Research

Administrative History

In 1870, the State Legislature passed a bill entitled "An act for the relief of surviving members of the first regiment of New York Volunteers who fought in the Mexican War" which awarded pensions to veterans according to their length of service and the amount of available funds. This act was amended and further money was appropriated in 1874, 1875, and 1878. Applicants were instructed to send proof of their service to the comptroller. This evidence could consist of signed testimony of comrades or commanding officers, discharge certificates, or medals. Most applications contained information about the veteran's rank, company, and commanding officers, which was submitted to expedite the verification process. Applicants' names were checked against muster roll lists or copies of land warrant grants held in the Pension Office. A commission composed of the comptroller, the governor, and the treasurer was created to review and award claims. An approved applicant would receive a voucher or a receipt for a sum of money which he would sign and return along with a confirmation of his address in order to receive his check.

Due either to underestimation of the number of surviving veterans, or a shortage of funds, the 1870 appropriation and its successors were insufficient to accommodate all of the eligible claimants, resulting in the renewal of many applications with each new influx of funds. Following each appropriation, claimants were paid, though only some were paid in full.