Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 26338, for William Potter, Rhode Island
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(8-1776)
Service | Number
R.I. | Potter, William | N.26338
Amey or Amy
CONTENTS [blank]
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[left side]
1854
Rhode Island 
William Potter of Providence in the state of RI who was a Lieutenant in the company commanded by Captain [blank] of the regt commanded by Col Hitchcock in the RI line for 20 Months 12 Days Lieut 3 " 18 " Ensign

Inscribed on the Roll of RI at the rate of 308 Dollars -- cents per annum, to commence on the 4th Day of March 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the [illegible] day of October 1832 and sent Benja Cowel Providence RI Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 $462-- Semi=anl. allowance ending 4 March 33 154 --
$616
{revolutionary claim, Act June 7, 1832]
Recorded by JH Mc Blair Clerk, Book D Vol. 3rd Page 129

[/left side]
[right side]
Decd
Sel Benh Colwell July 17th 1839
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Wm Potter
N: 3410
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[handwritten in upper right corner: "three"]
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Rhode-Island District, sc.
County of Providence
On this 12th day of July A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open court, being a special District Court of the United States within and for said District, now in session -- William Potter a resident of Cranston in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island aged 79 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832, viz. 
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. 
That in the year 1775 in the month of May at Providence he enlisted as an Ensign but soon was promoted to Lieutenant in Col Hitchcocks regiment and Capt Simeon Thayers Company of Rhode Island Troops and served 4 months under paid commission as Ensign and served four months under his Lieutenant commission which commission and the evidence of his promotion is herewith [crossed out] - the above service was performed on Prospect Hill near Boston. After his return from Boston he was appointed by the Government a Captain of the Guard to guard British prisoners and acted under the same commission for one year [crossed out] ending about Jany 1777. He was subsequently drafted for one month with Capt Jonathan Aruola's company in the same year and he served accordingly. We were stationed on providence Island. Afterwards the same company were drafted and went to Bristol and served one month. Afterwards he served two months in the same company under the command of Jepeniah Andrews Esq at Pawtuxet & he afterwards was selected to cary dispatches from Gen Sullivan to the French fleet in which service he was engaged about six weeks. He acted in all the above services under his commission as Lieutenant as aforesaid.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State. Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. [signed "William Potter" "Benja Cowell Clk"]
We Joseph Ransom and Charles Dyer residing in the City of Providence hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with William Potter who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy nine 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. [signed "Charles Dyer" "Joseph Ransom"]
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. [signed "Benja Cowell Clk"]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Charles Dyer & Joseph Ransom who signed the preceding certificate are resident in the city of Providence and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I Benjamin Cowell, Clerk of said District Court, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of William Potter for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 10 day of August 1832. [signed "Benja Cowell Clerk of said Court"]
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[upper right : "one"]
William Potter who has signed and sworn to the annexed declaration further maketh oath that he was born in Smithfield June 15th 1753 and has no record of his birth, lived in Providence when he was called into the service and since the war has lived principally in Providence but for ten years part in Cranston his present place of residence, and that when he was first called into service he was enlisted as he has stated. That his eight months service at Prospect Hill four months of which he served as Ensign and four as Lieutenant in the year 1775 ended December 31st of that year. That in January 1777 he was appointed Captain of a guard to guard British prisoners as he has stated in his declaration and continued in that capacity under his said Lieutenant commission one year ending Jany 1778 as he has stated. That in the month of March 1778 he was drafted for and did serve one month in Captain Jonathan Arnolds company of grenadiers in this service we were stationed on Providence Island. In May of the same year he was drafted and did serve one moth at Bristol in the same company. And he further maketh oath that in August 1778 he was drafted and did serve two months then next following in Captain Jepheniah Andrews company and was stationed at Pawtuxet as stated in his declaration, said company was not attached to any regiment. This company was first commanded by Captain Jonathan Arnold who has the command when he served on Providence and at Bristol as he has stated.
And this applicant further states that in October 1778 he was selected by Gen Sullivan to carry dispatches as stated in his declaration and continued in this service six months then next following. In all said services he acted as Lieutenant except the first four months when he was Ensign. He had a Lieutenant commission signed by Henry Ward in the same manner of his Ensigns commission is herewith annexed but it is lost but a note of the General Assembly is annexed which shews that he was promoted. And he further maketh oath that he knows no clergyman
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[upper right "two"]
who knows anything about his services or his reputation of having served as an Officer of the revolution. that he has no documentary evidence, other than his commission and note of Assembly herewith annexed. Nor does he know of any living witness who can testify as to his services. Charles Dyer and Joseph Ransom have known him for many years, having been his neighbour and they have testified as to his character and as to the reputation of his having served in the Army of the Revolution.
[signed "William Potter"]
In Providence November 5th 1832
personally appeared before me the above named William Potter and made oath to the truth of the above declaration by him signed. Benjamin Cowell Commissioner of District Court for Rhode Island District
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[illegible]
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Amey Potter 5142
RI
Act 7 July 38
died Nov 38
Admitted
20 mo 12 ds Lt
3 " 18 ds Ensign
24 months
$308 per ann
Hon JL Tillinghast HR
[crossed out text at bottom]
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State of Rhode Island County of Providence
On this 2d day of February AD 1839 personally appeared before me Zuriel Potter one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas within aforesaid County Amey Potter now resident in Cranston in said County aged 75 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 7th 1838 entitled "an act granting half pay pensions to certain widows" viz. that she is the widow of William Potter late of said Cranston deceased who was an officer during the war of the Revolution that when the Act of June 7th 1832 was passed he applied for & obtained a pension under said act which he received until his death & she refers to
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to the declaration he the said William made for a specification of his services & the evidence of her claim as his widow. And she further declares that she was married to the said William Potter on the 25th day of May 1786 by Elder Joseph Snow as well appear by the records of the Church of which he was then Pastor in Providence a copy of whereof is hereto annexed, her said husband died on the 19th day of November AD 1838 & 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 Jany Seventeen hundred & ninety four to wit at the time above mentioned. [signed "Attest Zuriel Potter" "Amy Potter"]
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3
May 25th 1786
William Potter of Providence and Amey Pitman daughter of Sanders Pitman of Providence was lawfully joined together in marriage on the twenty fifth day of May Anno Domino 1786.
Per Jos Snow Pastor

I William Lord of the City of Providence, Pastor of the Richmond St Congregational Church do certify that I have in my possession the record of marriages solemnized by Joseph Snow formerly Pastor of said Church and the above is a true and exact copy of the record of the record of the marriage of William Potter and Amey Pitman, and it appears by the said record that they were married on the twenty fifth day of May in the year of our Lord seventeen hundred and eighty six. {Willis Lord Pastor of Richmond St Cong Church}
Providence Feb 9th 1839
Providence Sc In the city of Providence Feb 9th AD 1839 Personally appeared before me Willis Lord who signed the above certificate in my presence and made oath to the same and I further certify that said Willis Lord is Pastor of the Richmond St Congregational Church in the city of Providence & that he is a credible witness. [signed "Zuriel Potter Just CC Pleas"]
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4
I John D Potter of the town of Cranston in the County of Providence State of Rhode Island do being now 39 years of age on oath do testify and say that I am the son Amey Potter who signed the proceeding declaration and that said William Potter was my father that he the said William departed this life on the 19th day of November AD 1838 and since that time my mother, the said Amey, as remained unmarried. [signed "John D Potter"]

Providence Sc. In Cranston Feb 2d AD 1839 Personally appeared before me John D Potter who signed the aforegoing affidavit in my presence and made oath to the same & I further certify that sd affiant is a credible witness. Zuriel Potter Just CC Pleas

Providence Sc. In Cranston Feb 2d AD 1839 Personally appeared before me Amey Potter subscriber to the aforegoing declaration (which is on the other page of this sheet) and made oath to the same and I further certify that said Amey from age and infirmaties is to feeble to attend court. Zuriel Potter Just CC Pleas
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State of Rhode Island & C Providence Sc. I John W Smith Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the county of Providence in said state, being a court of record, do hereby certify that Zuriel Potter Esquire before when the annxed affidavits were sworn is one of the Justices of our said Court. That by law he is duly authorized and qualified to administer oaths & take depositions. And that his aforewritten signatures are genuine. In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of our said court at the City of Providence, this fifth day of April AD 1839 John W Smith Clerk [seal affixed on left side]
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3410
Wm Potter RI $308.99
WCC
Has not mentioned the length of his service with prisoners. No clergymans certificate & no reason given why cannot obtain papers not authenticated agreeably to the regulations.
20 Ms & 12 days Lieut 
3 " 18 Ensign
Admitted
Benja Cowell
Providence RI
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3410
BRIEF in the case of Wm Potter of Cranston Providence Cty in the State of R Island (act 7 June 1832)

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? a Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? [blank]
3. How old is he? 79
4. State his service as directed in the form annexed.
[Table with Four Columns: "Period" | "Duration of Service Years, Months, Days." | "rank" | "Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served."]
In 1775 In May| served 4 months | enlisted as an Ensign but was promoted | Col Hitchcock Capt Thayers | as Lieutenant | |
afterwards was appt by Governmt & served 1 yr under this comm | 1 year | Captain of the Guard | |
afterwards drafted for 1 month | | Capt Jonathan Arnold |
afterward selected to carry dispatches to French Fleet served six weeks | 1 mon 12 days | Lieutenant| same cmpy Capt  L Andrews
[end table]
5. In what battles was he engaged? none mentioned
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Providence
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?
By a commission of the Genl Assembly of Rhode Island in the name of his Majesty George III and by a Resolution of the Genl Assembly
8. Are the papers defective as to form of authentication? and if so, in what respect? No clergymans certificate & as the papers are pasted together the Clerk's certificate ought to be appended to each.
Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned. Wm C Easton Examining Clerk

 | served 4  | as
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N 26.338
William Potter
July 12, 1832 Cranston Providence Co RI born Smithfield June 15, 1753. Res Providence at end Enl at Prov. May 75 Ens (4 mon) - Prom Lt (4 mons) RI
Capt Simeon Thayer Col Hitchcock 8 m end Dec 31, 75
Jany 77 Capt of Guard of Prisoners ending Jany 78 1 yr
Mar 78 Lt Capt Jonathan Arnold Grenadier 1 mo
May 78 " 1 mo
Aug 78 Capt Zephaniah Andrews 2 mo
Oct 78 carries dispatches from Gen Sullivan to French fleet 6 mos
[illegible]
d - Nov 19, 1838
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M Amey Pitman
25 May 1786 Providence
RI dau of Sanders Pitman
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W.F. POTTER E.B. SEYMOUR
GERMANTOWN REAL ESTATE POTTER & SEYMOUR
CONVEYANCERS
MAIN STREET AND CHELTON AVE, GERMANTOWN, Philadelphia Dec 28 1889
Hon B Rawn Commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir 
I herewith return letter of Dec 10th recd from your office with the additional information asked for in regard to my ancestor William Potter. William Potter of Cranston in Couty of Providence & formerly of the City of Providence was in 1775 a Lieut in the State Troops commanded by Capt Simeon Theyer & as such received a pension from the U.S. He served at Bunker Hill & other places near Boston. 
In 1776 he joined the Co of Artificers raised in Rhode Island and commanded by Capt Barnard Eddy of Providence and with them was ordered on the Canada Expedition. 
In 1777 he was commissioned as Ensign of the Providence Grenadiers by Nicholas Cooke Governor & c of RI He was alive in Sept 1836 & was about 84 yrs of age. I have not the record of this death. He left a widow Amey Pitman Potter surviving him. I presume he served in the infantry. I will be obliged for any information you can give me as to his record, date of death, commissions & c & c.
Very respectfully, Wm F Potter late Capt 3rd Penna Cavalry
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W.F. POTTER E.B. SEYMOUR
GERMANTOWN REAL ESTATE
POTTER & SEYMOUR
CONVEYANCERS
MAIN ST AND CHELTON AVE., GERMANTOWN
[stamped "dec 7 1889"]
[handwritten note: "11646 22"]

Philadelphia Nov 27th 1889
To The Commissioner of Pensions Washington DC
Dear Sir
Can you give me any information in regard to William Potter of Providence R.I. who was a Lieutenant in the State Troops of RI. in 1775 under Capt. Simeon Thayer and as such received a Pension from the U.S. government He seems to have served in 1776 & 1777 & was at Bunker Hill & other places around Boston. 
I am anxious to get a complete record of his services as is possible for me to do and I will be very much obliged to you if you will give me what the War Depat records afford. Very Respectfullu W.F. Potter
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wrote Dec 9 1889 wrote for some data
[stamped: "US Pension Office Nov 29 1889"]

[Stamped: Army & navy Survivors Division Dec 5 1889"]
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5742
Rejected
Sent Benj Cowell 17 July 39
Act 7 July 38
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[left side]
WIDOW & c.
File No. 26.338
Amey Potter Wid of William Potter Lieut Rev War
Act Feb 2nd 1848
Index: Vol [blank] Page [blank]
{Arrangement of 1870}

[right side]
Aug 8, 1904 Hist to AG Potter New York City
Page 23

[left side]
Reported Letter to A Ray 27 June 1843
[/left side]

[right side]
Rhode Island 6998
Amey Potter
widow of William Potter who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 19th November 1838 of Providence Co in the state of Rhode Island who was an Ens & Lieut in the company commanded by Captain [blank]. regt commanded by Col Hitchcock in the R. Island line for 20 mos Lieut 3 mos 18 days Ensign.
Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island at the rate of 308 Dollars -- per annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1836.
Certificate of pension issued the 16th day of February 1843 and sent to Hon J.L. Tillinghast, House of Representatives Arrears to the 4th of March 1841 $1540--
[crossed out "Semi annual allowance ending"]
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk
Book A Vol. 2 Page 19
Page 24

[left side]
Sent to Pers Agt 29 June 1846
To Connecticut from 4 Sep 1845 July 1846 Notification to Pension Brooklyn County

[/left side]
[right side]
Connecticut 2095
[crossed out: "Rhode Island"]
Amey Potter widow of William Potter who was an Ensign & Lieut in the R.I. Line for 20 mos Lieut 3 mos 18days Ens. 
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 308 Dollars [blank] cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issues the 26th day of Sept. 1843 and sent to A. Ray Presently
 [Act of March 3, 1843]
Recorded in Book A Col 1 page 93
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By the Honorable the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of the English Colony of RHODE ISLAND, and PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS in New England in America. 
To William Potter Gent. Greeting.
WHEREAS for the Preservation of the Rights and Liberties of His Majesty's loyal and faithful Subjects in this Colony and America, the aforesaid GENERAL ASSEMBLY have ordered Fifteen hundred Men to be enlisted, and embodied into an Army of Observation, and have appointed you, the said William Potter Ensign of the Colonel's Company.... of the Regiment to be raised in the County of Providence..... You are therefore hereby, in His Majesty's Name, GEORGE the Third, by the Grace of GOD, King of Great-Britain, &c. authorized, empowered, and commissioned, to have, take, and exercise, the Office of Ensign on the Colonel's Company in..... the Regiment aforesaid; and to command, guide and conduct the same or any Part thereof. And in case of an Invasion or Assault of a common Enemy, to infest or disturb this or any other of His Majesty's Colonies in America, you are to alarm and gather together the Company under your Command, or any Part thereof, as you shall deem sufficient, and therewith, to the utmost of your Skill and Ability, you are to Resist, Expel, Kill and Destroy them, in order to preserve the Interest of His Majesty, and His good Subjects, in these Parts. You are also to follow such instructions, Directions, and Orders as shall from Time to Time be given forth, either by the GENERAL ASSEMBLY or your superior officers. And for your so doing this Commission shall be your sufficient Warrant.
By Virtue of an Act of the said GENERAL ASSEMBLY, I Henry Ward Esq  Secretary of the Said Colony, have hereunto set my Hand, and the public Seal of the said Colony, this Eighth Day of May A.D. 1775 and in the Fifteenth Year of His said Majesty's Reign. [Signed "Henry Ward"]
[seal affixed in upper left corner]
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This Commission was provided by William Potter when application is herewith annexed. B Cowell Clk

Willm Potter 
Ensign Col Compa Providence
[stamped: "The National Archives of the United States"]
Page 27

One
Wm Potter
In July 1832 of Cranston, Providence County RI aged 79 yrs & stated that in May 1775 he enlisted at Providence as ensign but was promoted to Lieut under Capt Simeon Thayer in Col Hitchcock's RI Regt. Served as Ensign & 4 mos a Lt. The promotions all the Ensigns came about by a petition from those encamped at Prospect Hill during the Siege of Boston, which petition represented that the Provincial Congress of Mass had advanced the Ensign in the Battalion & made them a Lt & the RI Legislation at the Session for Aug 1775 conferred the Ensign to equal rank & pay.
After his return home he was appointed Capt of the guard to British prisoners under which he acted for a year ending about Jany 1778. During 1778 he was drafted March 1778 under Capt Jonathan Arnold Company of Grenadiers to serve one at Providence Island & thereafter he in March 1778 with the same Co served one month at Bristol. & In April 1778 Capt Zephanieh Andrews 2 mos at Pawtuxet. Afterwards he was selected Oct 1778 to carry dispatches from Gen Sullivan to the French Fleet & continued in that service about 6 months. Lt Commission lost Ensign May 8, 1775 Henry Ward Secy.
He was born in Smithfield (was P.O. in 1828 but is not now) Providence RI June 15, 1753 & when called into the service lived in Providence & since the war principally in Providence & ten years past in Cranston (now to 1832)
He was mar at Providence May 25 1786 to Amey Pitman daughter of Sander Pitman. He died Nov 19, 1838. 
Their son John was living Feby 1839 in Cranston aged 39 yers. Zuriel Potter was JP in Cranston Feby 1839.
Widow Amey in Feby 1839 stated her age as 75 yrs living in Cranston & in Dec 1842 aged 82 yrs in April 1843 as 82 yrs, Sept 1848 age 87 years. In June 1846 she had removed to Brooklyn Co where her children resided Abby P Potter was in 1846 living in Brooklyn.
Page 28

[stamped: "PENSION OFFICE Dex 31 1889"]
Old War Div.
INP Ex'r No [blank]
Co. [blank] Reg't [blank]
Return this letter with your reply.
Department of the Interior
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Washington, D.C. December 10, 1889
Sir, In answer to your request of the 17th with relation to William Potter of Providence RI who was a Lieutenant in the War of the Revolution, you are advised that two of that name were allowed pensions, both commissioned as Lieutenants, although one later was promoted to Captain yet neither State a residence in Providence.
For the identification of the one of your enquiry with one of the pensioners, be pleased to specify his residence during and after the war, and whether he served in the Infantry, Calvary, or Artillery. 
One of the pensioners died in 1822 and the other in 1833 leaving a widow Sarah who did not survive the passage of act under which entitled to pension. Very respectfully Greer B Rawn Commissioner
Mr William F Potter
Firm of Mss Potter & Seymour Philadelphia Penn Germantown Office Main St & Clinton Ave
Page 29

Ensign of the Providence Grenadiers
Commission dated
February 7th 1777 signed Nicholas Cooke Governor etc.
September 5th 1836 in affidavit before U.S. District Judge John Pitman I William Potter of Cranston in County of Providence and formerly of City of Providence that in 1775 I was a lieutenant in the State Troops in the Revolutionary Army in Company commanded by Captain Simeon Thayer and as such am receiving a pension from the U.S. as will appear of record and served at Bunker Hill and other places near Boston.
In 1776 joined the Company of Artificers, raised in Rhode Island and commanded by Captain Barnard Eddy of Providence and with them were ordered on to the Canada Expedition and marched to Crown Point.
Page 30

WAR DEPARTMENT
THE MILITARY SECRETARY'S OFFICE
WASHINGTON, July 18, 1904
Respectfully returned to
Mr. A.G. Potter
3603 Broadway New York, N.Y.
Applications for information relative to pensions and all inquiries relative thereto should be addressed to the Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C. in whose office are filed the pension records of all wars.
FC Ainsworth The Military Secretary
(800a) Per 4 

[handwritten over the top of the text: "Respectfully referred to the Commissioners of Pensions with request for information AG Potter July 19/04"]
Page 31

This and any information you have will be appreciated. Very respectfully A.G. Potter 3603 Broadway, NY
Received M.S.O Jul 13, 1904
RPO 787467 July 18/04

WAR DEPARTMENT, THE MILITARY SECRETARY'S OFFICE WASHINGTON July 18, 1904.
Respectfully returned to
Mr. A.G. Potter, 3603 Broadway, New York, NY
Applications for information relative to pensions and all inquiries relative thereto should be addressed to the Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C. in whose office are filed the pension records of all wars.
FC Ainsworth The Military Secretary
(800a) Per 4

[handwritten over the top of the text: "Respectfully referred to the Commissioners of Pensions with request for information AG Potter July 19/04"]
Page 32

WESTERN OFFICE AND FACTORY ATCHISON KAN | GENERAL OFFICE AND FACTORY CHICAGO | EAST OFFICE AND FACTORY HOLYOKE MASS
BAKER-VAWTER COMPANY
ACCOUNTANTS-AUDITORS 
DEVISERS OF BUSINESS SYSTEMS - MANUFACTURERS
#3603 BROADWAY New York, July 15, 1904
Gen F.C. Ainsworth
Chief Record and Pension Office Washington D.C.
Dear Sir,
I wrote to you on Apr 18th regarding William Potter, Rev War RI. Receiving your reply #787464 and would like to make a further inquiry regarding the same man. Pension Act of 1835 record "Mr Potter Ensign & Lieut - Prov Co allowed $308" received $924.00 RI Cont Line pl Nov 12-1832. [illegible] Mch 4 1831 age 81. Will you kindly tell me to what address the pension checks were sent. Also what the "age 81" signifies; 81 when placed or 81 when discontinued.
Can you say if this is the same Lt Mr Potter who was on command at Bergen mentioned in a return from Fort Constitution Oct 12 1776.
Page 33

This and any information you have will be appreciated. Very respectfully A.G. Potter 3603 Broadway, NY
Received M.S.O Jul 13, 1904
RPO 787467 July 18/04

WAR DEPARTMENT, THE MILITARY SECRETARY'S OFFICE WASHINGTON July 18, 1904.
Respectfully returned to
Mr. A.G. Potter, 3603 Broadway, New York, NY
Applications for information relative to pensions and all inquiries relative thereto should be addressed to the Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C. in whose office are filed the pension records of all wars.
FC Ainsworth The Military Secretary
(800a) Per 4

[handwritten over the top of the text: "Respectfully referred to the Commissioners of Pensions with request for information AG Potter July 19/04"]


[stamped: "PENSION OFFICE A JUL 20 1904"]
[stamped: " U.S. OLD WAR & NAVY JULY 22 1904 FILES"]
Page 34

Washington Jun 3, 1843
Sir
I enclose you an application from M Amey Potter, widow of William who was a pension under Act 1832 as Ensign and Lieutenant Rhode Island Agency and died on the 19 November 1838.
In her former application for the benefit of the act of 7 July 1838 you will find I presume satisfactory evidence of her marriage and his death. The claim to the Act 1838 is now renewed. I am yours most repectfully Alexander Ray
Page 35

House of Representatives
February 14, 1843
Colonel J.L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
D Sir,
As soon as you can find it in your power you will gratify me by taking up and deciding the case of Mrs Amey Potter, of Rhode Island, widow of William Potter claiming a pension under the Act of 7 July 1838. With great respect Your Obedient Servant Joseph L Tillinghast
I understand the papers have been presented within some few weeks last past.
Page 36

Washington Ap 10 1843
Sir
I enclose you an application from Mrs Amey Potter for the benefit of the act 3 March 1843 formerly a pensioner under Act 7 July 1838 Rhode island Agency. I am very respectfully Your Obd Svt Alex Ray
Page 37

Washington Augt 23 1843
Sir
I herewith enclose an application made by Amey Potter of Rhode Island for the benefit of the Act 3 March 1843. This case was presented in the past but in consequence of the Justices not having certified his personal knowledge of Mrs Potter the declaration was returned for that purpose. I hope the case will [illegible] in its order agreeably to the date presented 10 April last. Yours much respectfully Alex Ray
Page 38

Brooklyn Cout Spet 18, 1848
JL Edwards Esq
D Sir
I enclose the declaration of Amey Potter in order to obtain a certf for pension. Please forward to me the certf when issued. Respy Yours Adams White.
Page 39

Arcade Bank Providence July 1, 1846
Sir,
I have rec your letter of 29th ultimo and have to inform you that Amey Potter now on the Roll of this Agency under the Act of March 3, 1843 at $308 dollars per annum was last paid to September 4th 1845. 
I am respectfully Your Obedient  Servant 
Paris Hill Present
for F Green

JL Edwards Esquire Commissioner of Pensions Washington
Page 40

729 [STAMP: "PAID" "PROVIDENCE RI DEC 29"]
Alexander Ray Esq Agency Washington City District of Columbia
Page 41

State of Rhode Island Providence County On this 28th December 1842 personally appeared before me, Joseph S Budlong, Justice of the Peace in and for said County Mrs Amey Potter, a resident of Cranston in the County aforesaid, aged 82 years who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain, the pension made  Congress, passed July 7th 1838 and 23 Augt 1842 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War that she is the widow of William Potter decd who up to the time of his death, which took place on the 19 day November 1838, was a Revolutionary pensioner, under act 1832 as Ensign & Lieut and that application was made after his death for the benefit act 7 July 1838 she also declares that she was married to said William on  the 25 day of May 1786 and that she is the widow, of the said William Potter and has not since his death intermarried. Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me Joseph S Budlong, Justice of the peace
[signed "Amey Potter"]
Page 42

State of Rhode Island &c
Providence Ss Clerk's office, Court of
Com Pleas. Decr 28. 1842
I certify that Joseph D. Budlong Esquire
before whom the aforegoing affidavit was
sworn, is a Justice of the Peace, for
the Town of Cranston in said County
of Providence, duly authorized & qualified
to act in his said capacity, & administer
oaths & take depositions; and that the aforewritten 
Signature of said Budlong is
genuine.
In Witness whereof I hereunto
set my hand & affix the seal
of said Court at Providence,
this 28th day of December 1842.
John W. Smith Clerk
Page 43

Cranston Dec 28th 1842
Alexander Ray Esq
Sir 
I now forwarded you a [illegible] to your request  the Certificate. Hoping you succeed in obtaining the pension. 
Remain your Obt Svt
John T Potter
Page 44

[stamps: "PAID" "BROOKLYN CT JUN 26"]
JL Edwards Esq Pension Office Washington City District Columbia
Mr Every
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State of Connecticut Windham County SS June 20th 1846 On this twentieth day of June AD 1846 before me, the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for the said County of Windham, personally appeared Amey Potter who on her oath, declares that she is the same person who drew a pension under the act of the 3rd of March 1843, on account of the revolutionary service of her husband, the late William Potter, at the rate of three hundred and eight dollars per annum and who now draws a pension under the act of Congress passed on the 17th of June 1844 entitled "an act to continue the pensions of certain widows" that she has not intermarried but continues to be a widow; that her name was placed on the pension roll of the State of Rhode Island from whence she has lately removed; that she now resides in the State of Connecticut, where she intends to remain and wishes her pension to be there payable in future; and that her reasons for removing to the State of Connecticut are that her children reside in said state, and she has a desire to reside with them. Sworn to and subscribed before me, the day and year aforesaid. Uriel Fuller Justice of the Peace [signed: "Amey Potter"]
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I Abby P. Potter of Brooklyn in the County of Windham & State of Connecticut aged fifty two years and being engaged according to law, depose and say, that the aforenamed Amey Potter, who signed the foregoing application for a transfer of her pension is a person well known to me, and that I well know her to be the same person described in the foregoing affidavit. [signed: "Abby P. Potter"]
Sworn to and subscribed to before me, on this 20th day of June 1846. Uriel Fuller Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that Abby P Potter the above named deponent is a person well known to me, the subscriber, as one of truth and veracity, and that I have full faith in the correctness of her affidavit Uriel Fuller Justice of the Peace
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State of Connecticut Windham County SS
I Thomas Gray, Clerk of the County Court in the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Uriel Fuller, before whom the foregoing affidavits were taken and sworn was at that time and is, a Justice of the Peace in and for said [illegible] duly commissioned and qualified I [illegible] testify that the foregoing signatures purporting [illegible] his are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County Court this 23 day of June AD 1846. Thomas Gray Clerk Brooklyn June 25th 1846
JL Edwards Esquire Sir you will confer a great favor on the undersigned by having the amount of her pension placed so that she can get it as soon as possible not having received her last payment.  Oblige your friend. Amey Potter
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State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. In General Assembly (of the Colony) August session AD 1775. Whereas the Ensign in the respective companies of the Rhode Island Forces encamped on Prospect Hill represented unto this assembly that by a resolve of the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts Bay, the Ensigns of the several battalions of that Colony were advanced and made Second Lieutenants, and their wages enhanced ten shillings a month; and prayed that this assembly would in conformity to that resolved make the same regulation respecting the Ensigns in the Rhode Island Forces: On consideration whereof, It is voted and Resolved that the prayer of the said petition be granted that the said Ensigns be advanced to equal rank and station with their brethren in the Massachusetts Forces; and that their wages be increased ten shillings a month.
True copy of record
Witness Henry Bowen Secry.
This paper was procured by Wm Potter whose declaration for pension was made before the Court July 12 1832. B Cowell Clk
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Declaration In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of 2nd February 1848, entitled an act making further provision for surviving widows and soldiers of the Revolution.
State of Connecticut, Windham County SS
On this 14th day of September 1848 personally appeared before the subscriber a notary public in and for the state of Connecticut duly authorized by law to administer oaths, Amey Potter, a resident of Brooklyn in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut, aged eighty seven years who being first 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 on the 2nd February 1848 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of William Potter who was a Lieutenant in the Army of the Revolution and that she received a pension under the act of 17th June 1844 of three hundred eight dollars per annum. That she does not know in what regiment or corps he served in the Revolutionary Army or in what vessels he served in the Navy. But she believes all necessary proof of his service are now on file in the war office of the United States. She further declares that she is still a widow. [signed: "Amey Potter"] Witness Adams White Jn J Potter Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me Adams White Notary Public
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I hereby certify that the Amey Potter the declarant in the above declaration is personally known to me and that is the widow of William Potter, and received a pension of three hundred eight dollars as set forth in said declaration. Adams White Notary Public
State of Connecticut Windham County SS. Office of Clerk of County Court, I Uriel Fuller assistant Clerk of the County Court for the County of Windham in the State aforesaid do hereby certify that Adams White Esquire is and since the 8th day of September 1847 hath been a Notary Public within and for the State aforesaid; duly appointed and commissioned having full power and authority by the law of said state to administer oaths and take depositions in any case in which a Justice of the Peace might administer or take the same and also to take the acknowledgements of [illegible] and I further certify that I verily believe the foregoing signatures of the said Adams White to be genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court of Brooklyn this 16th day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty eight. Uriel Fuller Assistant Clerk
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State of Rhode Island Providence County SS
On this Seventh Day of April 1843 personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace of the County aforesaid Amey Potter a resident of Cranston in the County of Providence aged eighty three years who being first 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 on the 3rd March 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of the late William Potter who was a Lieutenant and Ensign in the war of the Revolution in the Rhode Island line, and the annual amount of the pension she received under the act of July 7th 1838 was $308 per annum. She further declares that she is still a widow. Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me. [signed: "Amey Potter"] Joseph S A Budlong Justice Peace
And I also certify that Amey Potter [illegible] Joseph S Budlong Jus Peace Cranston July 15th 1843
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State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Providence Co. Clerk's Office Court of Common Pleas. I John W Smith Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within & for the County of Providence and State aforesaid, being a Courts of Record, do hereby certify that Joseph S Budlong Esquire before whom the aforegoing affidavit was sworn is a Justice of the Peace for the town of Cranston in said Couty, duly qualified to work at his said company. that by law he is authorized and empowered to administer oaths and take depositions and that the signature afore written purporting to be his is genuine. In attestation whereof I hereuntos et my hand and affix the seal of said County and the City of Providence this eighth day of April AD 1843 John W Smith Clerk