Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 18,103, Cuff Wells, Conn.
Page 1

(3-1776)
[column headers: SERVICE, NUMBER]

Conn.

Wells, Cuff (colored)
or Saunders,
Tatton, Phillis (Former Widow)

W. 18,103

CONTENTS
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Connecticut 1199

Phillis Tatton, who was
widow of Cuff Saunders or Cuff Wells
who was a private 
in the Conn. Revolution

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars
[crossed out: Cents] per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the 29th day of July 1843 and sent to John Isham, Colchester, Conn.

[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A.
Vol. 1 Page 78.
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Peleg Thomas Esq Certificate respecting marriage of Anthony and Phillis January 1791 No 2.
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January 6th AD. 1791. Anthony Tatton and Phillis two negroes were joined in marriage by Peleg Thomas Justice of Peace

This may certify that the above is a true copy of a record left by my father Peleg Thomas Esq late of Lebanon deceased

Lebanon Connecticut October the 30th AD. 1837. Peleg Thomas son to the above mentioned Peleg Thomas Esq. and I further certify that l was present at the marriage of the afore said negroes.

Peleg Thomas
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No 3

Rev. Israel T Otis
Certificate -
respecting the marriage of Cuff & Phillis -
May 1783
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May 1783 Married Cuff Saunders to Phillis Hinkley servant of Mrs. Elizabeth Hinkley both of Lebanon.

I hereby certify that the above is a true copy from the records of the Reverend Timothy Stone deceased who was Pastor of the church in Goshen at the time the above record was made.

Israel T. Otis pastor at the church in Goshen Town of Lebanon Conn.

Lebanon Ct. Oct. 30... 1837
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Rev. Israel T Otis deposition respecting Phillis, marriage in 1783

No 8.

Hon Jos. Trumbull

HR
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May one thousand seven hundred eighty three Cuff Saunders to Phillis, servant of Mrs Elizabeth Hinckley both of Lebanon

The above is a true extract of the record of marriages in the society of Goshen - Town of Lebanon, County of New London state of Connecticut with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows

"May 1783: Cuff Saunders to Phillis servant of Mrs. Elizabeth Hinckley both of Lebanon"

I Israel T Otis depose and say that I hold the office of Minister of the Gospel in the society of Goshen - Town of Lebanon, Country of New London, state of Connecticut and that the above is a true extract from the record of said County with the exception above named as certified by me - Israel T. Otis

New London Conn Lebanon January the 27th... 1840 personally appeard Reverend Israel T Otis well known to me as a respectable man and credible witness and made oath to the truth of the above certified by him subscribed, sworn before me Peleg Thomas, Justice of the Peace.

State of Connecticut New London County } SS I J. John DeWitt clerk of the County Courts in and for said New London County do hereby certify that Peleg Thomas Esq before whom the above affidavit of Rev. Israel T Otis was made to us on said 27th day of January 1840 a Justice of the Peace for said New London county and that his signature thereto affixed I believe to be genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county this 28 day of January A D 1840. - John DeWitt Clerk

[seal is affixed to page]
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V 2886 Tatton

Phillis Tatton formerly widow of Cuff Wells -
enlisted May 77. War
discharged 5 May 81

alleged marriage in 1783. Final settlement and cert. Vol. 1. p 66 paid 1. Jan 1. 1783 No 1.

Ct.

Act. 1836
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State of Connecticut County of New London } SS Colchester Nov. 3rd 1837
On this 3rd day of Nov. 1837 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Colchester, in said County Phillis Tatton a resident of Lebanon in the county of New London and state of Connecticut, aged about eighty five years (not knowing her exact age as she was brought from Guinea when a child) - who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed July 4th 1836, and the Act explanatory of said Act, passed March 3rd 1837 - that she was married to Cuff Saunders alias Cuff Wells who was commonly called Doctor Cuff, who was a slave of Israel Wells of said Colchester, and that in order to obtain his freedom enlisted into the Army of the United States in the winter of 1777 as a Private Soldier, for the term of during the War - and he was placed in a Regiment commanded by Colonel John Durkee. Benjamin Throop who was a brother to my old mistress Mrs. Elizabeth Hinckley was first a Captain and then a Major in said Regiment where did duty as a private and as waiter to the surgeon of said regiment and it having been discovered by the offices of said regiment that the said Cuff possessed considerable medical skill by having some years before been a slave of a Doctor Langrel of Hartford who was a physician and kept an apothecary store where the said Cuff learnt the art of preparing and mixing medicine, he was accordingly placed in the hospital as a waiter and assistant to the surgeon and part of the time he acted as an assistant in the apothecary store belonging to the Continental Army at Danbury in said state where he continued till late in the fall of 1783 - that we had agreed to marry each other before he went into the Army, that he returned home the month of May 1783 on a furlough dressed in uniform with red facings and the letters U.S.A. on his buttons at which time she further declares that she was married to the said Cuff Saunders alias  Cuff Wells who was commonly called Doctor Cuff in the month of May 1783 at the house of my master Charles Hinckley in Goshen in said Lebanon by the Reverend Timothy Stone deceased, then minister over the society of said Goshen and that the said Cuff soon after returned to the Army at said Danbury where he continued until late in the fall 1783 that he returned home purchased about three acres of land built a small house in said Lebanon, near the line of Colchester where we lived together until Dec. 1788, and that her husband the aforesaid Cuff Saunders, alias, Cuff Wells died in the month of Dec. 1788 after a severe sickness with the influenza. Doctor Coleman who ^ died a number years since likewise belonged to the Revolutionary Army and lived a neighbour, attended
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my said husband as physician in his last sickness that she was afterwards married to Anthony Tatton who died in June 1806 with the dropsy, and that she was a widow on the 4th of July 1836 and will remain as a widow as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed - and she further declares that she has no documentary evidence except the certificate from the state Comptroller ^ as to his serving as a soldier and the certificate of the Reverend Mr. Otis & Peleg Thomas Esq. of both her marriages - and that she at present knows of no person who can testify as to the said Cuff remaining in service except Doctor John R Watrous & Miss Elenor Hewit

her mark [hand drawn X] Phillis Tatton

Sworn to and subscribed on the Day and year above written before - said Court

I John R Watrous of Colchester in the county of New London state of Connecticut, ^ aged eighty three years do depose and say that a certain colored man named Cuff a slave to Israel Wells lived in said Colchester previous to the Revolutionary War, and near my place of residence that I knew him for several years previous to the Revolution, and in time of the War I knew him as a soldier in the Army in a Regiment commanded by Colonel John Durkee, Connecticut line, and that the said Cuff had previous to enlistment lived with an apothecarer and had some knowledge of the composition of medicine, consequently was taken from the line of the army and placed in the hospital & apothecary store at Danbury in said state as a waiter and as an assistant to the apothecary, which according to my best recollection was in the year 1778 - and I have a strong impression and belief that he served with said Army till the close of the War - I also knew him well afterwards for a number of years till his death he during the War, having obtained his freedom by his enlistment into the service, he assumed a new name calling himself Cuff Saunders - I also well know that the said Cuff Saunders was the identical person previously known by the name of Cuff Wells - John R Watrous - sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before - said court
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I Elenor Hewit of Colchester in the county of New London state of Connecticut aged sixty nine years testify and say on oath that I was well acquainted with Cuff Wells a colored man who was commonally called by the name of Doctor Cuff, and who was a slave of Israel Wells of said Colchester, that I was servant up at Mr. John Wrights in said Colchester where I have always resided who was the nearest neighbour to said Israel Wells that I recollect perpetually well when the said Cuff enlisted into the Continental Army which I think was in the year 1777 and when he came home ^ from the Army in his uniform to be married Phillis Hinckley that it was said that he then belonged to the Army and that he soon after returned back to Danbury as understood it where he continued till late in the fall after he was married - sometime after he obtained his freedom by enlisting he altered his name to Cuff Saunders and went by that name at the time he was married and until his death, after he left the Army he returned home purchased about three acres of land and built a small home a short distance and in plain view of Mr. Wrights where I have always lived. The said Cuff and Phillis lived in said home together until the death of her said husband which was according to my best recollection in Dec. 1788. I was likewise well acquainted with Anthony Tatton who was the second husband to Phillis ^ who died June 1806 at the same home where the said Cuff died, and I well know that the said Phillis was a widow on the 4th July 1836 and still is and has been ever since the death of her said husband Anthony. And I well know that the said Cuff Saunders was the identical person who enlisted into the Army in the year 1777 by the name of Cuff Wells - her mark [hand drawn x] Elenor Hewit

Sworn to, and subscribed on the day and year above written in open court. And said Court certified that it appeared to them, that Phillis Tatton, who has subscribed and sworn to the forgoing declaration is a credible person and that the said John R. Watrous and Eleanore Hewit who have subscribed and sworn to the several depositions are credible persons and that their
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statements are entitled to credit
I Olcott Worthington clerk of said court of Probate do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceeding of said court in the matter of the application of Phillis Tatton for a pension - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of said office this third day of November A.D. 1837 Olcott Worthington Clerk [a ribbon is fixed to the page with a seal which reads: Colchester P.D.]
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Comptrollers Office Hartford Connecticut 28 October 1837
On application for evidence of the service of Cuff Wells, I have examined the records of settlements made with the Connecticut Line of the Continental Army, and find his name in the three several settlements made with the Regiment commanded by Colonel John Durkee, Viz: for services "before 1st January 1780" - "for the year 1780" - and "for the year 1781" (the Records extending no farther than the latter year) - In the first settlement, he is paid for services as private from 17th May 1777 to 1st January 1780 - in the second, from [illegible] January 1780 to 1st January 1781, - and in the third settlement, from 1st January to 5th May 1781. In the first settlement, he is credited for 2 yrs. 7 mo. 14 days serving in the second, 1 year and in the third 4 mos & 5 days, - in all, 3 years 11 months & 19 days service. I certify the above to the true extracts and statements from the book of the "Connecticut Line" now remaining in this office. In the absence of the Comptroller, E Benjamin, only clerk in said office.
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No 2004
Phillis Tatton
Application for Pension
May - 1843.
$80 per annum
John Isham
Colchester Con.
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State of Connecticut County of New London SS
On this 8th day of May 1843 personally appeared before the subscribed a Justice of the Peace for said County Phillis Tatton a resident of Lebanon in the County of New London state aforementioned aged about 90 years, who being faithfully sworn according to Law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the pension made by the Act of Congress passed on the 3rd day of March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of Anthony Tatton and formerly the widow of Cuff Wells who enlisted for during the War in 1777 and served to the close of the same in 1783 [illegible] being had to her application for a pension in August 1838, That she received eighty dollars per annum under that act of 7th July 1838 - she further declares that she is still a widow - her mark [hand drawn x] Phillis Tatton

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me - Frederic Morgan Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut New London County Colchester May 8th A.D. 1843 I certify that the above named Phillis Tatton is personally known to me and that the facts stated in the foregoing declaration by her subscribed to the best of my knowledge and belief are true Frederic Morgan Justice of the Peace
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State of Connecticut New London County } SS I John DeWitt clerk of the county court in and for said New London County do hereby certify that Frederick Morgan Esq. before whom the written declaration of Phillis Tatton was made was on the said 8th day of May 1843... Justice of the peace in and for said New London County... In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county this 23rd day June 1843 John DeWitt Clerk [a seal is affixed to the page]
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[text written vertically] Aug 25. 42
Phillis Tatton Sp. Act
Cl. 11 [illegible] Aug 25. 42
Hon. Thos. W. Williams H.R.
Hon Th W Williams HR

[text written horizontally] JL. Edwards Esq
Comm of Pensions
Washington D.C.
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Ho. of Rep 
24 August 1842

Sir. As the Bill has passed both Houses for the relief of Phillis Tatton, I will thank you to send me the Pension Certificate as soon as convenient after the Bill is signed by the President, provided Congress is ^ in session, but if adjourned, you will please have sent it to John Isham Esq Colchester Connecticut who has acted as her agent in this business
I am sir very respectfully.
Mr Th. W. Williams

J.L. Edwards Esq
Comm of Pensions
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[rubber stamp] Colchester Ct Aug 6
[rubber stamp] FREE
[handwritten] Mail
Hon. Isaac Bates
(U.S. Senator)
City- Washington
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Hon.. Isaac Bates - Chairman Committee Military Pensions } Colchester; Conn. August 5th 1842
Sir - My request in in behalf of Phillist Tatton, widow of Anthony Tatton, and formerly the widow of Cuff Wells who was generally called Doctor Cuff. I take the liberty sir to make the following statement to your Hon.. Committee, it appears that her former husband the said Doctor Cuff enlisted into the Army of the United States as a private in the year 1777 for during the War, and having served to the close of the same in Nov. 1783, in consequence of which, the said Phillis in Nov. 1837 applied for a pension under the Act of 1836 and at different times produced to the Commissioner of Pensions, no less than six affidavits from reputable & very credible witnesses of his enlistment services & together with a certificate from the state Comptroller that some record it appeared that the said Cuff Wells was paid at sundry times by the state for his military service up to May 1781. This appears to have been the case with the whole of the Connecticut line. They were afterwards paid by the United States - the Com. contended that this merely proved that the said Cuff was then discharged (the above mentioned testimony to the contrary notwithstanding)- and continued to hold to the same idea, until Nov. 30th 1839 at which time Doctor Crump wrote the Hon.. T. W. Williams, that on a more thorough examination of this record he had ascertained that Cuff Wells was paid for his services up to January 1783 at which time his services terminated (he does not say that he was discharged)- in addition to
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Phillis obtained the affidavit of John Lay of Lyme a very credible witness dated Aug. 15th 1839 likewise the 2nd affidavit of he said John Lay dated Sept. 15th 1839 (both of which were forwarded to the Pension Commissioner from [crossed out: both of] which it appears to be fully proved that the said Cuff continued in the Military service of the United States till the close of the War (or near to the same) that the consumation relating to the said Cuffs wife was in his tent during the last summer of the War while they were encamped at the high lands, their marriage took place in May 1783 while Cuff was home on furlough from Danbury where he served as a waiter to the officers & surgeons who were stationed there the last year of the War, and occasionally assisted in the apothecary store ^ while belonged to the U. States in preparing & mixing medicine of which the said Cuff possessed considerable skill, & as further proof I would refer your Honorable Committee to the 2nd affidavit of Doctor John R Watrous dated February - 1840 ^ who was a surgeon prior to the War and well acquainted with Cuff and likewise to Phillis own affidavit dated Nov - 1849 which corroborates the statement of about all the witnesses - she obtained a report in her favor February 12th 1841 made by the Hon. Mr. Brockway granting her a pension from 1831 during her life which passed 2nd reading & committed to Committee of House tomorrow. it being near the close of session was not acted on further. the Hon. Mr. Williams informed me that there had been a report in Phillis' favor the present version which had passed the House, and is now before the Hon. Senate granting her pension for five years under the Law of 1838 this will be better than nothing for her, still
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I can't but believe that Phillis is justly entitled to a Pension agreeable to the report made by the Hon. Mr Brockway- Phillis is a remarkably intelligent colored woman has always sustained a fair character for honesty & industry, she was the mother to the noted Prince Saunders who died at Hayti February 1840 and was Atty General of the island at the time of his death, from whose estate she expected some relief but is not likely to obtain anything. she is very poor & destitute is wholly dependent on a son by her last husband for support ^ and is more than sixty years of age - youl therefore please confer a great favor on a very deserving applicant by having the army have a hearing and decided on the present pension, as it is almost five years since it commanded. - Very respectfully yours Mr. John Isham

NB It further appears from the deposition of John H Fanning Esq. son of Charles Fanning Esq. deceased who was a pay master in the Regiment to which Cuff belonged that he earned his pay at sundry times as an absentee - being a waiter part of the time to Doctor Phillip Turner who was Surgeon General to the Eastern Division of the Army, and of course was absent from camp occasionally, and the last year of the War a number of officers & surgeons were stationed at Danbury and had charge of the sick & invalid who had their place of [illegible] then I have made the forgoing statement in haste, hope that it will assist you ^ [illegible] in coming to a favorable result. J.I
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Colchester Jan Free
Mail
Hon.. Thomas W Williams
(Member Congress)
City Washington
J Isham letter to T. W. W
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Hon. Thomas W Williams
Colchester Dec. 31st 1840

Dear Sir - by request of Phillis Tatton, I took the liberty on the 7th instant to address you further on ap of her pension, and enclosed a letter to Mr Edwards Com. together with Phillis' deposition taken by F. Morgan Esq. which was done by advise of Judge Waite, who appeared of opinion it would have insight & go to strengthen her declaration of Nov. 1837 I could not obtain a certificate that Morgan is a Justice without riding either to Hartford or Norwich, as they have had a number. Heretofore hope they will be satisfied, if not will you Sir certify or return it to me for the purpose - I stated that Phillis had forwarded the depositions of no less than seven different persons all reputable & credible witnesses - that I consider the [inserted:] the most important were from June Harvey, who was at her wedding, E. M Waite & his letter to me on the subject which go to show that Doctor Cuff was at Danbury to the close of the War in the Military service of the U.S., John Lay 1st & 2nd deposition the latter states that the conversation he had with Doctor Cuff was subsequent to their Marriage in the Summer Season, and last year of the War at his tent while encamped at the high land - at the time of the conversation with the said Doctor Cuff he was a soldier belonging to our Regiment & although he generally served as a Waiter among the officers & Doct. John R Watrous [inserted:] 2nd affidavit all which I take it, are on file in the Pension Office, should either of them not be found, please notice me and will forward a copy, there was not any certificate to accompany Mr Lay affidavits, that the Hon Mr Waite was a Judge, he said he had sent them on without & a member of Congress would certify and he understood it was satisfactory, will you Sir have the goodness to attend to that
likewise - I cant but believe that the proof which has been forwarded fully proves that Phillis is entitled, unless it is [inserted:] for the want of a Certificate in that of Mr Lays - I feel under obligation to you Sir for your attention to Mrs Clarks application she is a very respectable old lady, & in my opinion justly entitled -
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the reason for my requesting the Hon. Mr. Clark to assist respecting the Petition of Mrs Clark was that he is a Connection of the family, and in their opinion would gadly lend any assistance
and in his power, and would have a tendency to relieve you some
Very respectfully your friend
John Isham

NB If traditionary evidence will answer any purpose, Phillis can prove the testimony of several very respectable aged Men in Goshen
County, who were well acquainted with the said deceased Cuff as to their belief that he continued in the Military service of the United States till the close of the War in 1783. - JI

Further am fearful that they considered the affidavits of John Lay & deceased Watrous 2nd affidavit on 'Peleg' last of no force, not being property authenticated not having a certificate from Clerk of Court or Secretary of State that the Hon Mr Waite is Judge or Mr. Morgan a Justice of Peace & Judge Waite observed at the time Mr Lay gave his 2nd affidavit that he consider'd that alone sufficient to establish a similar point before a Court of Law in this State - if my letter to you on the 7th instant has not been received please notice me - I wrote to Judge Huntington by same Mail - J. I
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2886
Set to J. Isham Dec 30 37
 " " March 9 38
 " " Aug 10 "
 " " Sept 19 "
 " " Aug 28 39
 " Hon. T. T. Williams Nov 30 "
 " J. Trumbull   
 " same July10th 1840
 " " T. T. Williams March 25, 1840 }
 " Hon. J. Taliaferro also. 1840.
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Phillis Tatton
Petition
for a Pension
To the Honorable Chairman
of the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions
Th: W. Williams
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Phillis Tattons
Affidavit Nov 28th 1840
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I Phillis Tatton of Lebanon, County of New London, State of Connecticut, aged ninety two years, depose and say on oath that I am and have been for more than forty five years last past the widow of Anthony Tatton deceased, previous to my marriage with whom, I was the widow of Cuff Wells alias Cuff Saunders, commonly called Doctor Cuff, who died at said Lebanon Dec. 1788 of the Influenza. That my said husband Doctor Cuff was a slave to Israel Wells of Colchester, and in order to attain his freedom, enlisted into the army of the United States for during the war. That we had been acquainted with each other for some time before he enlisted, and had agreed to be married. That the said Doctor Cuff after he joined the army was in the habit of coming home occasionally on furlough, and always called to see me, but we could not obtain the consent of my old mistress, Miss Elizabeth Hinckley to our marriage, until April 1783 - I then got Mr John Shapley who had been a clerk to my Master Hinckley in his life time, to write to Cuff, who was then serving as a waiter to the surgeon at the Hospital of the United States at Danbury and inform him that my Mistress had given her consent for us to marry and request him to get a furlough for a short time and come home, which he did, and we were joined in marriage the first week in May 1783 by the Reverend Mr. Stone. That my said husband Doctor Cuff soon after went back to Danbury and remained in the military service of the United States until late in the fall after to wit 1783 – That he then returned home with a soldier note (as he called it) for one hundred dollars, or thirty pounds which he said he received – for serving faithfully during the war. With this note he purchased three acres of land of Jonathan Webster in said Lebanon, on which he built a small house the year after he left the army, into which we moved and there lived together until his death in December 1788... There is one circumstance which took place which I well remember – before my husband let Mr. Webster have his soldier note, the late Gen. Henry Champion called on him to buy it but as he would not offer but a trifle for it, Cuff told him in my hearing that he should not have it, and afterwards he let Mr. Webster have it for the land as above stated - That I was married to Anthony Tatton in January 1791 by the late Peleg Thomas Esq. That the said Anthony died a few years after our marriage. That I have remained ever since his death, and still am a widow wholly destitute of property, and dependent on my only child now living for my support, and have been so dependent for more than twenty years last past – that the late Prince Saunders who died at Hayti [Haiti]
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In February 1839 and who was Attorney General of the Island at the time of his death, was a son of mine by my first husband the said Cuff Saunders... from whom I expected to receive some assistance, but find I am not likely to obtain any thing from that quarter

Her mark [hand drawn x] Phillis Tatton

Sworn and subscribed this 28th day of November AD 1840 before me Frederic Morgan Justice of the Peace

New London County SS. Lebanon November 28th 1840 Personally appeared the above named Phillis Tatton, known to the subscriber as a person of good character for the truth and veracity, who after being duly cautioned, and closely examined, and having exhibited evidence of uncommon intelligence, and remarkable tenacity and correctness of memory, made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing statement of facts by her subscribed -
Before me Frederic Morgan Justice of the Peace
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H.R - 257.
Phillis Tatton.
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J L Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
City - Washington

[text upside down] John Isham 7 Dec. 1840
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John Isham
7 Dec. 1840

[text upside down] J L Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
City - Washington
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Colchester Dec. 7th 1840
Hon. T. W. Williams
Dear Sir - from the conversation I had with you respecting a pension for Phillis, widow of Doctor Cuff I take the liberty to trouble you further on the subject - which I should not do if I were not in the belief that she is justly entitled - In the first place I enclose you a letter for Mr. Edwards with the affidavit of Phillis taken by Frederic Morgan Esq. a Justice of Peace & Judge of Probate for this district, (a certificate of which I could not obtain without sending to Secretary of State or Clerk of County Court, they have had several heretofore, & should they make a question, will you have the goodness to certify, or return it to me, to have one from the Clerk - likewise a letter from the Hon. W. Storrs both of which will you, the Hon. Mr. Trumbull & Judge Huntington have the goodness to peruse, seal and forward to the Com., and if he will have the patience to reexamine her said application of Nov. 1837 for a pension, and the depositions of June Harvey (who was at her wedding), E. M. White & his letter to me on the subject, which goes to substantiate the statement of Phillis, and shows that the said Doctor Cuff was stationed at Danbury the last year of the war a waiter to the surgeons there, and in the military service of the United States and till late in the fall of 1783 - likewise the affidavit of John Lay of Aug 15th til Sept 23rd 1839 & the affidavits of John Lay of Aug. 15th Sept. 23rd 1839 & the affidavit of Doctor John R Watrous of July 1840. I feel as though they will be satisfied that the said Doctor. Cuff remained in the military service of the United States about six months after he was married to the said Phillis and to the close of the Revolutionary War - There has been forwarded three other depositions in her favor Mis Elenor Hewit - Stephen Ade & Asa Strong which certify to their belief that the said Doctor Cuff served to the close of the War. I think however that the four before named will be the most useful. They however are all very respectable & credible witnesses, to find a person at this late day that was with Cuff to the close of the War would be in all probability improbable, and would in many instances defeat the very
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laudable designs of Congress at the time the act passed. I take it that you & Mr. Trumbull have examined the depositions respected to
if not too much trouble should be glad to have them examined by Judge Huntington, whom I have written to on the subject should you need anything further please notice me and likewise of the result when convenient - Very respectfully your friend & humble servant
John Isham

NB should this course not prove satisfactory, I leave it entirely to your better judgement as to the mode of proceeding J. I }
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Colchester
Free

Hon. Thomas W Williams
Member Congress
City - Washington

[text sideways]
John Isham
Letter
7 Dec 1840
Page 38

Colchester Conn. Dec. 7th 1840
J L Edwards Esq.
Com. of Pensions }
Sir - you'll pardon me for again troubling the department, on account of the application of Phillis Tatton for a Pension Nov. 1837 who was formerly the Widow of Cuff Wells (alias Cuff Saunders) who assumed the latter name as it appears about the time they were married, on account of the Military service of her said Husband Doct. Cuff - which has been rejected - it has been admitted that the said. Doct. Cuff enlisted into the army of the United States in the year 1777 for during the War, and that she was married to him May 1783 - and that he continued in service till January 1783 at which time it is said his service terminated - (don't say discharged) - if you have the goodness to reexamine her said. application, and the following affidavits substantiating the same, which are on file in your office - Mis June Harvey - Ephraim M White & his letter to me on the subject - John Lay of Aug. 15 & Sept. 23rd 1839 & John R Watrous of February 1840 which was written with his own hand, after having visited the said. Phillis as a Physician during a severe illness - together with the enclosed letter from the Hon. W. L Storrs late member of Congress who is now one of the Judges of our Supreme Court, with the affidavit of the said Phillis which was taken by Frederic Morgan Esq. a Justice of Peace & Judge of Probate for this District - I  can't but hope and believe that you Sir will readily direct her name to be placed on the Pension Roll - I have written the above by request & in behalf of the above named Phillis Tatton - Very respectfully your obedient servant
John Isham
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1931 - Jan 29 -- 7 dist
 to Ad jGen. See case
copy of letter in [illegible]
File -- Under C D
Bridges    J Isom

[2nd page]
Rev Widow, &c
No. 18103
Phillis Tatton
Former Widow of
Cuff Wells
Pri Rev War
Act: March 34 437
Index: --- Vol. M, Page 26
[Arrangement of 1870.]
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Repd, 31 Augt, 1842
Let to J Isham Sept 13, 1842

No 6747
Connecticut
---------------------------------------------------
Phillis Tatton, formerly the widow of Cuff Wells, decd.  
who was a pensioner under the act of -----        and who died on the 
of New London Co in the State of Connecticut
who was a private in the              commanded
by Captain                of the Regt;     commanded by Col Durkee in the Connecticut 
line for 2 years -
---------------------------------------------------
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut -
at the rate of 80 Dollars ---  cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836
---------------------------------------------------
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of August 1842 - and sent to Hon: T W Williams of Congress  --
---------------------------------------------------
Arrears to the 4th of March 1841 - $400 -
Semi=annual allowance ending
{Act July 7,}
{   1838.     }
{23d August 1842}

Recorded by WM Stewart - Clerk
Book A ---Vol. 1 ---- Page 214. --
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No 6747

Connecticut
---------------------------------------------------
Phillis Tatton, formerly the 
widow of Cuff Wells, decd.
who was a pensioner under the Act of
-------
and who died on the --------------- 
of New London Co in the State of Connecticut
who was a private in the ----------------
commanded by Captain ----------- of the
Regt: --------- commanded by Col. Durkee in 
the Connecticut line for 2 years --
--------------------------------------------------
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut 
at the rate of 80 -- Dollars ---
cents per annum,  to commence on the 4th day
of March, 1836.
---------------------------------------------------
Certificate of Pension issued the 30th day of 
August 1842 and sent to Hon. T. W. 
Williams of Congress 
---------------------------------------------------
Arrears to the 4th of March 1841  $400.00
Semi annual allowance ending  ------------

[Acts July 7, 1838.]
23d August, 1842
Recorded by WM Stewart  Clerk,
Book A --- Vol. 1---- Page 214
Page 42

Connecticut    No. 2886
case  act 1836
Phillis Tatton
widow of Cuff
Wells, The
applied also under
Act 7 July 1838
See letters to J. Isham
Dec. 30. 1837
to same March 9, 1838
 ------    August 13. 1838
-------   Sept. 19. 1838
------    Aug. 28. 1839
------    Oct. 3. 1839
To Hon. T. T. William H 
  "    "     J. Shafer Apl 3 1840
Page 43

7th CONGRESS,    Rep. No. 289   Ho. of Reps
2d Session.

PHILLIS TATTON.
[To accompany bill H.R.No. 257.
MARCH 8, 1842.]

Mr. TALAFERRO, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, submitted
the following

REPORT:
The Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, to whom the petition of
Philis Tatton of Lebanon, in the county of New London, State of
Connecticut was referred, claiming a pension in consideration of the
military service of her husband Cuff Wells in the army of the Revolution,
report:
That it appears from satisfactory evidence, derived from the army records
of the State of Connecticut, on file with the petition, that Cuff Wells enlisted 
as a private soldier, to serve to the end of the war of the Revolution,
and that he was discharged from that service in January, 1783, having
served three years. It further appears by satisfactory evidence on file with
the petition, that the said Cuff Wells was married to the petitioner, Phillis,
in the month of May, 1783; and that though after the death of the said
Cuff Wells, Phillis, his widow, married again, she is now a widow. On
this statement of facts, the Commissioner of Pensions would have allowed
a pension to the petitioner, under the act of 1838, but for her second marriage.
This the committee cousider no bar to the allowance of a pension;
and they are the more confirmed in the opinion, seeing that Congress did
on the day the act of 1838 passed, provide, by joint resolution, that a second
marriage should be no bar to a pension under the act of 1838. The committee
therefore recommend that the petitioner be placed on the pension
roll, under the act of 1838, and a report bill.
Page 44

Phillis Tatton -
Con'd 38
Mr Cole
July 12th 1837

[at bottom of page]
Exly ----- July 16 - 37
-
Mr Peugh
Page 45

POWER OF ATTORNEY - Revolutionary Pension Claims.
Know all Men by these Presents that I, Anthony Tatton
of Lebanon, Connecticut
hereby constitute and appoint S A Peugh
my true and lawful Agent and Attorney, to prosecute the Claim of Phillis Tatton ded'd
for any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or Increase of Pension, that may be due; and I hereby authorise
my said Agent to examine all the papers and documents in relation to said claim, on file in the Departments
at Washington City, or elsewhere; to file additional evidence or arguments; and to receive the Certificate
 which may be issued for said Claim, which Certificate I wish made payable to myself
at the Pension Agency in Hartford Connecticut
to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed; and to do all things that I
might or could do were I personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney
and Agent shall lawfully do in the premises.
Witness my hand and Seal this 8th day July A. D. 1881
Signed and Sealed in the presence of}
Murvin W. Hutchins}           his                        
Daniel Kellogg        Anthony X Tatton
                                            mark
STATE of Connecticut}
County of New London} ss. Colchester July 8th 1851
On this 8th day of July A. D. 1851
before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared
Anthony Tatton and acknowledged the foregoing Power,
of Attorney to be his act and deed, for the purposes 
therein mentioned.
In testimony thereof, I hereunto set my hand,}
the day and year foresaid.}
Murvin W Hutchins
Page 46

Claim of Phillis Tatton dec'd
Act of 4 July 1836

STATE of Connecticut}
County of New London}ss Colchester July 8th 1851

Be it Known, That on this 8th
day of July A. D. eighteen hundred and fifty one, before the
undersigned, Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared
Anthony Tatton resident of Lebanon in said County and
made oath according to law that he is the only surviving child
of Phillis Tatton
who was Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States under the
act of July 7 1838 & subsequent acts
at the rate of Eighty Dollars per annum; that he has been

mark
who was Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States under the
informed that the said Pension ought to be increased; that he is directly interested as a claimant in
said Pension, and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as my
Agent may use in prosecuting said claim.

Sworn to and subscribed, the day and}
year aforesaid, before me.}                 his
Murvin W. Hutchins J. Peace.} Anthony X Tatton
                                                          mark

I Murvin W Hutchins Justice of the Peace in and for said County do hereby certify that
AnthonyTatton who executed the foregoing paper a
respectable resident of this County, and is, I believe, directly interested in said claim as therein set forth.
Marvin W Hitchins   J. Peace

I, Daniel Kellogg Clerk of the Probate Court in the County
and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Murvin W Hutchins before whom the
foregoing papers were executed, was, at the date of the same, a Justice of the Peace in and foro said
County, duly authorized by law to administer oaths; and the name thereunto subscribed, is his signature.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto abscibed my name and
affixed my official seal, this 8th day of 
July A.D. 1851.
Daniel Kellogg  Clerk
[Illegible seal attached]
Page 47

STATE of Connecticut}
COUNTY OF New London}ss Colchester July 8th 1857

It is hereby certified that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me Alfred B Pierce
Judge of the Probate Court for the District of Colchester
that Phillis Tatton was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United 
States
at the rate of Eighty Dollars
per annum and that she died on the
twenty third day of February
eighteen hundred and forty eight
leaving surviving only one child
and that Anthony Tattoon of Lebanon is
the only surviving child of the aforesaid. Phillis Tatton

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed
my seal of office this 8th day of July
one thousand eight hundred and fifty one
Alfred B Pierce Judge
Page 48

An Act for the relief of Phillis Tatton

Be it enacted by the Senate and House
of Representatives of the United States 
of 
America in Congress assembled, that the
Secretary of War is hereby authorized and
required to place Phillis Tatton, of Lebanon,
in the County of New London, State of
Connecticut, widow of Cuff Wells, on the
roll of revolutionary pensioners of the
United States, and allow to her a pension
for two years military service of her said
husband, to be paid to her agreeably to
the act of the seventh of June eighteen
hundred and thirty eight, allowing pensions
to certain widows, to be paid as other
pensions are paid.
Approved August 26th 1842
a true copy from the roll in
this office.

Dept. of State}     Fletcher Kitchin
Augt 29th 1842.}
Page 49

[Envelope]
 
   [line through: 25]
J. L. Edwards Esquire
(Commissioner of Pensions)
City Washington

[Written sideways]
    Phillis Tatton     Sept 12  42
       [illegible]

[Postmark] 
Colchester Ct
Apr 10
Page 50

J L Edwards Esq}. Colchester, Conn, Sept. 9. 1842
Comm'r of Pensions}  Sir I rec'd a letter from the Hon. Thomas
W. Williams, Member Congress, of the 24th Aug't last informing
me that the Senate had pai'd the Bill for the relief of
Phillis Tatton, and that he had requested you to forward
[crossed out: it to me] the certificate to me provided Congren adjourn
before you had time to make it out, I was at Hartford
yesterday the agent inform'd me that the situation has been
made there. I am very glad to find that Phillis who
I have uniformly consider'd as a deserving applicant is]
in a way to receive some relief (although at a late hour),
she being destitute of the necessiaries of life -- you'd confer a
a favor on her by forwarding the certificate to me soon
as convenient.
Very [rest of the closing is illigible]
John Isham
Page 51

[envelope]
J. R. Watrous
1st deposition
Judge Storrs
Certificate
Sept 1840

[upside down at bottom]
J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D. C.
Page 52

[envelope]
J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D. C.

[upside down at bottom]
J. R. Watrous
1st deposition
Judge Storrs
Certificate
Sept 1840
Page 53

Middletown Connecticut
Septr 14. 1840.
J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
Having been
requested to make a Statement in relation
to Doct. John R Watrous of Colchester in this
State who has given an affidavit in the case
of the Application of [inserted:  Phillis Tatton widow of] Cuff Wells for a Pension
which affidavit I have Sceen, I hereto respectfully
 say that I am & have been long well
acquainted with Doctor Watrous & with his
character-- that he is a gentleman of the highest
respectability of great eminence in his
profession--& of the most unblemished integrity.
Although advanced in years I believe
from observation & information derived from
the best sources, that he retains unimpaired
the strength of his intellect & memory the
native energy of both which are uncommon,
and that more particularly on subjects &
Page 54

incidents connected with the Revolutionary War, in which he took a very conspicious
& honorable part, his recollection is very
accurate & his statments entitled to
count. With regard to the applicant Cuff
Wells, Doct Watrous must have known
him well personally both before & after the
said suffered in the Revolutionary Army
having resided in the same Town & having
out frequently to per him & know his
occupation
The Hon. Henry A White has
also certified to the character of W Whesay
who has given an affidavit in the same
Application.
To Waite is a Judge of the
Supreme Court of this State for Gentlemen
in whos statements implicit
relieved
that place. I am with great respect
your op
Page 55

T. W. Williams
16 Apl 1840
Page 56

Ho. of Rep Apl 16/40

To the Commissioner 
Res'on: Pensions

Gents, 
Herewith you will 
receive a Letter from the Bounty Land 
office showing that Cuff Wells [crossed out: enlisted] a private of Col Durkees Reg't enlisted
 for the war May 17th 1777, also a
 letter from the Pension Office showing 
that he was paid for his services to the 
1st Jan'y 1783, after that, we have 
no record evidence that he was  paid  
but it is fair to presume he was 
paid till June 1783 with the Surgeon, 
in his accounts, as he was very 
usefull in the Hospital Department, 
so much so, that he acquired the 
name of Dr Cuff, and Doctor Jn R 
Watson has sworn that he believes 
he continued with the Army till 
disbanded, & you have also before 
you the affidavit of Mr Lay, that 
he had a conversation with him 
about his going home to see Phllis, 
his wife. of course this must 
have been after May 1783 -- It 
seems to me there can be very 
little doubt that he was in service 
untill the end of the war, from the 
fact that he enlisted in 1777 
"for the war" and was paid to Jany 1783 
& besides you have the testimony 
of Dr Watrous that he verily
Page 57

believes he continued till the 
close of the war, and I know 
of no man who is entitled to  
more credence than Dr 
Watrous.
All of which is 
respectfully submitted by 
Your very [illegible]
Th: W. Williams
Page 58

Hon, Thomas W Williams
Member of Congress
City - Washington
Page 59

[Envelope]
Free
Hon. Thomas W. Williams
Member Congress
City Washington

(d Mail)

[upside down at bottom]
John Isam
14 Dec 1840
Page 60

Hon Thomas W Williams   Colchester April 14th 1840
Dear Sir-- I have only time to say that your
favor of the 30th March & 2 April were duly rece'd and you
may rest assur'd that I feel under great obligation to you for the
faithfulness you have already manifested in trying to procure
a Pension for a poor Widow, on account of the Military services
render'd our country by her former Husband Doct Cuff -- I repeat
what I said in a former letter - that I shou'd have abandon'd her
claim long ago, if I had not fully believ'd that she is further entitled 
to a Pension, and if there is any reliance to be plac'd on
the first [illelgible] of testimony, it does appear to me that Phillis has
fully prove'd that Doct'r Cuff belong'd to the army at the time
they were married which was in May 1783 and that he entered
in the Military service of the United States until the
close of the war in the fall after, will you Sir have the goodness
to examine the Rolls at the Pension office, when they found that
 Cuff Wells was paid for his services to Jany 1783 - at which time
they say his services terminated, (they dont say discharg'd)
if the Committee to whom the Petition is refer'd [illegible] have
the benefit of the following depontions which are on file
in the Pension Office (in the deposition of Jesse Harvey
E. W White & his letter to me-- John Lays two deposition & the
last depostion of Doct'r Watrous which go to prove conclusively
as I consider then that the s'd Doct'r Cuff was in the Military
service of the United States after his marriage to Phillis May
1783, it appears to me that it wou'd satisfy them that Phillis
entitled and report accordingly, I leave it entirely to your better
judgement.
[illegible] your friend
John Isham,
Please turn over.
Page 61

Phillis say that Dock Cuff when he left the army at the 
close of the War in 1783 he bro't [brought] home with him a Soldier's 
Note as he call'd it said it was the bal'ce due him for his services 
which he paid towards the small House & these acres of Land 
which they listed together until his Death, [illegible] her affidavit
to this effect be of any service -
J. I
Page 62

Pension Office
April 3, 1840

Sir,
I have the honor to enclose here with the original papers of Phillis Tatton, numbered from 1 to 14, and have to request that you will be pleased to acknowledge the receipt of them, designating the number of papers received.
I have the honor to be, 
very respectfully,
Your obt. Sevt.
J. L. Edwards
Page 63

J.L. Edwards esq
Pension Office
Washington

[written sideways]
April 3, 1840

papers
Phillis Tatton

Hon J Taliaferro 
 HR
Page 64

Committee=Room 2d of April 1840

Dear Sir,
Will you be pleased to send to me a 
copy of the evidence on file in your Office, which accompanies 
the Declaration of Phillis Tatton for a 
Pension - Very respectfully yours.
John Taliaferro

J:L: Edwards esqr.
Page 65

[2 Columned Page]
[Left Column]

The Memorial
Phillis Tatton
praying that a Pension may be granted her on account of the services of of her husband, Cuff Wells, a  Soldier of the Revolution.-
March 30 1840 the Committee on Pensions
Refd. to the Committee on Revy. Pensions
Referred to the Committee on Revoly. Pensions
Feb. 12, 1840. Bill reposted W 640
N73 Papers to be sent for at the office of the Comm of Pensions-

[Right Column]

Phillis Tatton
Dec. 14. 1841 
Ref [illegible] Rev Pensions 
Mar. 8 1842 
11 257

Dec. 15 ‘41
Page 66

Phillis Tatton of Connecticut the widow of Cuff Wells who enlisted & served during the war of the Revolution, as appears by the papers & proof on file in the office of the Commissioner of Pensions, pray, the Honorable Congress the United States that her claim may be examined & if the facts should be found as stated that her claim May be allowed
In behalf of 
Phillis Tatton
Th: W. Williams
City of Washington
30 March 1840
Page 67

J L Edwards Esquire 
Commissioner of Pensions 
City-Washington 

[written in left margin]

In the case of the Hon Thos. W. Williams

[written sideways in right margin]

Hon. T. Williams [illegible initials]
Page 68

Phillis Tatton


Comr.

[written upside down, lower part of page]
J L Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
City-Washington

[written upside down in right margin]

In the case of the Hon Thos. W. Williams

[written sideways in left margin]
Hon. T. W. Williams [illegible initials]
Page 69

J L Edwards Esquire Colchester Connt. March 10th 1840
 Sir I enclosed you on the 28th Jany last the deposition of Col E. M White of Danbury which appeared clearly to prove that Doctr. Cuff the former Husband of Phillis Tatton was at Danbury in service of the United States at the close of the War a waiter to the Surgeon who had the charge of the Hospital there- and I [regret?] to find [illegible] by your letter to the Hon. M Trumbull of Feby 10th 1840 respecting the application for a Pension of the widow of the said Doctr. Cuff that you adhere to the former idea that the said Cuff Wells was discharged in May 1781- I think there must have been a mistake in that - and I [illegible] have to refer you to the letter of G. W. Crump Esq. acting Comr. to the Hon J W Williams of Nov. 30th 1839 on the subject.  he there states that on more thorough examination of the rolls he has succeeded in ascertaining the fact that Cuff Wells was paid to Jany 1. 1783 Phillis has uniformly (not only in her application Nov 1837) but at all times, that she was Marrd. May 1783- that her said Husband Doctr. Cuff enlisted in 1777 / or during the War, and continued in the Military service of the United States until the fall of 1783 of which she has forwarded the following proof [illegible] [margin note “1st”] In May 1838 Jesse Harvey testifies that said Doctr. Cuff was at home on furlough, and was married to the Said Phillis, that he saw them married that the said Cuff then belonged to the army and was stationed at Danbury that he soon after the marriage returned back to said Danbury &c. [margin note “2nd”]  In Sept 23rd 1839- John Lay of Lyons testifies in his 2nd deposition that he is fully satisfied that the conversation he had with the said Doctr. Cuff was after their marriage, and in the summer season in his tent while he was encamped at the high land the last year of the War and at said time he was a soldier belonging to his Regt and with the Company of Coloured Men—although he generally served as a Waiter &c.
[margin note “3rd”] In Dec. 1839 Col. E M White of Danbury testifies that at the close of the
Page 70

Revolutionary War in 1783 he knew a Coloured Man by the name of Doctr. Cuff who was in the public service and served as a Waiter to the Surgeon in the service of the United States at Danbury and remained there until after the conclusion of Peace- ---
[margin note “4th”] In February 1840 Doct. John Watrous testifies that he was well acquainted with Cuff Wells a Revolutionary Soldier called Doctr. Cuff before he joined the army in 1777 and after he returned from service in 1783 until his death that he the said Watrous left the army in the forepart of the year 1783 and is confident that the said Cuff did not get home till late in the fall after.  that he saw the said Cuff occasionally in Camp about the Public Hospital in Danbury.  that it was an established custom for the Surgeons & officers to select a Waiter from the [line?] of the army who was paid [£6?] as other soldiers and is confident that the said Doctr. Cuff remained in the Military service of the United States till the close of the War in 1783 - in addition to the above named testimony there has been forwarded on account of Phillis the deposition of Elinor Hewit which accompanied her application in 1837 afterwards, the deposition of Stephen Foote & Asa [illegible] the three latter all testified in addition to others circumstantial things their belief that the said Doctr. Cuff remained in the Military service of the United States until the fall of 1783—[illegible words inserted] the deposition of Doctr Watrous in his own hand writing is herein enclosed and I hope will prove satisfactory to your War department-

Very respectfully your Obdt. Servt.
John Isham

P.S. please inform me of the result soon as convenient
“Mary Way a Pensioner, Widow of George Way deceased died near there in October last-J.I.
Page 71

I John R. Watrous of Colchester, County of New London
State of Connecticut depose and say under oath, that since
I gave my Deposition on the application of Phillis Tatton
in 1837 for a Pension, I have reflected further on the subject, 
and would now state, that I belonged to the Revolutionary
Army, and served as a Surgeon therein till near the close of
the war in 1783. that I was well acquainted with her former
Husband Cuff Wells, while he lived with Mr Isaack Wells of said
Colchester, before he joined the army in 1777, also while in, and
after he returned from service at the close of the War in 1783
until his death, he having resided in a small house in the
Town of Lebanon, near the Town of Colchester, about three
miles from my residince I left the army in the forepart
of the year 1783, and [word crossed out]  confident that he the said Cuff
did not get home till late in the autumn of s'd year
I saw him occasionally in the Camp, also at the public
Hospital in Danbury in said State, where [insserted: he] officiated as a
Waiter to one of the Surgeon of s'd Hospital, Doct. Philip
Turner, also to the other Physicians in the Hospital and from
his activity, honesty and good understanding, he was employ'd
as an assistant to prepare compositions of medicine prescribed 
by Physicians attending on the sick at s'd Hospital,
and from his honesty and faithfulness in that employment
he had the appellation of Doctor Cuff, by which title he was
generally called during the remainder of his life-- It was an
established privilege and curtion for the Surgeons and Mates,
as well as for the Commissioned officers of the Army, to have
a waiter from the Line of the Army, which said Waiter was fed,
clothed and paid as the other Soldiers, and I am confident
that the said Doctor Cuff remained in the Military Service
and faithfully performed the duty to which he was selected
till the close of the war in 1783-
John Watrous
Colchester Probate Office ss February 29th 1840
Personally appeared Doctor John R Watrous the above named deponent
known to me as a man of good character, and a credible witness
and made oath to the truth of the foregoing statement of facts by him subscribed
Attest Frederic Morgan Judge -
Page 72

I John R. Watrous, Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Colchester, do hereby certify that Frederic Morgan is Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Colchester, and that his Commission dated June 20th 1839, and expires June 20th 1840-
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official Seal this 29th day of February A.D. 1840 
John R Watrous Clerk

[Seal affixed here on left side of page]

State of Connecticut ss.
Office of the Secretary of State March 9th 1840
I hereby certify that Frederic Morgan Esqr is a Judge of Probate for the District of Colchester, and is Justice of the peace for the County of New London, and has held both offices more than six months next preceding this date as appears on record in this office 
In testimony of which I have at the date above affixed the seal of this State and signed the same
N N Hinman Secretary

[written sideways on bottom right corner of page]
John R. Watrous
2nd Deposition
No9
Page 73

J L Edwards Esquire 
Commissioner of Pensions
City - Washington

Report of Hon. Joseph Trumbull H.R.
Page 74

Colchester, Conn. Jany 28th 1840
J L Edwards Esq.
Sir -  please pardon me for troubling you again
respecting a Pension for Phillis formerly the Widow of Doct'r Cuff
during the session of our General Assembly at Hartford last spring
I met with Cor'a  [Corporal] Ephraim M. White who was a Representive
from the Town of Danbury, a reputable gentleman - I
enquire'd of him if he ever knew a [inserted: colored] person that went by the name of
Doct'r. Cuff that belong'd to the any, he readily said he did
perfectly well, that he was a Waiter the latter part of the War to the
Surgeons at s'd Danbury-several of whom room at his Fathers
House that he recollected the Colore'd. Men had a [illegible]for the house
of a Capt near the close of the War, and that we Boys advis'd them
to choose Doct'r Cuff, as he knew more about Military than any
one of them, having belong'd to the army so long he went on further
and described his person, as being rather under [illegible], very polite
& mannerly, that he was generally dress'd in uniform &c that he
Woul'd make enquiry after his return home, and if he found any
testimony that woul'd be beneficial,  woul'd inform me. I lately rec'd
a letter from him, enclosing his deposition, both of which
I herein enclose, which [illegible] please examine there being no
one present [inserted: to put questions] the Cor'a  [Corporal] left out the circumstancal part- it appears
by your letter to me in reply to mine of the 24th Sept'r. last, which
enclos'd the 2nd depostion of Mr. Lay, it having been forward'd with
out a Certificate from the Secretary of State that Henry M Waite
was a judge of the Superior Court, the regulations were not
known here at that time, and presuming that the signature
of Judge Waite was familiar to you, & as we shou'd have to
send more than forty miles to process the certificate I
concluded to send it as it was, if not satisfactory, if you Sir
will have the goodness to return it to me, [llegible] his last affidant
I will see that it is completed--it likewise appears that
you are not satisfied with the proof of Phillis Marriage to
Doct'r Cuff, which if I mistake not, was a Certificate from
the Rev'd Israel I Otis Minister of the County of Gosham
Page 75

the regulations of the Pension Officer were not known here
at the time, my impression is that Mr Otis gave a certificate
of the same and made oath to it before our Judge of Probate
but can't say for certainty and this is the first information
I have had that it was not satisfactory --  Phillis has however
procur'd another from the same source with the Clerk
of the County Court Certificate which is herein enclos'd
together with Col White letter to me & his depostion, and I
cant but hope and believe that the department will feel
satisfied that Phillis is justly entitled to a pension and that
you sir will direct her name to be placed on the List
Very respectfully your Obed Serv't
John Isham

[written upside down] Report to
Hon. Jos. Trumbull

You Sir are requested to examine the Certificate of the Rev'd 
Mr Otis and the deposition of Jesse Harvey as to the marrage
of Phillis to Doct'r Cuff May 1783--
likewise the two depostions of John Lay of Lyme as to the
S'd Doc't Cuff remaining in service after his marriage to
Phillis to the close of the War in 1783
likewise the letter from Col'o White to me & his depontion
that the s'd Doc't Cuff was at Danbury a Waiter to the
Surgeons and belong'd to the army to the close of the
War 1783 - all which agree fully in my opinion with
her application dated Nov. 1837
and [inserted: likewise] as to the belief contain'd in the depontions of
Doct'r John R Watrous}
Elinor Hewitt}  as to the services of the s'd Doct'r
Stephen Foote} Cuff
Asa Strong}
Page 76

J Isham  to J Trumbull
No 12.

Hon. Joseph Trumbull
Member Congress
City - Washington

[at left  bottom]
D. Mail}

[Sideways on left of address]
Feb 4. 1840
Ct
P. Tatum

Feb 4. 1840

[Sideways on right of address]
Hon. Jos. Trumbull
HR
Page 77

Colchester January 28th 1840
Hon. Josephy Trumbull
Dear Sir - having lately received a letter from Col. E. M White of Danbury together with his deposition respecting the services of Doct. Cuff, which I think will have a tendency to remove the difficulties in Phillis' case for a Pension have taken the liberty to endorse to you a letter for Mr. Edwards in which is Col. Whites letter to me & his deposition. likewise the deposition of the Reverend Mr. Otis respecting the marriage which you'll please read & seal the letter to Mr. Edwards & forward to him. Your complyance will add another favor to the list - Very respectfully your friend John Isham

NB my reason for troubling you Sir with this is that you may have the kin of it of the additional testimony which you'll above was taken without any question being just - J.I
Page 78

Cols Ephraim M White
deposition respecting  
Phillis ---

No 6
Page 79

Ephram Moss White of Danbury in the County
Fairfield and State of Connecticut sixty
four years being duly sworn, doth depose
and say that he was born and has all his
life time resided in said Danbury; that at
the close of the Revolutionary War the precise
date he cannot recollect but it was
in 1782, or 1783, he knew a colored man
called Doctor Cuff - He was [illegible] with
and [illegible], and was in the [illegible]
and served as waiter to a Surgeon
in the service of the United States at said
Danbury. And it is the belief of the
deponant though to
state the
last with [illegible] confidence  that the
said Corps remained in said Danbury
in the service of the United States until
after the concession the Treaty of Paris.
Ephraim Moss White

State of Connecticut County of Fairfield
on this 3 day of December 1839, at
Danbury, in the Probate District of Danbury
in said County, before the Court of Probate
[illegible] and for the District of Danbury
personally appeared Ephraim Moss
White the above named deponent, who
subscribed the foregoing Deposition and
being duly sworn made solemn oath to the
truth of the [illegible] and the Court doth
certify that the said White is a man of
good character for truth & credible
[illegible]
In testimony whereof
I have herein [illegible]
my name and affixed
my seal of office this
3d day of December
Gilead G. Taylor Clerk.
Page 80

I Edward Taylor of Danbury Fairfield County and State of Connecticut Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Danbury is this & for said County and State do hereby certify to all whom it may concern that Gilead G Taylor who hath deigned the foregoing certificate is Clerk of the said Court of Probate and was Clerk at the State thereof duly appointed and sworn. That the signature subscribed to said Certificate and purporting to be he is in the proper hand writing of the said Gilead G Taylor, and that full faith and credit are due to his official acts as Court Clerk, and that the seal impressed upon the said certificate is the seal of said Court of Probate. In testimony above I have here unto set my hand at Danbury aforesaid this 3rd day of December 1839 Edward Taylor Judge
Page 81

Col E. M. White
letters to J Isham Esq.
respecting Doct Cuff
Page 82


John Isham Danbury 
3d December 1839
Dear Sir
Please pardon my long
delay in not replying to your request respecting proof of Doc Cuff Saunders,
being in the Army at the close of the Revolutionary War
for the following reasons; directly on my
return from Hartford, I was extremely
busy and have been so almost every
hour since - I have however been faithful
in my inquiries of not only the elderly
people now residing in this town, but have
written to some my friends and relatives
now residing in New York who formerly
resided in Danbury and have conversed with
others of my acquaintance in the adjoining
towns but can find none that can recollect
anything whereby any important testimony
can be derived. The facts are, that we
have but very few white people,
and no Blacks in our vicinity that
are much older than myself, and
those more advance appear somewhat
forgetful-- I have a sister about two years
older than myself, that describes Cuff perfectly
(according to my views) and thinks that he
was a waiter to some one in the Army
but is not positive, Mr. Booth has taken down
down
Page 83

Testimony so far as I can recollect, which I fear will be of but little use to the widow, as I was but young at the time the Army was disbanded, I will
recollect Doctor Turner, Doctor Belcher, Fanning
and Doctr Northrop as they with several others
of the Army roomed at my Father's for several months but I do not know that any one of those are living at the present time.  Most of them, if not all left by soon after the War.  
If you meet with success in
your laudable undertaking, I shall be well
paid for all the pained I have taken
I am Sir very Respectfully yours
E M White
Page 84

The Mother of Prince Saunders

No/4
Page 85

Prince Saunders, a notice of whose death was mentioned in a New York paper a few days since, and asking for information concerning him, was born in Lebanon, Conn. in February 1785. His mother, who was formerly the slave of Charles Hinckley Esq. deceased, is now living in Lebanon, at a very advanced age. His father, Cuff Saunders, familiarly called Doct. Cuff, went into the Revolutionary war with the late Doct. Philip Turner, deceased, of Norwich, who employed Cuff as an attendant in the hospital, where he acquired considerable skill, and used to practice physic after the war till he died. After the death of Charles Hinckley Esq. his son, Orimel Hinckley Esq. removed to Thetford in Vermont, and took Prince, who was a favorite, with him, and educated him at Dartmouth College. After Prince left College, he taught the colored school in Colchester Academy. He then went to England, and was treated with much attention and was introduced to the Royal Family.  From thence he went to Hayti, and was made Bishop of Hayti by Chistophe . Since then he has been appointed Attorney General of Hayti, where he died, aged 54 years. Prince was an uncommon colored man, had the best education the country could afford, and made good use of his advantages. A brother of his is now living in Lebanon, and is quite an enterprising and respectable man, cultivating  a good farm of which he is the owner.
Page 86

J L Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
City - Washington
Page 87

Colchester Connecticut September 24th 1839
J L Edwards Esq.
Sir - it appears by your letter of the 28th August last that the additional testimony of Mr. Lay in the case of Phillis Tatton for a Pension was not satisfactory - having business at Lyme yesterday - I called on Mr. Lay by request of Phillis - found him an intelligent hearty farmer and to all appearances in very comfortable circumstances and have rarely met with a person of his years whose mental faculties are so little impaired - I show him your letter to me of the 28th August - he observed the deposition he had given in Phillis' case were thoughts of the moment,  that Doct. Cuff was perfectly familiar to him, and on reflection he was positive that he the said Doct. Cuff served to the close of the War in 1783 - and would give an additional affidavit which I herein enclose - Phillis' Song (and only child living) Anthony Tatton who has no property just what he has earned by hand labour, and who has supported his mother for more than twenty years past, called at my store after I served yours of the 28th, to heat the result of My Lays testimony. I told him it was not satisfactory to the department - and directed him to enquire of his Mother if she had any knowledge or recollection of her said Husband Cuff ever having service, a certificate or discharge when he left the Army. She sent back word that the last time Cuff came home from
Page 88

the army, which was the fall after they were married, that he brought his discharge as he called it and put it into his chest with a few other papers where he kept it as long as he lived- soon after his death, her two young [Martin?], the late Colonel Orimal Hinckley who died at  [illegible] Vermont & Dyer J Hinckley called at the Small Homes my said Husband left near the line of Colchester, and examined the said Cuff papers & paid Doctr. Coleman who attended him in his last [illegible] and was in the army with him, and paid some other small expenses, observed to her that Cuff was gone and that his discharge & other papers would be of no use they threw them into the fire, all of which she is ready to make oath to if of any use - Phillis appears to feel wounded to find that in many instances widows whose husbands served but six months have obtained Pension, and she is despised. after waiting six years for her Husband to be in the army, and more than six months after they were married- I take it the department has heretofore been satisfied with her testimony, except as to Cuffs services after they were married in May 1783- you appear [to go out the ground?] that Doctr. Cuff enlisted for during the war and must of course been discharged.  at the time he was paid by the State in 1781 with the rest of the Connecticut line- from the first affidavit of Mr Lay who you may not [illegible] [illegible] is a very competent Witness, that he found the said Cuff in service the summer after he joined the Army (which was as he states in April 1781), which clearly shows that the said Cuff continued in service after the state paid him he further states in said first affidavit that he often communed with
Page 89

him, and on one occasion he thinks near the close of the War he handed
him a powder horn of Camphorse. Now Sir in his affidavit of the
23rd Instal he states on further reflection that in heaven
his former deposition relative to the application of Phillis Tatton
for a Pension - that he has rested further on the rest
and is fully satisfied that the conversation which he had with
her former husband as was subsequent to their
marriage and the last year of the war when here
Phillis he spoke of her as his wife which was that his wife
was then pregnant - this conversation was in the summer
and took place in his tent while encamp in the highlands at
the time of this conversation he was a soldier and Walter
I am well acquainted with all those persons who have
in favor of Phillis application for a Pension, and amendith
sett of Witness can hardly be found and hope that the
additional testimony of Mr Layd outand
that Phillis will soon enabled to receive her just dues
from Government your peace active thanks
for the prompt in which your Hen department
have attended to the many applications committed
charge
being respectfully your aid, Fort
reply to this or as
convenient will and
another favor
John Thom
Government have lately lost two
Pennins near this his Mr Branard
Timothy Ruman
Page 90

No 5
Mr. John Lay
2nd Affidavit 
appl. of Phllis
Page 91

I John Lay of Lyme State of Connecticut on oath depose and say that, since I gave my former deposition in relation to the application of Phillis Tatton for a pension. I have reflected further upon the subject, and am fully satisfied that the conversation which I had with her former husband "Doct Cuff" was <u>subsequent</u>  to their marriage and in the last year of the war.  When he spoke of Phillis he spoke of her as his <u>wife</u>, and the sickness be referred to was that which would take place at the birth of her child-- The idea which he communicated to me, was that his wife was <u>then</u> pregnant and that her [con- nement?] in consequence, would be the next fall- this conversation was in the summer season, in my tent, while we were encamped in the highlands- I think I cannot be mistaken as to the time and am very sure I am not as to the subject of the conversation-- At the time of this conversation, he was a soldier belonging to our regiment and in the company of coloured men, although be generally served as a waiter among the officers- John Lay

State of Connecticut 
New- London County ss 
Lyme September 23- 1839 

Personally appeared John Lay &amp; before me subscribed &amp; made oath to the foregoing deposition- And I further certify that I know him &amp; think he is a credible person, 
Henry M. Waite a Judge of the Superior Court of the State of Connt.
Page 92

[Stamped on upper left corner "COLCHESTER CT AUG 22"]

[Stamped the word "FREE"]
[Written sideways, upper left margin "? Ct. -Aug 26"]

J.L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions,
City-Washington
Page 93

Colchester Connt. Augt. 22nd 1839 

J.L Edwards Esq

Sir- by request of Phillis Tatten formerly the Widow of Cuff Wells alias Cuff Saunders commonly call Doctr. Cuff I forwarded you last Thursday the additional testimony in her application for a Pension [illegible] of John Day of Lyme & Franklin Fanning of Griswold and having procured a Norwich paper which contained the death of their 2nd Child Prince Saunders who died at [illegible] in [illegible] last have taken it from the paper and herein endow the same to you believing that it will have a tendency to remove all doubts which may exist-- I have lately seen Phillis, she says her first child by Cuff was a daughter which she was pregnant with when they were married, and was born she thinks in August or Septr. after it lived but a short time- she says that she recollects Cuff bringing home the Camphor mentioned by Mr. Lay, with a number of other articles-
Very respectfully your Obedt. Servt.
John Isham
Page 94

J.L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
City-Washington

[Written on left side of page "Dillard"]
Page 95

Colchester Connt. August [15 or 16]th 1839
J. Ll Edwards Esq – 
     Sir-  after stating to you that Mrs Mary
 Hay wish'd me to say to you that she had receiv'd his Pension 
Certificate- permit me to add that the applicants for a Pension 
from this quarter have generally been very poor and destitute 
of property- it therefore has been rather a convenience to have  
their certificates, so far as I have been [illegible] for [illegible] to my 
case, to enable me to have the am't upon  which I 
have been obliged to advance to Witnesses &c- in the case of Mrs 
Hay it however has made no difference as her son is responsible 
for the same—you’l recollect Sir that by request of 
Phillis Tatten formerly the widow of Cuff Wells alias Cuff Saunders 
commonly call'd Doct'. Cuff I forwarded to your care in Nov'r 
1837 her application for a Pension under the act of July 1836
& the explanatory act of March 1837 together with the Certificate 
of the Rev'd Mr. Otis & Peleg Thomas Esq'r of both her marriages 
likewise the Death of both her Husbands and the testimony 
of Doct'. John R Watrous & Elinor Herbert as to believing the 
identical person Phillis nam'd in her application and as to 
his service & to their belief of his having serv'd to the close of 
the war in 1783 and afterward she had forwarded the testimony 
of Stephen Foote & Asa Strong & Jesse Harvey as to his service 
and their belief as to his having served to the close of the 
War in 1783.  the department appear'd not satisfied
Page 96

that he remain'd to the close of the War, on account of
his having been paid by the State to 1781- which was the
case with all the Troops belonging to this State, it appears
they were afterwards paid by the United States- Phillis has
always maintain'd a fair character, except she was [ilegible] to have
a child by Cuff when they were marri'd, she is very intelligent
for a person of her age - and having fail'd in her application
I advis'd her to apply under the act of 1838 which she did
which you'l observe is is in the following words "his according 
to the late decision of the Com'n of Pensions she was not
Married to the said Cuff prior to his leaving the service," this
she observ'd at the time was not correct, and said that
Cuff belong'd to the army at the time they were marri'd
and believing that she was justly entitled to a Pension
I advis'd her to take the course jus'to apply under the
Act of 1838 which was likewise rejected  And Sir she having
procur'd  the testimony of another important Witness.
He's Mr John Lay of Lyme as to the s'd Cuff
[2 illegible]
I request Sir that you have the goodnes to have her first
application [illegible]. and on such revision I can't but 
hope and believe from the additional testimony of Mr Lay
which is herein enclos'd and who I find stands very fair
as an intelligent person and credible Witness that the
department will be satisfied & readily grant the s'd
Phillis a Pension. I likewise enclose a copy of the 
several payments by Charles Fanning Esq Pay Master made the s'd Cuff up to 1781 which
may possibly throw some light on the request from
Page 97

which it appears that the said Cuff was paid as an [illegible] and that he was transferred to one the 4th to the 1st Regt and that he was about from the regular line of the army and by a late advertisement in a Norwich paper it appears that the said Cuff was a war [smudged] to Doctor Phillip Turner who was a Surgeon General of the Eastern Division of the army and was [illegible] generally in the battle at Danbury. 
Said Phillis is very poor and destitute and wholly dependent on her son for [illegible] support. You sir will confer a favor on her by informing me of the [illegible] soon as convenient.
Very respectfully your obedient servant.
John Isham
Page 98

I Franklin Fanning of Griswold in the County of new London & State of Connecticut being of lawful age, having been duly sworn, according to law, do, on my oath, depose say, that, I am son of Charles Fanning Esq, late of said Griswold deceased, who was Pay Master of the Regiment commanded by Col John Durkee of the Connecticut Troops, in the continental line of the Revolutionary Army, and have in my possession the Pay Rolls, kept by my said Father, which have been in my care since his decease, and on examination of said Pay Rolls, the name of Cuff Wells as a private is found. Viz - 

Account of all monies due to absentees from Jany 1st 1779, to 1st Sept - Cuff Wells, to 1st Sept £17.8.0 - absent

Pay Roll of Col Durkees Co 4th Connt Regt for Sept 1779 Cuff Wells, private, and £5.0.0

Pay Roll of Col Durkees Co 4th Conn Regt for Oct 1779 Cuff Wells, private, amt £5.0.0

Pay Roll of Col Durkees Co 4th Conn Regt for Nov 1779 Cuff Wells, private, amt £5.0.0

Pay Roll of Col Durkees Co Connt Regt for Dec 1779 Cuff Wells, private, amt £5.0.0

Pay Roll of Col Durkees Co 4th Connt Regt for Jany 1780 Cuff Wells, private, amt, Dols, 16.60

Pay Roll of Capt Buells Co 4th regt for Feby 1780, Cuff Wells, private, amt, Dols 16.60

Pay Roll of Capt Buells Co 4th Regt for March 1780, Cuff Wells, private, amt Dols 16.60

Pay Roll of Capt Buells Co 4th Regt for April 1780, Cuff Wells, private, amt Dols 16.60

Pay Roll of Capt Buells Co 4th Regt for May 1780, Cuff Wells, private, amt Dols 16.60

Pay Roll of Capt Buells Co 4th Regt for June 1780, Cuff Wells, private, amt Dolls 16.60

and Pay Roll of Col Durkees Co for July, I find Cuff Wells name as follows - 
Pay Roll of Col Durkees Co for July 1780, Cuff Wells, private Dols 16.60

Also per account of monies due absentees from Jany 1st to April 1st 1780, entered after the above Pay Rolls the name of Cuff Wells, private, amt Dols 50.

turn over
Page 99

Pay Roll Capt Stillwells Co 1st Connt Regt for Jany 1781, Cuff Wells, private, amt Dolls 6.60

Pay Roll Capt Stillwells Co 1st Connt Regt for Feby 1781, Cuff Wells, private, amt Dolls 6.60

Pay Roll Capt Stillwells Co 1st Conn Regt for March 1781, Cuff Wells, private, amt Dols 6.60

Also on acct thus viz - 
1781 Cuff Wells
[illegible] to 1 vest
to 1 shirt
to 1 pr stockings
to 1 pr shoes
Jewett City 28th Nov 1838

Franklin Fanning

Pay Roll No 11.

State of Connecticut
New London County }Ss. Griswold Nov 28th 1838
Here personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid, Franklin Fanning Esq, the above deponent, a person well known to me and a credible witness and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed in my presence.
Attest Samuel C Roegar Justice of the Peace
Page 100

Jno Lay - Affidavit
No/3
Page 101

I John Lay of Lyone in the County of New London and state of Connecticut, a Revolutionary Pensioner, aged seventy five years, on oath depose and say that in the month of January 1781. I enlisted into the sixth company in the fourth Connecticut regiment commanded by Col Zebulon Butler for the time of three years and continued in the service until the 28th day of October 1783, when I was discharged.

After I joined the army and as believe in the course of the summer after my enlistment, I became acquainted with a coloured man by the name of Cuff, (who generally in the army went by the name of  [illegible] Curr" I often conversed with him, and on one occasion, and of I think near the close of the war, he came to me with a powder horn filled with camphor, and asked me to smell of it - I did, and asked him what it was - he said camphor. He expected that Phyllis was going to be sick that fall, and he was going home if he could. I frequently saw him, and from my acquaintance with him and from what I saw of him, I have no doubt but that he served until the close of the war.
John Lay
Page 102

State of Connecticut
New London County}Ss Lyme
Personally appeared John Lay and before me subscribed and made oath to the foregoing deposition. The deponent is well known to me and is a reputable man and a credible witness.
Henry M Waite a Judge of the Superior Court
Page 103

Phillis Tatton
Application
Aug 2 1838
Page 104

State of Connecticut Ss
On this 23rd day of August 1838 personally appeared before the court of Probate of the District of Colchester, Phillis Tatton a resident of Lebanon in the County of New London, aged eighty six years next Dec. Who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 7th 1838 entitled "an act granting half pay, and pensions to certain widows" that she is the widow of Cuff Wells, alias Cuff Saunders, commonly called Doct Cuff, who enlisted into the army of the United States in the year 1777, as a private for during the War - was placed in a Regt commanded by Col John Durkee where he continued till May 1781, as will more fully appear by a certificate from the Comptroller of this state which was forwarded with her application for a pension in last December now on file in the Pension Office. That she was married to the said Cuff Wells, alias Cuff Saunders, in May 1783 by the Revd Timothy Stone, Pastor of the Society of Goshen in said Lebanon, that her husband the aforesaid Cuff died in the month of Dec 1783, of the influenza, that she was afterwards married to Anthony Tatton, in Jany 1791 by Peleg Thomas Esq, junior, a Justice of the Peace. The said Anthony died soon after, since which she has been & still is a widow, reference being had to the certificate of the Rev Mr. Otis & Peleg Thomas esq, and to the aforesaid application which was forwarded in Dec last, as to their marriage &c for a more full explanation. That according to the late decision of the Com of Pensions respecting Cuffs term of services she was not married to the said Cuff prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January seventeen hundred & ninety four, viz at the time above stated.
Phillis Tatton X her mark

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written.
Before me Frederic Morgan, Judge
Page 105

At a Court of Probate holden at Colchester in the District of Colchester August 23d 1838
Personally appeared Phillis Tatton the signer of the foregoing application and made oath to the 
truth of the same, and this Court finds that she is the same Phillis Tatton who made application for a pension in Dec last under the act of Congress passed in July 1836 - that she was formerly the wife of Cuff Wells or Cuff Saunders a Revolutionary soldier, and that she is now and 
long has been a widow.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal the day & 
year above named.
      [signed] Frederic Morgan Judge of Probate
Page 106

X698
Phillis Tatton
Wid of Cuff Wells
Cont
Act 7 July 1838

No 10
Page 107

J. L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
City - Washington
Page 108

Colchester Conn Aug 23rd 1838

J. L. Edwards Esq

Sir - your favor of 13th Instant respecting widow Phillis Tatton claim for a pension, came duly to hand from which it appears, that the additional testimony lately forwarded in her case, has not been [illegible] sufficient concerning her extreme poverty, have advised her to relinquish the course she has been pursuing, and apply under the late act. I therefore by her request enclose you her application for a pension under the act of Congress July 7th 1838. And as you have on file proof of Cuff's services as a soldier of the Revolution, together with the certificates of her marriage &c which was forwarded in Dec last with her application, all which are said to be on file in the Pension Office. "think it not necessary to go into [illegible] any further than I have stated in her application at this time - not being a professional character, I may have omitted something necessary, if so, if you'd be so good as to point it out, it will be attended to. I hope however it will prove satisfactory & save us both any further trouble, if so & you'd please to forward me her certificate I will see that she has it.
Very respectfully your Obedt Servt
John Isham
Page 109

J. L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
City - Washington

JM ab Aug 6
Page 110

Colchester Conn. Augt 2nd 1838

J. L. Edwards Esq.

Sir - I forwarded to you by request on the 16th June last, the depositions of Asa Strong & Jim Harvy, as additional proof in the case of Phillis Tatton formerly the widow of Cuff Wells alias Cuff Saunders (who was a soldier during the Revy War, and stated that I was in hopes that this addition will prove satisfactory, have not heard from you since, will you have the goodness Sir to have her application reviewed soon as convenient, and inform me the result, for if it is rejected, she is calculating to apply for relief under the late act for widows - and as there is a few of that [illegible] in this quarter who are calculating to apply, and as the regulations have not been published, which are to be observed in making out their papers, I shall [illegible] it a favor if you'd have the goodness to forward me a copy soon as they are ready.
Very respectfully your obed servt
John Isham
Page 111

J. L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
City - Washington

June 19
CT
Add Aff
Phillis Mitchell, alias Saunders
Page 112

Colchester Conn June 16th 1838

J. L. Edwards Esq

Sir - your favor of the 9th March last respecting the claim of Phillis Tatton who was formerly widow of Cuff Wells alias Cuff Saunders for a pension came duly to hand, and in reply I feel under great obligation to the Hon. War Department, for the promptness they have uniformly attended to the many applications from me in behalf of Revy claimants having had in my possession the Revy papers of my deceased Father John Isham Esq who took a very active part in the War of the Revolution. I early engaged in this business, not with the idea of gain, but to [illegible] a very deserving & meritorious man of [illegible] as I have always understood them - who are generally poor & destitute, I was in hopes that the additional information contained in my letter to you of the 26th Feby last would have been satisfactory, and not have placed one in a situation to have given you any further trouble, being fully sensible that the many applications must cause considerable perplexity to the department - you appear Sir to place your objections on the Comptroller certificate of payment May 1781, I find by examining the record at Hartford that the books belonging to the Connecticut line & especially to Col Durkee Regt were paid off int he name of the year 1781 some in Jany some in March - April May & so on but the auth do not state by whom received the comptroller thinks that the men recd this pay at different times when at home on furlough. Phillis does not appear to recollect how Cuff recd his pay nor who from, it [illegible] you state Sir that his name is not on the rolls of those who remained in the army til the close of the war - you'll recollect that Phillis states in her application that Cuff assumed the name of Cuff Saunders before they were married and that he was taken from the line of the army some time before and placed at Danbury at the hospital apothecary store where he remained til the close of the war in 1783, and she does not know by which of his surnames he was transferred. Doctor Watson says that Coll Durkee was taken unwell, left the army returned home & soon after died. That Col Grosvenor took the command of his Regt. Phillis is unwilling to relinquish her claims feeling confident that the said Cuff served to the close of the War, she has lately found that Asa Strong who is a substantial inhabitant & who has always resided at the North part
Page 113

of this Town and near when the sd Cuff and was well acquainted with
him likewise a Harry of Lebanon who was a
quainted with the Buff both credible persons and by hungued
unto you their depositions, which together with those
heretofore forwarded his port. Watrous & Mess Hewit I hope will
prove satisfactory, being the best proof she has been able to obtain
as those who enlisted about the same time and were acquainted with
him are all head, and I by have set to refer you to the open
A
ion of the late Hon, Secretary as in his regulations of June 15th 1833
he says with respect to the evidence which should be require of the
applicants, the certificate of a Commission. Opinion can be obtain
is require, but if not then the corroborating statement of two credible
Witnesses must be produce. Not that the witnesses on both
certify from their personal knowlege to the actual service of the
applicant, but that they shew by direct or inductincumstan
tial evidence confirm the account given by him or herself these
principles have regulated the department heretofore, and they
appear to me to be founded in reason & justice and as the dificulty
of proving testimony gradually increases the regulations have
recently been reland particularly with respect to the nature of
the circumstances require to be shown with respect to the Militia
he says time has so reduce the number of those between and of
the Witnesses of their service and sufferings, that to demand of them
prontive proof independently of their own statements would be to
deprive many of them of the benefit of the act, my
is
that the applicant show produce the best evidence in his power,
Now Sir I take it the department and satisfied as to the identity of the
S Cuff likewise of the sd Phillis having been his lawful and likewin
of the legality of both her marriages, of the death of both of her Husband
and that the was a Widow July 1836 & till remains the widow of the
Sd Anthony and the only difficulty I can discover is that the sd Cuff
was discharge at the time he was paid off by the State in May 1781 - the
Comptroller informs me that from the State Record there is not the last
evidence of Cuff having been discharge at that time he was paid off and
it appears that Aaron & Edward Carter who enlisted about the same
time who are mention, in Mr Strongs testimony, who were near Neighbors
Page 114

the deposition of Mr. Strong & Harvy that Stephen Foote a very credible person who is now a pensioner will if called on testify to about the same of Mr. Strong if necessary, he having been well acquainted with the said Cuff. I hope Sir that the department will feel satisfied with this additional testimony, if not & traditionary evidence have been of any service, I presume that Phillis can obtain from [cut off] every credible person who has always resided in said Goshen Society of sixty years of age this testimony that they before that the said Cuff served to the close of the War in 1783.
Any further information on the request will oblige your Obedt Sevt.
John Isham
Page 115

to Cuff, I am inform'd that both of their windows are plac'd on the Pension
List, it appears that Cuff was taken from his Reg.d a plac'd at the Hospital
& apotherary Store in Danburg he being a half booter [meaning: boots worn by the military], and Phillis does
not appear to know whither his Master his pay or by which
of his surnames he then stood enroll'd & sued  it if at all, she is an
honest intelligent person and so far as I can learn has always mantain'd 
a fair character for truth & veracity she appears confident that
her s'd Husband Cuff serv'd to the close of the War 1783 I find since taking
the depontion of Ms [Misters] Strong & Harvy that Stephen Foote a very credible
person who is now a Pensioner will if call'd on testify to about the same
of Mr Strong if necessary, he having been well acquainted with the
s'd Cuff I hope sir that the department will feel satisified with
this additional testimony, if not & traditionary evidence & 
be of any service, I presume that Phillis can obtain from an [illegible-page folded] have
every credible person who has always resided in s'd Goshen
County of sixty years of age their testimony that thy believe
that the s'd Cuff serv'd to the close of the War in 1783-
And further information on the subject
will oblige your Obed't Serv'nt
John Isham
Page 116

State of Connecticut
County of New London} Ss Colchester May 30th 1838

On this 30th day of May 1838 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Colchester in the County of New London aforesaid Asa Strong a resident of Colchester aforesaid aged seventy two years 20th of April last, who being duly sworn according to law in open court testifies & says that he well remembers Cuff Wells who was a slave to Deacon Israel Wells of said Colchester, who in order to obtain his freedom (as it was said) enlisted into the army of the United States, he thinks in the year 1777 for during the war. That he well recollects to have seen the said Cuff several times when at home on furlough, during the time he belonged to the army. That said Deacon Wells living within one mile of where he was born & has always resided, and he recollects perfectly well, when it was said the said Cuff was married to Phillis Hinckley of Goshen, a society in the town of Lebanon. He was not at the wedding, but saw the said Cuff at the time, that he was home on furlough as he stated - and he understood that he then belonged to the army & was stationed at Danbury a waiter to the surgeon of the hospital & was going back in a few days, have always understood that he went back to said Danbury and staid his time out, viz until those who had engaged for the War were discharged. That he was likewise well acquainted with Aaron Carter or Edward Carter who enlisted about the same time for the War they lived at a place called Rye Hills the East part of said Colchester & near the said Cuff. That he further recollects that the said Cuff assumed the name of Cuff Saunders and went by the name of Doctor Cuff, not long before he was married, and that he has been well acquainted with the said Phillis ever since her marriage to the said Cuff, she having always resided near where he lives. And he has no doubt but that the said Cuff served until the close of the war in 1783.
Asa Strong

Sworn and subscribed to the date & year aforesaid.
Benj. Trumbull Judge
Page 117

I Jesse Harvy of Lebanon County of New London state of Connecticut aged seventy two years 10th day of Sept last testify & say on oath, that in the year 1783 and for several years previous I lived with John Brown of said Lebanon that the said Brown being a near neighbor to Charles & Elizabeth Hinckley were by then enlisted to attend the wedding of Cuff Wells, alias Cuff Saunders, to their colored woman Phillis, and the said Mr. Brown being then an aged person invited me to accompany him, which I did, and saw the said Cuff & the said Phillis joined in marriage by the Revt Timothy Stone then minister over the Society of Goshen in said Lebanon, that the said Cuff was dressed in uniform with red farings, that I had been acquainted with the said Cuff from the time he came to live with Deacon Israel Wells of Colchester, having seen him a number of times at the said Mr. Hinckleys. That I well remember the time when it was said that he the said Cuff had enlisted into the army of the United States, which he said he had done in order to obtain his freedom. At the time he was married it was the general talk that he then belonged to the Continental Army & was stationed at Danbury Hospital to the surgeon of the hospital. That he was home on furlough and said he should soon return back, and it was said that he did. I did not see him again until late in the fall after and I have always understood & believed that the said Cuff served his time out, and was regularly discharged at the close of the War. And I further testify that I know the said Phillis now Phillis Tatton before she was married to the said Cuff, and was well acquainted with both of her husbands until their death, having always resided near them, they both died in a small house near the town of Colchester in said Lebanon, and I verily believe that the said Cuff served to the close of the War in 1783.
Jesse Harvy

Sworn and subscribed to the day and year aforesaid.
Benj. Trumbull Judge
Page 118

And the Court do hereby certify that the said Asa Strong and Jesse Harvy who have severally sworn & subscribed their several depositions aforesaid. One each of them credible persons and that their statements are entitled to credit.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of said office this 30th day of May AD 1838.
O. Worthington Clerk

Asa Strong 
Deposition
Page 119

J. L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
City - Washington
Page 120

Colchester Connt Feby 26th 1838

J. L. Edwards Esq

Sir - by request of Phillis Tatton widow of Anthony Tatton formerly widow of Cuff Wells alias Cuff Saunders, who was a Revy Soldier. I forwarded to you her claim for a pension under the act of Congress July 1836 & the act explanatory thereto of March 3d 1837 together with certificates of both her marriages &c with one from State Comptroller of payments by the state for services up to May 1781 = beyond which time there does not appear any record of the troops belonging to the Connecticut line having been paid by the state.
I rec'd your notice of the 30th Dec last that said claim had been examined and disallowed on account of her late husband having enlisted in May 1777 for the War, and was discharged on the 6th May 1781, which was two years before her marriage "without giving the reason why he was discharged". Phillis appears to be quite disappointed says there must be a mistake as to his "being discharged", and makes the following declaration in addition to what she at first stated that the said Cuff came home on a furlough from Danbury the fall before they were married, staid a short time & returned back to said Danbury. That she soon after found that she was like to have a child by him the said Cuff. That she got John Shapley who was a Clerk in the store of her Master Hinckley to write to Cuff at said Danbury & inform him of their situation and that the said Cuff came home again on furlough in the spring after & they were married by the Revd Mr. Stone agreeable to the certificate of the Revd Mr. Otis - and that her husband the said Cuff soon after returned back to Danbury and continued as a waiter to the surgeon of the hospital
Page 121

until late in the fall after, and until those during the War were discharged. I have been acquainted with Phillis for a number of years, have uniformly considered her an honest intelligent person, and as far as I can know has always sustained a good character in the neighborhood where she has resided (except in the instances which I have [illegible] to which I consider not very singular after a constitute of seven years). I have examined the state records at Hartford there is no mention of the said Cuff having been discharged. The Comptroller informed me that the Connecticut line was paid off by the state in the year 1780 = 81 and those who continued in service were after that paid by the United States, and he considered that all those who enlisted for during the War & those whose term of service was not out were all continued. That Andrew Kingsbury Esq deceased late treasurer of this state belonged to the Connecticut line was taken from his Regt stationed in the apothecary store at said Danbury where he remained til the close of the War, that he has since been placed on the pension roll. I find there is several credible persons living who were well acquainted with Cuff before he went into the Army & knew him after the close of the War who will testify as to their belief of his having served "to the close of the War". I therefore on behalf of Phillis request you Sir, to have her claim examined as the decision may possibly have been made as to his discharge from his having been paid up to that term by the state - and it does not appear to me hardly possible that so able a bodied soldier
Page 122

as Cuff was & so useful, who had enlisted for during the War should have been discharged and at a time when government stood in such great need of troops as they did in 1781. Will you have the goodness Sir to inform me of the result and as to the reasons of his being discharged and likewise as to the said Cuff or his heirs being enrolled to one hundred acres Bounty Land.
Very respectfully your obedt servt.
John Isham

NB - I should not Sir give you this extra trouble if I did not believe that Phillis is justly entitled to a pension by the act of Congress.
J. I.
Page 123

[illegible] Dec 29

J. L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
City - Washington
Page 124

Colchester Connt Dec 23rd 1837

J. L. Edwards Esq

Sir - On the 4th Nov last, by request of Phillis Tatton, widow of Anthony Tatton deceased, and previously widow of Cuff Wells, alias Cuff Saunders who was a Revy soldier, I forwarded to you by mail her application for a pension under the act of Congress July 1836 & the act explanatory of March 1837 together with what proof she could at that time obtain, it was found very difficult to find testimony as those persons who were acquainted with the circumstances of Doctor Cuffs services, as a soldier of the Revolution, were about all dead. Doctor Watrous is so well known as having belonged to the army, and being a person of respectability, I was in hopes that his deposition together with Mssrs Hewitt, who is a very credible witness, together with the documentary evidence, would have been satisfactory to the department not having heard from it, am pleased that it has not been received, if so you'd Sir confer a favor by nothing me since forwarding said application. I have been credibly informed that Deafn Hinckley son of the late Charles & Elizabeth Hinckley, who lives about eight miles from this was a member of Yale College at the time Phillis was married, was at home in the May vacation, & attended her wedding. He & a Mr. Harvy who was likewise present, will testify to about the same as Mrs. Hewitt as to the identify of the said Cuff and
Page 125

I find there is several credible persons who will testify as to their traditionary belief in said case if necessary, any information on the subject will oblige a poor old destitute widow.
Very respectfully your obed servt
John Isham
Page 126



J L Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
City - Washington
Page 127

Colchester Connt Nov 4th 1837

J. L. Edwards Esq
Sir - by request of Phillis Tatton, who was a widow of Cuff Saunders, alias Cuff Wells, commonly called Doctor Cuff, who was a soldier in the army of the Revolution. I enclose you here application for a pension under the act of Congress of July 4th 1836 and the act explanatory of said act passed March 3rd 1837 together with the certificates of the revd Mr. Otis Peleg Thomas Esq, of both her marriages - and would state to your Hon department that I have been well acquainted with the said Phillis for a number of years, she having resided within four miles of me - have uniformly considered her an honest intelligent woman & for a person of colour has sustained a fair character. She has always been poor & destitute of property. She will receive it a favor if you inform me of the result soon as convenient, and any additional requirements will be duly attended to - by your bed servt.
John Isham

B. the Certificate you forwarded to my care for Mrs Archey some time since widow of Crippen Archer deceased. I handed to her the same day. She appeared very thankful for it - was very rich at the time and died the next day.
J. I.