Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 16990, William Fitch, Conn. Conn. Sea Service
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
Conn
Conn. Sea Service

Fitch, William
Elizabeth
NUMBER
W. 16990

CONTENTS
Page 2

[??]ly
New York 4455
Elizabeth Fitch,
widow of William Fitch
who died on the   [illegible]
of [illegible]. in the State of N. Y.
who was a Surgeon in the [?] commanded
Captain Conn of the Reg. commanded
by [illegible] in the Rev. 
line for 7 mo.
Inscribed on the Roll of City N. York
at the rate of 40 Dollars  ------Cents
per annum, to commence on the 4th day of
March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 day of
March 1847 and said to John
E. Addison, Esq. Present
Arrears to the 4th of Mar. 4th                       22.40.
Semi-annual allowance ending September       70.
                                                                    $2310

{Revolutionary Claim,
Act July 4, 1836,
Section the 2d
and 3d March 1867}

Recorded by 
D. H. Wood Clerk,
Book C, Vol. 1. Page 114
Page 3

No 1. V
Statement of
Elizabeth Finch
Page 4

[illegible], [illegible]
State of New York
County of Richmond [illegible]
On this Fourth day of [?]
Agusut in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty
eight before N H. Topping [illegible]
a Justice of the Peace for the said County of Richmond
Personally appeared Elizabeth Fitch a resident in
the town of Southfield in the said County and State
aged Twenty three years 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: That she is the widow of William Fitch
who was at the time of her marriage to him a
Commissioned Assistant Surgeon in the Continental
Army and that he also held a commission at that
time as Surgeon in the Continental Navy, That she
cannot say at what time prior to her said marriage
her said husband but that she always understood
and verily believes that her said husband held the
said Commissions during the whole period of the
revolutionary War. That her said husband in
performance of his duty as said Assistant Surgeon
of the Army attended the prisoners of General Burgoynes
army to the South and that he was occasionally employed in his said duties during the
the whole of the said war and that he died as
she verily believes in possession of his said Commissions.
That during the said period her said husband
resided in the town of Stamford in the State of
Connecticut - And the said De[???]ent further
declared that since her said husbands death
most of his papers among which were as she
verily believes vouchers and documentary evidence
were accidentally consumed and that
she has no evidence of the truth of her statement
Page 5

to her knowledge and that Joseph Hull Colonel Fitch
Dr Coggeshall Dr Whiting and other who could as she
believes have testified to the said statements are dead, that the
reason why this application has not been made until
this time is, that since her said husbands death she has
resided in the Country and has had no communication
with persons competent to give her legal advice and that she
has been ignorant of the nature of her claim and the manner
of making it. She further declares that she was
married to her said husband in October 1781. but
does not remember the precise day. That her said husband
died.
and that she has remained a widow ever since that
period. that her maiden name was Holly and that the
name of the [?} [?] [?] Justice of
the Peace who married her was John Davenport
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and
year above written
W. H Topping  Justice of the Peace
Elizabeth Fitch
Page 6

William Fitch & Elissabeth Holly were married by
Abrm Davenport Esqr Assistant October twelfth one thousand
seven hundred and eighty one
I certify that the above is a true copy of the record,
with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record
in fair legible figures as follows Octr 12th 1781-
Seymour Jarvis, Town Clerk of the
Town of Stamford in the County
of Fairfield and State of Connecticut
I Seymour Jarvis, above named, depose & say that I
hold the office of Town Clerk, in the County, Town, and
State aforesaid and that the above is a true extract
from the records of said Town of Stamford, with the
exception above named, as certified by me
Seymour Jarvis, Clerk of
the town of Stanford
State of Connecticut
County of Fairfield
fo 
Stanford Probate District
Personally appeared Seymour Jarvis subscriber
of the foregoing certificate and deposition, on the 17th day
October  [?] 1838, and made oath to the truth of the same before
the Court of Probate for said District, the same having a Court
of Record as holding at Stanford in 1st  District. I further
certify that Deponent is town Clerk [?] of Stanford a credible person
Joshua B. Ferris Judge
I have [illegible] Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Stanford in Connecticut do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter ┃
of the application of Elizabeth Felch for a pension. In testimony
whereof, I have hereunto set my hand seal of office this
18th day of Oct. 1838-
Sand Suly Clerk
Page 7

Rwy

WIDOW, &c.
No. 16990
Elizabeth Fitch
Widow of
William Fitch
Surgeon Rev War
---
Act: July 4th, 36
Index: -Vol A     Page 238
Arrangement of 1870.
Page 8

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
REJECTED
3581
P.O. widow Elizabeth Fitch ┃
Service: William Fitch 
Consolidated June 14 182
with admitted widow F[???]e 
Enlisted: No 16.990, 18____
Discharged:    [illegible]  18
Application filed:            18
Page 9

FITCH, WILLIAM
( Conn., Sea Service)
W-16990
James Davenport
to 
William Fitch
Nov 11, 1978.

Mr William Fitch
[illegible]

James Da[??????]
Letter
Nov 11-1778
T[???????]
Page 10

My Dear Sir   Stanford Nov. 11th 1778
I wish the term of your confinement
was expired as you could now have
an opportunity of being employed in a business
that I imagine would please you if
you are fond of hurry & bustle[??]. The case is
this I am going to Virginia with the Convention
Troops in the Quarter Master Department
I should be very fond of having
your Company, you could have the
appointment
of Assistant Quarter Mast
the Troops and now marching which
makes it necessary for me to join them this
week, perhaps their march may be delayed, 
so that you can join me after
your confinement is out, indeed I think it is
probable that may be the case & if you
determine to go with me I will f[??lise 
ordered immediately to fill up the places vacant
Page 11

By the commanding Officer. I reserve a
place for you & my mother would be
much fonder of your going here than a
Privateering voyage you will consult your
own inclinations, the Tour will take up
at least four months

I am Sir your affect. friend
& most obdt.
James Davenport
[illegible] If you do not go with me I bid you
Farewell till Spring when I hope to see you
perfectly quiet & happy
[illegible]
Page 12

James Davenport
Letter
Jany 9th 1779.
Charlotte Ville
FITCH, WILLIAM
(Conn Sea Service)
W - 16990
Page 13

Dear Sir         CharlotteVille Jany 9th, 79
Yours & Light Horseman have
just [illegible] & send you enclosed, half a
Sheet, two hundred & twenty dollars, which
shall charge to your [illegible] The troops here
are in a curious situation, there one no
Quarters provided for the officers the British are
to be in paroled to the distance of 
forty miles. The Leeman will have
much greater Limits, a circumstance you
need not mention to the officers-- [illegible] I have
not seen Mattlier for a fortnight & know
nothing of him or  when he comes up [illegible]
will give him your Letter. I imagine h[?]
been[illegible] he ride [???]on, has caused hi[?]
some uneasiness in his p[???]eriors, which
[illegible] obliged him to take an
[illegible] [illegible] motion [illegible] [illegible]
I am your
most Obdt
J. Davenport
& [illegible]
Majr Will Fitch Esq
Page 14

Conn.
Conn. Sea Service

Fitch, William
Elizabeth

W.16990
Page 15

Sept [illegible] 29th, 1779
Sir
[illegible] is of order I Recd from [illegible] table
they allowed your whole act and I am very sorry
[illegible] [illegible] when you came as I arrived
that evening from Hartford mand have not had
an opportunity till now by [illegible] [illegible]to send up order from your humble Sert
to Doctor Wm. Fitch
David Hawley
Page 16

No 2
William Fitch
Commission as Ass: Surgeon

FITEH, WILLIAM
(CONN, SEA SERVICE)
W-16990
Page 17

By His Excellency Jonathan Trumbull Esqr Captain General
Governor and Commander in Chief of the State of Connecticut in America
to
William Fitch
Gent.  Greeting
You being by the Governor and Council of Safety of this State appointed to be Surgeon of
the Privateer Sloop of War called the Guilford ordered to be fitted out in warlike manner to
C[???] against the Enemies of this and the United States of America, Reposing special Trust
and confidence in your Skill, Knowledge, Fidelity and good conduct, I do hereby appoint you
to be Surgeon of said sloop of War. You are therefore to discharge that case of Trust in the Duty
of your profession as surgeon to War. privateer Sloop of War called the Guilford and they are
commanded to obey you accordingly for which these your sufficient Warrant
Given under my hand and Seal at Arms at Hartford this 15th Day of April
A. Domini 1779
Jon th Trumbull
Page 18

HR  {illegible] 507
Elizabeth Fitch
Page 19

Pension Office
May 9th. 1846.
Sir
I have the honor to enclose you
a copy of my letter to S.A. Cra[??] of 20th
January last, in the case of Elizabeth Fitch,
by which you will perceive, that if the Guilford
was a private as the records designate her, no
service whatever is established. The two letters of
J. Davenport, filed since and verified by the deposition
of h. Cogshew agreeably to your request have been [illegible]
The 1st dated Stanford, 11th November 1778, offers to appoint
her husband, assistant Quarter Master, in the
Qr. Masters' Department of the Convention Troops, escorting
the prisoners to the Albemarle Barracks in 1778, & 79
and estimates the length of employment at 4
months.
The other dated 9th January 1779, is
addressed to him as Major Wm Fitch, A. D.
Q. M. G. with first Division of German Troops;
these letters shew that he did receive an appointment
of Asst. Depy, Q[??] Master General, and
was actually in service in Virginia on 9th
January; but the length of the tour is not
made out by these additional papers, and
Page 20

the tour not even referred to, in those
previously filed
If Davenport was correct in his estimate,
it was less than 6 months, and there is no 
information in this Department, that the 
additional appointments made to the Quarter
Master General's Department for that special
Service, were continued at the Depot of
prisoners in Virginia, which would reduce
the length of service to less than 3 months
I have the honor to be
Sir, very Respectfully
your obt. Servant,
J L. Edwards

Hon. Preston King
House of Rep.
Page 21

No [?]2
Certificate
of A. Carrington
Comptroller
of Connecticut
5

Tucker & Crass
New York City
Page 22

Comptrollers Office, Connecticut ⎬
January 27- 1846

On application for evidence of the service of Dr William
Fitch in the war of the Revolution, I made
a certificate of that service on board the Sloop Guilford, 
dated & [illegible] this Nov 13 1843.  The following relates
to the character of the Sloop Guilford
A paper in this office signed by Jonathan Trumbull
dated Feb 27, 1779 contains the following.
To William Nott of Milford
you being employed to undertake the command
of an armed Sloop to cruise in the sound for the defense 
of the sea coast of this State.
You are hereby ordered to make inquiry after a suitable 
Sloop for the purpose, to purchase one at a reasonable
 rate, two are wanted, you will enquire accordingly
and make report to me with all convenient speed.
You inform me of a sloop or Guilford or [??]ford
driven on shore in a late storm, that belonged to
the Enemy you will enquire concerning her, and if suitable.
if you think prudent, you will [illegible] to the
place where she lies, and see whether suitable and
may be had. The assistance of any person of whom
you purchase is desired to forward you in this affair.
Apply to Nathaniel Shaw Esq Marine agent for advise 
and assistance.
from the council of [illegible], under date March 5-- 1779. At a
Page 23

meeting of the gov and council of Safety it was Voted, that Capt William Hold it appointed to the Command of the Sloop that was cast on shore at Guilford, to cruise in the sound, she being taken for the state is now called the Guilford. The following document remains in this office.
By the Commander in chief
To William Nott Esq Commander of the armed Sloop Guilford (illegible) with the armed Sloop Guilford to there receive on board and bring to New Haven such provisions as Col. Firch shall direct, and take from thence what shall be         for a service. Then proceed to New London and receive from Capt Nathaniel Shaw two cannon a cable and such small rigging as shall be necessary for the Sloop Guilford. You will then proceed on a Cruise on the Sound between Long Island and the Main to take destroy & the enemy Cruisers, Ships and vessels & that may be found in the sound, and to guard & defend the (illegible) and Goast of the state against the attacks & depredations of the enemy to the utmost of your power as a brave and vigilant officer. and not to depart out of the sound unless circumstances will admit of it, and then gy special leave of the Commander in chief. ou are to make report from time to time of your proceeding, situation and discoveries to the Commander in Chief.
    Five undeer my hand in Rushford, the 25th day of May Anno Domini 1779
     Johnth. Trumbull
    A Covington Comptroller
Page 24

Gent.
  The foregoing, I think, is sufficient to notify the commissioner that the Guildord was no Privateer. She was in every respect a State vessel and under the controll of the State government Mr. Edwards or his chief Clerk often assume an "extraordinary position" and give extraordinary decisions. How he or his clerk should imagine the Guilford a privateer I know not, it is not long since a pension was granted to David Morris and his widow for service on board the Guilford.
   There is no in this office any rolls of the Companies or Regts. stationed at Greenwich during the war therefor it is impossible to tell to what regt Dr Cogswell was attached. I regret that no more evvidence of service in favvor of Dr. Fitch can be found. 

Very respectfully
A Carrington Compt
Page 25

I Charles Hawley of Hartford in the State of Connecticut of lawful age testify that I well knew the late David Holtz of this place. he was a gentleman of high respectability of of unquestionable character for veracity of integrity. I also know Isaac Quinton heretofore of said Hanford now residing in the aspiring town of Greenwich and also consider his charater for veracity good. 
  I also know Mrs Elizabeth Fitch widow of William Fitch decd. She (the sd. Elizabeth) was residing as I believe, either on Staten Island or in the city of New York. The lady I believe sustains a sure respectable estimable character.

Chr. Hawley

State of Connecticut
Fairfield County } Ss.
  On this 13th day of January AD 1846 personally appeared Charles Hawley maker of the foregoing       said in deposition & made oath in due form of law that his claim is true

Before me
William T. Minor Justice of the Peace.
Page 26

Copy  Pension Office
January 24th 1860.

Sir,
  I have examined, and herewith return the papers in the case of Mrs. Elizabeth Firch, widow of Dr. William Fitch decd.
  This claim is made for service, alleged to have been performed by the deceased, as a Surgeon in the Continental Army, and as a Surgeon in the Navy, at the same period.
   The records of this office have been carefully examined, and no such person appears to have belonged to the medical staff of the continental army, and there is not a solitary case or record in which an officer ever held two such appointments at the same period.
   From the Comission issued on the 15th April 1779. by Gov. Trumbull of Connecticut, it appears that William Fitch was appointed "Surgeon of the Privateer sloop of War, called the Guilford", and the service on board of that vessel, is all that is established by satisfactory proof.
   The affidavid of Quintard, stating that Dr. Fitch attended Andrew Mead when he was Wounded
Page 27

establishes no part of any material consequence. Fitch was no doubt acting in his professional character, as a physician or surgeon, and not in any official character.
   His receiving a small sum of money for service on board of the Guilford from April 25th 1779, to Jun 29th 1779, does not show that the Guilford was a public vessel.
   The only service satisfactorily established by the enclosed papers, which are marked from A to W, is that on board of the Privateer Guilford and as none of the revolutionary pension laws provide for privateer service, we cannot admit the claim.
  I am sorry that we can do nothing, for the relief of the applicant in this case, as it would afford me much more pleasure to allow the claim, that to reject it.
  I am very Respectfully Your Obt. Servant
(signed) J.L. Edwards.

Samuel A Crop Esq.
Present.
Page 28

No 9
E. Fitch certificate from the Comptroller
A. Carrington
1845
Page 29

Coptroller Office, Connecticut
Nov. 3. 1845

Gent.
   Since aking the certificate of the service of Dr. Wm Fitch as physician on board the Sloop gguilford, I have found his appointment to that office, and send you a new certificat embracing the appointment and service. Your request that the seal of the Secretary of State be put to the certificate cannot be complyed with. The office of the Comptroller and the office of the Secretary are entirely distinct departments, on have nothing to do with the other. The Secretary puts his seal to no paper but that issued from his office. nor in this at all necessary. a certificate from this office signed by the Comptroller is all that is needed relating to the being of this office. This is all the Commissioner of Pensions requires. it is all he can require he receives perhaps in the course of a year a hundred certificates and is constantly directing applicants for penion, here for certificates. Should any thing more respecting the service of Dr. Fitch be found, you will be apprised of the fact.
   Respectfully yours
   A. Carrington, Comptroller
Page 30

5

Tucker & Crapo. Attorneys
No 38 William Street
Northern Exchange
New York city
Page 31

Comptroller Office, Connecticut
Hartford Nov. 3 1845

On application for evidence of the service of Doctor William Fitch in the war of the revolution I have examined the documents remaining in the office relating to that war and find in the council of Safety that Dr. Wm. Firch under date of April 15 1779 was appointed physician of the Sloop Guilford commanded by Capt. William Nott. The following is the entry - April 15th 1779. "At a meeting of the Governor and Council of Safety at Hartford the 15th of April 1779 voted Wm Fitch Doctor of the Sloop Guildford" I also find in this office a paper headed to pay abstract for Capt Notts men on board the Sloop Guilford, with the following entry.
Mens names Doct Wm Fitch, time ver from April 25. time ver up to June 20, Wages per month L39. months 8 days - 2 months & 4 days L 83.4
A Carrington, Comptroller
Page 32

Ho. of Reps
Dec. 2d 1845
J.L. Edwards
Com. of Pensions
Sir
The papers in the
case of Elizabeth Fitch
an applicant for
a pension have been 
taken
from the files
of the Clerks
office of
the House 
by
a Mr
Coffin to
be
presented to your office.
Will you
inform me
the the
condition
of her application

Very Respectfully
Your
Obt Sert
Preston King
Page 33

Hall of the House of Reps
Feb 24 1846

Hon Preston King,

The Committee on Revolutionary Pensions to whom you had refered the petition and papers of Mrs Elizabeth Fitch asking for a pension have had the same under consideration and have directed me to suggest to you the propriety of submitting the Case to the Commr. of Pensions - 
  Since the last Session of Congress much additional evidence has been presented, and thereofre the Committee thingk the Commissioner would grant a Pension for six months of service of her husband as an assistant surgeon

(illegible) Your Respectfully
Richd. Broadhead
Page 34

Mr Augustus Fitch
care Doct James Fitch
No 15 Shiyverson Street
New York
[stamp] HARTFORD [illegible]
Page 35

Comptroller Office Connecticut
Hartford Oct. 17 1845

On application for evidence of the service of Doctr William Fitch in the War of the Revolution I find in this office a paper headed "A pay abstract for Capt. Notts men on board the sloop Guilford" with the following entry.
  Mens names Doct Wm Fitch - Time ver from April 25, time vwer up to June 29, Wages per month L39. Months 8 days 0 2 months & 4 days L83-4.
Dated on the back of said paper Sept. 7 1779
A Carrington Comptroller
Page 36

Sir

I find nothing more than is contained the certificate
A.C.
Page 37

New York January 4. 1846

Dear Sir

   I herewith send you the affidavit of Mrs. Apthorp (the daughter of Col Davenport) which, in connection with the two original letters of Col Davenport, would seem to be conclusive as to the service of Doc. Fitch as quarter master in the leatter part of 1778.
  It would not have been possible for him to have returned from that expedition much before the month of April 1779 when he joined the Guilford. The document forwarded you a few days since clearly establishes the fact that the Guilford was a public vessel and not a privateer
    Very truly/ Respectfully yours
Samuel A Crapo
Page 38

Pension Office:
March 16, 1846

Sir

   I have the honor to return hereunto the letter of T.W. Tucker, Esq. and to inform you that the papers of Mrs. Elizabeth fitch are in the files of this office.
   I have honor to be 
      very respectfully,
          your obt. servt.
             J. L. Edwards

Will Mr. Edwards be good enough to enclose me the above papers. I am required to present them to our house.
    Yours
A Vanderpoel.

J.L. Edwards Esq
 H.R. 21 March 1850

Hon A. Vanderpoel
(illegible)
Page 39

Conn
Conn Sea Service

Fitch, William
Elizabeth 

W. 16990
Page 40

Colo. Edwards will oblige Mr. Chamberley
by enabling him to answer the enclosed
and by returning the letter.
Washington
13 dec
1838
3.307
Elizabeth Fitch July 4 1836
Page 41

letter of 8
8: a. Grapo

Grapo

wrote
ltte
Page 42

New York January 28. 1845
Heoni Preston King
Dear Sirs.
Therewith transmit you a letter,
and certificate, this moment received from
the Comptroller of Connecticut - from which
it will appear that there can be no question
as to the character of the Sloop Guilford
The Comptroller mentions that Mr Edwards of
[??] long since granted a pension to
David Morris or his widow for service on
board this same vessel - and as I remarked
the Patent Office he, within two months
granted to the widow of Mr Cogswell
a pension for services also on board the
Guilford
Very truly
Respectfully
Yours
Samuel A Crape
Page 43

House of Reps
Dec 8. 1845
Col. J. L. Edwards
Com of Pensions
Dear Sir
I return to 
enclosed the
papers of Mrs E. Fitchwhich
you had the kindness
to permit Mr Crapo
to examine -
Yours Respectfully
Preston King
Page 44

Ho. of. Reps
Washington March 3d. 1842
Col. J. L. Edwards
Com of Pensions
Sir
The papers of
Mrs Elizabeth Fitch have
been referred to me by
a letter from the[??] of the
Committee - for reference
to you again - There is some
additional testimony since
the papers were at the pension 
office-
Very Respectfully
Nom Grs S.
Preston King
Page 45

[??] 6, 7th & 8
Old letters
James Davenport
&
affidavit of Geo.
Cogshall
[right upper corner, appear number/letter marks]
Page 46

State of New York
 City/County of New York ss Geg Coggshall 
of the City of New York being duly sworn
saith that he is the Nephew of the late
James Davenport
That the said James Daverport
was one - of the most prominent citizens
of and said State of Connecticut. once
held [????] political offices and among
the rest that of member of Congress for
many years [??] his death 
This deponent knows by tradition
that his said uncle James Devenport
holds a prominent rank in the army
of the Revolution.
This deponent is also well acquainted
with Mrs Elizabeth Fitch the widow
of the late William Fitch that before
he [??] further saith that the said James
Davenport was the brother in law of
the said William Fitch he having
[??????] sister of the neice died
This deponent further says that
he has seen two letters [???????] he
since William Fitch one dated Nov 11
1778 the other dated January 9 1997 both
Purporting the mother within by the same
James Davenport by the said [???????]
Page 47

That he the said deponent verily belived
that both of said letters are in the hand
writing and were actually written
be his uncle said James Davenport.
Sworn this 15th January
1846 before me
B. W. Osborn        George Coggshall
J Peace  [?????]
Page 48

STATE OF NEW. YORK,
CITY AND COUNTY OF NEW-YORK, ss.
I, James Conner, Clerk of the City and County of New-York, and also Clerk of the Court of
Common Pleas, for the said City and County, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That
B. W. Osborn before whom the annexed
deposition was taken, was, at the time of taking the same, a Special Justice
of the peace in and for said City and County, duly commissioned and sworn,
and authorized by the laws of this State to take the same; and that I believe the Signature of said
Justice thereunto subscribed is genuine.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the
said out and County, the 17 day of Jany 1846
Jams Conner Clerk
[seal on the lower left side of the page]
Page 49

NY Oct 25 1838
J L Edwards Esq
Pension office
Sir
In the case of the application of Mrs Elizabeth
Fitch for her deceased husbands pay for revolutionary
services. I transmit the accompanying papers
The reasons why this matter has been dormant so long
may be found in the fact of Mrs F. having resided for
the last 30 years in a country village and her ignorance
of the proper mode of application. She is a very aged
woman and is supported by her son a Clergyman. you
will readily understand that whatever may be due her
by the Government will be very acceptable
Mrs Fitch is my near relative and the facts
stated in the accompanying papers have been always
matter  of notonety in the family. As to the credit due
my own statement I beg leave to refer you to the
representatives from our city
very respectfully
your obt Servt 
Thos W Tucker
List of Papers
1. Statement of Elizabeth Fitch. From which it
    appears that is the widow of William
Page 50

Fitch, that he was a Surgeon on the Connecticut  service at the time of Marriage and remained until his decease and during the war performing the duties of his station. And that sine his death most of his papers have been burned.

2nd The affidavit of David Holly, that he was present at said marriage, and that it continued under solved until Wm Fitch's death, and that W.F. being a surgeon in the Continental service was matter of general repute in Stamford the town where he resided.

3d Certificate of Seymour Jarvis, Town Clerk of Stamford that Wm & Elizh were married Oct 12th 1781.

4th William Fitch's Commission as Assistant Surgeon of the Sloop of War Guilford signed by Gov. Trumbull.

5th Return of the Comptroller of Connecticut from the records of the Council of Safety showing that on the 15th April 17779 Wm Fitch was appointed to the Sloop Guilford and that on the 15th May 1779 the said Sloop was ordered by said Council to cruise to Long Island Sound.
Page 51

The affidavit of Isaac Quintard of Stamford who swears that in 1781 Andrew Mead was wounded in attacking the British vessel Sheldrum of 12 guns and from Nov. until June during which time he lay disabled he was attended by Assistant Surgeon Fitch, That it was matter of general repute that Fitch was Assistant Surgeon in Continental service. That Mead when wounded belonged to and acted in the Gunboat service- That the vessel used in attacking the Sheldrum was known as "the Gunboat" and was brought as believes from Guilford or Laybrook. That he knows she was in the regular State service and cruised in Long Island Sound from 1780 until no longer wanted and that Fitch was Assistant Surgeon on board her. That Fitch was absent on duty from Stamford for a considerable period on board "The Gunboat". That there were several boats in the same service known as "Jones boats" "Fitch boats" "& Ryders boats" and not by their own names & that Fitch
Page 52

was surgeon on board them.

I can attest to this that having been when a boy at school in Stamford I know Lieutenant Holly to have resided since my [unk] in the same town & that they are [unk] the oldest & most respectable resident.

Thos Wm Tucker
Page 53

State of New-York, County of Richmond} ss. I, Walter Belts Clerk of the County aforesaid, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That, Nelson H Topping Esq. whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of the of the [strikethrough] annexed affadavit and endorsed thereon, was, on the day of the fate of the said affadavit a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County residing in the said County, commissioned and sworn, and duly authorized to take the same. And further, that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of the said N. H. Topping and verily believe that the signature to the said certificate is genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said county, the Ninth day of August 1838. Walter Belts CoC
Page 54

29th CONGRESS,
1st Session.
Rep. No. 768.
ELIZABETH FITCH.
To accompany bill H. R. No. 507.]
JULY 13, 1846.
Ho. OF REPS.
Mr. BRODHEAD, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, made
the following
The Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, to whom was referred the petition
of Elizabeth Fitch, of the county of Richmond, State of New York,
REPORT:
report:
That this petition was before the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions
in 1842 and 1844; on both occasions the committee reported in favor of
granting a pension. The report of 1842 was adopted by the committee of
1844. This committee re-adopt this report as a part of their report, as follows
:
"That this petition was before the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions,
and a report made thereon, in February, 1842; which report this committee
deem just, and adopt, and is as follows:
"That the petitioner states, under oath, that she is the widow of William
Fitch, who was, at the time of her marriage to him, a commissioned
assistant surgeon in the continental army, and that he also held a commission
at that time as surgeon in the continental navy; and that, in performance
of his duty as such assistant surgeon, he attended the prisoners taken
at the capture of General Burgoyne's army to the south, and was occasionally
employed in his said duties during the whole of the revolutionary war;
that since his death, most of his papers (amongst which were vouchers
and documentary evidence of his service) were accidentally destroyed by
fire; that she was married to the said William Fitch in October, 1781, and
that she has remained a widow ever since his death; that the reason why
this application has not been made before, is, that since her husband's
death she has resided in the country, and has had no communication with
persons competent to give her legal advice; and that she has been ignorant
of the nature of her claim, and the manner of making it.
"The proof offered in support of this statement is the following:
"1st. A certified transcript from the comptroller's office of the State of
Connecticut, dated January 10, 1838, by which it appears that on the 15th
day of April, 1779, William Fitch was appointed doctor of the sloop Guilford
, by the governor and council of safety of the State of Connecticut.
"2d. The commission of the said William Fitch, under the hand and
seal of Jonathan Trumbull, governor of Connecticut, dated the said 15th
day of April, 1779, appointed the said William Fitch surgeon of the pri-
Ritchie & Heiss, print.
Page 55

2
Rep. No. 768.
vateer sloop-of-war Guilford, fitted out in warlike manner to cruise against
the enemies of the said State of Connecticut and the United States.
3d. The deposition of Isaac Quintard, who testifies that he knew Dr.
William Fitch well in the revolutionary war; that he and deponent both
lived at Stamford, Connecticut; that said Fitch was appointed assistant
surgeon in the service of the public against the enemy, and that he acted
and served as such; that, on the 13th day of November, 1781, one Andrew
Mead was severely wounded with buckshot in attacking and taking
a British vessel in Long Island sound; said Mead lay entirely disabled at
the house of deponent's father, and was waited upon by deponent, from
the said 13th day of November, 1781, until the middle or last of June,
1782, during all which time said Mead was attended by the said Dr. William
Fitch, who was at the time an assistant surgeon in the regular army
for a long time several times a day, and afterwards from day to day, as
his condition required. Deponent also knows that said Fitch was a surgeon
on board the Guilford; but how long he served as such, he cannot
state.
4th. Joshua B. Ferris, judge of the court of probate of the district of
Stamford, and State of Connecticut, certifies that he is acquainted with
the witness Quintard, and that he is credible and worthy of belief.
5th. David Holly testifies that he was present at the marriage of the
petitioner and the said Dr. William Fitch, which took place, as near as he
can recollect, in the year 1780; and that he knows that the said Dr. Fitch
held a commission as surgeon or assistant surgeon in the continental service
.
6th. A sworn copy, by the town clerk, from the records of the town of
Stamford, Fairfield county, Connecticut, by which it appears that William
Fitch and Elizabeth Holly were married by Abraham Davenport,
esq., on the 12th day of October, A. D. 1781.
"From the testimony in this case, it is impossible for the committee to
ascertain the precise term of service of the said William Fitch. He held a
commission as surgeon in the navy; but what service he performed by virtue
of said commission does not appear. He also served as assistant surgeon
in the army, and the proof is that he served in this capacity for at
least seven months; and it is manifest that this service was performed after
his marriage with the petitioner.
fit of the 3d section of the act of the 4th of July, 1836; and that seven
months' service by her late husband, as assistant surgeon, is all that is
sufficiently proved; and for that period they ask leave to report a bill."
The bill reported by the committee in 1844 passed the House of Representatives
, but was not reached to be acted upon in the Senate, and the
papers were withdrawn, and presented to the Commissioner of Pensions,
but without obtaining a pension. Since then new testimony has been
discovered, and is now here produced to the committee, as follows:
1st. A letter of James Davenport to William Fitch, dated November 11,
1778, offering said Fitch a place in the quartermaster's department in the
A letter from James Davenport to William Fitch, dated January 9,
1779, on public service in the quartermaster's department.
3d. Affidavit of George Cogshall, nephew of James Davenport, proving
the authenticity of these ancient letters.
Page 56

Rep. No. 768.
4th. Certificates of A. Carrington, comptroller of the State of Connecticut
, dated October 17, 1845, and
ment of Doctor William Fitch, and his being paid for services as surgeon
on board the sloop Guilford.
A letter from David Halley to Doctor William Fitch, dated September
22, 1779, showing settlement of account.
6th. Affidavit of Charles Hawley, late lieutenant governor of Connecticut
, testifying to the good character of Isaac Quintard and David Hawley
, witnesses in behalf of Mrs. Fitch.
Carrington, comptroller of the State of Connecti-
7th. Certificate of A.
cut, dated January 27, 1846, showing that the sloop Guilford was an armed
vessel in the public service employed in the defence of the coast of Connecticut
, in Long Island sound.
Anthorp, of New Haven, Connecticut,
Deposition of many showing the service of William Fitch in the
revolutionary war.
From the whole testimony in this case, it appears satisfactorily to this
committee that the said William Fitch served as surgeon in the navy and
in the army, and that he also served in the quartermaster's department in
the war of the Revolution; that he served at least seven months as surgeon
in the army, and two months as surgeon in the navy; and that he served
at least seven months in the quartermaster's department; and being thus
satisfied, his committee ask leave to report a bill granting a pension to the
widow of the said William Fitch.
Page 57

Comm                      Fitch, William        W. 16990
Com Sea Service                Elizabeth
Page 58

Comptrollers Office
Hartford Connecticut
10 January 1838

On application for evidence of the Revolutionary services of Dr William Fitch, I have examined the Records remaining in this office, and find, as follows, viz:-

In the original Journal of the "Council of Safety". under date of 15 April 1779, in the minutes of a meeting that day held at which it is stated that the Gov., Dep Gov and sundry of the council were present, this entry,-
"Voted Wm Fitch doctor of the Sloop Guilford, Obediah Spencer 1st Lieut., David Mallery 2nd." [Wm McQueen afterwards app'd in Spencers stead]
"Noted that Col Jonth Fitch be directed to deliver Cap Mott of Sloop Guilford the necessary supplies of provisions for his cruises from time to time, as he shall judge reasonable & necessary"

And under date of 15 May 1779 at a meeting of the Gov as above, it is "Noted, that Cap Wm Mott of the armed Sloop Guilford" proceed on a cruise in the sound between Long Island and the main :to take destroy the enemies cruisers" & to make report to the commander in chief.

And at a meeting of the Gov as above, under date of 17 May 1779 it is "Noted that Capt Wm Mott enlist the men to serve on board the Sloop Guilford for a term not less than three months from the "time of their enlistment."
Page 59

I certify the foregoing to be true extracts and statements from the record of the journal of the Council of Safety remaining in this office.

And I also certify that no pay rolls have been found of the Sloop of War Guilford. Nor has any account of the resignation or removal of Doctor William Fitch been discovered.

Wm Field Comptroller
Page 60

Hartford 10 January 1838

Sir

Agreeably to a request in a letter from W A Fitch, this day rec'd, I have made a certificate of such minutes as I have found relating to D Fitch's service. I have not been able as yet to find any mention of the Sloop Guilford, after the dates of May 1779 altho perhaps a minute search in the journal (which is very difficult to read) might elicit something more. If you should require such a search, which might take in 2 days, can be done.

It may be well to notice that in the first entry crews are mentioned- which seem to imply that a longer service than 3 mos. might have been rendered.

Very respectfully yr obd servt
Wm. Field, Comtll
by E Benjamin
Page 61

In the matter of an application of Elizabeth Fitch for a pension.

Jany. 21 1846 refered to Com. on Rev. Pensions

Statement of the case by Samuel A Crapo

July 13,1846 Bill 507
Page 62

The application of Mrs Elizabeth Fitch to the Pension Commissioner was originally made upon documents and evidence of which the following is a brief abstract and which are now again submitted, namely
1st The Declaration of Mrs Fitch herself marked A. under oath setting forth that she is the widow of William Fitch who was at the time of her marriage to him a commissioned assistant surgeon in the continental army and that he also held a commission at that time as surgeon in the continental navy and that in performance of his duty as such assistant surgeon he attended the prisoners taken at the capture of General Burgome's army to the south and was occasionally employed in his said duties during the whole of the Revolutionary war; that since his death most of his papers (among which were vouchers and documentary evidence of service) were accidentally destroyed by fire; That she was married to said William Fitch in October 1781 and that she has remained a widow ever since his death, that the reason why this application has not been made before was that since her husbands death she has resided in the country, and has had no communication with persons competent to give her legal advice; and that she has been ignorant of the nature of the claim and the manner of making it.
Page 63

          The proof offered in support of this statement was the following -

1st - a certified transcript from the comptroller's office of the State of Connecticut dated January 10, 1838, marked B. by which it appears that on the 5th day of April 1779, William Fitch was appointed doctor of the sloop Guilford by the Govenor and Council of Safety of the State of Connecticut. 

2nd - The commission of the said William Fitch under the hand and seal of Jonathan Trumbull Govenor of Connecticut dated the said 5th day of April 1779 appointing the said William Fitch surgeon of the privateer sloop of war Guilford fitted out in war like manner to cruise against the enemies of the said State of Connecticut and the United States - this paper is marked C. 

3rd - The deposition of Isaac Quintard marked D. and who testifies that he knew Dr. William Fitch well in the revolutionary war, that he and deponent both lived in Stamford, Connecticut, that said Fitch was appointed assistant surgeon in the service of the public against the enemy and that he acted and served as such - that in the 13th day of November, 1781 one Andrew Mead was severely wounded with buckshot in attacking and taking a British vessel in Long Island Sound; said Mead lay entirely disabled at the house of Deponent's father and was waited upon by deponent from the 13th day of November 1781 until the middle or last of June 1782 during all which time I said Mead was attended by the said Dr. William Fitch who was at the time an assistant surgeon in the regular army; for a long time, several times a day, and afterwards, from day....
Page 64

to day, as his condition required- Deponent also knows that said Fitch was a surgeon on board the Guilford but how long he served as such he cannot state-

4th Jonathon B Ferris Judge of the Court of Probate of the district of Stamford and state of Connecticut certifies that he is acquainted with the witness Quintard and that he is a credible and worthy of belief-see the journal attached to Quintard's affidavit of the 1st of May 1838.

5th David Holly testifies -see his affidavit marked E. that he was present at the marriage of the petitioner and the said William which took place as near as he can recollect in the year 1780 and that he knows that said Dr William Fitch held a commission as surgeon or assistant surgeon in the continental service.

6th A sworn copy marked F by the Town Clerk from the records of the Town of Stamford, Fairfield County, State of Connecticut by which it will appear that William Fitch and Elizabeth Holly were married by Abraham Davenport Esq on the 12th day of October AD 1781.

This evidence of the service of Dr Fitch was not deemed sufficient by the pension Commissioner and it appears that an application was afterwards made on the part of Mrs Fitch to congress- upon the same documents.

Annexed will be found the report of the committee on revolutionary pensions made on the 23rd of December 1844 marked G favorable to the prayer of the Petitioner accompanied by a Bill directing the Secretary of war to place her name on the pension roll under the act of July 1836 and that
Page 65

he cause her to be paid for seven months service by her husband.

This Bill passed the House of Representatives and was sent to the Senate for concurrence- but did not pass that body for the reason that it was not reached before the adjournment of Congress.

It will be perceived that from the report of the committee that the allowance made by the them for the service of Joel Fitch was predicated upon the service testified by Mr Quintard rendered to Andrew Mead wounded in the public service.

Having recently been able to find further and important evidence of the service of Doc Fitch, and which evidence we believe would have been perfectly satisfactory to the commissioner, had it been presented when the original application was first made- we beg leave again to call his attention to the case.

It now appears that Doc Fitch entered the Public service at an earlier day and in a capacity different from that in which he afterwards served.

Altho by profession a physician it is evident that his first employment was in the Quartermasters department and after having discharged the duties of assistant quarter master for some months he upon his return home received his commission as surgeon.

We have also been enabled by a thorough search in the office of the comptroller of Connecticut to find the pay roll of the Sloop Guilford and it appears from it that Doc Fitch actually served on board that vessel.

The absence of this proof of actual service on board that vessel was, as I have been informed the principal if not sole objection on the part of the
Page 66

Pension Commissioner to the original application.

It was with much reason remarked that he might have received the commission of Surgeon to the Guilford and yet never have served a day on board of her.

He would first call the attention of the Pension Commissioner to two letters written by James Davenport to Doc Fitch-one marked H dated November 11th 1778 and the other marked J dated January 9th 1779.

These letters it will be observed bear upon their face evidence marks of authenticity.

The first apprises Doc Fitch that the writer is going to Virginia with the convention troops in the Quarter Masters department and offers Dr Fitch the place of assistant quarter master and says that the troops were then marching.

The other letter is dated at Charlotteville January 9th 1779 and is signed J Davenport D. Q. M. G (probably meaning deputy quarter master general).

it is superscribed "Public Service Major William Fitch ADQMG with the first division Jn L Dragoon German Troops.

This letter appears (as well from its content, as from its superscription) to be of an official character responsive to a previous official communication received from by Davenport from Fitch.

It commences with the acknowledgment of the receipt of a letter of Fitch for Light Horseman and transmits him enclosed "half a sheet two hundred
Page 67

and twenty dollars which shall charge to your order." It enters into some details of the condition of the troops and is evidently a communication from one officer to another, both at the time actually engaged in the public service.

These letters seem to establish beyond all doubt that Doc Fitch was in the public service certainly as early as November 1778.

We have no means of ascertaining the precise time when he returned from Virginia, but, considering the remoteness of the place where he was when Davenport's last letter was addressed to him, the nature of the service which he was engaged, and the season of the year, it is but just to infer that he remained with the "German Troops" until the latter part of April 1779.

On the 15th of this April, as appears from the certificates of William Field 10 January 1838, the comptroller of the State of Connecticut marked B that "is the Council of Safety William Fitch was appointed Doctor of the Sloop Guilford commanded by Capt William Mott" and the sloop was ordered on a cruise.

Gov. Trumbull issued on the same day his commission to Doc Fitch as Surgeon-marked C.

The certificate of A. Carrington now comptroller of Connecticut, marked K and L that upon the pay abstract of Cap Motts; men on board the Sloop Guilford is the entry of Dr William Fitch, time received from April 25- time received up to June 29 wages per month $39 2 months and 4 days $83- 4 dated on the back of said paper Sept 7, 1779.

We also submit an original letter from Cap David Hawley to Doc Fitch marked M dated Sept 22d, 1779 in which he states that he encloses your order from "your pay
Page 68

..."table - they allowed your whole acct." This evidently refers to money rec'd (received) as above stated for services on board the Guildford. 

The documents referred to seem to establish that Doct' (Doctor) Fitch entered the service as assistant quartermaster as early as Dec. 1, 1778, and that he continued without intermission serving in that capacity until appointed to the Guilford and that he then served on board of that vessel up to the 29th of June 1779. 

Thus, service is proved from Dec. 1, 1778, to June 29, 1779, making seven months. 

 The commissioner will please observe that this service of seven months formed no part or portion of the service allowed by the Committee of the House of Representatives before referred to. 

That allowance was for a subsequent pension namely as Assistant Surgeon and actual attendance on Andrew Mead wounded in the public service from 13th of November 1781 to the middle or the last of June 17822 making just seven months -

To shew (show) that I am correct in the interpretation of the meaning of the committee I would mark that the committee had no evidence whatever of any service as Quartermaster.   And they state in their report that he "held a commission as surgeon in the navy" but what service "he performed by virtue of said commission does not appear."

They then go on to say he also served as assistant surgeon in the army and the proof is that he served in this capacity seven months; and it is manifest that this service was performed after his marriage with the petitioner. 

The committee thus clearly exclude the inference that the seven months service included the service as quartermaster and surgeon in the navy - for all these services were before the marriage - and the attendance on Mead was as assistant surgeon in the army after the marriage.
Page 69

     It would hardly seem worthwhile after two reports of the committee on pensions, and the passage of an act founded upon these reports by the House of Representatives (lost in the Senate merely because it was not reached) to discuss the evidence of the seven months wages service which they reported. 
     That evidence is ample - resting upon positive testimony of unreproachable character and whose credibility is fully established. 
     I will however call the attention of the commissioner to the statement in his deposition marked D. as made by Mr. Quintard relative to the attendance of Dr. Fitch upon Mead,   
     "That during all that time (ie from 13 Nov. 1781 to middle of June 1782) Dr. James Cogswell surgeon of the Reg't. (regiment) and Doc't (Doctor) William Fitch surgeon's mate or assistant surgeon in said Reg't (regiment) constantly attended upon said Andrew also" Again he says -
     "Deponent has no personal knowledge of "other services as assistant surgeon rendered by said Fitch but he has heard believes and such was his understanding at the time that he acted for a long time as Assistant Surgeon to said Cogswell in the Public Service."  Again he says - 
     "According to Deponents recollection said Andrew (evidently a clerical error and intended to read Fitch - Andrew being the given name of Mead the wounded man), was commissioned to act on the land as well as on the water and he knows that he acted accordingly."

These statements are made by a person of unreproachable character - Judge Ferris of the Court of Probate of the District of Stamford, Conn't (Connecticut) and that he is credible and worthy of belief.
Page 70

(3–1776)
Service
Conn
Conn Sea Service

Fitch, William
Elizabeth

NUMBER
W. 16990
Page 71

another period, the inferrence [inference] is almost irresistible  that he continued to serve during the interval.

 Thus with Doctor Fitch; proving as we have done that he entered into actual service in December 1778 - was again in actual service in April and May 1779 - and still again from Nov. 1781 to June 1782, the fair inference - (the truth of which we most confidently believe), - is that he was in service all that time - nor do we believe that a man who had devoted himself to the service of his country for three years and a half, would have abandoned that service before the conclusion of the war.

All of which is Respectfully Submitted by
Samuel A Crapo
of Counsel for Petitioner
Page 72

LETTERHEAD

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
[handwritten] City county & }
State of New York, } ss. 

Be it known to all whom the same doth or may concern, that I, John Bissell a Public Notary in and for the State of New York, duly commissioned and sworn [overwritten by appointed], dwelling in the City of New York, do certify, that on the day of the date hereof before me personally appeared David Holly Esquire to me personally known the signer of the annex'd (annexed) deposition, who being by me duly sworn said that the said disposition so by him subscribed, contains the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth. 

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed my Seal of Office, the twenty eighth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight

John Bissell
Notary Public.
Page 73

City and County of New York ss

David Holly of Stamford, Connecticut being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he was acquainted with William Fitch during his life time & until his deceade (death)  and that his is acquainted with Elizabeth Fitch the widow of the said WIlliam Fitch that he said William Fitch was married to the said Elizabeth Fitch in the year seventeen hundred and eighty as nearly as he can remember had the deponent was present at the said marriage he being then twelve years of age that such marriage continued undissolved until the said decease (death) of the said WIlliam.   According to the best knowledge information and belief of this deponent that the said William until his death held a commission as surgeon or Assistant surgeon in the Connecticut service (the following was crossed out) "until the time of his death" and that such fact was a matter of general repute in the town of Stamford State of Connecticut where he resided.
David Holly

Sworn before me this 28th day of May 1838
John Bissell
Notary Public
Page 74

State of Connecticut} Js
County of Fairfield Probate DIstrict of Stamford

On this 25th day of June AD 1838 Personally appeared Isaac .... of Stamford in SAid DIstrict who has heretofore given his Deposition on the application of ELizabeth .. widow od Mr. Fitch said state & Said Stamford who being duly sworn ... in this Court testify that the Said Andrew that  mentioned .. in his former deposition was wounded very badly by musket balls & .. two musket balls & eight ... that in the shoulder in attacking & taking the British .... the .... of twelve ... acessing & Deponents recollection that Said Andrew was ... entirely and able & lay in the condition at the home of Defendants father Peter Quintard (no decd.) late of Said Stamford Next and wounds were .... on the 13th day of Nov? [sic] 1781 & that Said Andrew lay .... as aforementioned until the month of June 9and Deponent thinks the middle or last of June) 1782 - That Deponent attended upon him all that time constantly as his  waiter....of that & .... all that time Dr. James Cogswell surgeon of the Regt of Said Dr. Wm Fitch surgeons mate or assistant surgei=on in this Regt constantly attended upon Said Andrew and also - for a long time several times a day and after that  from day to day as his condition required -
Deponent has no personal knowledge of other services as assistant surgeon rendered by Said Fitch, but he has learned & believes of such was his understanding as the time that he acted for  long time as assistant surgeon  to Said Cogswell in the public service During the Revolutionary War - They were in the regukar Stats
Page 75

And now on this 2nd day of July AD 1838 before the said Court of
Probate now sitting personally appears the aforesaid Isaac Quintard &
in addition to his former [illegible] deposition testifies that a gun
boat was used in attacking & taking the said British vessel the [illegible]
[Thuldrum?], that he knows the said boat was at the time said to have been
brought from Saybrook, or Guilford or some places at the Eastward in the
vicinity of those places - that he cannot now recollect the name of said
Gun boat as she was in common talk called "the Gun boat" - any
[illegible] it was the Guilford as she was [illegible best?], according to his
understanding from Guilford in Saybrook - she was in the regular State service
of Connecticut against the enemy - she was steadily in the said service
for a long time as he thinks from 1780 till her services were no longer
needed - her services were rendered along shore in Long Island Sound. -
Deponent knows said Fitch was an assistant Surgeon on board of her -
for how long a time he cannot certainly say, except as he has already
stated, but he well knows that said Fitch was absent a long time
from Stamford & was said to be in the public service on board of
said Gunboat, & he well knows said Fitch was or was said to
be in service at the Eastward of Stamford a good deal of the
time  There were several boats then in one service [illegible]
found which were Cutter Jones's boats, Fitchs Boats, Ryders
Boats, & for referring to the names of those under whose
charge they were, so that their particular names were not
mentioned - Deponent does not know a person in this
place except himself who had knowledge of said Fitchs services -
[illegible] are all dead or gone away - Th. [Thus] is deponents belief according
to his best recollection that said Fitch continued to act as an
assistant Surgeon as long as said Gun Boat continued in said service.
Isaac Quintard

Sworn to & subscribed the day
& year aforesaid before me &
I certify that I know the
deponent & that he is a credible
person & that the foregoing
depositions of said Quintard contain original proceedings of the
said Court of Probate in the matter of the application of Elizabeth
Fitch for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand & the Seal of said office this second day of July
AD 1838, there being at present no clerk of said Court by
whom the proceedings of said Court can be certified ---
[seal obscured] Joshua B. Ferris Judge
Page 76

Affidavit as to
William Fitch's commission
Page 77

State of Connecticut } ss. Probate District
Fairfield County } of Stamford ---

On this 1st day of May AD 1838 personally
appeared Isaac Quintard of Stamford in said
District aged seventy four years who being duly
Sworn testifies that he has always lived in said
Stamford & well knew William Fitch formerly
of said Stamford now Dec'd. - In the Revolutionary
War deponent understood said William was an
assistant Surgeon in the service of the public
against the enemy & that he acted & served w
Fitch In the year 1781 as deponent thinks
Andrew Mead was wounded in the public service
in taking one armed [illegible] from the enemy in
Long Island Sound & lay confined for a long time
in said Stamford & Deponent attended steadily
upon him - & during this time and for at least
as much as three months said Fitch attended
him daily or almost daily as surgeon
& administered to him as such - Deponent understood
from report that he was in the service
as such Surgeon both before & after his
attendance on said Mead but for how long a
time he cannot say - It may have been in
1782. It was in the latter part of Summer
& beginning of fall but I cannot now state
the months precisely
Isaac Quintard

Sworn & subscribed the day &
year aforesaid & I certify that I
Know the Deponent & that he is a
credible person
John Hawley Judge
Page 78

I Joshua B. Ferris Clerk of the Court
of Probate for the District of Stamford
in Connecticut do hereby certify that
the foregoing contains original proceedings
of the said Court in the matter of the
application of Elizabeth Fitch for a
pension

In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand & seal of office
this 1st day of May AD 1838
[seal obscured] Joshua B. Ferris Clerk
Page 79

No 1-3
Depositions of

Mrs Elizabeth C Apthorp
& Thomas W Tucker.
in the matter of the application
of Elizabeth Fitch for
a Pension

Preston King
Com
Rev. Pensions
Page 80

The deposition of Mrs Elizabeth C Apthorp
in the matter of Elizabeth Fitche's application

United States of America
City & County of New York ⎬ ss;

On this Thirty first day of January
in the year of our Lord 1846. Before me Personally appeared
Elizabeth C Apthorp and being by me duly sworn deposed and
said that she is the daughter of Colonel James Davenport now
deceased formerly an officer in the Army of the United States
during the revolutionary war
and a member of Congress of the United States.
That William Fitch formerly of Stamford Connecticut
was the brother in law of Deponents said father and that for
may [many] years during the lifetime of William Fitch formerly of
Stanford Connecticut an intimacy existed between his family
and the family of Davenports said father and that from her
childhood she has known Elizabeth Fitch his widow. -

And deponent saith that as she has frequently heard
her said father say in his lifetime he was brevetted as Colonel
and in that capacity accompanied the regiment to which
he was attached on Public Service to the Southern States -
That said Public Service was to accompany the British Troops
who had been captured with Burgoyne - And deponent
saith that she has also heard her said Father say on
repeated occasions that on said expedition the said
William Fitch accompanied the said Regiment, and
Deponent saith that she has frequently heard her said
Father and William Fitch converse on the occurrences
which took place on the said expedition and during their
said absence at the South on Public Service as aforesaid
and particularly she remembers to have heard her
said Father speaking of their adventures on the occasion
aforesaid while marching thru the wilderness - And
that she remembers to have heard him speak of incidents
Page 81

connected with the said Expedition in which he and the
said William Fitch were then participant as officers in the
continental army - that she has also heard her mother
and her Grandmother who resided in her fathers house
say on divers occasions that William Fitch accompanied
her said Father on the expedition above referred to and
that he was at that time in the Continental service
and aid to her said Father - And deponent saith that
said facts were matters of frequent conversation and
notoriety in her fathers said family
Elizabeth C Apthorp

The words, "and for many years after
it, termination" erased, and the
words "and a member of Congress of
the United States" (both within the first
page) interlined previous to signing
The words "was" and "say" erased
previous to signing.
James B Greenman
Comm'r of Deeds
Page 82

STATE OF NEW YORK, }
CITY AND COUNTY OF NEW YORK, } ss.

I, James Conner, CLERK of the City and County of New York, and also CLERK of the Court of
Common Pleas, for the said City and County, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That
James. B. Greeman [Greenman] before whom the annexed
deposition was taken, was, at the time of taking the same, a Commissioner
of Deeds in and for said City and County, duly commissioned and sworn,
and authorized by the laws of this state to take the same; and that I believe the Signature of said
Commissioner of Deeds thereunto subscribed is genuine.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the
said Court and County, the 31 day of Jany 1846
James Conner Clerk.
Page 83

City and County of New York ss: Thomas W Tucker of the
City of New York being duly sworn saith that he knows
the said Elizabeth Althorp, whose affidavit is hereunto
annexed that she at present resides in New Haven and has
resided there more than twenty years that previously to that
she resided in the town of Stamford in the State of Connecticut
That at the time of her residing in the last mentioned place
Deponent was at school in said town and intimate in her family
and has been acquainted with her evidence and that
she has always been esteemed a person of unexceptionable
piety and veracity - And Deponent saith that at the
time of being at school in said Stamford and many
years afterwards he knew Isaac Quintard and David
Holly whose depositions accompany the application of
Elizabeth Fitch That they were both esteemed persons of
good repute and veracity. That said Quintard lived in
said Stamford that he had a large store and dwelling house
and was considered a person of some property. That said
Holly lived at Waterside about a mile from the meeting
house of said town That he had a dwelling, farm and
flour mill and was likewise thought to be a man of
easy circumstances That the said Holly
departed this life about three years ago.
Thos Wm Tucker

Sworn before me this }
day of }
1846 by Thomas W. } [seal obscured]
Tucker. Known to me }
to be a person standing }
& credibility. }

Chas P. Daly [Charles Patrick Daly]
associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas
of the City & County of New York
Page 84

STATE OF NEW YORK                          ) SS
CITY AND COUNTY OF NEW-YORK    )

I, James Conner, Clerk of the City and County of New-York, and also Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, for the said City and County, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, 
That Chas P Daly before whom the annexed deposition was taken, was, at the time of taking the same, Associate Judge of New York Court of Common Pleas, in and for said City and County, duly commissioned and sworn, and authorized by the laws of this State to take the same; and that I believe the Signature of said Associate Judge thereunto subscribed is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said County, the 2nd day of February 1846

     James Conner     Clerk.


of the Court of Common Pleas
County of New York
Page 85

United States of America
State of New York
City & County of New York
Southern District of the State of New York ss:
On this Twelfth day of March A.D. 1847, personally appeared before me Elizabeth Fitch, a resident of the City, County and State of New York aged 81- years who being by me first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following Declaration, that she the said Elizabeth Fitch is the widow of William Fitch, and that she is the same individual upon whose Petition to the Congress of the United States, an act of said Congress was passed on the third day of March A.D. 1847, for her relief as the widow of the said William Fitch.  And the said Elizabeth Fitch prays that her name may be inscribed on the Pension Roll of the Southern District of the State of New York.

Sworn to and subscribed    )
before me on this day and )   [signed] E Fitch
year first above written      )

Thomas Harrison 
Commissioner of deeds

STATE OF NEW YORK                          ) SS
CITY AND COUNTY OF NEW YORK    )

I, James Conner, Clerk of the City and County of New-York, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, 
That Thomas Harrison, before whom the annexed deposition was taken, was, at the time of taking the same, a Commissioner of Deeds in and for said City and County, duly commissioned and sworn, and authorized by the laws of this State to take the same; and that I believe the Signature of said Commissioner of Deeds thereunto subscribed is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said County, the 13th day of March, 1847

     James Conner     Clerk.
Page 86

An act for the 
relief of 
Elizabeth Fitch

Jno E Addison
Page 87

An Act for the releif of Elizabeth Fitch
_____________________________

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled; that the Secretary of War be, and is hereby, authorised and required to place the name of Elizabeth Fitch on the pension roll under the act off July eighteen hundred and thirty six; and that he cause her to be paid, agreeably to said act, for seven months service by her late husband as assistant surgeon in the evolutionary war.

Approved March 3rd 1847
Department of State
March 16th 1847
I certify tt the above is a true and complete copy, carefully compared with the original Roll on file in this Department
A P Trist
Chief Clerk