Hand-numbered

Page #

Date of Item

Description of Item

2

[pension jacket] Ebenezer Robinson or Robertson, S23401

3

Preprinted form stating “selected records” [which was a memo note by the National Archives stating that some of the pension records were initially microfilmed]

4

Preprinted form stating “Dear Patron:  We regret that the enclosed photocopies are the best we were able to obtain using our normal reproduction process.  This was caused primarily by the age and faded conditions of some of the documents from which these copies were made.  Complete File Enclosed   Best Available Copy.”

5

New York

Ebenezer Robinson of Chenango Co in the State of  New York who was a private in the Compy commanded by Captain Scribner of the NY ------

Inscribed on the roll of New York at the rate of $45 per annum to commence 04 Mar 1831; Certificate of pension issued 16 Feb 1850 and Inst. To Hon. T.R. Young, Hon. of (Russ?)

Recorded by J. B. (Chasey..?) Book E2, Vol. 4 Page 2.

6

“A”.  [I have no idea what the significance of “A” is]

7

29 June 1833

[Extremely faint and hard to read]  Declaration

In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 7^th of June 1832

State of New York, Chenango County.

[rest of page illegible]

8

29 June 1833

[page 2 of continuation of Ebenezer’s Declaration  - illegible copy]

9

29 June 1833

[page 3 of continuation of Ebenezer’s Declaration  - illegible copy]

10

29 June 1833

[page 4 of continuation of Ebenezer’s Declaration  - illegible copy]

11

29 June 1833

[page 5 of continuation of Ebenezer’s Declaration – much is illegible]

…. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year _____.

Ebenezer Robertson, signed by his mark.

We John Nicholson of ______ residing in the Town of McDonough County of Chenango and the State of New York and Martin Dodge residing in the Town, County, and State aforementioned hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Ebenezer Robertson who has inscribed and sworn to the above Declaration, that we ____ ____ to ___ County ___ ___ of age, that he is ____ and _____ in the neighbors house where he resides to have been __ and ___ of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.  Signed John Nicholson and Martin Dodge.

Sworn to and subscribed this 29 day of June 1833 before me ____ ___ Judge Chenango Common Pleas.

11

29 June 1833

[continued from page 1]

Questions put to the applicant, and his answers ____ by the Court

1)       Where and in what year were you borned?

Answer:  I was born in the Town of FredericksTown, in the County of Duchess (now Putnam) and in the State of New York on the Seventh day of August A.D. 1759.

[rest of the page is illegible]

12

[illegible]

13

[illegible]

14

[mostly illegible except for signatures of 7 names in dark ink, which I suppose to have been witnesses to Ebenezer’s declaration. The names are:]

-           ____ Fish;

-          Benajah Gates;

-          Jesse Everitt;

-          Jacob Nash; [son-in-law]

-          William Allen;

-          Chauncey Smith;

-          Harvis Barnes

15

[top 2/3 of page illegible]

State of New York

Chenango County, NY

I Larry K Pike Clerk of said County do certify that Hezekiah Reed before whom the preceding _____ _____ in the case of Ebenezer Robertson purport to has been had before ____ the declaration of thes aid Robertson.  The affidavit of John Nicholson and Martin Dodge purport o have been sworn to at the date of

16

04 July 1833

[continued from page 15 above]

The ___ a Judge of Chenango County Court and that Richard (Sawtell?) before sworn the foregoing affidavits of credibility to purport to have been sworn was at the date of the ___ a Justice of the Peace in ___ for said County and that I am acquainted with each of their handwriting and certify below the name of each subscribing to the foregoing papers to the _____ of the officer whose name is ____ to the same.

____ ______ and ___ office this 4^th day of July 1833.  P.B. _____ Dep. Clerk

17

It will be observed that the Declaration of the applicant has been taken anew. It was _____ ____ the friends of the Applicant, it herewith  _____ the original one, that they may be ____ if desired and also the _____.   Signed [illegible]

18

No. 18286  Ebenezer Robertson Chenango County New York

(……?) (….?)

See Vol. 9 page 33 – 20 days in Capt Luddington’s Company in 1777.

J. Fish German Norwich

J.H. Pike 6^th Chenango County New York

19

[preprinted form]

The evidence in support of your claim under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned…… objections exist which must be removed before a pension can be allowed.  The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done.

Volunteered – Spring 1776 – 8 mos 20 days – private. Col Lashen, Genl Putnam;

Volunteered – Spring 1777 – 3 mos - - private – Capt. Scribner;

Called out – 1781 – 9 mos - - private – Capt. Cannon;

County through which he marched;

1776 – 1777 – Norwich, Kingsbridge, Fort Washington to Fort Lee;

1781 – Ballstown to Albany;

Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period:

Evidence by which the declaration is supported –

Trade (Rosary?)

No (claimant?) certificate

And no reason why papers not properly attached

The Judge has certified that the applicant is unable to appear in court.

20

[Preprinted form of regulations under the June 7, 1832 act]

21

[Preprinted form of the regulations under the June 7, 1832 act]

22

[Preprinted form from the National Archives] “non-selected records” [which was a memo note by the National Archives stating that the following records were not initially selected to be microfilmed]

23

I send herewith, all the proof of service Lieut. & Capt. Cannon for will (obsesse?).  The service ___ in Col. Willett’s Regt.  James Cannon was appointed Lieut. Augt. 26, 1775.  There was a Samuel Cannon appt’d Lieut. In 1775.  No service of his found.  Robertson does not appear to have served in the co. at the time mentioned in the certificate of Cannon’s service.  The military ______ containing service of the ____ of the line (5) 3 Regt’s does not show service of Cannon.  Same with   ___ of 1781.  Robertson may have been detached on special service and been one of a given number drawn from several regiments to perform _____  frontier service, scouts _____ and the command of said co may have been given to Cannon -- if so the payroll is ____ assay the (VT?) papers.

24

07 June 1922

[letter to the Commissioner of Pension from Mrs. Carrol Johnson of Halters Oklahoma asking for information on Ebenezer Robinson who served in the Revolutionary War]

25

[Envelope addressed to Thomas Lumpkins, Esq. of Washington D.C.]

26

New York

Revo.

-------------------------------

Ebenezer Robertson

Suspended

Let. To J. Fisk 31 Oct 1833 do to ___

S. Page 10 Jany. 1834

Letter to Hon. __ Alason 29 Dec 1835

Letter to H. H. Sylvester Sept 19^th 1841

Letter to ___ Ray August 31 ’46;

Letter Hon. J.R. Young 31 Jany. 1850

Act 7 June 1832

[this must be their record of correspondence on Ebenezer’s case]

27

INVALID 23401

File No. 23401

Revolution

Ebenezer Robinson

Act:  June 7, 32

Index:  Vol 2, page 344

Handwritten notes on side:

May 24/94 – (illegible)

Chas H. Robinson Grt. Falls (…?)

July 25, ___ to Mrs. Carroll  _____

28

30 Apr 1894

[letter from Charles H. Robinson of Great Falls Mont. inquiring about American Revolutionary War Service for his great grandfather Capt. Ebenezer Robinson.  This clearly is the “other” Ebenezer Robinson.]

29

30 Apr 1894

[page 2 of letter from Charles H. Robinson]

30

‘blank card that says “War Department” on it.

1.3 [probably years] priv[ate].

4 [months] corp[oral]

6 [months] serg[ant]

31

22 Mar 1834

Cincinnatus, Cont. Co. N.Y.  March 22, 1834

Sir,

Enclosed I forward the evidence of a claim for a pension of Ebenezer Robinson, an aged, poor, decrepid and almost blind old soldier.  I have most respectfully to ask that his case may receive the earliest convenient attention of the Department, as I believe the applicant every way deserving, and to do him service in this life, he needs it soon. 

Please make return to

Yours much obliged –

Very Respectfully,

[Sarah?] Niles

31

[continuation of page 31 from previous page]

Cincinnatus, Dec 2^nd, 1834

Sir,

Mr. Robinson, has procured the accompanying testimony of his brother Peter Robinson, which, with all the other testimony, and as to good character, be taken together, I hope, may prove satisfactory to the Department.  I feel a certainty that every man who could hear this gentleman detail his story would be convinced of the truth.  _______ could not be withheld. I hope he may be allowed for the time he _______ but if he cannot be, then for such ____ as the Dept sees fit.  I will remark that he has

32

22 Mar 1834

[page 2 of letter continued from page 32]

Earnestly said to _____ _____ in the hope of finding some old comrades but most are dead, the others removed to parts unknown.  I _____ fear he cannot ___  procure any additional evidence and I most earnestly  hope it may be _______ the services ____ by him.  He is an honest and worthy old man, and the public _____ or just allowance cannot be more _______ bestowed.

I am with great respect

Your Obl. Servant

[Sarah?] Niles

Please when acted on make return to me and oblige.  S. Niles.

33

21 Aug 1846

Envelope addressed to James L. Edwards Eq.  Comm. Of Pensions.

34

21 Aug 1846

[this was apparently the letter enclosed in the previous envelope]

To J.L. Edwards Eq.  Commr of Pensions

Washington Aug 21, 1846

Sir:

In the case of Ebenezer Robinson of New York, who made claim some eleven years since for the benefit of act June 7, 1832.  I have just received, and have been requested to present the enclosed evidence in ____ of his claim.

I am very respectfully  _____  ____ ____ Alex. (Avay?)

35

22 Dec 1835

Envelope addressed to Hon. J.L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

36

22 Dec 1835

[apparently this is the letter that was enclosed in the previous envelope]

To Hon. J.L. Edwards – Commissioner of Pensions

Washington December 21, 1835

___ I am requested by Ebenezer Robison of the town of German Chengo Co. N.Y. – A revolutionary pensioner, to enquire at the pension office why a pension has not been allowed him and what further evidences are required to establish his claim.

I am very respectfully your obedit servant

William Mason

37

No. 18286 Ebenezer Robinson N.Y.

Act 7 June 1832

____ 13 Mos. 13 days per $45.00 per anum.

From 04 March 1831

[signed at bottom] Hon. T.R. Young  ____ of ______

[I think this might be the actual order giving Ebenezer his pension]

38

Letter to Col. I.S. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions

Washington D.C.

January 21 1850

Sir:

The enclosed letter from Mr. Babcock will explain the objection which _______ this letter from me.

I wish most respectfully to call your attention to the case of the old soldier, Ebenezer Robinson, who has filed his declaration for a pension under the law of 7^th June 1832 from New York.

There were evidently two persons engaged in the War of the Revolution by his name.  He has not claimed for service as an officer.  But the comptroller’s certificate showing payments to Ebenezer Robinson as a private, this service he claiming for, and I trust upon a review of this case you will grant him a pension.

He has always been recognized as having served in the War of the Revolution by his neighbors.

I am, sir, most respectfully,

Your Obt. Sev’t

T.R. Young

39

04 May 1844

(Soo proof?) Ebenezer Robinson

H H Sylvester

Present

[apparently this is an envelope from Mr. Hubbell to H.H. Sylvester]

40

03 Apr 1844

Letter from ____ Hubbell to Col. H. H. Sylvester

I have received ___ that ____ _____ the case of Ebenezer Robinson Eq. which he wishes me to take on, he has enclosed ____ the ____ _____ Certificate of twice _____ I hand over the case to _____.

With Great Respect

Your Ob’t S’t

___ Hubbell

41

20 June 1836

Envelope from Ebenezer Robinson to J.L. Edwards, Commr of Pensions, Pension Office, Washington

42

21 June 1836

Letter from (Sarah?) Niles, who represented Ebenezer in his claim to J.L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions, Pension Office, Washington

To J.L. Edwards, Eq.

Dear Sir:

I have the pleasure to enclose you ____ ___ of the services of Mr. Eben. Robinson, additional to such as has been heretofore forwarded to you Dept. in relation to his claim for a pension.  I hope that all taken together, may now be of that character which may authorize allowance for some _____ of services, so as to cheer the old man’s last few days in life.  I regret that he cannot prove all his services as he is an honest and worthy man.  He is poor and so decrepid that he cannot go round the country in search of old comrads.

With the fervent hope that his claim may receive favor, I am most

Respectfully Yr. Ob. Serv’t.

(Sarah?) Niles

38, 51, 75

There were 2 Ebenezer Robinsons who fought in the Revolutionary War.   He only claims service as a private.  The other Ebenezer was of Westchester County New York who was a major and a cousin to my father.

43

1894

[preprinted form from the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions]

To:  Chas. H. Robinson, Great Falls Montana.

Washington D.C.  ___________________, 189_

In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of Ebenezer Robinson, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you will please find below the desired information as contained in his application for pension on file in this Bureau.

Battles Engaged in:  none mentioned

Residence of soldier at time of enlistment:  Frederickstown, NY;

Date of application for pension:  June 29, 1833;

Residence at date of application:  German, New York

Age:  Born Frederickstown NY in 1759;

After the war resided in Danbury Connecticut, Castleton Vermont, Guilford NY and German NY.  No mention made of his service as a Captain.

[note:  this was in reply to Charles’ letter dated 30 Apr 1894 – see page 28 above]

44 & 45

Envelope addressed to Joshua Fisk Esq. of German New York

From J.L. Edwards Commr of Pensions

Re:  Ebenezer Robinson Papers

This is the letter I meant to send .  Signed J. Fisk.  Here are enclosed is of no course ______.

46

31 Oct 1833

To Joshua Fisk Esq. of German, New York

From War Department –

Sir:

The papers in support of the claim of Ebenezer Robertson have again been examined.

The specification required in a formal reexamination is to the named of the offiers under whom the applicant served, dates, etc. have not been completed with.  The applicant alleges that he served in Col. Lambs’ Regiment in 1782.  This name does not appear on the rolls of that Regiment.  The part of the claim can be (sustained?) by proof only.  There is no evidence in the Department that Col. Lamb was in Service at the time alleged under Genl. Putnam.

The ____ & suspended and papers record on file.

I am respectfully, your obedient servant, J.L. Edward, Commr of Pensions.

47

[hand written note].  The written has been sufficiently show that Ebenezer Robinson is (leaving?),  J.L. (Coombs?)

48

18 Feb 1850

[Affidavit by Chester Babcock]

 McGranville, Cortland Co., N.Y.

Hon. J.L. Edwards.

Sir:  In accordance with the requirements of the Pension Office in the claim of Ebenizer Robinson a soldier of the Revolution, I have to state that he was alive and well on the eighth day of this present month (February).  I was at his residence and saw him personally and that he is the identical person who claims a pension by serving in the war of the Revolution and that he now resides in the town of German, Chenango Co., N.Y.  I have no hesitation to say that Ebenezer Robinson is still alive.

[signature] Chester Babcock

49

06 Feb 1850

[note] _______ sent to Mr. Babcock through Hon. J. R.  Young.  Feb 6, 1850.

50

[Envelope] – Hon. T.R. Young.  Please hand this to Thomas Lumpkin and oblige.

51

16 Jan 1850

[page 1 of letter from C. Babcock of McGranville.  Chester Babcock was apparently someone who represented soldiers to get their pensions]

Sir:

I received yours of Dec 31 and Jany 11^th. [goes on to talk about the case of Benjamin Grinsolly and the case of Capt. Lemuel Potter]

Ebenezer Robinson, an old soldier of Revolution, made an application for a pension about the year 1834 and (forited?).  And in 1846 Esq. Edgcomb and myself made an other effort.  But did not  _____ the claim.  I do not find Mr. Edwards objections in this claim among my letters.  However, I recollect that he asked but a little more identity in the case.  Mr. Robinson went from Orange or Dutchis Co.  I do not recollect which.  I am [continued to page 52]

52

16 Jan 1850

[page 2 of letter from C. Babcock]

Inclined to believe that Mr. Edgcomb has all or nearly all of the documents in this case but he cannot find them.  I have a copy of our application and also a copy of the comptroller’s certificate which is as follows:

1779-16 June – Ebenezer Robinson, private, 1 pound, 13, 11;

1779-24 June – Ebenezer Robinson, private, 3 pound, 2, 8;

1779 – 22 – Nov – Ebenezer Robinson, private, 2 pounds, 18, 0.

1780 – 30 Nov – Ebenezer Robinson, major – 18 pound, 6, 8;

1781 – 1 Dec – Ebenezer Robinson, private, 9 pound 1, 4,;

52

16 Jan 1850

[continued from previous page]

The major service he does not claim.  He knew Major Ebenezer Robinson.  He was a relative of him. Old Mr. Robinson was alive the last account which I read.  He resides in German Chenango Co. N.Y.  I left the claim with Mr. Edgecomb thinking that he would press it ahead but I am thinking that he never made a single effort to obtain the proof.  Now at this late day, I think that it will be almost impossible to get a witness which will certify that he knew him in service. ______ case that four fifths of the old pensioners are dead.  Would it be of any use to get a multitude to certify to his character.  This I can do if necessary.  Perhaps someone else has ___ since been found, but I think not. 

Best Yours,

C. Babcock

53 & 54

[I think this is continued from previous letter of C. Babcock]

Please to inform me who represents Green at in your state, also Chenango.  T.L. Dankin.  Hon. W. Clarke

Mr. Bennett represents Chenango;

To Hon.[ Concer?] the writer of this letter MR. Babcock refers me to your ____ are ____ guaranteed ____ will you vouch for the truth of his statement in the belief that Mr. Robinson is still alive?

55

Envelope addressed to Hon. T.R. Young.

Please hand this to Thomas Lumpkin and oblige.

I have  most of my life resided within 20 miles of Greene Chenango Co. and am ____ acquainted him.  __ _____ years ago I knew an aged man near Greene named Ebenezer Robinson, but I cannot say whether this is the same.  I take the papers of that vicinity ___ if a revolutionary _____ of that  ___ ____ think I should have heard of it but I have not. Heard.  Signed D.S. (Dickinson?)

56

25 July 1922

[Same form letter from the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions in Washington D.C. to response to inquiries about service of Revolutionary War Veterans.  See page 43 above.  This particular form letter was filled out in response to Mrs. Carol Johnson’s letter of June 1922.  See number 24 above.]

57 & 58

[Envelope with note written on it.  Envelope addressed to Henry Mitchel, Member of Congress, City of Washington]:

Letter of Mr. Fisk on the subject of E. Robinson application for pension.  ___ of page and ____ 1834. [his letter follows on pages 59 & 60)

59

German, Nov 19^th 1833

(____?)  I ___ to address you on the subject of the application of Ebenezer Robinson, to obtain a pension under the late act of Congress of June 1832.  I am informed that he is personally known to you being about 15 years an inhabitant of this county, and until three years last a resident of Guilford.  His papers have been made out and forwarded to the pension office a number of months just.  The papers have once been returned for correction and sent on again.  I lately received in line from Col. J.L. Edwards Commissioner of Pension.  Stating some _______ in the dates and the names of the officers to which I have _______ to connect as ____ ___ ___ ___ from the broken, as collection of this worthy revolutionary patriot. 

I have also sent his  ______of his Declaration, together with an affidavit containing traditionary evidence of his service, signed by those  ____ have been intimately acquainted wit h him for 14 years past, signed by person A Smith, Rufus (Benison?), (Evay Birthplace?), and (Sherland Coghonho?) are known also to you. 

I had ____ this forwarded one from this town ______ Reg. 5 or 6 or our most  ______ citizens to since this most satisfactory evidence of the ______ of his character.  _____ dear Sir if you are with have the goodness to call on Col. Edwards and speak to him of the character, and standing of the above named man, you may be the means of his petition being granted and you will confirm or _______ obligation on one of the most worthy of our citizens.  He is indeed needy.  I believe ___  _______ _____ ____ I believe these is one unintentional error.  In his declaration,  ____ in hand on his application at once, but I cannot ____ there is

60

[continuation of letter from page 59]

____ you or Col. Edwards have him _____ of some of his sufferings in that momentous struggle for liberty _____ ____ in the nine months service and in Col. Lashens Command in the year 1776 our doubts if you have any _______ he _______ ________.  When New York was taken by the British this regiment was sent off from  ______, the one thing  that they took from home _______ out no opportunity to get any from any _____ they ____ing from our post to another in their tatten an d worn out  (vestments?) in a very cold season of the year ______ with _____ and ____ foot   (illegible lines) marches, carrying in their  lessons that love of country which held them to the ____ endurance of____ as they _____  under such circumstances, _________ am ____ farm, and their living from a grateful nation, that ought not, and I think will not be withheld.  I am _______ to admit that for the reason of so many unworthy applications there ____ ____ the ____ evidence of service to obtain a pension and _____ from the _____ memory of this man. The evidence of his service cannot be made so clear and might be _____ by the pension department.  But I think that the help of character that he has brought  to ____ for his claim to a pension must be here when we consider the liberal constitution given to that out of a ______ gratitude. 

Now ___ Sir I wish you to give this claim some attention as I believe you will be ______ to do must _____ cannot believe that he will _____ ____ made to  ____ in believing as part of that  ________________ for his ______ ____ that he cannot _____ ____ in few ways enjoy from his ____ must_____ with the rest of the months of that day  own live on earth only in the hearts of a grateful people.

Signed John (trish?) for Mr. Mitchell

61

[continuation of letter from Mr. Mitchell member of Congress]

P.S. I shall ___ the ____ from Col. Edwards for your perusal you ___ be that he has applied to this corse  and ____ that applying to _____ _____ only.  The application of that  made to a militia man made in _____ ____ ____ of _____ deprived him of his pension.  I do sincerely hope that his case may again be taken up ____ _____ ____. He will not be able e tells me to produce even one living witness who can attest to his service.  Of the pension department I have not be ____ to ____ him for all his services as stated in his declaration for want of more evidence   they _______ _____ -___ and his old age and ______ _____ together with that of the wife of his ______ are absolutely needy in the fullest sense of that term.

We have fine sleighing, and insofar as many pleasant ______.  Please excuse me for this troubling you.  You will please inform Col. Edwards that I wish him to visit to me at Cincinnatus Courtland C. N.Y. if he  ____ wish to write me further on this point.

62

Not sure

Envelope addressed to Mr. Ebenezer Robinson, of German, Chenango County, Livermores P.O. 

63

[Illegible.  Looks lilke a document or additional evidence to support Ebenezer’s claim.  It also appears to be signed by Ebenezer by his mark.]

64

06 June 1836

[preprinted letter from Putnam County NY]

I Grand Morehouse Deputy Clerk of the County aforesaid, do hereby certify that Bennett Boyd, Esq. whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of the annexed certificate of the annexed instrument and endorsed thereon, was on the day of the date of the said Certificate, a judge, in and for the said County, residing in the said County, commissioned and sworn, and duly authorized to take the same.  And further, that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Judge and verily believe that the signature to the said Certificate of Bennett Boyd is genuine.  In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said county, the sixth day of June 1836.  Signed L. Morehouse Deputy Clerk.

65

[envelope to Hon. T.L. Edwards Commisisoner of Pension.]

66

28 May 1835

Letter from (Sarah?) Niles to:

T.L. Edwards, Esq.

Cincinnatus, N.Y.

[first paragraph about Col. Cooley’s pension application]

Allow me _____ ____ ____ with every feeling and sentiment of _____ on your patience in behalf of the claims of Lodorwich Weaver for the return, or allowance of his pension, and the allowance of that of Mr. Ebenezer Robinson of McDonough.  I am certain that these men are honest and worthy claimants.  I am equally certain that they are ____ considered in their neighborhoods. I am impelled to invite your attention once more to their claims for these reasons, in the full beliefe that justice to them will be no more than done between them and are certainly by such allowance equally ____ am I ___ ____ ___ and know their claims are honest and deserving.  No man can hear them relate their services without being satisfied that they are so.

I regret more than I can express that their proof is deemed inadequate to substantiate their ____ when you ____ ___ upon the ____ of time that has passed since their services.  The _________ _________ of their comrades – the difficulty of finding them and the death of most of them.  Is it asking too much to ______ 

[continued next page]

67 & 68

[continued from page 1]

Respectfully to inquire whether the proof now offered is not sufficient.  I beg you, sir, not to ______ that I think these considerations overlooked by you.  But ____ I cannot on account of my firm convictions of the integrity of these  claims forbear to again  ____ them upon your consideration, hoping that you will feel justified in giving them a favorable decision.  I know that such ____ _____ entire satisfaction in their ______ and I feel it ____  be right. ___ these old men call on me to hear the results of their additional proofs founded, it is really ____ to witness their dejection at hearing that their claims are still unsuccessful.

[next couple paragraphs about Mr. Weaver]

In regards to Mr. Robinson the same observations will apply.  He is very infirmed man. Poor and I believe _____.  I know he is to considered by all who know him.  I think there can be no more discovery case.  The _______ county, if ____ on him will certainly meet universal approbation.

Is not his proof such as to ____ him to some allowance?  He is ______ and I cannot but hope a liberal rule of __________ is necessary will be adopted in his case.

The _______ I feel in behalf of these old soldiers must be my apology for again trespassing on your time.  If it ____ be in part respectful I should not regret, and should always be grateful and I ____ they await their ____ that their country has been just.

With every sentiment of respect and consideration

I am your ob. Serv’t

(Sarah?) Niles

69

[looks like a memo card with the words on it as follows]

Common (detail?) belong to Mussenfells Regiment

70

05 Feb 1850

[I believe this is a letter from the Comptroller’s Office in Albany New York certifying certificates [of payment] issued to James Cannon]

1781 – Nov 30 – James Cannon Lieut. No. Cert issued 4, 288 -85.00.01 pounds.

1781 – Dec 31 – James Cannon Lieut. No. Cert issued 4,362 – 11.18.04 pounds.

1782 – Dec 31 – James Cannon Capt. No. Cert. Issued 6,981 – 140.16.00 pounds.

For a total of 237.14.05 pounds [as in currency]

--------------------------------------------

I hereby certify the above to be true extracts from Books. No. 1, 2 now remaining in this office, and the service for which the certificates above named were issued, were performed under the following officers, viz:

1^st , 2^nd, & 3^rd, under Capt. Elihu Mitchell in Col. Marvins Willett Regiment.

I have examined the records for the service of James Cannon Lieut and find three entries, as above, amounting to 237.14.05 pounds.

71

[miscellaneous handwritten entries – looks like a calculation of time served]

177(?)  8 mos. 20

177 (?)  3 mos.

177(?) 1 mo. 25

177(?) 13 mos. 45

72

26 Apr 1844

[preprinted form from the Comptroller’s Office, State of New York filled in with Ebenezer’s payments for service]

In pursuant of a law passed the 27^th of April 1784, entitled “act act for the settlement of the pay of the Levies and Militia, for their services in the late War, and for other purposes therein mentioned”, the following certificates have been issued, bearing interest at five per cent per annum, viz:

State of New York

Comptroller’s Office, Albany

April 26^th, 1844

I hereby certify the above to be true extracts from Book. No., 1,2 & 9 now remaining in this office, and that the service for which the certificates above named were issued, were performed under the following officers, viz:

First, under Capt. Nathan’l Scribner, in Col. Henry Luddington Reg’t.;

Second under Capt. Joel Mead in Col. Henry Ludington’s  Reg’t.

Third under George Land in Col. Roswell Hopkins Reg’t.

Fourth under George Land in Col. Henry Ludington’s Reg’t.

Fifth under Capt. Dan’l Shepherd in Col. Fred’k Weifsenfels Reg’t.

Signed Philip Phelps Comptroller

73

26 June 1846

[handwritten sheet]

State of New York

Secretary’s Office

I certify that it appears by the minutes of the council of appointment of this state in the office that the following named persons were appointed and commissioned military officers at the dates set opposite to this respective names, to wit:

May 28, 1778 – Nathaniel Scriber, Captain

May 28, 1778 – Joel Mead – Captain

May 28, 1778 – George Land – Captain

All in Colonel Henry Ludington’s Regiment of Militia in the County of Dutchess

November 2, 1781 – Daniel Shepherd, Captain in the Regiment of Levies for the further defense of the state whereof Frederick Weifsenfels was Lieutenant Colonel Commandants.

Signed Arch’d Campbell
Dep. Sec. of State

Albany June 26, 1846

74

[exactly same copy as page 72 above]

75

07 July 1846

[page 1 of 2 affidavit of Ebenezer Robinson]

State of New York

Cortland County

On the 7^th day of July 1846 personally appeared before the subscriber Eliazer W. Edgcomb adjustor of the Law in and for said county.  Ebenezer Robinson resident of German in the county of Chenango aged eighty-seven the 7^th day of next August, who being first duly sworn in ___ ___ to Law doth depose and say that this deponent was a soldier in the War of the Revolution that this deponant made an application for a pension under the act of 7^th June 1832 some 10 or 12 years ago and that he has not as yet been able to receive a pension for his services in the War of the Revolution.  That this deponent has _____________-- __________ record _________ of his service from the state department of New York for some of his service which he ______ while drafted in said State of New York.  This deponent further says that he has _____ he first made application for a pension had his right arm amputated and that he is greatly in need of his country for support and that he is in hopes that the Commissioner of Pensions will compare those certificates of service with his former declaration and do him substantial [cont’d next page]

76

07 July 1846

Justice in the ______________.  This deponent says that law ________ in the certificate _____ ______ under date of 30 November 1780 18-6-8 pounds this deponent does not claim to have rendered.  This deponent further says that this was a Ebenezer Robinson of Westchester Co. N.Y. who was a Major and a cousin to my father.  This deponent further says that he will ____ of _____ under Capt. Nathaniel Scriber Col. Henry Luddington Joe Mead in Col. Ludington and also in Capt. Shipwood Holudington ___ ____ in the time of the war also under Col. Weisenfels.

Sworn and subscribed the day and year above mentioned before

E.W. Edgcomb
Justice of the Peace

Ebenezer Robinson, signed by his mark

77

[illegible faded hand writing]

78

27 Nov 1833

[personal affidavits of people knowing Ebenezer]

We the undersigned being personally acquainted with Ebenezer Robertson for a number of years past, who  _______ until a five years an inhabitant of this Town.  Who has ________ ______ _____________ made application for the benefit of the pension made ___ out of  ______ ____ dated the 7^th of June 1832.   Do known him to have been a Revolutionary Soldier never having heard an account of his services ____.  We  further state that his character for truth and sincerity is ____ having ____ a great many years ___ on a____ member of the Christian church he has established in the town or character that _____ the ____ for ____ and ___ ___ to the ___ ____ ___ in the ____ of his declaration.  We also know him to be _______ in years and infirm and a cripple in his right hand.  And we ____ further state as our firm belief that he is one of those worthy men who are exceptionally entitled to receive the benefit of that ____ that ___ grateful veteran has provided for its _____ in the Revolutionary struggle.

Signed:

Rufus Baldwin

Saml A. Smith

Shubal Coy

Eddy (Petteplace?)

Personally appeared before me a justice of the peace in the town of Guilford and county of Chenango in the state of New York.  Rufus Baldwin Samuel Smith Shubal Coy and Eddy (Petteplace) known to me to be the same that signed the written affidavits ______ of confirming the declaration of Ebenezer Robison.  Sworn and subscribed the same before me the 27^th day of Nov 1833 and I concur with them in their opinion expressed.

_____ _____ Justice of the Peace.

State of New York

Chenango County, SS

I Jarvis K Pike, Clerk of said Court, do certify that Erastus Eggletone before whom thee within affidavits purport to have been sworn  was at the date of the same one of the justices of the peace in and for the said county and ____ his name subscribed to the said certificate above, to be ___ ___  ____ and signature. 

Witness my hand and seal of the office this 7^th day of December 1833.

P.B. Rindle

Dep. Clerk

80

[blank page with handwritten name “Robertson” on it]

81

27 Nov 1833

State of New York

Chenango County

Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in the town of McDonough County of Chenango and State of New York, Ebenezer Robertson of the town of German of the county and state aforesaid, who being duly sworn deposseth and saith that by reason of old age and consequently loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service in the revolution.  Nor can he recollect positively ____ to ___ saith ____ that the officers named in this declaration,  ____ ___ in the _____ and out of the dates stated in said declaration, but from his best recollection and belief he can not consciously alter these statements made in his said declaration to the names of the officers, them several grades, and the dates of service, as there explained.  Nonetheless they may be ____ in some particulars, not remembered by this deponent.

This deponent further saith that the service rendered by him, while under Col. Lashen’s command ___ in the year 1776 but the names of his under officers he cannot recollect, other than he was enlisted into service by Samuel Nice, a (master sergeant?) and was mustered at FredericksTown and ___ as stated in said declaration, not less than nine months in the ____ of a soldier, for which service I claim a pension , and for the ____ during which the service was performed he was not employed in any civil pursuit, for the particulars of said service referenced in ____ ___ to the Declaration of said deponent.

This deponent further saith that the service he ___ under Col.  Henry Ludidngton, he was under the Command of Nathaniel Scriber, or Captain of said regiment, and that it was  ___ ___ the year 1777 and that the service three months, it ____ the full amount of the time he enlisted for.  I ___ as a private and that the time in which this service was performed by ___ not engaged in any civil pursuit and for ___ service I claim a pension ____ is ___ for ____ [continued next page]

82

27 Nov 1833

Particular description of said service to his ___ Declaration.  This deponent further saith that the service he rendered under the command of Capt.  ___ Cannon in the year 1788 At Ballston in garrison _____ as per statement in declaration, and that he served not less than nine months as a soldier and for this time during ___ which the service was performed, he was not engaged in any civil pursuits and for such service I claim a pension.

This Deponent further saith that the service rendered under Capt. __- Lamb, and as he _____ under Col. ___ Lamb, was rendered in the year 1782 (or the last year of the ____) for further particulars of said service _____ is ___ to his said declaration, and that he served not less than nine months as a Sergent and for such service I claim a pension, and for the time during which the service was rendered he was not engaged in any civil pursuit.

82

27 Nov 1833

[continuation of page 82 above]

This Deponent further saith that the services rendered as ___ ___ in the Militia as he ____ and that his name is Ebenezer Robinson, and that the occasion of its being wrote Robertson, was a misunderstanding, in spelling his name and was observed by him in his Declaration before it was ____ to the pension office, and would have been corrected but for the ____ of the Judge Reed who thought it ________.

Signed Ebenezer Robinson, by his mark

Witness J.F. Hill

The (information?) on the first page, ____ the fourth and fifth lines from the bottom (to wit served as a soldier or _____)( made before signing, sworn to, and subscribed before me this 27^th day of November at McDonough in the year 1833.

Rick Sawtell justice. 

83

27 Nov 1833

[continuation of declaration from page 82]

State of New York

Chenango County

I Jarvis K Pike clerk of the said county do certify that Richard Sawtell Esq before whom the foregoing affidavit purports to have been sworn ___ at the State of the same one of the justice of the peace in and for the said county and that his signature to the above mentioned affidavits is genuine.

Witness my name and seal of office this 17^th day of December 1833.

P.B. Brindle

Dep. Clerk.

84

29 Aug 1832

[Declaration of Ebenezer Robertson 29 Aug 1832 – pages 84 – 88]

State of New York

Chenango County

On this 29^th day of August in the year of our Lord 1832 Personally appeared before Hezekiah (Mead?) Esquire, one of the judges of the court of common pleas in and for the county aforesaid.  Ebenezer Robertson, resident in the Town of German in the county of Chenango and state aforesaid.  Who being duly sworn according to _____ doth on this oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June the 7^th 1832.

That he was born, on the 7 day of August in the year 1759 in the town of FrederickTown in the county of Dutchess then (now Putnam) in the state of New York and was 73 years old on the 7^th day of this month.  Does not know of any record of his age other than in his family Bible. 

The applicant further states that he entered the service of the United States in the year 1776 at Frederickstown aforeesaid and county aforesaid in the service of the state of New York as one of a certain number required by law from each company.  As one of that number I entered for nine months.  He entered service in the spring of the year.  The month not recollected. _____ with the reg’t at Horseneck I recall and on the Hudson River in the state of New York.  

[continued next page]

84

29 Aug 1832

[continued from previous page]

From there we were ordered to Kingsbridge to build Fort Independence and after the surrender of New York city in the fall of the year _____  to (Morcia Point?) to guard public stores.  Had an engagement there with the enemy and ______ order to retreat to Kingsbridge aforementioned being __________ by the to the  ____________.  And further states that this  _______ ordered to retreat again across the river and did so  and cut the bridge  down tp prevent the enemy  from following from there.from following.  From there were ordered to Fort Washington.  Were there about 24 hours and ordered again to cross the river in the night (with (muffled?) _____ to prevent the enemy from __________ who lay in two 40 gun shots just below us to Fort Lee and then we continued on to Fort Washington was given up.   ________  marched to (Verplank?) Point on the east side

[continued to page 85]

85

29 Aug 1832

[continued from page 84]

Of the river Hudson.  From this place in engagement of not ______ in _ _______ to endorse or encounter anything.  I went to my Father’s about 20 miles and to my brother Peters.  __  and served out my enlistment is a ___________ for me, he so served about ten days and then the time of enlistment had expired and he came home.  I had no discharge nor my brother for me other than a verbal one.  Does not recollect any of the names of his officers other than Col. Leigher and Gen. Putnam from his _______ at Kings Bridge.   

The enemy he was among strangers, and frequently just  ________ new officers off the continental line and cannot remember the name of any one at this time.

He further states that in the spring following (1777) he enlisted under Captain Nathaniel Scribner as a volunteer for three months, and the company was called Rangers.  While in this term of service had an engagement with _____ the Tories and Refugees so called near the lines and also near the White Plains in Westchester County in the state of New York and there his captain was wounded by his side.  The shot took effect in the _____________ of Capt. Scribner for which said Captain was a ___________ ______________ his life as he this applicant has been informed from those who returned home and were discharged.

He further states that in the 1781 – was again called to enter the army for another nine months term and mustered under Captain ______Carmon and marched to Ballstown NY. Then marched to Albany and was there on picket guard and on scouting duty so called until a short time before the time was out for which he enlisted.  From there he was marched to Albany and was there discharged late in the fall after Cornwall surrendered was discharged.  He thinks it was in the month of December but not certain.  It was ____ _____ _____ and his term of service was out. [continued to page 86 below] 

86

29 Aug 1832

[continued from page 85 above]

And this applicant further states that to his knowledge there was no reg’t to which this company was attached, and no other commissioned officers ____ a Lieut, and his name is not recollected.

And this applicant further states that in the year 1782 in the month of April he believes he was again called for another nine months service on a Draught, which he resided at Frederickstown as when ______ his continual residence when he was not in the service of his country) mustered under Capt. ____ Lamb and marched to West Point and there had given me a Sergeant’s Warrant and that his Capt. took him, this applicant, with him on the recruiting services and sometimes sent him alone.  He spent most of the time on this duty until the month of Sept. following then  was taken sick at Frederickstown, to which place he had been ordered on recruiting service, and there remained sick until after his time of service  had expired – and the Reg’t discharged.  The Regt was commanded by Bol. Lamb under the command of Gen Knox.  He further states that he never had any other discharge than a verbal one.  He further states that he has lost his warrant and has no documentary evidence of his service and that he does not know of any man living with whom he served who can testify of his service.

He herby relinquishes every claim whatever to _____ or _____ other than the present, and ____ that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state having never applied before  this for any pension. 

He further states after the close of the Revolution he lived in Danbury Connecticut 4 years, then moved into the State of Vermont in the County of Rutland in the town of Castleton.  He lived there seven years.  Then removed to Connecticut State in the County of Fairfield and town of Danbury lived there about 17 years.  And then to Frederickstown in the State of New York.  Lived in the ____ place three years. And then

[continued to page 87]

87

29 Aug 1832

[continued from page 86]

Moved into the county of Chenango in the State of New York in the town of Guilford of said county.  He lived in the _____ place about fifteen years.  And then removed and into the town of German my present residence two years last April.

Ebenezer Robertson (his mark)

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me.

W. _____ Judge Chenango Common Pleas

[continued on next page]

87

29 Aug 1832

[continued from previous page]

Chenango County

I Martin Dodge resident in the town of McDonough and county aforesaid have been acquainted with the applicant Ebenezer Robertson about 14 years who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration and that I believe him to be 73 years old and that he is _____ and _____ in the town where he has lived since my acquaintance to have been a soldier of the revolution and is of good character asto _____ and ____ under oath. 

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written before me.

[signed] Martin Dodge

[signed] please judge Chenango Common Pleas

I hereby certify that I have been acquainted with Ebenezer Robinson for about twenty years and believe him to be of the age above stated and also believe he was a soldier of the revolution and served the time above stated and also believe him to be a man of truth and veracity and has also acquainted with the character of Martin Dodge and know him to be a man of respectability and truth and veracity.

[signed]  H. Read  Judge Chenango Common Pleas

88

29 Aug 1832

State of New York

Chenango County

In the said Hezekiah Reed a member of our said court of common pleas in the county aforesaid am of the opinion after ________ the matter and after putting the _______ _________________ _ ____ the near department that the  ___ applicant was in revolution.  ____ and ____ as he states.

And I further certify that it appears to me that Martin Dodge is a resident of McDonough who has sworn and signed the above certificate is a _____ person and that his statement is entitled to credit.  I am also satisfied that the applicant from general _____ is made to attend in person it our ____ the distance ___ over ___ miels and a ___ ____.

W. Read Judge Chenango Common Pleas.

89

09 Nov 1832

State of New York
Chenango County

James H. Pike, clerk of said county, do certify that Hezekiah Read before whom the preceding ______________ in the matter of the application of Ebenezer Robertson for a pension purports to have been had was at the date of the same one of the judges of the court of common pleas in and for said county and that I am acquainted with his handwriting and verily believe his name subscribed to the declaration and to the said applicant and also to the said certificate of the proceedings to be his genuine hand writing and signature.

Witness my hand and seal of office at Norwich in said county this 9^th day of November 1832

J. H. Pike

90

[handwritten card – must have been a note of his pay]

Ebenezer Robinson’s Declaration

Under June 7, 1832

In Vol.  9 pg 34

Capt. Scribner 1779

$4.23 – 19 days.

91

16 Oct 1834

State of New York

Putnam County

I Peter Robinson of the town of Kent in the county of Putnam in the state of New York after being duly sworn doth depose and say that he is in the seventy fourth year of his age that his brother Ebenezer Robinson about one year and a half older than this deponent now lives as this deponent understands  ____ _____ in the town of German in the county of Chenango and state aforesaid that his said brother served in the revolutionary war in Captain Nathaniel Scriber’s Company of Militia in Col. Henry Ludington’s regiment of minutemen ______ that this deponent believes that the said Ebenezer did serve at sundry and at many times in said service at least three years but this deponent could not detail every particular service.  This deponent does know that the said Ebenezer was with the deponent at one time Capt Scribner was commander. And also that this deponent was with the said Ebenezer frequently during said war in the service above ______ to as to the time of the service is made up from his best recollection, he the deponent and the said Ebenezer’s home at the time of the said war was at their Father’s Isaiah Robinson.

Signed Peter Robinson

Affirmed and subscribed before me the

16^th day of October 1834

And I do also certify that as to the credibility and moral character of thes aid Peter Robinson is as good as any man in our part of the county.

Jonathan Morehouse Justice of the Peace.

92

16 Oct 1834

State of New York

County of Putnam

I Jonathan Morehouse

Clerk of the said county do certify that I Jonathan Morehouse before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn or affirmed was at the date of the same one of the justices of the peace in aforesaid county, and that the handwriting subscribed to said affidavit by me there under written is genuine.

Witness my hand and seal of office

The 16^th day of October 1834

J. Morehouse

93

17 March 1834

Declaration to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7^th 1832.

State of New York
County of Chenango

On this 17^th day of March in the year of our Lord 1834, personally appeared before me, Hezekiah Read, one of the judges of the court of common pleas in and for the said county of Chenango, Ebenezer Robinson, a resident of the town of German in said county of Chenango, aged seventy four 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^th 1832.

That he entered the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as herein stated -

[continued to next page]

93

17 March 1834

[continued from previous page]

That he was born in Frederickstown in the county of Dutchess (now Putnam County) and State of New York, in the year 1759.

That he has a record of his age in his family Bible at home, and he knows of no other.

That he was living at said Frederickstown each and every time he was called or went into the service, as hereinafter set forth, and until the war closed.  That soon after, he removed from there to Danbury in the State of Connecticut, and resided there about seven years.  Then he removed to Castleton in Vermont and resided there several years.  And then returned to said Danbury and resided perhaps seventeen years and removed again to Frederickstown aforesaid and resided a few years.  And from there he removed to Guilford in the county of Chenango in the State of New York and resided there fifteen years and from thence he removed to German in said county of Chenango, where he now resides and has continued to

[continued to page 94]

94

17 March 1834

Reside over time, being nearly four years.

That as before stated, he was residing at Frederickstown aforementioned and the Company of Militia to which he belonged was divided into [classes?].  Each [class?] to furnish a man.  And that he volunteered as the man for his [class?] he believes in April 1776 and went with a small number of men, and he thinks under the command of a Sergeant, whose name, he thinks, was Samuel Rice, from said Frederickstown _________ to Kingsbridge and there joined _____ company, but the officers of which being entirely strangers to him, and being after charged, or under the command of different men, he cannot remember the names of his company officers.   _____ was however immediately  ____ and ____ on duty.  That he was set to work building Fort Independence.  Remained here at work on said Fort a while, when he was detached with others and sent to (Morripans?) Point on East River and there joined the Regiment of Col. Lashen or Lapure.  That he remained there two or three months or more guarding some stores, until the enemy arrived in September or October, he believes September , but may have been October, and after a short skirmish, the troops with which he was, retreated to Kingsbridge.  And from thence, the next day, after destroying the bridge, retreated to Fort Washington. 

Stayed there a short time, when his regiment under Col. Lashen crossed the Hudson to Fort Lee, in New Jersey.  Remained at Fort Lee until Fort Washington was taken by the enemy, when Fort Lee was abandoned, and he with his regiment, marched up the north river on the west side to Van (Planks?) Point, as he thinks is was called, where they crossed the river on to the east side, when, his time being out into a few days and he and the troops generally being in great distress for want of clothing as well as provisions, being in a state of real suffering, were all

[continued to page 95]

95

17 March 1834

[continued from page 94]

Told to go home.  The _________ obtained was verbal.  This he thinks was in December 1776, having been about this town in ___ service over eight months and nearly nine. 

He was called nine months service.  He states, as respect the officers, that during this campaign he was under two or three or more different company officers, and he cannot recollect their names.  And he can only remember the name of the Colonel of (regiment?) that when he first arrived at Kinsbridge in April, as he thinks, many troops were there.  That while he was at Morrissens Point, no other regiment was there in company.  That while there heard of the battle on Long Island, and also that of White Plains.  That after leaving Morrisons Point and coming to Kingsbridge, he there saw Gen. Putnam and heard him give orders.  His regiment he thinks was a detached one, and not annexed to any Brigade, as he was not under any general officer during this campaign.

That he again in the year 1777, he believes,  ____ the service, under the command of Capt. Nathaniel Scrivner of said Frederickstown, as a company of rangers, for the term of three months, and served said term out under said Capt. Scrivner.  By whose authority the company was ____ he does not know but thinks is  ___ under orders from Col. Henry Luttington.  Their duty was to guard the country against the Tories, refugees or cowboys, as they were called.  They were, during said three months, went as far as the lines near White Plains in pursuit of some refugees who had been stealing horses; retook the horses, but the refugees escaped.  Came to near the refugees as to have a skirmish with them and Capt. Scribner received a musket shot in one of his arms for which he received a pension afterwards, as Declarant understood and believed.   _____ also during said three months went in the ____ order of the Captain

[continued to page 96]

96

17 March 1834

 [continued from page 95]

To Col. Luddington with eight others and accompanied Col. Luttington in capturing a man by the name of (Farmes?) he believes, who was raising or enlisting men to go to New York to join the enemy.  They guarded and also took several whom he had enlisted.  Our regular station, this (____?)town, was at Frederickstown from whence we went on scouting parties.  At the end of three months was dismissed verbally.  No other troops in company.  That he again, in the spring, being early in the spring, but he cannot say what month, enlisted at said Frederickstown, under the command of Capt. Cannon, his Christian name not recollected, that soon after this enlisting, went to Albany, and there the company was mustered, and marched under Capt. Cannon to Ballston.  This was in the spring of 1781.  The object of going there was to guard that place against the Indians and tories, who had before committed depradations there.  The company consisted of about 50 men as he believes.  We continued there in a picket fort, which was previously built there, as such guard, until the time expired for which I enlisted, which was for eight or nine months, eight at least.  It was called nine months as we were termed nine months now.  That at the end of said term, the company marched to Albany and there most other companies of Militia, and said companies were paraded there together.   He recollects the Adjutant’s who paraded the companies was of the name of Welch.  Soon after being paraded thus, the several companies were discharged by the Adjutant verbally.  This he thinks was in December 1781.  Here were no other troops or company of men

[continued to page 97]

97

17 March 1834

[continued from page 96]

At Ballstown this campaign.  He supposes the companies which paraded as ____ at Albany, were some others who had been on other stations during the year.  While at Ballstown he will  recollect they had a day of rejoicing on hearing the news of the taking of Lord Cornwall’s.  This last tour the declarant served as a private about four months, and the residue as a corporal.

That he again in the early part of the spring, he thinks the  forepart of April 1782, enlisted as a private, under Capt. Lamb, having the promise of a Sergeant’s Warrant at said Frederickstown, for the term of nine months.  That he immediately went to West Point, where he very soon received a sergeant’s warrant in Capt. Lamb’s Company as had been promised him.  That he believes Capt. Lamb’s company belongs to the regiment commanded by Col. Lamb.  That he remained at West Point with his company doing common garrison duty a part of the time.  And a part of the time he was out in different places in the recruiting service with Capt. Lamb, occasionally returning to West Point.  That he thus continued to serve until the latter part of September or forepart of October in said year 1782, when he had _____ on orders from Capt. Lamb to go out recruiting and he went and while thus out was taken sick with the ague and fever.  That thereupon gave notice to his Capt. And was returned as sick and unfit for duty, and thereupon had permission to go home.  That he did then go home and remained there very unwell until his company and regiment was dismissed and many months after his health was so low and so much infirmed that he did not ______ it for nearly a year, so as to be able to attend to any business at all.

That he recollects Gen. Knox being at West Point while he was there.  He recollects that many troops were there

[continued to page 98]

98

17 March 1834

[continued from page 97]

That Col. Lamb was there.  But he cannot with _________ and certainty, state the names of other officers.  This with great difficulty he can remember names.  Nor can he state with precision and certainty the exact frame of time he was in the service.  This is owing to his old age and infirmities, and the consequent loss of memory.  But according to his best recollection he served as a private as above related, not less than one year and three months.  As a corporal, not less than four months.  And as a sergeant not less than six months, for which service he claims a pension.  And to the latter he supposes he ought to have added the three months of time he was at home sick with fever and ague, as he was such length of time, if in health, subject to serve and should have served, if in health.

That he never received any written discharge from the service.  He was always dismissed by orders as set forth above.   That he received a regular written warranty as sergeant for and in his last tour of service.  That he had the same in his possession until within about twenty years past [1814] when with other old papers, supposing it could be of no use to him thereafter, he thinks he burnt it.

[continued to page below]

98

17 March 1834

[continuation of page 98]

That he has no documentary evidence in his possession of his services.  Nor does he know of any person living, who was with him in the service by whom he can prove the same.  That he has lived in so many places, and such are the changes in life, by removals, as well as by death, and he is so far from the places where he lived during the war, and following, it, that he does believe he could find no person to give _____ proof of his services.  And besides his state of health is such by means of bodily infirmities, that he cannot go about the country.  He is weak and low in health, being unable to ride, and walks but short distances at a time.  That he is so decrepid and infirm that

[continued to page 99]

99

17 March 1834

[continued from page 98 above]

That he does not feel able to attend the sitting of the court to make his declaration.

That he is known to John Nicholson and Chauncey Smith of McDonough, in his present neighborhood, who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution.

That he will accompany this declaration with the ____ traditionary evidence in his power and submit his case to the war department.  Requesting most respectfully, that, if the department cannot, by its rules, allow him for all the services he claims, it will for such part as is satisfactorily made to appear; as he is satisfied for the reasons before mentioned, he cannot procure additional evidence.  Besides, he is poor and unable to incur expense.

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.

Ebenezer Robinson [his mark]

Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid, by the applicant making his mark, through inability to write, on account of his right being too much impaired.

John Nicholson & Chauncey Smith,

W. Read Judge of Chenango County Court of Common Pleas.

We, John Nicholson, a clergyman, residing in the town of McDonough, in the county of Chenango aforesaid and Chauney Smith, also residing in the town of McDonough in said county, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Ebenezer Robinson, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be seventy four years of age; that he is   _____ and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that

[continued to page 100]

100

17 March 1834

[continued from page 99]

We concur in the opinion.  That we believe him to be a man of truth and veracity, that we have no doubt of the truth of his statements, believing him to be entitled to full faith and _______.

Signed John Nicholson

Chauncey Smith

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me

Signed H. Read, judge of Chenango County court of common pleas.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And I, the said Hezekiah Read, judge of the court of common pleas in and for the county of Chenango as aforesaid, do hereby declare my opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after  furthering the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states.  And I further certify that it appears to me that John Nicholson who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman as I know such to be the past resident in the town of McDonough aforesaid, and that Chauncey Smith who has also signed the same is a resident in McDonough aforesaid, and is a credible person, well known to me and that their statement is entitled to full ____.

I further certify that I have been personally  acquainted with the said Ebenezer Robinson for about thirty years past; having lived within two miles of him when he resided in the State of Connecticut and since, in his vicinity, while living in the aforesaid county of Chenango; that I know he has ever sustained a fair character for truth and veracity and integrity and that his statements are entitled to full and it – I have also after heard him and others think of his services and believe there is no doubt ____ of the same being time as set forth.

[continued to page 101]

101

17 Mar 1834

[continued from page 100]

I further certify that the applicant cannot in my opinion on account of bodily infirmity personally attend the sitting of the court.

Signed H. Read, Judge of Chenango Court of Common Pleas.

March 17^th

In the year of our Lord 1834.

102

17 Mar 1834

State of New York

County of Chenango

Mary Robinson of German in said county, wife of Ebenezer Robinson of the same place, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith that she was married to her present husband a few months over fifty years ago.  That they have ever since dwelt together.  That previous to their marriage she had heard it related that her said husband was in the revolutionary army.  That she has often, from the time of their said marriage, heard her said husband state over his serices in the revolutionary army – heard him relate his being at Kingsbridge, Morrissons, Forts Independence and Lee.  Of his great and severe sufferings in the service.  Of his being engaged in the service _____ only against the tories or refugees.

102

17 Mar 1834

[page 102 continued]

And of his being for a number of months at Ballston, guarding the place against the Indians and tories.  And his being at West Point, and in the recruiting service.  That these things have been many times told over to her, and to others, in her presence, from the time of their first acquaintance to the present time.  That she has always believed the same to be true and still does.  That she believes such to have been the belief, and to be the belief wherever they have lived; and further, she says that she often saw his Sergeants Warrant while in her husband’s possession and when he destroyed it she was sorry and so expressed herself to him, not however supposing it would ever be of any particular use or benefit to him. 

Signed

Mary Robinson

Sworn to and subscribed this 17^th day of March 1834, before me

And I certify that I am well acquainted with said deponent and that

She is a person of truth and credibility.

H. Read Judge of Chenango County Court.

103

17 Mar 1834

State of New York

Chenango County

I Jacob Nash and Lovina Nash, his wife, being duly sworn, depose and say, that they now reside in German in said county.  That they were married thirty one years ago.  That said Lovina, is the daughter of Ebenezer Robinson of said German.  That the said Lovina, both before and since her said marriage and the said Jacob Nash since his said marriage, have often heard the said Ebenezer Robinson, relate and tell the story of his services in the revolutionary war.  That both of them have many times heard him mention his being in the service and at the places as mentioned in the aforesaid statement made by his wife Mary Robinson.  That both believe the same is true and ever have believed it when hearing or thinking of the same and believe the same opinion to be general in the place where he resides.

Signed

Jacob Nash

Lovina Nash

Sworn to and subscribed this 17^th day of March 1834

Before me.  And I certify that I am acquainted with said deponants and that they are persons of truth and veracity.  And I further certify that I am well acquainted with said Ebenezer Robinson and that I have the fullest faith in his statements, as he is a man of fair character for truth and credibility.  I have heard the story of his services and believe the same are true and  _____ to and it. And I further certify that I have been acquainted with Jacob Nash and his wife for a number of years and know them to be person of respectability and their statement is entitled to credit.

Signed H. Read judge of Chenango Court of Common Pleas.

104

17 Mar 1834

State of New York
County of Chenango

The subscribers, being duly sworn, depose and say, that they are severally acquainted with Ebenezer Robinson of German in said county;  That he is a man of truth and credibility.  That he is respected and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier in the revolution and that we fully believe the same to be true.  We consider his statements on this subject, as well as others, to be entitled to implicit credit.

Signed:

John F. Hill

Martin Dodge

Russel W. Morley

Joseph Ensworth

Sworn to and subscribed by the said (listed above) the 17^th day of March 1834, before me and I certify that I am well acquainted with said deponants severally, and that they are credible persons.

H. Read Judge Chenango Court of Common Pleas.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

State of New York

Chenango County

I Parvis R Pike clerk of the said county do certify that Hezekiah Read Esquire before whom the preceding declaration of Ebenezer Robinson purports to have been sworn; and also before whom

[continued to page 105]

105

17 Mar 1834

The preceding affidavits of John Nicholson and Chauncey Smith ____ to have been sworn; and also the affidavits of Mary Robinson, Jacob Nash & Lovina Nash, John F Hill, Martin Dodge, Russel W. Morley and Joseph Ensworth, was at the date after  ____ one of the judges of the court of common pleas in and for said county and that _____ to the same _____ and also the opinion of the service of the said Robinson.  Subscribed by him as his genuine handwriting.

Witness my hand and the date of said _____ this 19^th day of March 1834.

P.B. (Bundle?)

Dep. Clerk.