Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 21994, for Nicholas Potter, Rhode Island
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
R.L. 
Potter, Nicholas
Phebe
NUMBER
W 21994
CONTENTS
Page 2

20.810
New York
Nicholas Potter
of Cortland in the State of N. York
who was a Private in the Camp commanded
by Captain Edwards of the Rep. commanded
by Col. Greene in the Rh Island
line for 10 months
Inscribed on the Roll of New York
at the rate of 33 Dollars 33 Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 day of Oct
1833
and sent to R. Day
semipromised 
Arrears to the 4th Sep 23
$83.33
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4n:24
16.66
99.99
Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Job Stiles Clerk, 
Book. E Vol. 4 Page 72.
Page 3

N. Potter
Nicholas Potter
22039
Page 4

State of New York
Cayuga County  On the 24th day of August 1832 personally
appeared before me Gershom Messes a
Judge of the Court of Common pleas in & for said County
Nicholas Potter of Providence County & State aforesaid aged
Seventy three years, who being first duly sworn according 
to swear doth on his Oath make the following declaration
in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed
June 7th 1832 That he entered the service of the United States
as near as he can now recollect in the year 1777 there he
then resided in the Town of Scituate, Providence County State of
Rhode Island there at that time the whole Militia of his
neighborhood was divided into two classes, one half was
in duty at a time for half a month at a time, there he
was drafted in Capt. Edwards Company in four Tours
of 1/2 a month each making in the whole two months
There as near as he can recollect in the 1778 he was drafted
twice in Capt Bates Company and served two tours
of Month such Town making one month, that he
was afterwards drafted in Capt Knight Company
for 1/2 a month and served out his time, there in 1779 as now
as he can now recollect he was drafted in Capt Davises 
Company for 1/2 a month and served out his time. All
those services were rendered in guarding the shores
and Coast of Rhode Island while the British were in
possession of Newport,
that in the Month of May 1780 he enlisted in
a Company raised in the County of Providence, Rhode Island
Commandeered by Lieutenant Burlingham in Col-
Christopher Greens Regiment, soon after enlisting was
Marched to a fort on the hill back of Newport, and after
remaining three and working on the Fort some time
we marched to Greenwich and staid a few days
and then returned to the fort was out in this tour
Six Months when he was discharged and returned
home
That he has no documentary evidence and that he
knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who
can testify to his services  That he hereby relinquishes
Page 5

any 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 & year aforesaid before me
Nicholas Potter 
govenor Morse a judge
of Cayuga com pleas
We Nathaniel L. Moore a clergyman residing in the
Town of Sempronius and Jared Mowry of the same
place hereby certify that we are well acquainted 
with Nicholas Potter who has subscribed and sworn
to the above declaration, that we believe him to be
about Seventy three years old, 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
Nath L. Moore
Sworn & Subscribed the
year aforesaid before me
Garshom Morse a Judge of
lay Com pleas
Nathaniel L. Moore
Jared Mowry
And I the said Judge do hereby declare my opinion
after the investigation of the matter and after putting
the interrogatories prescribed by the war department
that the above mentioned applicant was a revolutionary
Soldier and served as he states - And I further certify
that Nathaniel L. Moore who has signed the proceeding
Certificate is a Clergyman resident in Sempronius
and that Jared Mowry who has signed the same
is also a resident of the same place and is a creditable
person and that this statement is entitled to credit
and I further certify that the above named applicant
cannot from bodily infirmity attend Court-
Garshom Morse a Judge
of lay com pleas
Page 6

State of New York
Cayuga County
Clerks office   
To
---
Michael S. Myers, Clerk of said
County do certify that Garshom Morse Esquire,
before whom the foregoing affidavits purport to have
been sworn & by whom the foregoing certificate pur-
ports to have been made, was on the twenty
fourth day of August 1832 a Judge of Cayuga County Court.
and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and
verily believe ^ that the signature of Garshom Morse annexed to
said affidavits & certificate is genuine.
Witness my hand & seal of office this 8th day of Janu-
ary A.D. 1832
M. S. Myers
Page 7

State of New York Nicholas Potter of Sempronius County & State aforesaid 
Cayuga County 
being duly sworn doth depose and say, That he is
an applicant for a pension under the act of June 1832, that he made ┃
his declaration on or about the 24th August 1832 and sent the same
to the pension office, since which he has received a request from the
department acquiring a more particular statement of the circumstances
of his service in the Revolutionary war, and therefore on oath says
that to the best of his recollection and belief he served as he states
in said declaration up to the year 1780 under the orders of the
civil authority of Rhode Island, that he has no knowledge that thou
Companies were we organized into Regiments, and does not recollect
that any Colonel or other field officer had any command,
That in the year 1780 he was under the cirmmand of Col. Greene
as is set forth in his declaration aforesaid hereunto annexed, and
for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed
in any civil pursuit- And he further says that in answering the
Interrogatories set forth by the department subsequent to the making his
declaration he answers as follows
1st. Where & in what year was you born? Answer, was Born
in the Town of Scituate State of Rhode Island 28 May 1759 -
2nd. Lo the Second Interrogatory he answers - That he has no record of his
age, has seen is the Family Bible of his father, has always understood
from the Record & from his parents that he was born in 1759 as he states
3rd. In answer to third Interrogatory he says, he lived in Scituate aforsaid
at the command of the war remained there until he
was about 27 years old, then he moved to Foster in said State
remained there until the year 1817 when he removed to
Sempronius Cay County State of New York & has resided there 
ever since, and resides there now. 
4th. In answer to the fourth Interrogatory he says, he was drafted
or detached to form the Class as set forth in his said Declaration
5th. In answer to fifth Interrogatory he says, he has stated in his declaration 
aforesaid all he can now recollect of his officers & Troops
6th. In answer to the Sixth Interrogatory he says he never did receive
any discharge from the service but a verbal one, whom our times
were out we were relieved by others who took proper places and
so continued alternately as states in said declaration
7th. In answer to the Seventh Interrogatory he says, that Abel Heald
Post Master Revd N. L. Moor Jared Mowry Z. Rhodes Esq  Z Titus Supervisor
Eli Atwarter M. Jane Esq. who can testify as to my character
Page 8

for truth & veracity and their belief of my services,
and he further on Oath says that by reason of old age and
consequent loss of memory he cannot swear any more
positively as to his services, the officers, or troops there
is set forth in his declaration, but according to his best
recollection he served not less than the periods stated in his
declaration viz Ten Months and for such services he claims
a pension
Sworn & Subscribed this
22nd. day of June 1833 before me
Garshom Morse a Judge of
Cay Com. pleas
State of New York
Cayuga County
Nicholas Potter
p.s. 
I Michael S. Myers. Clerk of said
County Do certify that Garshom Morse
Esq. was on the day the foregoing affidavit pur-
ports to have been taken, a Judge of the Court
of Common Pleas of said County; and I
am acquainted with his handwriting & verily believe that his sig-
nature subscribed to said affidavit is genuine.
Witness my hand & seal of Office this 27th day of June 1833
M.S. Myers
Page 9

Date of death not 
on d.b. 
5323 A.
New York
Phebe Potter 
widow of Nicholas Potter
R.I.
who served in the Revolutionary 
war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
33 Dollars 33
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the
29th day of January 1857
and sent to
Hon H.S. Conger
House of Reps
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page 167 Vol. 4
Page 10

Phebe Potter papers
Phebe Potter
widow of Nicholas
New York
A. d. 26 June 1847
admitted.
Pr: 10 and $33.33
From 26 June 1847 when he enlist
to 4th March 1828, from 1828
for life.
under at 17 June 1844
Hon H.S. Conger
N. R.
Page 11

State of Rhode Island and
Providence Plantations
Secretary of State's Office
January 7th 1850
I certify, that William Fairbanks for the town
of Cranston, William G. Stone for the town of Foster, Ezra Hawkins
for the town of Gloucester and Richard Howard for the town of
Foster, in said State, whose signatures are severally affixed
to the affidavits hereunto attached, were duly elected and
commissioned, the year now current, Justices of the Peace in said
towns be with William Fairbanks for the town of Cranston, Ezra
Hawkins for the town of Gloucester, William G Stone and
Richard Howard for the town of Foster; and that they are
authorized by law to administer oaths and affirmations as
appears of record in this office.
In listen any whereof share hereunto
who and state 
set my hand and seal the day & year before written
Chris. E. Robbins
Secry  of State
Page 12

Town Clerks Office 
Foster R.I. January 4. 1850
I certify that upon a careful examination of the Records of
marriages in this Office, I do not find any record of the
marriage of Nicholas Potter and Phebe Wade,
I further certify that there were but few marriages Recorded
in this Office, until within twenty years last past 
Witness
Daniel Howard Town Clerk
I Daniel Howard, above named depose and say that I hold
the Office of Town Clerk of the Town of Foster in the County of
Providence and State of Rhode Island, and that the above certificate
by me subscribed is correct and true
Daniel Howard Town Clerk
Sworn to at Foster aforesaid the 5th day of January 1850,
Before me,
Richard Howard Justice of the Peace
Hon. B. Cowell, I send this to you at the request of
C.H. Brown T. Clerk of Gloucester
D. Howard
Page 13

Mt. Vernon
A.D. Jan 5
Hon. Benjamin Cowell
Providence
Page 14

I Anna Smith of Foster in the County of Providence
and State of Rhode Island, being seventy three years of
age, do certify that I was acquainted with Nicholas Potter
and Phebe his wife previous to their removal from said
State of Rhode Island: The said Nicholas Potter and
said Phebe then Phebe Wade were married at the house
of my grand father Timothy Hopkins in said Foster in
the year 1786 according to the best of my recollection; I was
present at their wedding and saw them married
I further certify that I have a distinct recollection
of said marriage, it being the first wedding I ever atten
ded; I sat, during said ceremony, in the lap of my grand
father; and could not have been at that time more 
than nine or ten years of age.
Witness my hand at said Foster this 22d day of
November A.D. 1849.
Anna Smith
State of Rhode Island
County of Providence. For in November 22. A.D. 1849
Here the above named Anna Smith appeared
and was by me duly engaged to the truth of the foregoing
statement by her subscribed. And I hereby certify that
said Anna Smith is personally known to me to be a
credible person, whos statements are entitled to credit.
William G. Stone Justice of the peace
Page 15

I Amasa Eddy of Glocester in the County of
Providence and State of Rhode Island, being sixty
five years of age, do certify, that I was well acquainted 
with Nicholas Potter before he removed from this
State to the State of New York. That some time about
the year 1820, in a conversation with William Arnold
Esq. of said Glocester now deceased, I heard him Mr
Arnold say that he united said Nicholas Potter and
a Miss Wade in marriage; and remarked that said
persons were the first persons he ever married.
I further certify that during my acquaintance
with said Nicholas Potter and wife, which was a num-
ber of years, I never heard any person express a doubt
of their being lawful man and wife.
Witness my hand at said Glocester this 2
day of November A.D. 1849. Amasa Eddy
State of Rhode Island
County of Providence.
Glocester November 26th AD. 1849
Then the above named Amasa Eddy personally ap-
peared and was duly sworn by me to the truth of the
foregoing statement by him subscribed. And I hereby
certify that said Amasa Eddy is personally known to
me to be a credible person, whos statements are en-
titled to credit.
Ezra Hawkins
Justice of the Peace
Page 16

I Charlotte Potter now residing in Cranston in the County
of Providence and State of Rhode Island, being seventy eight
years of age, on oath declare, that I was well acquainted 
with Phebe Wade formerly of Glocester in said County previous
to her marriage with Nicholas Potter; that they were
married in Foster in said County, at the house of Timothy
Hopkins her grandfather, in the year 1786 by William Arn-
-old Esq. and that I was present at their wedding and
saw them married.
I further certify that the said Nicholas and Phebe
his wife removed about thirty five years ago from this
State to the State of New York.
Witness my hand at said Cranston this 15th day of
February A.D. 1849
Charlotte Potter
Ward
Providence Ri. Cranston February 15th 1849
There Charlotte Potter personally appeared and was duly
Sworn to the truth of the foregoing statement by her subscribed
by mark: and that said Charlotte Potter is a credible
person whose statements are entitled to credit and whose
mark above made, was made by her in my presence
William Fairbank Justis of the Peace
Page 17

State of New York
County  As On this 30th day of May
1849 personally appeared before the subscribed
said Judge of the Court of Appeal of the State of New York
Freeborn G. Jerrett Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals of the
State of New York
the same being a Court of Record Phebe
Potter a resident of the Town of Skaneateles in said
County aged Eighty one years the tenth ^day of July who being
duly sworn according to law, doth, on her
Oath make the following declaration in order
to obtain the benefits of the provision made
by the Act of Congress passed July 7th 1818 and
July 1st 1848. That she is the widow of
Nicholas Potter deceased who during his
life drew a pension under the act of 1832
New York Agency at the rate of $33.33 per
annum on account of his revolutionary
services. she further declares that she was
married to the said Nicholas Potter on the
9th day of October 1786 that her husband the
aforesaid Nicholas Potter died on the 26th day of
June in the year 1847. that she was not
married to him prior to his leaving the 
service, but the marriage took place previous
to the first of January 1794 orig at the time above stated
Page 18

she further swears that she is now a widow
and that she has never before made any
application for a pension
Phebe Potter her mark 
Sworn to and subscribed on the 
day and year above written
before me
Freeborn G. Jewett Chief Judge
of the Court of Appeals of the State of
New York
I certify that the within named Phebe Potter
is a respectable old lady and that by
bodily infirmity she is prevented from
appearing before the Court. Dated May 
30. 1859
F G. Jerrett 
Chief Judge of the Court
of Appeal of the State 
of New York
Page 19

22039
Nicholas Potter
Cayuga Co
N York
em
Admitted
Private 10 months
R Day
Sempronius
Page 20

War Department, 
Pension Office, 
May 29 1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of our claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has 
been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of 
your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and 
the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, 
before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is
necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, 
you will find marked in the margin with a brace (thus: }). You will, when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed better with them; and 
you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim. 
A STATEMENT showing the service of Nicholas Potter

Period when the service was rendered 
1777
4 Tours of 1/2 M
each making 
2 tours 1778
1779
May 1780

Duration of the claimant's service. 
Years. 
Months 
2 
1
6
Days. 
- 
15
15
Rank of 
the 
claimant
Private
*
* 
*
*
Names and Rank 
of the Company 
officers under 
whom he served. 
Capt. Edwards 
Capt
Bates 
Capt
Knights 
Capt
Davis 
Col. 
Burlingham Green

Names and Rank 
of the General 
and Field officers. 
Col. 

Battles in which 
the applicant was 
engaged. 
Served in the coast
the same deployed
guarding the coast

Country thorough which he marched. 

Place of abode 
when he entered 
the service and age 
at the present 
period.

73 years 
Scituate
Rhode 
Island 

Evidence by
which the decla-
ration is sup-
ported. 
Testimonies & Clergyman

I am, respectfully, 
Your obedient servant;
J.L. Edwards 
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 21

2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7,1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has ben construed to extend as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, 
and to include under the terms "Continental Line." "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all 
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to 
Store Keepers &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in the actual military service. 
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law: 
1. The Regular Troops. 
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers. 
3. Person employed in the Naval service. 
4. Indian Spies 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claim-
ing the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first in-
stance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of
Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is 
considered a Court of Record 
DECLARATION 
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832. 
State, Territory, or District of 
County 
}ss.
On this -- day of -- personally appeared (a) before 
A.B. a resident (b) of -- in the county of -- and State, Territory or District
of -- aged (c) -- 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 provion made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the Untied States in the year (d)-- , with -- and 
served in the -- (e) regiment of the -- line, under the following named officers: 
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he serv-
ed under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the
town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, 
and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and per-
sons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, Navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes ever claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he
declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of 
the Agency in the State of 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. 
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolu-
tionary soldier, and served as he states. 
I-- of the Court of --
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of -- for a pension. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of the office (i) this
day of -- &c, 
If, on examination of the proper record the names of the applicants, making such declaration, cannot be
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out. 
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers, or Militia, 
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz: 
(k) We, A.B., a Clergyman residing in the -- and C.D> residing in (the same)
hereby certify that we are well acquainted with --, who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be
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 and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. 
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revo-
lutionary Soldier, and served as he states, And the Court further certifies, that it apppears to them that A.B. 
who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the 
and that C.D., who has also signed the 
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
I, -- Clerk of the Court of -- do hereby certify that the foregoing 
for the pension. 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal 
of office this-- day of--&c. 
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commis-
sion; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if
possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge the ser-
vices of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light 
upon the transaction . 
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all material facts, which can be useful 
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of the his narrative with the events of the period of his 
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
Page 22

3
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal 
means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be at-
atempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. 
All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there 
subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case. 
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account
of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State
troops of Virginia. 
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary 
war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? 
And if a substitute, for whom? 
5. State the name of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such 
Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6.{ To a Soldier{ Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it giv-
en and what has become of it? 
{To an Officer{ Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what
has become of it? 
7. State the names of the persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can tes-
tify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are
requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant. 
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, 
without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons-one of whom should b
the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from 
their acquaintance with him that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed 
and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur that opinion. 
IF one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the char-
acter and standing of other persons, giving such certificates. 
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party, And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the 
enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject. 
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration be-
fore required, and submit to the examination before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the 
proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to 
perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity attend the Court. 
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, 
or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper
Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a 
Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is
his genuine signature. 
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before
the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in the case of death subsequent thereto and before the 
declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can pro-
cure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period 
of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the
opinion of the Court upon the whole matter. 

[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will fol-
low the rule laid down for his guidance, 
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not
conforming to the rule
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned. 
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served. 
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the 
claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so
definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension her is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the 
loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A.B. who, being duly sworn, deposits and saith, that, by reason
of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise 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 grades:--For-- year-- months, and --
days, I served as a --, For == months and-- days I served as a--; and for such service I claim a pension." 
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law
directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, 
is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some person who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years
in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and the other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is
highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement;
the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent au-
thority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil 
pursuit. 
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable. 
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required. 
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case. 
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no pub-
lic seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer should accompany the
papers. 
Mode of authenticating papers. 
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which con-
tains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must
pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate. 
Proof of Service
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he mush prove his service by two credible witnesses, 
who are required to act forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well
as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the wit-
nesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. 
The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers, and State Troops. The proof required by rule in 
note [j] applies to continental troops only. 
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases. 
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact. 
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 23

July 19, 1938.
Mrs. Arthur Cotton
321 N. Keystone Avenue 
Sayre, Pennsylvania. 
BA-J/ILL
Nicholas Potter
W. 21994 
Dear Madam: 
Reference is made to your letter in which you request
the Revolutionary War record of Nicholas Potter, who was a pensioner of Sempronius, Cayuga County, New York.  
The data which follow are found in the papers on file in 
pension claim W. 21994, based upon service of Nicholas Potter in
the Revolutionary War. 
Nicholas Potter was born May 28, 1759 in Scituate, Rhode
Island; the names of his parents are not shown. 
While a resident of Scituate, Rhode Island, he enlisted and 
served on short tours as private in the Rhode Island troops, given 
as follow: during 1777, two months in Captain Edwards' company: in 1778, one month in Captain Bates' company, and one half month in 
Captain Knight's company; and in 1779, one have month in Captain Davis'
company. He enlisted in May 1780, and served six months under Lieutenant Burlingham, in Colonel Christopher Green's Rhode Island 
regiment. 
After his service, he continued to reside in Scituate, Rhode
Island until he was twenty-seven years of age, then moved to Foster, 
Rhode Island, and resided until 1817, at which time he moved to Sempronius, Cayuga County, New York. 
Nicholas Potter was allowed pension on his application exe-
cuted August 24, 1832, at which time he resided in Sempronius, New York. He died June 26, 1847. 
The soldier married October 9, 1786, Miss Phebe Wade, who was born July 10, 1767: the names of her parents are not shown. They
Page 24

were married at the home of her grandfather, Timothy Hopkins, in 
Foster, Rhode Island. 
Phebe Potter, the soldier's widow, was allowed pension on her
application executed May 30, 1849, at which time she resided in 
Skaneateles, New York. She made no reference to children. 
In 1849, Charlotte Potter, of Cranston, Rhode Island, aged
seventy-eight years, stated that she was present at the marriage
of Phebe Wade and Nicholas Potter, she did not state any relationship
to the family. One Anna Smith, of Foster, Rhode Island, in 1849, 
stated that she was present also at the wedding, which took place
at her grandfather's house, and that she sat on her grandfather's (grandfather's scratched out) lap during the ceremony. She did not state the 
name of her parents. 
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name of 
person paid, and possibly, the date of death of this pensioner, you 
should apply to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, 
this city, and cite the following
Phebe Potter, widow of Nicholas Potter
Certificate i5323
Issued January 29, 1850
Rate $33.33 per annum 
Commenced March 4, 1848
Act of February 2, 1848
New York Agency. 
Very truly yours, 
A.D. Hiller, 
Executive Assistant 
to the Administrator. 
2.
Page 25

Nicholas Potter
D. June 26, 1847
Pension roll for Sempronius, 
Cayuga Co. N.Y. 
placed on the pension roll Oct.
25, 1833. allowance. $33.33.
Rhode Island Continued Live.
(gloucester, Providence Co.
5 Reg. 2 Major. Nicholas Potter)

[Stamp]
Received 
Jun 29 1938
MAIL SUM DIV
VETS ADM 5
READER
Page 26

Do you have a pension record
of this man? don't know whether
he was a 2nd Major or not. he lived 
in gloucester, Foster & Scituate R.I. 
his wife's tomb stone reads, Phebe
wife of Major N. Potter, died Nov.
25, 1851. a.d. 84.
Thank you for your search
Mrs. Arthur Cotton
321 N. Keystone Ave
Sayre, Pa
over.
Page 27

Rev. War Section
3-049.
E.x V.L.M. Div. Record
Department of the Interior, 
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C. Nov. 25, 1921
The attached letter is respectfully returned
with the information that the date furnished is
no sufficient to enable this Bureau to make intel-
ligent answer to the queries therein contained. 
Please fill out such of the blank spaces below
as the information in your possession will permit, 
and return to this Bureau. 

Full name of Widow
No. of claim, [scratched out]
Name of soldier,
P.O. [scratched out] address of claimant of enlistment 
and after service
Company
Regiment
State where enlisted 
If unable to furnish company and regiment give names of commanding officers. 
approximate dates of birth & death
Return attached letter with reply. 
Washington Gardner 
Commissioner 
6-2169
[Stamp]
Pension 
Office 
D
U.S.  
DEC 15 1921
Page 28

Nicholas Potter N. Y. at 32, $33.33,
to what time paid? Ans: March 4 1847
Pension Office
and 1847
January 29 1850
W.S.A.
This is an error as the pensioner 
is not on the N.Y. City roll
Aud18217
Page 29

647 Albany 
New York
Phebe Potter
widow of Nicholas 
who was a Private 
in the Revolution 
for 10 months 
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
33 Dollars 33
Cents per annum to commence on 
the 24th day of March [Scratched Out] June 184[4]7 when he died
26th June 
Certificate of Pension issued the 
29th day of January 1857
and sent to 
Hon, H.S. Conger
House of Reps 
[Act of JUNE 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. [scratched out] Page 92
Page 30

5323
Nicholas Potter. Rev. Pensioner. N.Y. Rolls
Joseph Kimball's widow Rev. N.H. Rolls 
3833
S.J. Brown
Page 31

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION. 
3-525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
BUREAU OF PENSIONS 
W.F. 21994 Washington D. C., --, 19--
In reply to your request of--, received --
for a statement of the military history of Nicholas Potter
a soldier in the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired
information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen-
sion on file in this Bureau. 
DATES OF 
ENLISTMENT OR
APPOINTMENT. 
1777
1778
1779
May 1780
LENGHT OF 
SERVICE. 
2 mos. 
1 mo. 
1/2 mo. 
6 mos. 
RANK 
Pvt. 
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED
CAPTAIN 
Edwards
Bates
Knights 
Davis 
Leuit.  Burlingham 
COLONEL 
[CHECK MARK]
[CHECK MARK]
[CHECK MARK]
[CHECK MARK]
Christopher Green 
STATE 
R.I. 
Battles engaged in, none stated
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Scituate Providence, Co. R.I. 
Date of application for pension, Aug 24 1832 His cl. was al 
Residence at date of application,  Sempronius, Cayuga CO. N.Y. 
Age at date of application {born May 28, 1759 at Scituate R.I. 
Remarks: 
He was Oct. 9 1786, at Foster R.I. at the Residence of  her Grandfather, 
Timothy Hopkins, Miss Phebe Wade, She was ^ born July 10, 1767 & was al. pens. on al. app. 
& May 20, 1849 while a Resident of Skaneateles N.Y. It is not 
stated whether there were children. She alone noted is the 
only soldier of this. same found on the Rev. War records of this Record. 
Respectfully, 
Commissioner. 
6-2856
Page 32

December 13, 1921,
Department of the Interior.
Bureau of Pensions,
I received your
letter of November 26. In reply
will say Major Nicholas Potter
never received any pension.
I was told to write you as
I didn't know where to write
for the information I desired
In filling out the blank you
sent I cannot give the desired
information as I haven't any
way of finding out that I know
of at present as his children and
grandchildren are all dead that
we knew anything about.
Page 33

I will send you the names of
my Grandfather's children. he
married Esther Burgess of
R. Island, Charles Addison Potter
married Phebe Ann Chase of Killingly
Conn, Emma Lilian Potter married
Arnold Peckham Rich of Killingly Conn
Grandfather Potter had eleven
children.
Amy, Julia, Sabra Adeline,
Dorcas Maria, Phebe, William,
Nicholas, James Hopkins, Charles
Addison, Erastus, Emery A
soldier of the Civil War.
Hoping I am not troubling you
to much will send this to you.
my present address is
Mrs. Emma L. Rich,
Versailles,
Box 148-
Conn
Page 34

[Stamp]
PENSION
OFFICE
U.S. 
D
DEC
15
1921
 
[Stamp]
RECORD 
DEC 19 1921
DIVISION
Page 35

My mother, Mrs. Charles A. Potter
says she is very sure Major Potter's
wife's first name was Sabra,
but doesn't know her last name
before her marriage, My father has
told me his Grandfather Potter en-
tered the war at the beginning
and fought 'til the end. When
the Major was 80 years old he
came from New York State to either
R. Island of Connecticut to visit
relatives, Mother isn't sure where
the Major was born but is very
sure my Grandfather, Stephen H.
Potter was born in R. Island,
my Father Charles A. Potter was
born in New York State. Why I
am anxious to find out about the
major is because my daughter and
I have been asked to join the D.A.R.'s
Page 36

If you cannot give me the desired
information can you direct me
to where I would find out, I will
send you the names of my branch
of he family as it may possibly
help you.
My Great Grandfather was
Major Nicholas Potter
My Grandfather,
Stephen Hazzard Potter
my Father
Charles Addison Potter.
My name before marriage,
Emma Lillian Potter,
daughter of Charles A. Patter

[Stamp]
PENSION
U.S. 
D 
DEC 15 1921
OFFICE
Page 37

[Stamp]
PENSION 
D
U.S. 
DEC 15 1921 
OFFICE
Page 38

[Stamp]
PENSION 
G
U.S. 
NOV
8
1921
OFFICE. 

Department of Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Will you
please inform me about
Major Nicholas Potter A Rev-
olutionary soldier. Am not sure
but think he was born in
N. York of R. Island. He
entered the war at the
beginning and served until
the end. Respectfully,
Mrs Emma L Rich.
219 South Main St
Putnam, Conn
Page 39

[Stamp]
PENSION 
D
U.S. 
DEC 15 1921
OFFICE 

[Stamp]
RECORD 
DEC. 19 1921
DIVISION 

[Stamp]
RECORDS 
NOV 8 1921
DIVISION
Page 40

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 26994
Phebe Potter
Widow of
Nicholas Potter
Pri Rev War 
Act Feb 2d 48
Index: Vol. M, Page 138
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1922 If any Hist to Mrs. E.
L. Rich
1938- July 19. Hist. to Mrs Arthur Colton
ILL
Page 41

State of New York
Cortland County's Stephen Kelly being duly
Sworn Saith that he was
acquainted with Nicholas Potter & that he the 
said Stephen Served with him the said Potter 
in the same Company for the term of
Six months in Lieutenant Burlingham Compa 
ny and in Col Christopher Greens Regiment
in the State of Rhode Island in the year 1780
Said Company was Raised in the County of
Providence in said State of Rhode Island
Sworn & Subscribed
Stephen
the 4th day of August
1832 Before me
Joseph Reynolds a judge in
& for the County of
Cortland

His 
Stephen Kelly
mark

Cortland County's Jobe Parker & Abel Parker
being duly Sworn Saith that they
were acquainted with Stephen Kelly above described
and on their oath say that he was a man
of truth & Veracity
Sworn and Subscribed this
4th day of August 1832
before me
His 
Jobe Parker
mark 
Abel Parker 

Sworn and Subscribed before
me
Joseph Reynolds a Judge
in and for
the County of Cortland

I certify that I am acquainted with the above named
Jobe Parker & Abel Parker and know them
to be men of good moral character and
of truth
4th August 1832
Joseph Reynolds a Judge
in & for the County of
Cortland
Page 42

State of New York William Parker of
Cortland County Virgil being duly Sworn
Saith that he was acquainted
with Nicholas Potter and served with him in
a Company raised in the County of Prove
-dence in the State of Rhode Island
and was commanded by Lieutenant Bur
lingham and was attached to Col Green's 
Regiment. Said Company was Raised for
Six months and I served with said Potter
about four or five months and then I
listed out of said Company into the
Continental army and left said Potter
in said Company thinks it was in the
year 1780
his
William Parker
Mark
Sworn and Subscribed
before me this 4th day
of August 1832
Joseph Reynolds a Judge in &
for the County of Cortland
Cortland County Abel Parker & Nathan Smith
of Virgil being duly sworn saith
that we were aquatinted with William Parker above
named and have known him a man of
truth & Veracity 
His
Nathan Smith
Mark 
Abel Parker 
Sworn and Subscribed the 4th
day of August 1832 before
me Joseph Reynolds a Judge
Cortland Co
I certify that the above named Nathan Smith &
Abel Parker are men of good moral character
and men of truth
4th August 1832.
Joseph Reynolds a judge in
and for the County of
Cortland
Page 43

State of New York
Cortland County
Clerks office SS
Samuel Hotchkiss Clerk of said County
do certify that Joseph Reynolds Esq before
whom the within affidavits purports to have
been sworn was at the date of the same a
Judge of the County Courts in & for said County
duly commissioned and sworn his acts therefore
in that capacity are to be regarded as such
Also that I am acquainted with his hand
-writing and verily believe his name to the
said affects subscribed to be his own proper
handwriting & signature
Witness my hand & Seal of office
June 22nd 1833
Samuel Hotchkiss
Page 44

Hon. A.A. Burnham
May 26 1860

Let of of J H Potter ing if  of Nicholas
Potter he is entitled to Reappear 
Can not on this 
information, he wanted
Return then to A.A. Burn
ham with the reply-
G.C.W.
Page 45

Washington July. 16, 1830
Sir
I send herewith papers in support of the
claim of Phebe Potter to a Pension.
I am Yours &c
H.S. Conger
Page 46

Pension Office, May 28. 1860.
Sir, 
In reply to the enquiries contained in the
enclosed letter of Mr. James H Potter. I have
the honor to state that Nicholas Potter, late of
Cortland County, New York, was pensioned
as not of $33.33 per annum, under
Act of June 7, 1832. This allowance was
fully as much as the proof of record which
he adduced would justify- His widow, Phebe
Potter, was after the death of her
Nicholas Potter after the death of her husband ,[scratched through]
Nicholas Potter [scratched through] his death, was pensioner 
under act of June 7, 1838, as the same
Rate her husband received there could
be no increase of allowance due, therefore,
even if either of these parties were now
living: but children ^deceased of Revolutionary Soldiers 
and their widows cannot establish and re-
cover claims for income or allowance
all under any circumstances-- Such claims
die with the soldier and his widow.
Page 47

If  the areas of pension due at the
time of the death of the above named
already,
pensioners have not been paid, they
are recovered before the third Audits 
of the Treasury  by their children I
enclose the appropriate forms-
There was a man of the name 
of B. Price who formerly prosecuted
pension claims before this bureau 
but he is not now permitted to do
so.
Hen Alfred A Burnham
House of Reps
May 20