Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 29,863, Gideon Hammond, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Hammond, Gideon
S. 29,863
CONTENTS

Massachusetts
Gideon Hammond of Rochester in the State of Mass who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Clark of the reg t commanded by Col Butler in the Mass line for 19 mos.
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass at the rate of 63 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 2 nd day of Feb y 1833 and sent to Jacob St Lord Plymouth Mass
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 $94.99 Semizant. allowance ending 21 March 31.66 $126.65
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J H  Blain Clerk Book D - Vol. 2 nd Page 99.
79 Plymouth

REVOLUTIONARY PENSIONERS.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
COUNTY OF PLYMOUTH, ss.
ON this third day of August 1832, personally appeared in open Court, before the Court of Probate now sitting at Rochester within and for said County of Plymouth, Gideon Hammond a resident of Rochester in said County of Plymouth, and Common- wealth of Massachusetts, aged seventy eight 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. He hereby relinquis- es 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. That is to say, that he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
In January 1775 he enlisted in a company of Minute men raised by the State of Massachusetts, Earl Clapp Captain, Isaac Pope & Charles Church Subalterns, there were about sixty privates, the Compa- ny was organised & hired Josiah Cotton of Plymouth to instruct & exercise them in Military tactics, in the course of the winter or the early part of the Spring the Company was called to Plymouth to a regular muster, soon after toAPONET in Treetown to suppress the Tories where they made prisoners of about thirty of them & carried them to Scituate to be committed After the Lexington battle the Company was march- ed to Plymouth, thence to Kingston, About the first of May the Company was ordered to Roxbu- ry, where the Company served till January 1776 when they were discharged. This declarant being

in the service in said company during all said time. The Officers of the Regiment were Theophilus Cotton Col. — Alden afterwards killed at Cherry Valley Lieut. Col. Eben Sproat Jr. Major. the late Judge Thomas Adj t Gen. Thomas Commander in Chief. John Clark & Noah Hammond both now living in said Rochester enlisted, served & were discharged in the same company at the same time, and returned home in com- pany with said Gideon Hammond. No battle
Early in January 1778 he enlisted in a Company of Militia raised by Massachusetts in the event of the Revolution for three months which service he completed. Joseph Parker was Captain, John Doty was Lieut. there was no ensign. They went to North Kingston in Rhode Island near Bippell's Mills where they remained until the expiration of this enlistment & were discharged. Col. Eben Sproat, Senior commanded the Regiment No battle.
In May 1777 he enlisted on board the Brig Defence in the service of the State of Connecticut, Samuel Smedley Master, Angel first Lieut. Jonathan Pease of Martha's Vineyard Sailing Master or Lieut. She sailed from Bedford Massachusetts probably in June, made a stop at the Vineyard & then proceed- ed toward the West Indies. After leaving the Vineyard spoke a private armed Vessel from

Plymouth which informed that the Jamaica fleet had sailed from England and the Defence then went in pursuit of it, and came in sight of it. Followed them Eastward of the Grand Bank & gave up the Chase. In the latter part of October went into Boston & were discharged. The cruise was for six months. When they arrived in Boston they heard of the Capture of Burgoyne. Timothy Miller & Earl Church now both living in said Rochester were in said Brig with him.
In the latter part of 1777 he served one month in a company of Militia raised by Massachusetts Samuel Briggs, Captain. The Company went to Tiverton in Rhode Island & were stationed between Howland's & Hogland's Ferry and were dismissed at a house belonging to Col. Gray. Col. Hall he thinks commanded the Regiment. This was in what was called Spencer's expedition.
He was born in Rochester in the Year 1754 & has always resided in said town. His birth is recorded in the family records. He has no documentary evidence except the depositions annexed as to his service.
Gideon Hammond
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid Attest Jacob H. Lord, Register

We, Oliver Cobb a clergyman, residing in the town of Rochester and James Ruggles Eugene residing in the same town hereby certify, that we are well ac- quainted with Gideon Hammond who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy eight years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and we concur in that opinion.
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Attest Jacob H. Lord Register
Attest Oliver Cobb. James Ruggles
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 Oliver Cobb who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the town of Rochester and that James Ruggles Eugene who has also signed the same, is a resident in the same town and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
By the Court, Attest Jacob H. Lord Register
I, Jacob H. Lord Register of the Court of Probate do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Gideon Hammond for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this third day of August in the year of our Lord one thou d eight hundred and thirty two !
Jacob H. Lord

5800 Gideon Hammond
Isaac H. Duda Plymouth Mass

BRIEF in the case of  Gideon Hammond  of  Rochester  in the State of  Mass  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court 2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? 3. How old is he? 78 Years 4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days. As a Gen.     Ap l . In 17 75 " 9 — " Private Col. Cotton   Jany — 78 " 3 — " " Capt. Parker Col. Sprint   May — 77 " 6 " " Capt. Smealys Brig Dep   Fall 77 " 1 " " Capt. Briggs Col. Hall  
5. In what battles was he engaged? none stated 6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Rochester 7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Army M c neels 8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Omitted to relate just to every other claim to a pension
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
H. B. Adams Examining Clerk.

G. Hammond & E. C.
I Timothy Hiler of Rochester in the County of Plymouth & State of Massachusetts legally qualified to give evidence testify and say. That in the month of May 1777 I entered on board the brig Defiance in the service of Connecticut Samuel Smedley of Connecticut, Captain
Angell first lieutenant
In autumn of the year 1777 the Defiance was sailing towards the Vineyard and I am not sure which. She sailed from Bed- Bedford, Massachusetts, I should think in June, made a stop at the Vineyard and then proceeded toward the West Indies. After leaving the Vineyard we spoke a private armed vessel from Plymouth, which informed us that the Jamaica fleet had sailed for England, which were then in pursuit of, and came in sight of it. We followed the fleet to Eastward of the Grand Bank and gave up the pursuit. After this we cruised to the southward and westward of the Grand Bank. We went in our vessel as prior, and in the latter part of October went into Boston, when we were discharged. The cruise was for six months. We arrived in Boston in the hold of the Captain of Gen. Burgoyne. Garrison Hammond of Rochester entered on board the Defiance some time after I did as also did Capt. Church of said Rochester; went in said ship, returned in her to Boston and were both discharged then and paid off by the Captain. The vessel that was sent in as prior was not condemned.
Said Hammond & Church are still living and are both applicants for pensions under the late law of the United States.
Sworn to -
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Timothy Hiler
Plym o ss. Aug 2 1832. Timothy Hiler personally appeared and acknowledged that the foregoing deposition has been subscribed before me the undersigned. And I certify that I am acquainted with the deponent, that he is of good character, truth, and intellect to credit.
Charles J. Holman, Gen. Revere.

I John Clark of Rochester in the County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts legally qualified to give evidence testify and say That in the early part of January 1775 I enlisted in a company of minute men raised by the State of Massachusetts, Col. Clapp Captain, Isaac Pope Lieutenant and Charles Church second lieutenant or ensign. I think there about sixty privates. The company was organized and Col. Joseph Boston of Plymouth to instruct them in exercise and discipline. In the course of the winter or early part of the spring we were called to Aponeit on account of Col. Gilbert and other troops at that place. We were also called to Plymouth to attend a regimental muster. On the alarm on account of the battle at Lexington we were called to Plymouth and from there to Weymouth, from which last place we returned home. On about the first of May the company was ordered to Roxbury, at which place we remained till the first of January 1776 - when we were discharged and came home. The officers of the regiment were Christopher Colton of Plymouth Col. Helen of Middleboro or Bridgewater, I think, who was afterwards killed at Cherry Valley, and Ebenezer Sproat L. Major. The late Judge Thomas of Plymouth, was adjutant. The company was engaged in regular battle work at Roxbury. Gen. Thomas had the command at Roxbury. Generals Knowland and Washburn second both of Rochester, enlisted at or about the same time I did. Went to Aponeit, Plymouth and Weymouth on the alarm and marched to Roxbury, and duty with the company all the time and were discharged and came home together with me.
Subscribed by J.C. Commonwealth of Massachusetts Plymouth ss. Aug. 2. 1832. John Clark made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed before me the undersigned, and I certify that I am personally acquainted with the deponent, that he is of good character for truth and entitled to credit. Charles J. Holmes Jus. Peace. JOHN H. HARRINGTON

I Noah Hammond of Rochester in the County of Plymouth and State of Massachussetts, testify and say that I am the Noah Hammond mentioned in the foregoing deposition of John Clark and recite the facts as far as they are testified by him. Death of wife Sworn to. Commissaire de la République
Plym. Sp. Ass'y 2 d 1832. Noah Hammond affirmed to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed before me the undersigned. And I certify that I am personally acquainted with him; that he is of good character for truth, and entitled to credit. Charles H. Ames, Clerk Deer. Pease
I John Clark, whose deposition is on another part of this sheet, in addition to the statement therein contained, further testify and say that on the first or fourth part of January 1778. I enlisted in a company of militia raised by Major Mearns in the war of the revolution, for three months. Joseph Parker Captain, John Doty lieutenant: there was no ensign. We marched to North Kingston R. Island near a place called Basses Mills, where we remained till the expiration of the enlistments and were discharged in the first part of March following. Col. Ebenezer Sproat, the elder, had command of the regiment. Gideon Hammond of Rochester was a sergeant of the company, served in it, and was discharged with the rest of the company when the term of enlistment expired.
2 d Reg t - line on 6 th . Commissaire de la République John Clark Plym. Sp. Ass'y 8 d 1832. John Clark affirmed to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed before me. Charles H. Ames Deer. Pease
I Earl Clarke of Rochester in the County of Plymouth & State of Massachusetts, legally qualified to give evidence, testify and say. That I was on board the United States Ship Defiance Samuel Sirely Captain, on board of which was Gideon Hammond of said Rochester, and I recite the facts stated by him in his deposition except sending in a vessel as prior. I think in the fall, the latter part of Dec. 1777. I served as a private one month in a company of militia raised by Major Mearns, Samuel Briggs the Captain, and the officer subaltern officers I cannot name.

Gideon Hemenwood was a private in said company. That I have good reason to believe him in a variety of circum- stances, tho' I cannot say I remember him. The term of service was one month. The company went to Rhode Island and performed the period of its service between New Bedford and Fogland ferry, and were dismissed at a house belonging to Col. Gray. Col. Hall I think commanded the regiment. This term of duty was in what was called Sherman's expedition.
Earl Church
2 d Aug. Seven Co.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Plymouth ss. Aug t 2 d 1832. Earl Church made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition before me, being subscribed, before me the undersigned. And I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the deponent, that he is of good character for truth, and entitled to credit.
Charles F. Holmes Esq. Pres.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Plymouth ss. I Jacob H. Lord Register of the Court of Sessions for the County of Plymouth, being a Court of Record do hereby certify that Charles F. Holmes Esq. is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Plymouth, & that I believe his name subscribed to the several foregoing certificates is his true & genuine handwriting.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this third day of August in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two. Jacob H. Lord

29863 Ref  INVALID.
File No. 29863
Gideon Hammond
Dis Rev Me
Act: June 7 th 83 rd
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 171
[Arrangement of 1870.]

5800 Gideon Hammond
Pawtucket
19 Months
Adams $63.33
Henry D. Dike Plymouth Mass

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
Gideon Hammon & further proof or explanation.
which require
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? Yes VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? Yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. † If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? Yes Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? Yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? Yes
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? Yes
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
“Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For _____ year _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension.”

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
†QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.