, be to deprive many of them of the benefit of the law. And as no presumption is raised against the militia by the existence of rolls in the department, there is no good reason why this requisition should be extended to them. On the other hand, to receive the declaration of the parties, as a sufficient ground for placing them upon the pension roll, without corroborating circumstances, would be to open the Treasury to great frauds. A just medium seems to present the best rule for carrying into effect the objects of Congress.
If the two persons whose certificate is required, cannot be produced in court, without too much inconvenience and expense to the applicant, then the statement of the facts and opinions abovementioned will be made under oath before some judge or justice of the peace, and the certificate of the court to the situation and credibility of the persons making the statement will be given.
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.
 3. Persons serving in the marine forces.  4. Indian spies. 
Each of these two latter classes of cases will produce proof, as nearly as may be, conformably to the preceding regulations, and authenticated in a similar manner, with such variations as the different nature of the service may require.
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.
An act supplementary to the "Act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the Revolution."
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That each of the surviving officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians, soldiers, and Indian spies, who shall have served in the continental line, or State troops, volunteers, or mi-

litia, at one or more terms, a period of two years, during the war of the revolution, and who are not entitled to any benefit under the act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the revolution, passed the fifteenth day of May, eighteen hundred and twenty-eight, be authorized to receive, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the amount of his full pay in the said line, according to his rank, but not exceeding, in any case, the pay of a captain in the said line; such pay to commence from the fourth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-one, and shall continue during his natural life: and that any such officer, non-commissioned officer, musician, or private, as aforesaid, who shall have served in the continental line, State troops, volunteers, or militia, a term or terms, in the whole less than the above period, but not less than six months, shall be authorized to receive, out of any unappropriated money in the Treasury, during his natural life, each, according to his term of service, an amount bearing such proportion to the annuity granted to the same rank for the service of two years, as his term of service did to the term aforesaid; to commence from the fourth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-one.
SEC. 2. And be it further enacted , That no person, receiving any annuity or pension under any law of the United States providing for revolutionary officers and soldiers, shall be entitled to the benefits of this act, unless he shall first relinquish his further claim to such pension; and, in all payments under this act, the amount which may have been received under any other act as aforesaid, since the date at which the payments under this act shall commence, shall first be deducted from such payment.
SEC. 3. And be it further enacted , That the pay allowed by this act shall, under the direction of the Secretary of the Treasury, be paid to the officer, non-commissioned officer, musician, or private, entitled thereto, or his or their authorized attorney, at such places and times as the Secretary of the Treasury may direct; and that no foreign officer shall be entitled to said pay, nor shall any officer, non-commissioned officer, musician, or private, receive the same until he furnish the said Secretary satisfactory evidence that he is entitled to the same in conformity to the provisions of this act; and the pay hereby allowed shall not be in any way transferable, or liable to attachment, levy, or seizure, by any legal process whatever, but shall enure wholly to the personal benefit of the officer, non-commissioned officer, musician, or soldier, entitled to the same.
SEC. 4. And be it further enacted , That so much of the said pay as accrued before the approval of this act, shall be paid to the person entitled to the same as soon as may be, in the manner and under the provisions above mentioned; and the pay which shall accrue thereafter shall be paid, semi-annually, in the manner above directed; and, in case of the death of any person embraced by the provisions of this act, or of the act to which it is supplementary, during the period intervening between the semi-annual payments directed to be made by said acts, the proportionate amount of pay which shall accrue between the last preceding semi-annual payment and the death of such person, shall be paid to his widow, or, if he leave no widow, to his children.
SEC. 5. And be it further enacted , That the officers, non-commissioned officers, mariners, or marines, who served for a like term in the naval service during the revolutionary war, shall be entitled to the benefits of this act, in the same manner as is provided for the officers and soldiers of the army of the revolution.
Approved, June 7, 1832.

City and County of New York
This is to certify that I have been acquainted with Asa Holden for many years who is now residing in said City and who is now applying for a Pension for his Revolutionary services and that it has been reputed and believed in this City where he now resides before and since any pension law was passed that he served in the Army of the United States in the Revolutionary War and I concur in that opinion his affidavit is entitled to full credit
Jacob Radcliff
New York May 13. 1833

State of New York City and County of New York } ss.
It is hereby certified by me Judah Hammond alderman of the Fifteenth Ward of the City of New York duly elected and sworn, residing at Number fifty seven Fourth Street in the said Ward, and one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the said City, that I was well acquainted with Abel Holden Esquire in the year eighteen hundred and Eleven and from thence until the time of his death. According to my present recollection, Abel Holden was appointed by the Governor and Council of Appointment to the office of Asst ant Justice of the Tenth Ward of the City of New York in the year 1811. During the period that I was acquainted with him he was a man of good character, and entitled to full credit.
I Have also been acquainted with Asa Holden up- wards of twenty years last past, and have entire confi- dence in the large integrity and purity of his representa- tions. His character is good. The affidavits of Abel Holden, and Asa Holden here in my opinion entitled to full credit. Dated the 27th day of November 1833
J. Hammond

State of New York City & County of New York Ninth Ward
It is hereby certified by me John R. Peters late Alderman of the Ninth Ward. One of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas & Court of General Sessions residing at N o 25 Green Street in said Ninth Ward. That I have been acquainted with Mr. Holden of the said City for many years last past. He is reported to be a man of about seventy years of age to be of good charity & to have served in the war of the revolutions in all which opinions I do fully concur
John R. Peters
New York 28. November 1833

I Nehemiah Dodge a clergyman lately residing in the City of New York, do hereby certify, that I am well acquainted with Asa Houlden of said City, who is applying now for a pension for his Revolutionary services and that I believe him to be between seventy and eighty years of age and that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that I concur in that opinion. At the time I resided in the City of New York he was a Member of a Board of Trustees and Chairman of said board of Trustees of a Religious Society of which I was their Pastor. and that his Affidavit is entitled to full credit Subscribed as Nehemiah Dodge to before me this 26. day of August 1833
J. Smith Dodge
The reader of the above is informed that the reason I have not sworn to the above, is only because I have long had conscientious scruples about the propriety of taking an oath. Nehemiah Dudge
State of New York City & County of New York Personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the Marine Court, I Smith Dodge of of said City Dentist Doth solemnly declare and affirm being duly sworn doth depose and say that the above named Khemiah Dodge is well known to this deponent - was some years past the pastor of a society that worshipped in a church at the corner of Prince and Orange Streets, in said City of New York, when Asa Holden was in the habit of attending - and that he see the said Khemiah Dodge sign the above Certificate and that he refused to go in to Court and make oath to it, and that he has refused to take an Oath for many years on Account of his Conscientious scruples about taking an Oath The identity of I Smith Dodge proved to the Court by Peter Hupburn who swore that he knew the said I Smith Dodge - and that he is the person above described. By the Court
By the Court John B. Clarke Clerk

I. John Barberie Clerk of the Marine Court of the City of New York do hereby certify that the foregoing are the Original documents laid before the said Court in the matter of the Application of Asa Holden for a Pension
In Witness whereof I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the said Marine Court. This Nineteenth day of December in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Eight hundred and thirty three
John Barberie

James Brooks Esq.
New York ~~~~~

New York Sept 15 th 1852
Dear Sir I call on Governor Fish on his return from Washington he said he call at the Pension office for my papers and they said they not time to look at the Records - I call on him again in a few days to get him to write to the Pension office and inform them there was no need of looking at Records and he was sick in his bed then I was directed to call on you for I was informed that if did not get a member of Congress to write to the Pension office for me there would be no notice taken of it - I wish you to write to the Pension office and inform them that if they will look at my papers which can be done in a few minutes minutes they will see by Mr Edwards letters that will give an account of my services in the Army enough to entitle me to full Pension Mr Edwards say in one letter I was on the rolls of Col Graten Regiment for four month and twenty seven days and in one letter he say I was on the rolls of Col Nixons Regiment for five month twenty four days and in Capt Bowhans Compy in another Regiment for two month and twenty one days - I have one letter of Mr Edwards on hand that I did not see when I sent my papers to the Pension office it appear to be the hand writing of Doct Crump Mr Edwards clerk but signed by Mr Edwards that say I was on the rolls for four month and all that was found - in all they do not mention nigh half the time I was in the army but there is enough to entitle me to a full Pension - In 1778 I was drafted and sent Rhodessland for some months then was drafted every campaign on the militia to fill up the Continental Army and all ways was some that did not like to go and look their place year after year was our campaign under Col Jameson who commanded what was called the flying camp was constant on the move was not allowed to be more than one hour in one place we often attacked the cowboys three of our men took a spy by the name of Andre who was tryed and condemned and see him hung - If you will be kind enough to send a line to the Pension office and request an answer to my request for a Pension you will greatly oblige James Brooks Esq (Oblg Your obedt Servt Asa Holman

The time of my service mentioned in M c Edwards letter
  In Col Grates Regiment four month & twenty seven day  4 27    In Col Nixon Reg t five month & 24 days  5 24    In Capt s Bowkers Comp y two month & 21 days  2 21    Seventy two days is two month & 12 days  2 12       sum of M c Edwards letter I have on hand  13 12        1 00        17 12  
Amount of Pension -
From March 4 th 1818 to Sept 4 th 1852 Thirty four years & six month at 96 doll s a year 3312 - Direct by Cash Hand From March 4 1831 to March 4 th 1852 Twenty one years Twenty five doll s and thirty two cent a year 531-12 Balance Due --- 2700-20
I am very feeble my hand trembles so I can scarce hold my pen I am between Ninety and one Hundred years of age I am the Oldest man in this City
The United States Judge and the Judges of this State and Mayor with all the other genl men unite in saying after seeing M c Edwards letter that I cannot fail of getting a full Pension
soon after the Pension Law was past Col s Crump M c Edwards clerk was in this City we had a dispute he got quite angry and said I should never get a Pension he could stop it and would do it - I have been inform d that if he could get hold of any of the papers that was sent to Pension office before M c Edwards did see them he would certain destroy them
As you wish me to give you a sketch of my situation it is as nigh as I can remember

If they will examine my papers at the Pension office they will find a number of affidavits of officers of my service in the army if Doct r Crump did not get hold of them Mr Edwards could have seen them
They were from a number of officers
one from Col Webb one from Capt Williams one from Capt Cutting one from Capt Abel Holden one from Judge Riker and others
I think I can not fail of getting a full Pension Mr Edwards has stated that he has found on the rolls of my service over 17 months & 12 days that is within 20 days of double what the law requires
Names of signers to the recommendation for Pension William H Beebe City Judge A C Kingland City Mayor George W. Rickett County Clerk James H Betts United States Judge H H Tallmage United States Marshal Hugh Maxwell Collector of the Port J. C. Helms Capt of the army Continental forces J. A. Tallmage Recorder William Mitchell Judge of the Supreme Court
I had two Brothers that served through the war They were boat captains They got their certificates for their Pensions but Abel Holden died before his first payment was due and Capt Levi Holden soon after he was a favorite of Genl Washington he was Capt of his Guard and lived in his family about four years the last of the war - there was three of us in the war from one family and all the pension we have received will not amount to one year Pension

Mary Holden
Wid w gets a
Notifi n 3 Feb 7 54
Act 3 Feb 7 53
25 a 32
Enter?

PENSION OFFICE, February 3 rd 1854.
SIR: Be pleased to inscribe on your roll under the act below mentioned the following names, and pay the pensions as directed opposite the names.
Respectfully,
To Van B. Livingston Esq.
S. M c aldoo Commissioner of Pensions.
   CONTINUATION OF PENSIONS. COMMENCEMENT OF PENSIONS. ANNUAL AMOUNT. ACT. RANK. NAMES.     widowhood Feby. 3 rd 1853. $25.32 Revolutionary Private Mary Holden. widow of Asa  

Dear
New York Dec r 8 th 185
I have seen all our members and they all are willing to aid you in getting my Pension - I think they will be ready at the Pension office to deny my claim for they appear to be very angry with me but for what I cannot tell - One of Mr Edwards say I was found on the rolls for four months but does not say what Regiment they may tell you that it was Nixon or Graten but you can see that months nor days do not agree with it, it was Shepard Some Lawyer here tell me if you do not succeed I had better go on to Washington petition Congress than to go to the Eastern states I was not acquainted with any officer under 25 years old and the war has be over about 70 years and I think there not an officer that I was acquainted with that is now living  that I was acquainted I may find some soldiers living - If you do not succeed - Please to let me know what I must do whether to go to Boston or to Washington or to give it all up - and you will greatly
obey your true friend and Friend Servt
To The Hon ble George Briggs Esq r Asa Holden
Excuse my scribbles my hand trembles so I cannot write plain
I enclose the papers of Mr Asa Holden an old soldier who thinks he is entitled to income Pension Yours Resp lly Sperry Geo Briggs

State of New York. City & County of New York } S.S.
Asa Holden of the said State City and County being duly Sworn doth depose and declare as follows.
That this deponent was regularly enlisted as a private Soldier in the war of the Revolution in the Continental Establish- ment in the year 1780 and served for nine months and upwards continuously. That part of the said time this deponent served as such private Soldier in Col. Gream's regiment for about five months, until the month of June or July in the said Year, and that deponent was then regularly trans- ferred by Exchange or otherwise from the said Regiment of Col. Gream to the Reg- iment of Col. Miron, and that deponent continued in the Regiment of Col. Miron for five months and upwards until he was discharged therefrom in the Month of Dec- ember in the said Year 1780. And deponent saith, that no interval elapsed between the service of this deponent in the said two Regiments.
And this deponent further saith that he took the required measure to obtain a pension, under the Act of Congress passed March 18, 1818 within a few days after the passage of the said Act, and that the deposition of this deponent made at the said time, to wit, on the 27 th March 1818 in accordance with the provisions of the said Act setting forth the particulars of deponent's

Service during the War of the Revolution, together with other Papers containing further Evidence in support of deponents claims. and the Certificate of the Hon: Richard Riker at the time Recorder of the City of New York, before whom the said deposition was taken. in due form were then forwarded by deponent to the War Department at Washington as by the said act required
And this deponent further says that the receipt of the said deposition paper and Certificate so forwarded by him as aforesaid were duly acknowledged, but that the claim of this deponent to a pension under the said Act was denied, on the ground that the name of this deponent did not appear in any instance upon the Rolls of the Continental Service, during the War of the Revolution. And deponent further says that the said papers were never returned to him.
And this deponent saith he has subsequently been informed and believes, that this deponents name has since been found upon several of the Rolls of the Continental Service in the pension Office at Washington and among other instances that the said Rolls do afford sufficient proof that this deponent served during the Year 1780 for four months and twenty seven days in Col Stearns Regiment. and for five months and seven days in Col Mims Massachusetts Regiment to wit, from the 8 th July 1780 to the 15 th December 1780.

And deponent further says that he cannot of his own recollection at this distance of time state the exact dates of his service in the said Regiments, but this deponent distinctly recollects and positively declares that this deponent passed immediately from the Regiment of Col. Meason, to the Regiment of Col. Nixon, and that deponent's service in the said two Regiments was continued and unbroken.
And deponent further saith that by reason of his reduced circumstances in life he stands in need of assistance from his country for support
And further deponent saith not
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 4 th Apr 1845
Asa Hodges J. D.
W. Ulshoffer
First Judge New York Common Pleas

STATE OF NEW-YORK, CITY AND COUNTY OF NEW-YORK, } ss.
I, ANDREW WARNER, CLERK of the Court of Common Pleas for the City and County of New-York, being a Court of Record, and the County Court, DO CERTIFY, That Michael Ulshaeffer Esq before whom the annexed deposition was taken, was, at the time of taking the same, First Judge of said Court in and for said City and County, duly commissioned and sworn, and authorized to take the same; and that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of such Judge and verily believe that the signature thereunto subscribed is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the seal of the said Court, the 4 th day of April 1845
Andrew Warner Clerk.
47

Cat. Rec. Book E. 2. Vol. 4 p 31.

United States of America.
Southern District of New York.
City & County of New York. ss: Before me personally appeared Abel Holden, a resident of the City of New York, to me known and a credible witness, and having been duly sworn did depose and say, that he is of the age of ninety years and upwards and a soldier of the Revolutionary war - and a pensioner at the rate of twenty five dollars and thirty two cents per year. that he receives his pension at the agency in New York City - that he was in active and actual service in said war - that by reason of old age and loss of memory from the great lapse of time for which the services claimed for were rendered he cannot swear positively as to the precise length thereof, but to his best recollection, he served in Captain Cuttings Company, Colonel McIntosh or McIntyres Regiment, Massachusetts line of militia, about three months that said Regiment marched from Ludbury, Massachusetts into Rhode Island under command of General Sullivan. that this service was performed in the summer of 1778. That afterwards he was transferred to Colonel Bratons, Regiment, General John Nixons brigade in said Massachusetts line. that he enlisted for six months, but was discharged after serving about five months. That after that service was performed he was enrolled in Captain Joseph Williams Company, Colonel Shepherds Regiment, General Poors brigade and served therein about four months. that he was then transferred to Captain Abel Holdens company in said Regiment and brigade and served therein about four months. That he also served about six months in Colonel Thomas Nixons Regiment, Nixons brigade, Massachusetts line and was honorably discharged in the latter part of the year 1780. that he was afterwards in Captain Borkers Company, Webbs Regiment and served therein about three months and was then honorably discharged. That afterwards he served six months in Captain Gages company, Damisons

Regiment & called "The Flying Camp" and was honorably discharged therefrom. That he served in various other regiments in the said war. That he was in actual and active service in and during said war over three years. That he was during the whole of said period actually engaged in the service of the United States. That he was called into service by competent authority and during the time for which said service is claimed he was not employed in any civil pursuit. That all the proof this deponent was able to furnish has already been furnished the Pension Office in Washington City with the exception of some correspondence which will be shown by this deponent or his agent in Washington. He makes this declaration, asserting that upon a re-consideration of the case it will appear that he is entitled to an increase of pension, and also to the arrears of pension, from the time of completing his proof.
Asa Holden
City and County of New York, ss. On this first day of April A.D. 1852 before me personally appeared Asa Holden to me personally known to be the person described in and who executed the above affidavit and was by me duly sworn to the truth thereof. That he is a credible person, and I verily believe he was a Revolutionary Soldier, and I recommend him to the favorable consideration of the Commission of Pensions. W. K. Beecher Notary Public for the City of New York

City and County of New York, April 1852
State of New-York, City and County of New-York, } ss.
I, GEORGE W. RIBLET, Clerk of the City and County of New-York, and also Clerk of the Supreme Court for said City and County, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Wilborne R. Beebe whose name is subscribed to the certificate of the proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument, and thereon written, was, at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, City Judge for the City of New York dwelling in the said City, elected and sworn, and duly authorized to take the same. And further, that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of such City Judge and verily believe that the signature to the said certificate of proof or acknowledgment is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said Court, the 12th day of April 185 2 .
Geo: W. Ribblet
Clerk.
...was in argument and served therein about three months, and was then honorably discharged. That afterwards he served six months in Captain Bage's company, Damiers

I concur in the above
A. King (and)
Mayor of New York
I cheerfully concur in the above
Geo. W. Bisset
Clerk of the County of New York
I am personally acquainted with the abovenamed Asa Holden. I regard him as a man of strict truth, and have always understood since my acquaintance with him that he served as a common soldier in the Continental Army for several years. New York April 2. 1852.
I concur in the above recommendation - Saml R Bisset District Clerk US Court H. F. Gilmore US Marshal
I concur in the certificate of Moses Bisset
To His Excellency Collected
I fully concur in the above recommendation
John C. Milne
I concur with the above I have known Mr. Holden for many years & should repose confidence in his representations
Wm Mitchell
Judge of Supreme Court of State of New York
and was then honorably discharged. That afterwards he served six months in Captain Bages company, Damiens

14780 Asa Holden
on Rolls
8 July to 5 Nov 80
4 mo 27 ds
See Vol 17. p 129
2. 21, augs?
4. 27
7. 18
acom?
7 mo. 18 ds pri
$25.32/100
N. York
Hon. Ely Moore

State of New York City & County of New York
The deposition of Asa Holden, in addition to the one annexed taken the 27 th of March 1818
Personally appeared before me Asa Holden of said City of New York & being duly sworn according to Law deposeth & says, he entered the service of the Revolutionary army in the summer of 1778 under the Continental establishment - But before that time a volunteer in 1775 at Winter Hill near Boston in the Eight month service of militia in Col John Nixon's regiment and believed involved in Capt David Moon's company but was waiter to Abiel Holden the adjutant of said regiment after discharge, was drafted in the militia and sent to Rhode Island for six months in Genl Sullivan's Expedition on the Island was discharged before the time expired was again drafted and sent to Peekskill was stationed at a place called Yellow Hill in Col Webb's regiment Capt Bowlin's company for three months was another campaign sent to Poughkeepsie - first a short time in Col Bailey's Regiment under the continental establishment was soon attacked to a small guard commanded by a sergeant Hall, guarding some stores, was there until taken sick and sent to the hospital, was there to make up six months was then discharged he was also one campaign in Col McIntire or McIntire's regiment of militia Capt Cutting's company about three months - was also in a select guard in Sudbury Massachusetts guarding continental stores, from the time of entering until he left the guard to the best of his memory was about two years - in one instance when engaged for six months under the continental establishment by his request exchanged places with another soldier for the sake of getting into a company commanded by his Brother and as the soldier he was exchanged for had a much longer time to serve, than he had, he unexpectedly had to serve the other soldier's time out - Remembering hearing often & correctly said that he and his two Brothers did upwards of twenty years service in the revolutionary army - From all the circumstances he can bring to his memory he must have served in that war about or nearly six years - But certainly much more than two years which is all the law requires - In his impaired memory and infirm state and advanced age, the above statements to the best of his recollection are true, and the statements in the annexed affidavit - As he belonged to the state of Massachusetts during the war his officers and companions in the army if alive are in that state which is out of his power to obtain, in all his services during the war he never was charged with a fault or neglect of his duty, but was at the different periods honorably discharged.
Sworn this 13 th day of June 1832 before me John H. S. ...
Asa Holden

Washington July 8 th 18032
I G. C. Verplanck one of the Representatives from the State of New York do certify that the applicant Isaac Holden is well known to me as a respectable aged citizen of New York now in reduced circumstances and that I have for many years understood him to have served in some way in the army of the revolution.
I also certify to the signature of Ogden Edwards one of the circuit judges of the State of New York.
G. C. Verplanck

State of New York City & County of New York
Be it remembered that on the 13 th day of June 1832 Before me John Edward Circuit Judge for the First Circuit of the State of New York Personally appeared Asa Woburn of the City of New York to me well known who being by me duly sworn made oath to the truth of the facts stated in the annexed deposition by him subscribed, and it appearing to my satisfaction that the said Asa Woburn in the Revolutio nary Army as is stated in the said deposition against the Common- Pleas & to him by Certify the same accordingly. John Edward

State of New York City & County of New York
The deposition of Asa Holden of said City of New York taken July the 9th of 1832
Personally appeared before me Asa Holden of said City of New York being by me duly sworn deposits & says that he was born in the state of Massachusetts in the County of Middlesex and town of Sudbury and that he is upwards of seventy years of age and that his age is recorded in the town clerks office of that town - that there was his place of residence until the end of the Revolutionary war - from there he went to Hanover New Hampshire where he lived about twelve years, and from there he came to the City of New York where he has lived to the present time, about thirty seven years - And that he entered the army of the Revolutionary war about the last of April 1775 at a place called Winter Hill near Boston in the eight months service of militia in Col John Nixon's Regiment and enlisted in Capt David Moore's Company but waited on Abel Holden, the Adjutant of said regiment - after discharged was drafted in the militia and sent to Rhode Island for six months but was discharged a short time before his time expired - in 1778 he entered the army under the continental establishment as stated in a former affidavit taken before Theodore Dikeman, and is now at Washington - He was also drafted at another time and sent to Poughkeepsie was stationed at a place called Gallows Hill in Col. Webb's Regiment of Militia Capt. Bowker's Company - at another time he was drafted and sent to Poughkeepsie for a short time in Col. Baley's Regiment under the continental establishment at the time there was no Capt present to the Company he belonged to, he soon was attached to a small Guard commanded by a Sergeant Hall guarding continental stores was there until taken sick and sent to the hospital, there staid until discharged six months - Was one campaign in Col. McIntire or McIntire Regiment of militia in Capt. Cutting's Company most of the time at Rhode Island - Was also in Select Guard in Sudbury Massachusetts guarding continental stores, from the time of entering said Guard until discharged was to the best of his memory about two years - in one instance when engaged for six months under the continental establishment - by his request exchanged places with a soldier of another regiment for the sake of getting into a company commanded by his Brother - and as the soldier he exchanged with had a much longer time to serve, he unexpectedly had to serve the other soldier's time out - From every circumstance he can recollect he must have served about or nearly six years in the revolutionary army - It has been often correctly said that he and his two Brothers Abel & Levi Holden (who are both dead) served in that war upwards of twenty years - In his infirm state advanced age and impaired memory The above is as correct a narration as he can give, it is not in his power by any circumstances he can bring to his mind, to give dates in many cases, it being upwards of fifty years ago; as he belonged to Massachusetts during the war, his officers and companions in the army to prove his services are in that state if alive - which is out of his power to obtain - and an inquiry he cannot hear of any of them living - as to clergymen there is none that has any knowledge of his services the one over the Society when he worshipped is a young man born many years after that war - The Judges Edwards and Dikeman, who have been acquainted with him many years unhesitatingly give their certificate of the belief of his services as stated by him - he further says, he never was insolent as a prisoner and that he releases all claims to any except what he is entitled to by the existing laws - The cause of this deposition being taken before a judge out of court - On account of the alarm of sickness there is no court sitting and perhaps will not be for some months
Sworn before me this 9th day of July 1832 Asa Holden July 1832 J. H. Dikeman Vice Chanc. Judge

State of New York
City County of New York ss: Be it remembered that on this 9 th day of July one thousand Eight Hundred and thirty two before Ogden Edwards Circuit Judge of the first Circuit of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, personally appeared Asa Holden who is well known to me, who being by me duly sworn made oath to the truth of the facts stated in the annexed affidavit by him subscribed -
Wherefore I being satisfied that the said Asa Holden did serve in the Revolutionary War under the Continental Establishment and in the Militia against the Common Enemy during the Revolutionary War the different terms stated in his affidavit hereto annexed, and that he is upwards of seventy years of age Do hereby certify the same, and transmit the testimony in the case and the proceedings had thereon as before set forth to the Honorable Secretary of the Department of War -
Given under my hand.
Ogden Edwards
City and County of New York ss
It is hereby certified, and made known that Ogden Edwards Esquire whose name is subscribed above, is the Circuit Judge of the first Circuit of the Supreme Court of the State of New York duly Commissioned & sworn and that the signature above "Ogden Edwards" is the proper hand writing of the said person also that full faith and credit are due to his acts & deeds - Given under my hand this Ninth day of July A.D. 1832.
Walter Brown Mayor of the City of New York

State of New York
City of New York ss: Personally appeared before me Asa Holden of the said City of New York being duly sworn according to Law, deposed & said, that he entered the service of the Revolutionary Army in the summer of 1778. and that he served in a number of different regiments in the course of the War. That he was in Col. Graton's Regiment, Gen. John Nixon's Brigade, under the Continental Establishment, in the Massachusetts line. In 1780. he was detached from that line & enrolled in Capt. Joseph Williams Company, Col. Shephard's Regiment, Genl. Poor's Brigade. Marquis Lafayette's division of Light Infantry - After some weeks was transferred to Capt. Abel Holden's Company in said Shephard's Regiment. about the close of that campaign was sent back to Gen. Nixon's Brigade in Col. Tho! Nixon's Regiment. In the Winter following was honorably discharged from the army, & after some months entered the said army again & served until near the close of the War. Was in Capt. Gage's company part of the time on the lines under the command of Col. Garrison, a corps called the Flying Camp. & a part of the time with the main army & again was honorably discharged, without any accusation of misdeemeanor during all his services in the Army. And that his services as a non commissioned officer & soldier in the Revolutionary Army against the common enemy of the United States being more than Nine months as is required by an act of Congress passed March 1818. entitled "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land & Naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War" to entitle him to the provision of said act - That in his advanced age & reduced circumstances is in need of the benefits arising from said act -
Asa Holden
Sworn this 27 th day of March 1818. before me
J. P. Pike

State of New York.
City & County of New York ss: Be it remembered that on this 27 th day of March one thousand eight hundred & eighteen before me Richard Pitker Recorder of the City of New York, and one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas called the Mayors Court of the City of New York, which is a Court of Record of the State of New York. Personally appeared the within named Asa Holden & Abel Holden, both of whom are well known to me and entitled to the fullest credit. who being by me duly sworn, made oath to the truth of the facts stated in the said Affidavit by them subscribed. Wherefore I being satisfied that the said Asa Holden did serve in the Revolutionary War under the Continental Establishment against the common Enemy more than nine months, that he is entitled to the benefit of the act, entitled "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and Naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War", Do hereby certify the same, & transmit the testimony in the case & the proceedings had thereon, as before set forth to the Honorable Secretary of the Department of War. given under my hand Seal the day & year above written with the seal of the above mentioned Mayors Court of the City of New York.
R Pitker

From the National Intelligencer.
AN ACT to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That every commissioned officer, non-commissioned officer, musician, and private soldier, and all officers in the Hospital department and Medical Staff, who served in the war of the revolution until the end thereof, or for the term of nine months or longer, at any period of the war, on the continental establishment; and every commissioned officer, non-commissioned officer, mariner, or marine, who served at the same time, and for a like term, in the naval service of the United States, who is yet a resident citizen of the U. States, and who is, or hereafter, by reason of his reduced circumstances in life, shall be in need of assistance from his country for support, and shall have substantiated his claim to a pension in the manner hereinafter directed, shall receive a pension from the United States: if an officer, of twenty dollars per month during life: if a non-commissioned officer, musician, marine, or private soldier, of eight dollars per month during life: Provided, no person shall be entitled to the provisions of this act, until he shall have relinquished his claim to every pension heretofore allowed him by the laws of the United States.
Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That to entitle any person to the provisions of this act, he shall make a declaration, under oath or affirmation, before the district judge of the United States of the district, or before any judge or court of record of the county, state, or territory in which the applicant shall reside, setting forth, if he belonged to the army, the company, regiment, and line to which he belonged; the time he entered the service, and the time and manner of leaving the service; and in case he belonged to the navy, a like declaration, setting forth the name of the vessel, and particular service in which he was employed, and the time and manner of leaving the service, and shall offer such other evidence as may be in his power; and on its appearing to the satisfaction of the said judge that the applicant served in the revolutionary war, as aforesaid, against the common enemy, he shall certify and transmit the testimony in the case, and the proceedings had thereon, to the Secretary of the Department of War, whose duty it shall be, if satisfied the applicant comes under the provisions of this act, to place such officer, musician, mariner, marine, or soldier, on the pension list of the U. States, to be paid in the same manner as pensions to invalids, who have been placed on the pension list, are now paid, and under such restrictions and regulations, in all respects, as are prescribed by law.
Sec. 3. And be it further enacted, That every pension, by virtue of this act, shall commence on the day that the declaration under oath or affirmation, prescribed in the foregoing section, shall be made.
Sec. 4. And be it further enacted, That from and after the passage of this act no sale, transfer or Mortgage of the whole, or any part of the pension payable in pursuance of this act, shall be valid; and any person who shall swear or affirm falsely in the premises, and be thereof convicted, shall suffer as for wilful and corrupt perjury.
H. CLAY, Speaker of the House of Representatives, DANIEL D. TOMPKINS, Vice-President of the United States, and President of the Senate.
March 1818—Approved,
JAMES MONROE.

Asa Holden Soldier

State of New York
City of New York ss: Personally appeared Abel Holden before me and made oath, that in the Year 1780 he commanded a company in Col. Shephard's Regiment in Genl. Poore's Brigade of Col. Lafayette's Division of Light Infantry under the Continental establishment - and that Asa Holden now resident in the City of New York was transferred to this Deponent's company from
Capt. Joseph Williams Company in said Regiment, and after serving with him a part of that campaign the said Asa was sent back to Genl. Nixon's Brigade, and there served until he was honorably discharged from the army - and that this Deponent was knowing to the said Asa Holden's serving in other parts of the army - His services in the Revolutionary war must have been much more than nine months to the best of this Deponent's knowledge and memory.
Sworn before me this 27th day of March 1818
Asa Holden
P. Riker
State of New York ss }
Asa Holden named in the annexed affidavit being duly sworn - saith that his discharge from the revolutionary war - is not in being but has been destroyed a number of years since
Sworn before me this 31st day of March 1818
Asa Holden
P. Riker

State of New-York.
CITY AND COUNTY OF NEW-YORK, ss.
I, BENJAMIN FERRIS , Clerk of the City and County of New-York, and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said City and County,
Do hereby certify, That Richard Riker, Esq.
before whom the annexed Affidavits were made, and who hath subscribed his name to the Certificate also hereto annexed, was on the day when the said Affidavits were made and the said Certificate signed, Recorder of the City of New-York and a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, called the Mayor's Court of the City of New-York, and duly commissioned and sworn. And further, that the said Court is a Court of Record of the State of New-York, and that the signature of R. RIKER subscribed to the said Certificate, is the proper hand writing of the said Richard Riker.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand
and affixed the seal of the said Court, this
day of April 1818
fifteenth
Benj. Ferris Clerk