Poe Archive

PETER HAGNER
“Peter Hagner, distinguished for his long connection with the United States Government at Washington, was born in Philadelphia October 1st, 1772, and was educated at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1793, when only twenty years of age, he received from President Washington an appointment in the Office of Accountant of War, was afterwards appointed Assistant to the Accountant of War; and, in 1816, was commissioned as Additional Accountant of War, upon the creation of that office. In 1817, Congress established the office of Third Auditor, and Mr. Hagner was selected by President Monroe to discharge its responsible and arduous duties. This office he held until the year 1849, having served under every President of the United States from Washington to Taylor; and it was with great reluctance that his resignation which had been repeatedly tendered, was accepted. During this long period of service, comprising fifty-seven years, he was eminently distinguished for modesty, integrity, industry, unwavering devotion to the interests of the Government, and impartial justice. The vast importance of the office of the Third Auditor can only be properly estimated by those who are familiar with its details. In addition to the duties which devolved upon Mr. Hagner in the regular administration of his office, he was repeatedly directed by Acts of Congress to settle, at his discretion, large and important claims not connected with it, but which were referred to him, in the fullest confidence that justice would be done to all parties concerned. The satisfaction which he gave in the discharge of these multiplied labors, and the exalted appreciation entertained of his distinguished worth, were manifested throughout his whole career by the approbation of each successive President, bu the favorable testimony of committees and members of Congress, and, on two occasions, by direct votes of that body. Mr. Hagner died at Washington City, July 16th, 1849, aged seventy-seven years.” [1]

[1] Simpson, Henry, “The Lives of Eminent Philadelphians, Now Deceased”, Philadelphia, William Brotherhead, 1859.

“Third Auditor's Office–The duty of the third auditor, (at present Peter Hagner,) is to receive all accounts relative to the subsistence of the army, the quartermaster's department, and generally all accounts of the war department, except those referred to the second auditor. After examining the accounts, he certifies the balances, and transmits the accounts with the vouchers and certificate, to the second comptroller for his decision. According to the system of general regulations for the army, 14th sec. of the law of the 2d of March, 1821, a part of the duties of the former paymaster general has been assigned to the third auditor, chiefly that part relating to the disbursement of public money.” [2]

[2] Elliot, William,”The Washington Guide”, Washington City, Published by Franck Taylor, J. Crissy, printer, 1837.

SEYMOUR MOSES
“Seymour, Moses, soldier, born in Hartford, Connecticut, 23 july, 1742; died in Litchfield, Connecticut, 17 September, 1826. He was the fifth in descent from Richard, the ancestor of all of his name in the United States, who settled in Hartford in 1635...Moses removed to Litchfield in early life, became captain of a troop of horse in the 17th Connecticut militia regiment, and in 1776 was given the same rank in the 5th cavalry, with which he served in repelling Tryon's invasion in 1777, and at the surrender of Burgoyne. He also did good service as commissary of supplies at Litchfield, which was then a depot for military stores. In 1783 he retired with the rank of major. Major Seymour held the office of town-clerk for thirty-seven years consecutively from 1789 till his death, was elected annually to the legislature from 1795 to 1811, and was active in the affairs of the Protestant Episcopal Church. He was greatly instrumental in securing the proceeds of the sale of the Western Reserve for the promotion of common-school education, and is said to have originated the plan. He is one of the figures in Colonel Trumbull's painting of the surrender of Burgoyne.” [3]
[3] “Virtual American Biographies”, Book I: Continental Discovery to 1899.
http://virtualology.com/apmosesseymour/

“Litchfield's Inland location on major trade routes gave the town a unique role during the American revolution. Because Litchfield was considered a “safe town,” secure from British attack, patriot leaders asked the townspeople to serve as jailers for loyalist prisoners. The prisoners were in Litchfield's jail and in the home of Major Moses Seymour. Litchfield's best known prisoners were William Franklin, the royal Governor of New Jersey and son of Benjamin Franklin, and the mayor of New York City.”[4]

[4] “Litchfield Historical Society.” http://www.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org/history/duringrev.html

“Henry Starr, b. 1/12/1785, Litchfield, Ct; son of Daniel, s/o Joseph, s/o Joseph (2), s/o Joseph (1), s/o Comfort (2), s/o Thomas and s/o Dr. Comfort Starr. Lieutenant, U. S. Army and a Paymaster in War of 1812. Resided at Hudson, N. Y. and Sharon, N. Y. Taken ill on a journey and d. 8/6/1817 at Albany, N. Y. Episcopal faith. Married 5/1/1808 to Clarissa Peck, daughter of Timothy and Serena Bishop Peck” [5]

[5] “A History of the Starr Family of New England From the Ancestor Dr. Comfort Starr.”