Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 11257, for Samuel R Potter, Rhode Island
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Service: R.I.
Potter, Samuel R.
Number: S 11257

carded
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Rhode Island
Samuel R Potter of Washington in the state of RI who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Balcost of the Regt. commanded by Col Dyer in the Rhode Island line for 16 months
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Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island at the rate of 53 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
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Certificate of Pension issued the 10th day of April 1833 and sent April [?] RI
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Arrears to the 4th of March 1833  $106.66
Semi-annual, allowance ending 4 Sept  $26.67
$133.33

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}

Recorded by D. D. Addison Clerk, Book 2 Vol. 2a Page 124
Date of death not in [?]
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87 Declaration of Sam R Potter
13.470
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DECLARATION
IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE ACT OF CONGRESS, PASSED JUNE 7, 1832.
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
COUNTY OF Washington 

On this 5th day of September 1822 personally appeared in open court before the Judges or Justices of the Court of Comm [?] now sitting Samuel R Potter a resident of South Kingston in the county of Washington and State of Rhode Island, aged 73 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath
make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated -- he was born in South Kingston, he has no record of his age, except a record in the Family Bible in the year 1777, He belonged to a Company of Militia in South Kingston, and James
A Varnum took the command of him and some others, and became [?] the guard Varnum bore  the title of Colonel, and he understood [?] by the General Apembly, to take up and examine [?] who were believed to have aided [?] the enemy, or to ha e friendly feelings towards them. His wish was to select those who
had horses, so that they could ride about the county, where they were [?].  Whilst engaged in that Cenie he and most of them quartered at the house of Stephen Whitman in Exeter, and sent where they were ordered and apprehended all [?] hired out by him at one [?] and stated, and earned them before him, and may what they apprehended came then the
him, and may whit the apprehended new by King mind and
and last into the inters of the County to prevent their hans
munication of to Every, there was
aged in the manner as stated
1777, to company of Milita, to which he belonged
of which Stephen Baker Captine
Carpenter Sent was called out, Colyer commanded the
Regiment, to which it belonged. They rendered at Wickland
of the marke to East Greenna , and we hereto and
Bay to Hanington, he thence the next to Slade Ferry, in
Massachusetts, where they went to Preston to an
Jones, under General Spencer, who contemplate making a
anding on the Island of Rhode Island to take the bare how to
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British, no landing was made. It rained hard  during the march & they suffered much. They 
said [illegible]road or the One of Trenton and  Little Compton and on time and were dismissed, and he came home, [illegible] (I may of,) being unable to get over Taunts River, at Slades Ferry or Narraganset Bay. He was absent on this expedition as much as a month. [Illegible Bemis] to this, he was called out, with a part of the Militia Company to which he
belonged to assist in guarding [illegible] to  prevent depredations of the Enemy, who being in possession of Newton were in the habit  of landing on the [illegible]  there of the  Bay to take of lots attack and people. He remembered of being stationed at a Gendine
near the ferry two month, and at many other places along there, and he is confident, that illegible be] as much, at six months guarding the shores as above stated, untill General
Lillian Expedition on Rhode Island, which was in August 1778, when the company of Militia to which he belonged of when Stephen Baker was Captain, not make to to Post of to
ten flood near what is now called up, when the joined a Regiment, then commanded by Colonel Charles Dyer, for hence he went to Providence and then marched through Seekonk, and went to Testor to Join The force 
under General Sullivan, this landed on the Island of Rhode Island and he being one of the first [illegible decision], was dismissed, when the Battle came on, he was out in this
expedition one month. He was afterward called out to assist in guarding the [illegible while], but cannot state when nor where in particular, but he recollects of being stationed
at the House of Silas Gardiner near to South Ferry at different times, two or three months. He was out on duty ast much as half of the time, untill to British at Newport, and is [illegible post], that he actually [illegible and] as much as eighteen month standing guard in the shore & in Spencer & in Tulliards  expedition In 1779, he was [illegible exited 
 promoted?] Ensign of to Company to which he belonged but did not accept his commission & continued to serve as a soldier
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He was called out in many alarms, on not done to  the [illegible] to
the taking of the British Frigate Pepene, and to being  of to Columbus William C Clarke,
Timothy Cahan & Solomon
Shema was with him in come of his tour of duty
He do not know of any Clergyman in the vicinity who can testify 
to reputation in his neighborhood of his having been a 
soldier of the Revelation, but [illegible]  to Court  to Elisha Potter
Thomas S Fayle
who will testify to the goodness of his
character for truth & also that it is reported on I believe in his
vicinity there he was a soldier of the Revolution.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his
name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Samuel R. Potter
in Open Court Wim. Saml Helme Clk
We, Elisha R. Potter Thomas
S Taylor residing
in the town of South Kingston
and
[crossed out residing in (the same)] hereby certify, that we are well acquainted who
with Samuel Bitter
has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we
believe him to be 73 years
of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood
where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion
Sworn to and subscribed the day aforesaid.
in Open Court
Elisha Pr Potter
Thos P. Taylor
Will Sam. Helme Clk

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatries
prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and
served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that the
who has signed the preceeding certificate, is a
resident in the and that Elisha R Potter and Tho T Taylor who have 
also signed the same are residents in the Town of South Kingston
and are 
a credible persons and
that their statement is entitled to credit
I Samuel Helme
Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas & Gen [illegible] of the Peace ┃
do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Samuel R Potter for 
a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office
this eighth
day of September A.D. 1832
Sam. Helme Clk
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Saml B. Potter
Private 16 months

$53.33


W.C. ?.

ob 4, 5, 6, 10, & 16
My 21 S4833

P. 209
W Updike
Kingston, R. I.
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1347

BRIEF in the case of Samuel B. Potter
of Washington in the State of Rhode Island
(Act 7th Une, 1832.)

1.  Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge?  Court

2.  If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?

3.  How old is he?  73

4.  State his service as directed in the form annexed.

Period.  In 1777
Duration of Service.  1 Month
Rank.  private
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.  Cap Balcost  Col Dyer

Period. after in guarding shore
Duration of Service.  6 months
Rank.  private
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.

Period.  in 1778
Duration of Service.  1 month
Rank.  private
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.  several officers

Period.  after which
Duration of Service.  2 or 3 months
Rank.
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.

5.  In what battles was he engaged?  none

6.  Where did he reside when he entered the service?  South Kingston

7.  Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?
4 living witnesses

8.  Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect?
Seal without device and the authentication of witnesses not properly attatched.

Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.

Wm. C. Easton
Examining Clerk.

19 (illegible) 1833
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Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
EEL

October 30, 1929

Benjamin F. Wilbour
Little Compton
Rhode Island

Dear Sir:
I advise you that in order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name of person paid and possibly the date of death of the Revolutionary War pensioner, Samuel R. Potter, S.11257, you should apply to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D.C., citing all of the following data:
Samuel R, Potter, Certificate No.10478, issued April 10, 1833, rate $53.33 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832, Rhode Island Agency. 
Very truly yours,
EARL D. CHURCH
Commissioner.

(hand written): His former letter was transferred to the Record Division Gen. Accting Office on May 7, 1929 but as it would seem he had had no reply this letter was also sent.
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Rev.&1812 Wars Sectuib,
MMFF

May 7, 1929.

Benjamin F. Wilbour,
Little Compton,
Rhode Island.

Sir:
I advise you that your letter of April 26, 1929, transmitted to this bureau from the Treasury Department for consideration, has on this date been referred to the Records Division, General Accounting Office, this city, as a matter which pertains to the records of that office.

Respectfully,
E.W. MORGAN,
Acting Commissioner.
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Rev.& 1812 Wars Section
MMFF

May 7, 1929.

Chief, Records Division,
General Accounting Office,
Washington, D. C.

Sir:
I advise you that the Revolutionary War records of this bureau show that Certificate No. 10478 was issued April 10, 1833 to Samuel R. Potter; the rate was $53.33 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832, Rhode Island agency.
The letter of Benjamin F. Wilbour, Little Compton, Rhode Island, and Treasury Department are herewith transmitted for your attention, and Mr. Wilbour so advised.

Respectfully,
E.W. MORGAN,
Acting Commissioner.
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Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
AWR/eel

March 30, 1929

Benjamin F. Wilbour
Little Compton
Rhode Island

Sir:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.11257, it appears that Samuel R. Potter was born in South Kingston, Rhode Island, date not stated.
He enlisted and served as a private with the Rhode Island Troops as follows:
In 1777, two months in Colonel James M. Varnum's Regiment; from October, 1777, four months in Captain Stephen Babcock's Company, Colonel Charles Dyer's Regiment and was in Spencer's Expedition; in 1778, five months in Captain Stephen Babcock's Company and was in Sullivan's Expedition; in 1779, five months in Captain Stephen Babcock's Company; in 1780, one month in Colonel Thomas Potter's Regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 5, 1832, at which time he was living in South Kingston, Rhode Island, aged seventy-three years.
It is not stated that soldier was married.

Respectfully,
E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner.
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Little Compton RI
Sept 2, 1929

US Department of the Interior

Dear sirs:-

Can you please tell me to whom the last payment of the revolutionary pension was paid of Samuel R Potter of South Kingstown RI and where his estate was settled.

War Pension clain S11257

Very Truly Yours,
Benjamin F Wilbout
Little Compton RI

-- stamped
Revolutionary and 1812 wars
section 
Sep 6 - 1929
bureau of pensions
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Little Compton R.I
Aug 3, 1928

Dear Sirs:
Please send what you have on the following revolutionary soldiers

Benjamin Wilbour of Trenton Mass born in Raynham about 1755 married at Norton.  Family data wanted.

Samuel R Poter of South Kingston RI pensioner of 1840 being then 83 years of age.  Family data wanted.  Also a Robert Potter mentioned

Very Truly yours,
Benjamin F Wilbour
Little Compton RI
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Rev War
11257
INVALID
File No. 11,257
Samuel R. Potter
Priv. Rev. War

Act: June 7th 1832
Index:-Vol. A, Page 300
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1929 Mch -30 - Hist to Benjamin F. Wilbour Avey
May 7 - Letter of B.F. Wilbour referred to this Bin, by Treas. Dept. transmitted to G. A. Office for date of past payment etc. MSF
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND, &c.
Washington County,
Sc. South Kingstown, Sept. 4th 1832.

Personally appeared the aforenamed William C Clark, Daniel Getto, Solomon Sheenman & Timothy Peckam and  before deposing as aforesaid, were by me, carefully cautioned, examined and sworn to testify the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, and gave the foregoing depositions, which were reduced to writing by me, in their presence and they the same in my presence.  And I further certify that the said deponents are well known to me and they they sustains fair characters for truth, and that their deposition are entitled to credit.
Wilkins Updike, Justice Peace

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
Washington , County, sc.

I Samuel Helme, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County of Washington, & state, aforesaid, do hereby certify that Wilkins Updike, Esq. before whom the deposition annexed were taken and sworn to, is a Justice of the Peace, duly elected and qualified within and for the county of Washington, in said state and that his signature thereto is in his own proper hand writing.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this Seventh day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand, eight hundred and thrity two.

Sam Helme Clk

(seal is illegible)
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Deposition in Application od Saml B Potter
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The deposition of Timothy Peckham of South Kingstown in the County of Washington, state of Rhode Island aged 75 years on oath testifies & says.  That Samuel R. Potter of South Kingstown aforesaid now are applicant for a pension was always known to him. That while the British were in (illegible) of Newport I knew said Samuel R. Potter as a private in Capt. Stephen Babcocks company of malitia in guarding the shores and he was quartered at the House of Silas Gardner at the Narrow River Bridge in said South Kingstown, I was in another company and we both drew provisions from the same place.
In 1777 said Potter was on R Island as a private and on duty with Gen. C. Spencers expedition.
In 1778 I saw said Potter on R Island as a private in Gen. Sullivans expedition & did duty there. I also saw him quartered at Robert Knowles in guarding the shores and saw him at Point  Judith Point at the capture of the Cyrene and also saw him at the conflagration of the American Ship Columbus by the British.
I also know that said Potter was on duty as a private in almost all the service during the war and have heard & believe & never knew it (illegible) but that he was an horseman under Gen Farmeen in arresting the Towi
Timothy Peckham
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Rhode Island
Washington Sc.

South Kingstown   Sep 4th 1832
Personally appeared the witness named Timothy Peckham and before deposing (illegible) aforesaid was by me carefully cautioned, examined & sworn to testify to the truth the whole truth & nothing but the truth.  Said deposition was reduced to writing By me in his presence & read to him & he declared the same to be true
Before Me W. Updike. J. Peace

(large "X" over writing)
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Supplemental Affidavit in the Application of Samuel R Potter
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Washington - In South Kingston - February 7th AD 1833
Personally appear before me, the undersigned one of the Justices of the Peace, for the Town of South Kingston, in the County of Washington, Samuel R Potter of [?] South Kingston, an Applicant for a Pension, whose application is hereto annexed, who being duly sworn deposeth and says that by reason of old age and the consequent laps of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the [?] length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the following gender.  One month under General Varnum in the year 1777 in Exeter, as a Private, afterward in 1777, I served as a private in the Company of Militia, belonging to South Kingston of which Stephen Babcock was Captain in guarding the shores and in [?] Expectation, Four months in the year 1778, I served as a Private in said Company, Five Months in 1779 I served as a Private in said Company Five months guarding the shores.  In 1780 on the Island of Phode Island, I served one month as a Private under Colonel Thomas Potter and for this service I claim a Pension.  
Samuel R Potter

State of Rhode Island
Washington County
July 7th 1833

Personally appeared the above named Samuel R Potter
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and before deposing as [afore?] and was by me carefully examined cautioned and sworn to testify the truth, the whole truth & nothing but the truth and [subscribed?] laid supplement affidavit in my presence after the sworn was [volunteered?] to writing and I further certify that said Samuel R Potter is personally known to me and that he [customary?] a [fair?] character for truth & that this affidavit is [entitled?] to full [?] credit

Wilkins Updike Just. Peace
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Deposition in Application of Samuel R Potter
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The Deposition of Solomon Sherman of Warren in the County of Bristol in the State of Rhode Island now commorant in South Kingston in said State aged of
73 years on oath testify & says That I know Samuel R. Potter now an applicant for a pension. That in the year 1777
I saw said Samuel R Potter as a private in the Company of Capt Stephen Babcock, in the regiment of Col. Charles Dyer and that said company was stationed at Lelas Gardners near the South Ferry and that said company was on tour two months in guarding the shores on the Narragansett Bay against  the incurrsions of the enemy. He was also was quartered at the house of Rowland Roberton during said term of duty & at other places doing duty as a private in said company commanded
by said Capt. Babcock

In the year 1778 I saw said Samuel R Potter on Newport Rhode Island as a soldier in the expedition under Gen Sullivan and did duty
then and further the department [?]
Solomon Sherman
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Rhode Island 
Washington County
Sept 4 1832
Personally appeared the written named Solomon Sherman before deposing was by me carefully [?] examined and sworn to testify the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Said Deposition was entered to writing by me in in the [?] and the [?] being read to him he declared the same to be true.
Before me Wilkins Updike J.Peace
Updike J Peace
ing
Application
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The Deposition of William C Clarke of South Kingston in the County of Washington Rhode Island and aged 76 years on oath testifies & says. That Samuel R Potter of South Kingstown in the County of Washington J.M Norman Island now an applicant for a pension has always been known to me, that in 1777 said Samuel R Potter was detached having a horse to join Gen. J.M. Norman to apprehend the Torey in the state who it was thought
were to join the British in Newport, he served in that service about one month - I understand that he was on duty to guard the shores in North & South Kingston but did not see him on that duty but never heard it question
ed - in October 1777 said Samuel R. Potter was a private in Capt Stephen Babcocks company I think and saw him in Gen Spencers expedition in 1778 in August he served on Newport in
Genl Sulkoary expedition as a private.
After the French Army came to Newport & the French fleet was there and it rumored that the British were going to attack them from N York said S R Potter I think was a private that marched on to Newport and served then but I dont know how long - That said Samuel Potter was on duty as a private when the Cyrence [*Syren] was captured on Point Judith in South
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South Kingston in 1777 he was a private & on duty in the conflagation of the American ship Columbus by the British. And that I know that he was generally on duty on all occasions in guarding the shores & on all extra occasions of service as much as any one among the patriots. William C Clarke



Rhode Island
Washington County
South Kingston Sept 4 AD 1832

Personally appeared the above named William C Clark and before deposing as appeared was by me carefully [?] sworn to the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth law deposition was taken and [?] to entering by me in his 
Before me Wilkins Updike J.Peace
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The deposition of Daniel Tuft of South Kingston in the County of Washington, Rhode Island on oath testified & says that I am 77 years of age. That I always knew Samuel R Potter now an applicant for a pension. That while the British were in possession of Newport and Capt Wallace lay in the west Narragansett Bay I saw & know that said Samuel R Potter was a private in Capt Stephen Babcocks company of infantry of [illegible] - that said Babcocks company was stationed at the house of Rowland Roberson near the South Ferry in said South Kingston and was on duty two months or thereabout and said Potter serves as a private therein during that time, I was in another company commanded by Col. John Gardner.--After that and while the British were in possession of Newport the said Samuel R Potter was a private in the same company commanded by Capt Babcock and was stationed at the House of Silas Garner at the [illegible] river Bridge in said South Kingston to defend the person & property of the people against the [illegible] enemy and that said Potter served as a private in said company doing duty
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Herein for the term of one month as near as I can recollect - I saw him at those places doing duty asa private & will recollect the [accuracy?]

[tremfs?] W Updike
J. Peace

Mark Daniel Tefft

Rhode Island
Washington County
[unknown]
Sep 4th 1832
Personally appeared the above said Daniel Tefft and before deploying on aforesaid war by me carefully cautioned examined & sworn to testify to the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth - said declaration was reduced to writing by me in his presence & read to him he declared the same to be true

before me Wilkins Updike J Peace



[sideways text]
Deposition in [application?]
of Samuel R Potter