Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 3,610, James Fletcher, Vt.

Page 1

[Document has three columns, and is a mix of printed type and handwritten responses.]

[Left column]
SERVICE
Vt.

[Middle column]
Fletcher, James

[Right column]
R. 3.610

[Bottom section]
CONTENTS

Page 2

State of New York
Tioga County

James Fletcher being duly sworn, says that he was
a soldier in The Revolutionary war – his first – enlistm-
ent- was under Capt. Safford, Maj. Whitcomb who acted
as Col. at Rutland – was enlisted five months under Col.
Safford, & himself had the command of a scouting party
the most of this time – after this time he further says that
he stood as a minute man as long as eighteen months
& had the command of a scouting party all the
time, under the above named Col. Safford

The said James Fletcher further on his oath says
that he was ranked as Second Sergeant, all the
time of his revolutionary Services [inserted “after he was enlisted”] excepting about
a week of the first enlistment-.

And further, that he was in service before he was 
enlisted about nine months so that the whole
of his time spent- in the service of his country was
three years,

[On left side of page]
Sworn & Subscribed
June 18th 1832
before me
[Signature] A. W. McKey Com. &c
for Tioga Co.

[On right side of page]
James Fletcher [between the first and last names is written “his mark” with an “X” between them]

Page 3

[At top of document is a round shape with two dark lines.  The edge of the circle is jagged.]

State of New York
Tioga County} SS
On this 1st day of December
I AD 1834 [date may be incorrect – third number is difficult to read due to cross-outs] personally appeared, before the court of
Oger & Tirmaner now Settling; James Fletcher of the
town of [crossed out word – inserted “Tioga”] in said County &. Reuben Fletcher
of the town of Candon in Said County who being
first favorably duly sworn according to law doth
in their oath depose and say that they are the
children of the late James Fletcher deceased, and
that they each relinquish all claims they have
as heard To the revolutionary Services of Their
late Father – in favour of Their brother Humphrey
Fletcher.
Sworn & Subscribed
the day and Year aforesaid
[Signature] GM Tuthill C.R.
[To left is written James Fletcher, and in between the first and last name are the words “his mark” with an “X” between them.]
[Signature] Reuben Fletcher

And the Said court further certified that it appears 
to them that the Said Calet Nelson who signed
the preceeding certification on the 2nd of Decr last
is a clergyman and [inserted word “that”] the Said James Fletcher
Died on the 22d day of June AD 1832 – and
that he left no widow and left four Sons
to wit James Fletcher. Levi Fletcher. Reuben Fletcher-
& Humphry Fletcher – they being his Sole and only
Children at the time of his decease.
[Signature] Robt. Morelle Court Judge
JL Darling & a Judge of Tioga County
[Signature] E. Shoemaker Judge
[Signature] George Fisher - Judge

Page 4

State of New York
Tioga Count
I Green M. Tuthill clerk of the court
of Oger & Tesmiour in Said county do
hereby certify that the foregoing contains
the original proceedings of the Said
county in the matter of the application
of the [illegible] of the late James Fletcher
deceased for a pension

In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this 1st day of December AD 1834
[Signature] Green M Tuthill Clk

Page 5

[At top center of page is faded oval shape with dark edges.]

State of New York
County of Tioga 
[To the right of the two above lines a “}”is inserted with “Ss”]

On this 2nd day of December AD1838
Personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the Court
Byce & Termince [names may be incorrect - slightly illegible] now sitting Humphrey Fletcher a resident of
the town of Candor in the county aforesaid who bring
first duly sworn doth on his oath depors and say –

That he is the son of James Fletcher who has sworn to
and subscribed the preceding Affidavit and has at different
times heard him his said Father make the following state=
=ments – and which he verily believes to be true
1st That he was born on Cape Ann Ms on the 11th day of
August AD 1745.
2nd That he lived at Windsor Vt during the Revolutionary War.
3d That he entered the service of the United States out the said
town of Windsor a volunteer Scout – and served under Capt.
Safford & Major Whitcombe as a Sergeant – [“Seargeant” is underlined]
4th.  That he made several excursions to the Lake George—
and Champlain during his Services –
5th  That all the different periods and terms of his service
and for which he was bound to military Service amounted
to three years [“three years” is double underlined]
6th  That his Sergeants warrant was left with his Capt at the
close of his service and was not returned to him—
And this deponent further on his oath saith – that the follow=
ing facts are true & within his knowledge
1st There is a record of the dc James Fletcher’s age in the
family Bible –
2nd That the said James Fletcher died on the 22nd day of
June AD1832 in the said Town of Candor
for 12 years anticedant to his deciese – and that
previous thereto he resided in Sempronius Cayuga
County . N. Y--  4th – that he left no widow. [“that he left no widow” is underlined]

And the said deponent further on his oath says – 
that he does not remember. the time of times that his
father [inserted “said that he”] departured or left the service of the United Staes
or that his father ever told him -- 

that his fathers name is not on the Pension Roll of the
Agency of of any state – [the two “ofs” in this line are written slightly different – the first may be an abbreviation for “office”]

That he does not remember that his father told
him that he was ever in any regular Battle – but
thinks he said he was in some skirmish --

Page 6

He hereby as heir to the said James Fletcher re=
=linquishing every claim whatever to a pension or annuity
except the present

Sworn to and Subscribed the day
and year aforesaid - - - - -
[Signature to right of last three lines] Humphrey Fletcher
[Signature below text] Green M Tuthill Clk


We the undersigned William Bacon and Caleb Nelson
residing in the town of Candor aforesaid hereby certify that
we are well acquainted with the late James Fletcher who
has sworn to and subscribed the foregoing affidavit that we
believe he was eighty six years of age at the time of his de=
cease that it was reputed and believed in the neighborhood
where he resided that he was a soldier of the revolution and
that we concur in that opinion –
[Signature] William Bacon
[Signature] Caleb Nelson
Sworn and Subscribed the day
and year Aforesaid
[Signature] Green M Tuthill Clk

And the said court so hereby declares their opinion, after the
investigation of the matter and the examination of the afore=
-said Humphrey Fletcher under oath – that the aforesaid
James Fletcher (Deceased) was a Revolutionary Soldier and
served as stated in his foregoing deposition--    And the
Court further certifies that it appears to them that William
Bacon and Caleb Nelson who has signed the proceeding 
certificates are credible persons and that their statement is
entitled to credit.
[Signature] Robt. Morell Circuit Judge
[Signature] W Darling -- - - - -
[Signature[ E Shoemaker
[For above three signatures there is a “{“ symbol with the word “Judges” to indicate the three judges’ names]
[Large faint round circle on left side of page]
I Green M. Tuthill Clerk of the court of Byce & Termince [names may be incorrect - slightly illegible]
aforesaid do humbly certify that the
foregoing contains the original proceedings
in the Matter of the application of 
James Fletcher for a pension –
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal 
of Office 2nd day of Decr AD1833
[Signature] Green M Tuthill, Clk

Page 7

State of New York
County of Genesee [“County of Genesee” is underlined]
[After the above two lines, there is a “ } “ symbol to “Ss”

I On this sixteenth day of October AD 1835
personally appeared before the court of common Pleas
in and for said county now sitting Levi Fletcher a
resident of the town of Bennington in the county aforesaid
who being first duly sworn according to the law – doth on
his oath depose and say --  That he is a son and heir
of the late James Fletcher of Candor Tioga County N.Y.
who was a soldier of the Revolution – and that he here=
=by relinquishes all claim to the claims his father had
for a pension under the act of Congrefs of the 7 June
AD1832 in favor of his brother Humphrey Fletcher of
the town of Candor aforesaid
Subscribed & Sworn to this
16th day of October 1835
in open court.
[Signature] Levi Fletcher
[Signatures] S. Cumings     William Mitchell     Horace S Turner  } 
[To left of Cumings/Mitchell/Turner signatures]
Judges of the 
court of common Pleas 
Genesee county

[Signature] T. Fitch clerk

I Timothy Fitch   Clerk of the court of common
Pleas    in and for the county of Genesee do hereby
certify that the foregoing contains the original pro=
=ceedings in the matter of the oath of Levi Fletcher

In testimony whereof I have here
=unto set my hand and seal of office this sixteenth day of
October AD. 1835
[Signature] T. Fitch clerk

Page 8

[Document appears to be the back of a page of printed text that is too faded to read]

[Top of document]
29352
James Fletcher


[Middle of document]
K
[illegible] March 15 ‘34
Certificate of Court &c reqd

[Bottom of document]
[Signature] William Bacon Esq
[“Candor” is crossed out]

now at [illegible] Tompkins [“Tioga” crossed out with “Co” below it”
Co
N.Y.

Page 9

[Documented is printed type with some handwriting in the table and in the note at the bottom of the page.]

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 a tabular form.  On comparing these papers with the following rules, and
the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed,
before a pension can be allowed.  The notes and the regulations will show what is
necefsary to be done.  Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed,
you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: } ).  You will, when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and
you will, by compling with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.

[Below is a table with eight columns – text in each column is separated by a line ( | ) to indicate divisions.]

A Statement, showing the Service of
[Table begins]
Period when the service was rendered. [blank] |
Declaration of the claimant’s service. Years.  | Months.  | Days. |
Rank of the claimant. |
Names and rank of the Field of-
ficers under whom He served. |
Ae at present and place of abode when he entered the service. |
Proof by which the declaration is supported.

[Responses with transcriptionist’s abbreviations for headings of each column.  If column not listed, then it is blank.]
Years. 0.  | Months. 2  |  Days. 0  |
Rank of claimant. Srgt. |
Name/rank of officers. Col Safford  |

Years. 1  | Months. 11. | Days. –
Rank of Claimant. “ [for Srgt. listed above]
Name/rank of officers. Col. Safford

[Across Age and Proof columns for both lines of handwriting is written “May Whitcom”]
[Table ends]

I am, respectfully, 
Your obedient servant,
JAMES L. EDWARDS
Commissioner of Pensions

[In handwriting]
The requisition under date of 25 January
last should in all as puts In compliance with in this case.

Page 10

[Document is a typed printed document marked as page 2 at the top.  Transcriptionist notes are in brackets, with exceptions noted.  The document provides a template for Courts to follow regarding pensions, so there are blank spaces where information should be filled in.]

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
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c., 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 cases 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, mucicians or privates, will, in the first
instance, 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
[Above two lines have a “}” symbol pointing to “ss.”]
On this     day of     personally appeared (a) before    
          A. B. a resident (b) of        in the county of      and State, Territory or District
of      aged (c)        years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the
following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the 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)      , with     and
served in the      (e) regiment of the       line, under the following named officers:

[Following is in brackets in the document, and is not a note from the transcriptionist]
[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.  [symbol of hand with finger pointing right toward next sentence] 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 revolu-
tionary soldier, and served as he states.
I                of the Court of
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of 
the application of                       for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i)this
            day of               &c.

If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declarations, cannot be
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.

Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers, or Militia,
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:

(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the         and C. D. residing in (the same)
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with                  , who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we belief 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 days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.] [Previous sentence is in brackets in the document, and are not notes of the transcriptionist.]
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.
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 credit.
I,              Clerk of the Court of             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 herunto set my hand and seal 
of office, this        day of         &c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power.  This is the original discharge or commis-
sion; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if
possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge 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

Page 11

[Document is all printed typeface.  Transcriptionist notes are in brackets except where indicated.  The document is labeled as page 3 at the top of the page.]

alleged service, as they are known at the Department.  A very full account of the services of each person 
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 ex-
pected.  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?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such
Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. [The symbol “ {“ is written to the right of “6”, showing two lines with different questions for soldiers and officers.] 
To a Soldier [ Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it giv-
en, and what has become of it?
To and Officer { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what 
has become of it?
7. State the names of 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 the 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.

[Handwritten  “ { “ symbols are drawn on the left and right of the last six lines of the next paragraph]

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 character
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
inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon this subject.

[Handwritten  “ { “ symbols are drawn on the left and right of the next paragraph]

Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before
required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of [underlining starts] a Court of Record of the proper [underlining ends]
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 fo 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.

[Line across page, and then the following in smaller font, with brackets in the document that are not by the transcriptionist except where indicated:]

[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will fol-
low the rule laid down for his guidance
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides.  If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not
conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the
claim cannot be had.  Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so
definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension 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 that the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: --For---year ------- months, and --------
days, I served a a --------,  For -------- months and ------- days, I served a 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 [start italics] in about three or four months, [end italics]
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 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 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 his seal of office
[Transcriptionist note: Small picture of hand pointing with a finger at the line of text] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State
note [j] applies to continental troops only
[Transcriptionist note: the “ }  {“ symbols are handwritten before and after the line starting with “[k]” and the line is underlined]
[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 12

[Crossed out: "Acts of July 14, 18[illegible], and March 3, 1873."]

[Illegible abbreviation or word written vertically in top right corner.]

[Across the top of the document is what appears to be a stamped "REJECTION"]

[Document is a mix of printed type and handwritten answers in blanks.  Everything is blank except the number and name.]

3610.
P. O. James Fletcher
Service:
Enlisted:    , 18
Discharged:   ,18
Application filed:     ,18
Alleges:
Re-enlisted:

Attorney:
P. O. 

Recognized,     [illegible]
Cert. of Dis.     Searched for      ,18

Page 13

New York
James Fletcher
Suspended  
Sec letter to
Wm. Bacon
16. Nov. 1835
Let to send day: 1 March 8 '[illegible]

3610

Page 14

[A faint “27” followed by an illegible word is at top left corner of page]
[A faint round circle is on upper left side of page]

State of Vermont [underlined]

Secretary of State Office
Burlington Jany. 21 – 1847 [line is underlined]

I. J. McM Shafter. Secretary of State
of Vermont hereby certify that upon an
original pay. roll of the revolutionary service
of Capt. Jesse Safford’s company on record in
this office. occurs the name of James Fletc-
-her with an allowance to him as [inserted “1st”] Sergeant
for “seven months and four days, from May
first to Nov 30. AD 1778. both days included.” [a faint “7 – 4” in different handwriting is written to the left of this line in the margin]

I also certify that upon another like
recorded pay. roll of Capt. Saml Stow Savage
company occurs the name of the said James
Fletcher with an allowance to him for
three days service as Sergeant commen- [faint “3” in different handwriting is in the left margin before this line]
-cing March 16 – 1781.

I also certify that upon another 
like recorded pay . roll of the said capt.
S. S. Savage’s Company occurs the name of 
the said James Fletcher with an allowance
to him as Srgt for twenty one days
service in arearrs in August. September Oct. –
said roll sworn to & allowed June AD 1781.

Page 15

[Gray circle appears in mid-upper right side of document, with writing over it]

I also certify that the said James
Fletcher’s name occurs on the records of
the Council of Saftey of February AD 1779.
with an allowance to him of “one month
wages for service expenses of sickness &c”
and that there is likewise in the accounts
of the Pay Table office an record in this
office the following copy of a paper purporting
to be an order in – 

“I Ira Allen Esq Treasurer”
Please to pay [illegible] Thomas”
“Cooper four pounds eight shillings £ money.”
“being one months wages due from this”
“state to James Fletcher taking his reci-“
“-pt for the same

Thos Chittenden”
“Bennington 26th Feb 7. 1779.”

Date above received four”
“pounds eight shillings.”

[illegible] Thomas Cooper”

I also certify that upon another like recor-
-ded pay . roll of [illegible] Asahel Smith’s company
of militia that marched to [illegible]

Page 16

Oct 20. 1780 by order of Lieut Col Safford”
occurs the name James Fletcher with
an allowance to him as [illegible] for 12 days
service.

In testimony whereof I have 
hereunto signed my name
and affixed the seal of this 
office at Burlington day 21- 1847.

[Signature] J. Mc M Shafter

[Above Shafter’s signature is a round seal with “SECRETARY OF STATE   VERMONT around the edge, with what appears to be a tree in the middle, people and a horse below the tree, and mountains in the background.  The round seal has a diamond-shaped outline around it.]

Page 17

War Department
Pension Office
Jany 25th. 1834

Sir,

[The entire next paragraph has two “X”s over the entire paragraph, as if to cross it out.]
The paper relating to the claim of John Roberts
have again been examined.  The applicant was required on
a former examination to produce proof.  If the service was
performed as alleged in his declaration, it is evident that
proofing be had in the State of New Jersey where evidence
may be obtained likewise of the applicants having been duly
commifsioned an ensign.  The case is suspended and the
papers placed on file.

[The following is not crossed out]
The papers of James Fletcher have been examined
The claimant being dead, it is necefsary that the court should
certify that such is the fact, and also the day of his death,
that he left a widow, [crossed out letters] or if not, children, their names &c
The heirs must appear in Court and the traditionary evidence
must be made out according to the regulations of the De=
=partment.  The papers are herewith returned.

[The following paragraph is also crossed out with four “X”s]
A pension certificate will be transmitted for
Geo. Vandermark, as soon as it can be made out.
[End of crossed out text]

I am Respectfully
Yr Obt. Servt
[Signature] J. L. Edwards

Ithaca Novr 2nd 1835
I have complied with the
above directions in the case of Jas. Fletcher
[Signature] Wm Bacon
[Signature] Wm Bacon Esq
Candor
N.Y.

Page 18

I, Rufus Root, of Windsor in the County of Windsor and State of
Vermont, aged Seventy years, depose and say – that in the year 1778,
I was a private in the company of Capt. Gideon Bronson, and was, part
of the campaign station at Rutland Oh.  During the season, a term,
of my service, that year, Capt. Jesse Safford’s Company, attached to
Major Whitcomb’s Rangers, was in our encampment, and in said Safford’s
company James Fletcher, lately deceased in Candor, NewYork, was doing
duty and was a Sergeant.  I recollect well having once been with him
on a scout to and along Lake Champlain – How long he served that
year, I cannot state, but that campaign was always called a “nine
months campaign” – He was regarded as a valuable and faithful 
soldier, having been always active and trust worthy – 
[Signature] Rufus Root


State of Vermont
Windsor Ss -- } At Windsor in said county, on the 10th day of
August A.D. 1833, personally appeared the above named
Rufus Root, and made oath that the foregoing affidavit, by him subscribed,
contains the truth and nothing but the truth
Before me – [Signature] Carlos Coolidge, Justice of the Peace

And I certify that the said Rufus Root is a credible witnefs
[Signature] Carlos Coolidge Justice of the Peace

Page 19

[On upper left side of document is a roundish smudge or darker color with a diamond-shaped outline around it.]

State of Vermont
Windsor County &c } I Benjamin Swan Clerk of the county Court, of the
County, and State aforesaid, do hereby Certify that
Carlos Coolidge is a Justice of the Peace, in afor said
county duly commissioned & qualified, that his com-
mision was dated the 5th day of November 1832, and
will expire on the last day of November 1833, And
that his Signatures written within are genuine –
Given under my hand & the Seal of said County Court
this fifth day of September AD 1833 - --

[Signature] Benj. Swan Clerk

Page 20

I, Levi Bishop, of Windsor in the county of Windsor and State of Vermont, aged
seventy four years, depose and say – that I have lived in said Windsor since the
1st day of April 1769 ~ that during the Revolutionary War, James Fletcher, who
lately died in Candor, Tioga county & State of New York, lived in Windsor and was
well known to me, having married my sister.  Early in the spring of the year 1778
or 1779  /though I am quite confident it was 1778/  Capt. Jesse Saffords collected
the principal part of his company at my father’s house in Windsor, and thence
marched off to crofs the Green Mountin to be stationed, as I understood, at
Rutland, Vt.  Said James Fletcher was a member of said company and
marched off with it.  He was made a Sergeant, in said company and served
as such, as understood by all of his friends, throughout the campaign of that year.

I am unable to state what regiment he was in, or the names of his field
officers – Said Fletcher was out, in said year, until late in the fall before
he returned; but I cannot sate with certainty the time when he went nor
when he was discharged--  I feel positive that he served at least Seven months, 
and have but little doubt of his having been out more than that- My best
recollection is that the enlistments were for nine months—

I further depose and say that on some day in June 1777, said Fletcher
and myself volunteered, and marched, under Capt. Richard Wait – went to 
Hubbardton – there to Ticonderoga and vicinity – The British came on, and
after the Paf at Ticonderoga was surrendered, the Americans retreated
to Rutland – and thence we were marched home and discharged – I was out
one month & said Fletcher was with me – he stayed out, on some duty, 
a little longer, but how much I cannot recollect _ _ _ It is strongly

Page 21

impressed on my memory that said Fletcher performed various other tours of
service, but I am unable to describe them – He was a faithful and useful soldier,
being always relied on in every hazardous scout or enterprise – 
[Signature] Levi Bishop


State of Vermont
Windsor Co. ~
At Windsor in said county, on the 10th day of August
A. D. 1833 personally appeared the above named Levi
Bishop, and made oath that the foregoing affidavit, by
him subscribed, contains the truth and nothing but the truth ~
Before me ~ [Signature] Carols Coolidge, Justice of the Peace

And I certify that said Levi Bishop is a credible witnefs
[Signature] Carlos Coolidge, Justice of the Peace

Page 22

[Document appears to be the outside of a letter.  In the uppermost right corner, it has an "X" in Roman font with a box around it.]

Hon. J. L Edwards
Comr. of Pensions
Washington
DC

[On left side, written vertically]
Feb. 3. 1847
Decaration
James Fletcher

[Vertical text is covered by what appears to be a round postage stamp with the text "OVID NY" around the edge and in the center is "JAN 29"]

[On the bottom of the page is the faint shape of an upside-down triangle with a roundish gray circle in the middle

Page 23

Ovid N.Y.  Jany 29. 47

Sir
I enclose certificate of Service of Sec.
of State of Vermont- If you come to the conc
-lusion, that the certificate embraces Service
performed by James Fletcher who applied for
a pension under the law of 1832 from N.Y.
would there not be a pension due to his children

To enable me further to investigate
the claim, will you please give me a copy of
that part of his declaration, relating to alleged
Service, performed by him

Repspectfully
Your Obt Sevt
[Signature] Arad Joy


Hon J L Edwards
Comrs of Pensions
Washington
DC

Page 24

State of New York
Tioga County 
Ss

On this 30 the day of Novr 1833 before me
William Bacon a commissioner of Deeds in and for
said county personally appeared James Fletcher & 
Reuben Fletcher and being formally duly Sworn
according to law &c on their oaths depose and
say - that they are brothers to the above named
Humphrey Fletcher - that they relinquish all
claims to any amount of money that may be due
their late father for revolutionary Services-  That
it was well understood by them and all concerned
that such amt should be for the benefit of the said
Humphrey - who for the last fifteen years has had 
the sole charge care, and, support of him their said
father; that they have another brother living in
Erie County N.Y - which are all the children of their 
said father

[Signature mark} James Fletcher [between the first and last name is an X with “his mark” written above and below it]
[Signature]  Reuben Fletcher

Sworn to and subscribed
the day & year aforesaid before me 
[Signature] William Bacon Comm of Deeds

I certify that James Fletcher & Reuben Fletcher
who have Subscribed and sworn to the preceeding
affidavit are credible persons.
[Signature] William Bacon Com. of Deeds

State of New York Tioga County Clerk’s office &c
I certify that Alexander W. McKay &
William Bacon before whom the precding
affidavts purports to have been sworn were
at the [crossed out word “time”] date of the same each a
commissioner of Deeds in and for the said county

Page 25

[all handwritten]

State of New York
Tioga County
On this 9th day of Dec'r. 1833 before me William Bacon a Commissioner of [illegible] in and for said county personally appeared William B. Mead who being first duly sworn ^ according to law
doth on his oath depose and say that he was well acquainted with the late James Fletcher (deceased) and that sometime in the month of May or June 1832 had a conversation with him in relation to his obtaining a pension. In which he said "that the amount of the pension if he obtained should be for the benefit of his son Humphrey Fletcher" with whom he had lived & been supported many years -

Sworn to & subscribed this 9th day of Dec'r 1833 before me William Bacon Comm'r of Deeds
I certify that the above named Wm. B Mead is a credible person
William Bacon, C.D.

State of New York
Tioga County
On this 10th day of Dec'r 1833 before me William Bacon a Commissioner of Deeds in and for said County personally appeared Alex'r. W. McKey who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath depose and say that the late James Fletcher (deceased) swore to and subscribed the preceeding affidavit before him - and did at that time and being on his death bed - say that he did not think that he should live to obtain a pension but he hoped that his son Humphrey would receive the benefit of it; if he ever was entitled to one.

Sworn to and subscribed this 10th day of Dec'r. 1833 before me.
William Bacon
Commissioner of Deeds


[signed] A. W. McKey

Page 26

29352

[underlined] James Fletcher
[underlined] Application

Sworn to William Bacon

Ithaca
Tompkins County N.Y.

[in different handwriting]
Lok at Whitcom's  [illegible - maybe Rangers]
[illegible]

Page 27

I would call your attention in this application to the evidence
of service-- & the character of the applicant

1st Evidence of service is the informal affidavit of James
Fletcher stating the time and grade of service over 3 years 
as Sergeant-- [“3 years as Sergeant” is underlined]  the affidavid of Root and Bishop stating
that he did serve—[“that he did serve” is underlined] the examination in court [“in court” is underlined] of—
Humphrey Fletcher, and the opinion of the court, [“opinion of the court” is underlined] that
he served three years. [“three years” is underlined]

2ndly- The applicant is the son of the Revolutionary 
Soldier- and was intended as the sole [“sole” is underlined] heir of his
fathers pension – that they [“they” is underlined] relinquished all claims – that
Humphrey had the sole support and care of their father
for the last 15 years of his life;-- that while on his
death bed the father [illegible] that if anything was
obtained it might be for the benefit of Humphrey;
Thereby in effect making him making him a bequeathment, and
constituting him the sole heir – and I know he had
nothing else to give—his other brother living in Erie
county would I have no doubt release all his claim
if necefary~    Would it not therefore – be just & [illegible]
=er to make the appropriation directly to the said
Humphrey—

I am unacquainted with the manner of doing
businefs in the care of the applications of heirs – 
but if you think this application is such as should
be allowed-and could make an order on the
Treasurer for the amts directed to my care I will
see that Fletcher [crossed out word] receipts & returns the
receipt to you
[Signature] William Bacon

Ithaca, Novr 2nd 1835
I have just obtained the release of Levi Fletcher to Humphrey
Fletcher. and transmit together- with the certificate of the
court that Caleb Nelson is a clergyman and that, the said
James Fletcher is dead      [Signature] W. Bacon