of paper was folded in half twice lengthways which created four panels. There
are some words I couldn't read and I note them in parentheses. Likewise,
there are two words I'm not sure I've read correctly so I've used a (?) to
show that.
The text above the first fold appears to be an earlier version of Justice
Samuel Putnam's certification of Elisha's testimony. Apparently he decided to
write it on the bottom of the first side instead. He didn't sign this version:
"I
do certify that it appears to my satisfaction
that the said Elisha Houghton did serve
in the revolutionary war as stated in
the within declaration against the common
enemy and I now transmit the procedings
and testimony taken and had before me
to the secretary for the department of war
pursuant to the directions of the (can't read it)
out of Congress-"
The second panel served as a cover to the document when it was folded
up. As such the writing is at a right angle to the rest of the page:
"Elisha Houghton
Bigelow's Mass. Regt.
Correct."
The third and fourth panels are statements by two witnesses as to the
character of Elisha Houghton and the truth of his story.
"I Asa Dean of Adams in the County of Berkshire Physician do certify
that I have known Elisha Houghton within mentioned a number
of years & that his reputation(?) for truth is good and I have no
no doubt of the truth of this notation(?) made by him within
mentioned as his story has always been the same (can't read)
his (can't read) Asa Dean
May 6th 1818
Sworn to before me
S. Putnam Just. S.J.C."
"I Nathan Putnam of Adams also do certify that I have
known Elisha Houghton a number of years & I have no
doubt but the certificate of Dr. Asa Dean above is true
Nathan Putnam
May 6. 1818
Sworn to before me
S. Putnam J.S.J.C."
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