Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 21997, for Fones Potter, Rhode Island
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE 
R.I. 
Potter, Fones 
Martha 
Number 
W21997
CONTENTS
Page 2

21,800
Rhode Island
Fones Potter
of Kent Co in the State of Rh. Island
who was priv [illegible] in the Comp commanded
by Captain Colvin of the Regt commanded
by Col Brown in the Rhode Island 
line for 9 months private of Artillery
15 months private of Infantry
Claimant died 18 March 1833
Certif in favor of Martha Potter Widow

Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island
at the rate of 87 Dollars 44 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 28 day of Oct:
1833 and Sent to N. Whiting
East Greenwich

Arrears to the 4th of Ma '33 $174.88
Semi-amt. allowance ending 18 Ma '33 1.68
[total] $176.56

Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Go C Stiles Clerk,
Book E Vol. 2 Page 124

See letter to Nathan Whiting Nov 14, 1833
Page 3

2335(0)
Declaration of 
Fonnes Potter. 
N. Whiting Agent.
Page 4

State of Rhode Island
County of Kent ss

On this Eleventh day of December AD 1832 personally appeared before Joseph J. Tillinghast, and Associate Justice of the Court of Common Pleas in said County, Fones Potter of West Greenwich in the County of Kent, aged Seventy three years, who first being sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of an Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.
That he entered the Service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. That he was born at Coventry in the County of Kent on the sixteenth day of May AD 1759 and resided there when he entered into the Service of the United and afterwards until about twelve years ago, when he removed into said West Greenwich where he has resided ever since, and that he has no record of his age. 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 herein as a private soldier. That in the year 1776 he served by being drafted not less than four months at four different times and two months as a substitute for his father at East Greenwich and North Kingston, Benedict Colvin, was the Captain of the Company he served in but he does not remember any other of the officers, except there was a Colonel that commanded by the name of Brown. That in the winter spring and summer of the year 1777 he was drafted and served as a substitute for his father at four several times a month each time under Capt Colvin according to the best of his recollection at said East Greenwich North Kingston and also in Warwick that in
Page 5

in the fall of the year 1777 he enlisted into an artillery 
in Col. Fossham's Regiment:
nine months, and ^served said time out; that he was stationed a 
part of the time at Warwick neck, and at Tiverton and 
on Rhode Island. That he was in the battle on Rhode Island
in Sullivan's Expedition, and the wheels of the gun carriage 
of the Company were broke down by the fire of the enemy
That after his time was out in the summer or fall of the 
year 1778 he was drafted in the militia for the term 
of one month and he joined said Artillery Company and ser
-ved said term of one month and also immediately after 
one month more as a substitute for his Father, making eleven 
months in said Artillery Company. That in the year
1779 he was drafted at two several times, for a month 
at a time, and served said term, and two months as 
a Substitute for his Father under the said Capt Col
-vin apart of the time and a part of the time under 
Capt Ralph Bennett at said East Greenwich and 
North Kingstown; Col Carson Commanded the Regiment
That in the year 1780 he served by being drafted 
and as a substitute for his Father, not less than four
months under the officers last mentioned at the
Making Two years served five months  of actual service at least
places aforesaid. He has no Documentary evidence.
And that he knows of no Clergyman that can give testimony for him.
without great inconvenience in proving their attendance. 
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension 
or annuity except the present, and declares his name is 
not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. 
His 
Mark 
Fones x Potter 
Subscribed & Sworn to the day and year above written 
And I hereby certify that the above named Applicant 
from Badley Informates- could  not with property attend 
any regular Court that his mind appeared impressed 
as stated by the Witness. Nathaniel Jos J Tillinghart Just CC Pleas
Page 6

I George Potter of West Greenwich in the County of Kent, and State of 
Rhode Island aged Seventy two years, being duly sworn do testify 
and say That Fones Potter of said West Greenwich, an appli-
cant for a Pension is my brother. That he was Seventy three
years of age last May. That by reason of age and infir-
-mity his mind and memory have become much im-
paired. That in the time of the Revolutionary War
we lived in Coventry in said County of Kent together in 
the same house with our Father. That I was knowing 
to his serving in the war by being drafted as much as
four months in a year for at least four years of the 
War, besides serving as a substitute for our father, more 
or less every year. That in the latter part of the year 
1777 he enlisted into Capt Garze's Artillery Company 
in Col. Fossham's Regiment and served in that Com
-pany Eleven Months in the whole. That on some oc
cassions I was drafted and served in the same Company 
with him, but generally we were not drafted 
together, but at different times. And I always consider
-ered that he served by enlistment, and by draft and 
as a substitute for his father, but very little short of
three years during the war. 
George Potter. 
State of Rhode Island & 
County of Kent ss.} at East Greenwich Dec 11th 1832
Then Personally Appeared before me the above named
George Potter and subscribed the aforegoing 
deposition 
in my presence and made Solemn Oath to the 
facts therein contained. 
I hereby certify that the deponent charac
ter for truth and veracity is good. 
Witness Jos. J. Tillinghart 
Just CC Pleas
Page 7

I Job Harrington of West Greenwich in the County of 
Kent and State of Rhode Island do hereby certify that 
I am Seventy three years of age lacking a few days; that 
I have from my boyhood been well acquainted with Fones 
potter of said West Greenwich, an Applicant for a pen
-sion. That he is about seven months older than myself
I knew him to be in the service in the Militia a number 
of times, at East Greenwich & North Kingstown. he 
served under Capt. Colvin and I served in another Com
-pany. And I heard in the time of it, that he was enlisted 
in Capt. Garzee's Artillery Company. He is reputed in 
the neighborhood to have served a good deal in the 
war, and I am personally knowing to to fact as above 
stated. He has always sustained a good character, but 
his mind and memory are very much impaired by 
age, and want of health. 
Job Harrington 
State of Rhode Island 
County of Kent ss.} 
at East Greenwich 
December 11, 1832
Then the above named Job Harington Personally 
Appeared before me and Subscribed the afore
going Deposition in my presence and made 
Solemn Oath the same. Said deposition was
recorded to writing in the presence of the deponant 
I hereby certify the Character of  the 
deponant for Truth and Veracity is Good. 
Witness Jus. J Tillinghart 
Just. C.C. Pleas
Page 8

Kent ss. The State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Clerks Office Court of Common Pleas
I certify that Joseph J Tillinghast is a Justice 
of said Court, that the foregoing is his 
proper signature & in his own hand writing 
In writing whereof I John Brown Clerk of 
said Court of Common Pleas have hereunto 
set my hand & seal of Office at East
Greenwich this twelfth day of December in 
the year 1832
John Brown
Page 9

Reported
3329
Rhode Island
Martha Potter
widow of Fones Potter
R.I. 
who was a pri of artillery 
in the Revolution 
9 mo Pri of Artillery 
15 " " " Infy
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
87 Dollars 50
Cents per annum, to commence on 
the 4th day of March, 1843. 
Certificate of Penson issued the
6th day of Dec 1843
and sent to Benjamin Correll 
Providence R.I. 
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 1 Page 93.
Page 10

I, hereby certify that Fones Potter of Conventry son to 
Ezekiel and Martha Hopking daughter to Samuel of West
Greenwich, was lawfully joined in Marriage by Me. October 4th 1780.
Elisha Greene Elder
State of Rhode Island
Town Clerks Office} West Greenwich July 6th A.D. 1837
I certify the aforegoing to be a true copy as 
appears of Record in said office. 
Witness Benjamin R. Hoxsie T. Clerk
Sent } At West Greenwich this 10th day of July. A.D. 1837 Personally 
came Benjamin R. Hoxie subscribes the above & subscribe and
read oath to the same before me Wm Carder Justice C.C. Pleas
Page 11

3549
4 Martha Potter
Martha Potter
widow of Fones. 
R.Id 
Act 4 July 1836
Page 12

I John Hopkins of West Greenwich in the county of Kent and State of Rhode Island as being now Seventy five years of age on oath do testify and say that I am well acquainted with Martha Potter of said West Greenwich widow of Fones Potter formerly of said Town and was also acquainted with said Fones Potter from his youth up to the time of his death. And that said Potter was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. and performed much service in the same. And in the Rhode Island Line And I distinctly recollect that in the fall of the year seventeen hundred and eighty tow I did duty in the same company with Fones Potter as a private in the Militia under Captain Joseph Hopkins in [illegible] Ridgement on the Island of Newport and the time we served at this time was one month and we quartered at John H Forths and drew pay in Rations
John Hopkins

Kent sc at West Greenwich this 7th of April AD 1838 personally appeared the above named John Hopkins. And after being duly cautioned to testify the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth, gave the aforegoing deposition which was by me reduced to writing in his presence and by him subscribed in my presence. Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above mentioned
Before Me And I further certify that the said John Hopkins is a credible witness in the premises
Clark Whitford Just Peace
Page 13

Martha Potter
Page 14

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
County of Kent Sc
On this tenth day of July AD 1837 personally appeared before me William Carder a Justice of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said County Martha Potter a resident on West Greenwich in said County aged seventy eight years who being duly sworn according to Law doth on her Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed July 4 1836 viz that she is the widow of Fones Potter late of said West Greenwich Deceased, who was an enlisted Soldier in the War of the Revolution and received a pension for his services under the act of June 7 1832, she believes he served in Colonel Tophams Regiment and was in the service between the beginning and end of the War as Many as three years but she refers to the Proof already produced for evidence of his services, And she further declares that she was married to the said ones Potter on the fourth day of October AD 1780 and that her husband the said Fones Potter died on the 18th day of March AD 1833 and that she has remained unmarried since that period wherefore she requests that she may have the same Pension granted to her that was allowed to her said husband
Signed
Martha Potter X her mark
Dated at West Greenwich 
July 19th 1837

Kent sc
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written. And I further certify that from her advanced age and bodily infirmities she the said Martha Potter is unable to attend in Court
Wm Carder Justice C C Pleas
County of Kent
Page 15

I William Greene of Coventry in the County of Kent
and State of Rhode Island & being now 85
years of age on oath do testify and say that I 
was formerly well acquainted with Fones Potter
of West Greenwich now dec. for some years before 
the Revolution and until death. I very well 
remember that said Fones was an enlisted soldier 
in the War of the Revolution in the first part of War
and after serving out his term of enlistment he 
performed much more service in the Militia 
in said State as a private. I particularly recollect
that he served one month in Captain Johnsons compa
-ny and and Col. Carsons Regiment on the 
Island of Conanicut as a private in the year
1780. and in the Month of November we drew rations of 
Matthew Manchester the commissary and also in 
the Spring of 1781, he served two months at East
Greenwich one month in March and one in May 
in Capt. Rays Company and Col Isaac Greenes 
Regiment and when his pay and rations at that 
place this is according the best of my recollect
-ion 
his 
x
mark
William Greene 
(signed)
Coventry March 12th, 1838
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written 
before me. And I forth certify that said William Greene is 
a credible witness. 
WM Carder Justice CC Pleas
Page 16

I Wanton W Capron of West Greenwich in the County of Kent and State of Rode Island & being now fifty three years of age on oath do testify and say that I was well acquainted with Fones Potter Late of said West Greenwich Dec'd for thirty years previous to his Death. Likewise with Martha Potter now the Widow of said Fones Potter for the same Period and to this date. And that the said Fones Potter Died on the eighteenth day of March AD 1833. I having a Record of the same in my possession. And that the said Martha Potter widow of the said Fones has remained unmarried since the Death of he said husband.
Dated at West Greenwich this 10th day of July AD 1837
Signed Wanton W Capron

Kent sc
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me. And I further certify that the said Wanton W Capron is a credible witness.
Wm Carder Justice
C C Pleas County of Kent
Page 17

I Jeremiah Casswell of West Greenwich in the County 
of Kent and State of Rhode Island and being now Seventy 
Nine years of age on oath do testify and say that I am 
well acquainted with Martha Potter of said West Greenwich 
Widow of Fones Potter formerly of said town and was also 
acquainted with said Fones Potter from his Boyhood
and to the time of Death and that said Fones Potter
was a Soldier in the Revolutionary War and performed 
much service in the same area in the Rhode Island line
I definitely Recollect that said Fones and myself served 
one month as volunteers in said service on the Island  of 
Conanicut Privates in Capt Benedict Johnson Company 
and Colonel Casswell Regiment and Drew Rations of Math
thew Manchester was commissary wich was in the 
year as near as I can Recollect in the fall of the year
1780, we also served at East Greenwich two months, short
time at Bristol Captain Rays Company Colonel Issac 
Green Regiment AD 1781 and as near as I can Recollect in the 
Spring of the year and Drew our Pay and Rations. 
Dated at West Greenwich this fifth day of April in the year one 
thousand Eight hundred Thirty Eight 
signed
his 
x
mark
Jeremiah Casswell
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year last above 
mentioned Before me and I further certify that said 
Jeremiah Casswell is a credible witness in teh premise 
Oliver Matteson of Justice of the Peace
Page 18

BY HIS EXCELLENCY 
William Sprague
Governor, General and Commander in Chief of the State of Rhode-
Island and Providence Plantations. 
BE IT KNOWN, That the name "HENRY BOWEN," to the 
aforewritten attestation subscribed, is in the proper hand writing of Henry 
Bowen, Esquire, who at the time of subscribing the same, was Secretary of 
the State aforesaid, duly elected and qualified according to law: Wherefore 
unto his said attestation full faith and credit are to be rendered. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and 
caused the seal of said State to be affixed at Prov-
dence, this fourteenth 
day of May in the year of our 
Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty- eight
and of Independence the sixty- second
By His Excellency's Command. 
Henry Bowen 
Secry. 
Wm Sprague
Page 19

State of Rhode Island and 
Providence Plantations 
Secretary's office May 14, AD 1838. 
I certify that at the session of the General 
Assembly of said State holden on the first
Wednesday of May eighteen hundred thirty
seven, William Carder was elected an associate
Justice of the Court of Common Pleas within
the County of Kent for one year. 
That at the service on the third Monday of
June in said year Oliver Matteson and 
Clark Whitford were severally elected Justices 
of the Peace for the town of Court Greenwich in 
said County, until the first Wednesday in 
May then next, and respectively Commissioned 
accordingly as appears of record
Witness Henry Bowen Secry
Page 20

23361
Fones Potter
Rhode Island
died 18 March 1833
[following sentence is struck thru]
the applicant should be more particular in stating the places & places where he was stationed during each tour of active service

Private of arty 9 month
private of infy 15 month
[total] 24

Martha Potter widow

416
9
3744
16

Nathan Whiting
East Greenwich 
Rhode I
Page 21

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183

Sir:
The evidence in support of your 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 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 is allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew 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 you papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

A Statement, shewing the Service of Fones Potter Kent Co Rhode Island
[the following are in tabular format in original document]
Period when the service was rendered: Draft 1776
Duration of the claimant's service
Years: -
Months: 6 
Days:  -
Rank of the claimant. Privt
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served: Capt Colvin
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers: Col Brown
Battles in which the applicant was engaged: Rhode Island
Country through which he marched: East Greenwich
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period: 73 years
Evidence by which the declaration is supported: Traditionary Evidence & Living witnesses

Period when the service was rendered: Sub 1777
Duration of the claimant's service
Years: -
Months: 4 
Days:  -
Rank of the claimant. Privt
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served: Same
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers: [blank]
Battles in which the applicant was engaged: Rhode Island
Country through which he marched: North Kingston Coventry
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period: 73 years
Evidence by which the declaration is supported: Traditionary Evidence & Living witnesses

Period when the service was rendered: Enlistd 1777
Duration of the claimant's service
Years: -
Months: 9 
Days:  -
Rank of the claimant. Artilery [sic]
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served: Garzee
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers: Col Carson
Battles in which the applicant was engaged: Rhode Island
Country through which he marched: Kingston Kent Co
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period: 73 years
Evidence by which the declaration is supported: Traditionary Evidence & Living witnesses

Period when the service was rendered: Draft 1778
Duration of the claimant's service
Years: -
Months: 1 
Days:  -
Rank of the claimant. Privt
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served: -
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers: Col Carson
Battles in which the applicant was engaged: Rhode Island
Country through which he marched: Warwick Rhode I
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period: 73 years
Evidence by which the declaration is supported: Traditionary Evidence & Living witnesses

Period when the service was rendered: Sub 1778
Duration of the claimant's service
Years: -
Months: 1
Days:  -
Rank of the claimant. -
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served: -
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers: Col Carson
Battles in which the applicant was engaged: Rhode Island
Country through which he marched: Warwick Neck
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period: 73 years
Evidence by which the declaration is supported: Traditionary Evidence & Living witnesses

Period when the service was rendered: Draft sub 1779
Duration of the claimant's service
Years: -
Months: 4 
Days:  -
Rank of the claimant. -
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served: Capt Colvin
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers: Col Carson
Battles in which the applicant was engaged: Rhode Island
Country through which he marched: Tiverton
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period: 73 years
Evidence by which the declaration is supported: Traditionary Evidence & Living witnesses

Period when the service was rendered: Draft 1780
Duration of the claimant's service
Years: -
Months: 4 
Days:  -
Rank of the claimant. -
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served: same
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers: same
Battles in which the applicant was engaged: Rhode Island
Country through which he marched: Rhode Island
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period: 73 years
Evidence by which the declaration is supported: Traditionary Evidence & Living witnesses

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. Edwards,
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 22

2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been 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 
person enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but no those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to 
Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged 
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service. 
Four general classes of eases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops. 
2. The State Troops, Militia and Volunteers. 
3. Persons 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 of }ss. 
On this [space] day of [space] personally appeared (a) before
[space] A.B. a resident (b) of [space] in the county of [space] and State, Territory, or District 
of [space] aged (c) [space] 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 provision made by the act of Congress, passed 
June 7th, 1832. that he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) [space], with [space]  and
served in the [space] (e) regiment of the [space] 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. [hand pointing] 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 every 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. 
A.B. 
[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 reovlu-
tionary solider, and served as he states. 
I [space] of the Court of [space]
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application [space] for a pension. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this
day of [space] &c. 
If, on examination of the proper record of names of 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 [space] and C.D. residing in (the same)
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [space] , 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. 
x [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 appears to them that A.B. 
[space] who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the 
and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the 
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to cred. 
I, [space] Clerk of the Court of [space] do hereby certify 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 office, this [space] day of [space] &c. 
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his poer. 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 of 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 the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of 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. 
x The Judge Should Certify his opinion
Page 23

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-
tempted; 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 names of 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 be
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 in that opinion. 
If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the cha-
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 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 noat
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 solider 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 he 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, deposeth 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 persons 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 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 the 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 must prove his service by two credible witnesses, 
who are required to set 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 the seal of office. 
[hand point] 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 24

Rev
WIDOW, &C. 
File No. 21.997
Martha Potter
Wid of
Fones Potter
Priv. Rev. War
Act: March 3rd 1843
Index:-Vol. M, Page 138
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 25

Martha Potter
$87 : 44 per anu. 
Act 7 July '38
Hon. J.L. Tillinghart
HR
Page 26

Providence Ma 18, 1838
Sir
I am requested to transmit to the Pension office the following applications for pensions Mrs Martha Potter widow of Fones Potter & William Lamb the latter has been delayed for some time under the hope & expectation of some further testimony would be found. but not finding any Mr Lamb relies on the Rolls of Massachusetts now in the Pension office
I am respectfully 
your obt sevt
Benjan Cowell

Papers of Wm Lamb taken [illegible]
bu J D W

J L Edwards Esq
Page 27

Washington June 16 1839

D Sir
I cannot better make the inquiry requested by Judge Cowell than by sending you his letter, which is herewith enclosed. The name of the applicant referred to is Martha Potter widow of the late Fones Potter, in regard to whom I have written to you & conveyed with you at times heretofore. Have the goodness to reply as early as convenient & oblige
respectfully your obt sevt
Joseph L Tillinghast

Hon Jas L Edwards
Com Pension
Page 28

Comr for instructions SME
J. L. Tillinghast

4069
Jan 25
MAB

Hon Jas L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

J L Tillinghast
[illegible]
Page 29

Washington Jany 24 1839
Sir,
I send herewith the new application of Martha Potter, in the form you were good enough to give me, & with it a letter from Judge Cowell, & which I send for its explanations & beg you early attention to this ancient lady's claim, trusting she will meet with no further difficulty in respect to a certificate, and am most respectfully
your obt servt
Joseph L Tillinghast

Hon Jas L Edwards
Com Pension
Page 30

1855
Rhode Island 
Martha Potter
widow of Fones Potter dec'd
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832
and who died on the 18th March 1833
of Kent Co. in the State of RI. 
who was a Private in the Company commanded 
by Captain Callum of the Regt commanded 
by Col Jezarre in the R.I. 
line for 9 Mos Pri of Artillery 
15 "" of Gnf. 
Inscribed on the Roll of R.I. 
at the rate of 87 Dollars 50 Cents per annum, 
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18th day of Feby
1839 and sent Hon. J. 
S. Tillinghart House of Reps. 
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1838 $218.75
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar 39 43.75
$262.50
[Act July 7, 
1838}
Recorded by 
D.D. Addison Clerk, 
Book V Vol. 2 Page 19
Page 31

Martha Potter
application 
4069
Hr. J.L. Tillinghast
HR
Page 32

State of Rhode Island
County of Kent
On this the 7th day of January AD 1839 personally before me Caleb Hall one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas within & for said County Martha Potter now resident in West Greenwich in said County aged 79 years who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order
to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of July 7 1838 entitled "an act granting half pay
& pensions to certain widows". viz that she
is the widow of Fonas Potter who was a
soldier of the Revolution & Pensioner under
the act of Congress of June 7 1832. And she further declares that when the act of
July 4th 1836 was signed she made an an application under said but she is now satisfied that no satisfactory proof can be produced
Page 33

[struck thru] can be produced [struck thru] to shew that her husband performed any military service after his marriage and therefore she relinquished all claim under said Act of July 4 1836 & requests that she may be allowed the benefits of the Act of July 7 1838 believing that upon a full investigation of her claim at the War Department that she is not entitled to the benefits of the Act of July 4 1836 And she further declares that she was married to the said Fones Potter on the 4th day of October 1780 as she states in her declaration now in the Pension office & the evidence annexed & to which she refers & that her husband the said Fones died on the 18th day of March 1833 & since then she has remained unmarried. She was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred & ninety four to wit at the time above stated
Witness Caleb Hall
Martha Potter X her mark
Page 34

Kent Sc
West Greenwich Jany 7th 1839
I hereby Certify that Martha Potter widow of Fones Potter named in the Foregoing Declaration and made oath to same before me
Caleb Hall Justice Court Common Pleas

The foregoing signature of Caleb Hall is in the proper handwriting of Caleb Hall a Justice of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Kent in the State of R. I. to me well known
Feb 18 1839
Joseph L Tillinghast
[illegible]
Page 35

3385
Martha Potter

$87.50

single

Benjamin Cowell Esqr
Providence R.I.

[stamped post mark] EAST GREENWICH RI AUG 21

Benjn Cowell 
Providence 
R Id
Page 36

STATE OF RHODE-ISLAND.
County of Kent
On this twenty first day of August A.D. 1843, personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in said County Martha Potter now resident in East Greenwich in said County, aged eighty four years, who being first dully sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress, passed March 3d, 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War, viz: That she is the Widow of Fones Potter deceased, who served in said War as a sergeant &c That she received a pension under the Act of July 7, 1838, at the rate of &87.50 per annum, payable at the Agency for paying pensions at Providence. 
Attested
Martha Potter X her mark
Albert G Shippee
William Spencer
Witnessed

Kent Sc. In East Greenwich A.D., 1843.
Personally came before me the above named Martha Potter and made oath to the truth of the above declaration by her signed. & I also certify her statement is entitled to full credit
Certified before me William Bailey Just of the Piece [sic]
Page 37

State of Rhode Island 
County of Kent} ss. 
I Jerimiah S. Slocum Clerk 
of the Court of Common Pleas in the County aforesaid
being a Court of Record do hereby certify that William 
Bailey Esq. is a Justice of the Peace in the town of
East Greenwich in the County aforesaid and is fully author-
ized to act in his said Capacity and that his signature 
within written is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto 
set my hand and affixed the seal of teh 
said Court at said East Greenwich this 
21st day of August AD 1843
Jer. S. Slocum Clerk
Page 38

[stamped post mark]
PROVIDENCE R.I.
OCT 16

J. L. Tillinghast
[illegible]

Hon Jas. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Pension Office
Washington D. C.

2554
Oct 19
[illegible] at
R.I.
Page 39

Providence R.I. Oct. 15. 
1878
Dear Sir, 
I now enclose the application of Mrs. 
Martha Potter, under the late act granting pensions
to widows, to which I by your early & favorable consid
-eration. When I last conversed with you on the 
subject of Mrs. Potter's claim I was left with the impression 
that as she would clearly ^be entitled under the last act and she 
was not under the former, a new application would not 
be considered necessary. But since I received your 
letter stating the unfavorable result of a reconsidera
tion of her former application. I have been opposed
of a regulation requiring in every such case a new
application, & I advise Mrs. Potter's attorney accord
ingly; who by the enclosed papers her, I suppose complies with the regulation. Have the gratification of comforting her old and 
almost desperate heart by a certificate 
before I leave this for Washington, in whose 
you service, My dear fri signally oblige
Yours with here efffect
Joseph L. Tillinghast 
Hon. Job L. Edwards 
Comm. of Pensions
Page 40

N. Whiting
Ansr'd
Nov 17 1833

[stamped] STEAM BOAT
Honl J. L. Edwards
Commr of Pensions
Washington City

[post mark stamp] NEW YORK NOV 12
Page 41

East Greenwich Nov 11th 1833.
Sir, 
I ascertained at the Pension Office in 
Providence last week that Martha Potter in 
right of her husband Fones Potter deceased returned
there as a Pensioner. I have never received her 
Certificate and cannot learn where it is. I 
wish it me be sent me, or that I may be in 
formed where it is. I expected to have recd 
a Certificate for James Congdon before this time, 
but have never heard from his Application. I 
hope, Sir, that it may be attended to as early 
as possible. 
I am Sir, your most
Obedt. Servant 
Nathan Whitiey 
Hon. J L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions}
Page 42

Martha POtter
2554
widow of Fones
R.I.
Act 7 July 38
married in 1780

Hon J. S. Tillinghast
Providence R. Id
Page 43

Martha Potter
Page 44

State of Rhode Island
County of Kent sc
On this 26th day of September AD 1838 personally appeared before me Caleb Hall one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas within & for said County Martha Potter now resident in West Greenwich in said County aged 79 years who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed July 7 1838 entitled "An Act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows" viz that she is the widow of Fones Potter late of said West Greenwich deceased who was a soldier of the Revolution that when the act of June 7th 1832 was passed he applied for & drew a pension under said act & to the declaration he made to obtain said pension she refers
Page 45

a specification & proof of his services she cannot specify them correctly. And she further declares that she was married to the said Fones Potter on the 4th day of October AD 1781 as will appear by the Records of said town that her husband died on the 18th day of March 1833 & since than she has remained a widow And she further declares that after the act of July 4th 1836 was passed she applied for a pension under the belief that her said husband had performed some services after her said marriage & she sent on to the Pension office at Washington her claim under said act, but it appears to have been decided that as no service was asserted by her husband subsequent to the marriage no service was performed after that event & that no proof could be allowed to prove it. If such be the decision
Page 46

she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred & ninety four, to wit at the time above stated
Attest Caleb Hall
Martha Potter X her mark

Kent sc
In West Greenwich September 16 1838
Signed and sworn to before me and I further certify said Martha is too infirm to attend Court and that her statement is intitled [sic] to full credit
Caleb Hall Just C. C. Pleas
Page 47

West Greenwich September 26th 1838
I hereby Certify that I lived in the Family of Fones Potter
for a number of years and assisted in taking care 
of him in his last residents and was present at his 
Death which took place on the 18th day of March
1833 and have since that time lived with 
said Fones widow and she has remained a 
widow eversince 
Lydia Spencer
Enscribed 
at West Greenwich this 26th day of September
1838 personally appeared before me Lydia Spencer
subscribed toe the above written Certificate and was by me Engaged to the truth of the above and testifyed 
to the facts contained there in and by her subscribed
in my presence
Caleb Hall Jutt C.C. Pleas
Page 48

Kent sc The State of Rhode Island &c
Clerks Office Court of Common Pleas
I certify that Caleb Hall Esqr of West Greenwich in said County of Kent is a Justice of said Court of Common pleas that the annexed is his propper [sic] signature in his own hand writing and that full faith & credence is & ought to be given to all his official acts
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court at East Greenwich in the County aforesaid this 11th day of October in the year AD 1838
Jer S Slocum Clk
Page 49

State of Rhode Island
County of Kent ss
Special Court of Common Pleas holden at East Greenwich July 29th 1833 before John Shipper an associate Justice of said Court

On this twenty ninth day of July AD 1833 personally appeared before said Court now sitting, Martha Potter of West Greenwich in the County of Kent, Widow of Fones Potter, late of said West Greenwich dec'd who first being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the Pension due to her said husband, at the time of his Decease, according to the Provisions of an Act of Congress, passed June 7th 1832. That she was married to the said Fones Potter, soon after the Peace of 1783. and lived with him until his decease. That she will be seventy one years of age on the Tenth day of August next. That since her marriage with him, he has often heard him speak of his services in the Revolutionary War, and has always understood that he served about three years therein. That her said husband died at said West Greenwich on the eighteenth day of March last past, in the seventy fourth year of his age. Wherefore she prays that a Certificate may be granted her for the amount of the Pension due to her said husband, at the time of his decease according to the Provisions of the aforesaid Act of Congress
Martha Potter X her mark
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid in open Court
Witness John Brown Clk

And it appears to the satisfaction of this Court that the said Martha Potter is the widow of Fones
Page 50

Fones Potter, late of West Greenwich decd and it also appears to the satisfaction of said Court that the said Fones Potter died on the Eighteenth day of March AD 1833. And it is also the opinion of the Court that the said Fones Potter was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as stated by him in his Declaration made on the Eleventh day of December AD 1832 before Joseph J Tillinghast Esqr then an associate Justice of said Court of Common Pleas, and which has been shewn to this Court and is hereunto annexed.
John Shipper Just C.C. Pleas

Kent ss Clerks Office Court of Common Pleas
I John Brown Clerk of said Court of Common Pleas do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Martha Potter for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office at East Greenwich this twenty ninth day of July in the year 1833
John Brown