Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 9594, for Jonathan Phelps, Connecticut

S ERVICE
NUMBER _____
Conn. Privateer
Phelps, Jonathan Charity
Wt 9594 B.L.Wt. 26604-160-55-
CONTENTS

6.574
New York Albany
Charity Phelps. widow of Jonathan, Phelps Con n
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private & corporal.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 52 dollars 32 cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853. 26 th September 1857.
Certificate of Pension issued 22 d day of March 1859
and sent to E. G. Duffie, Secy.
Wattaraugus Co. N York
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 25 Vol. H

103.323
act March 3/55
April 27, 1855
33.568
Jonathan Phelps Colonel
No 26604 of May 1855
War of Revolution
Rec Pension. Act June 7. 1832
No. 11942
NO: 160000 May 16/56
full
Vol P. page 79.
ll
Thomas J. Wheeler Conewango Cattaraugus Co New York

to Pa age 31 in 1809 To Albany from 4 March 1838 7 March 1839 Notification to B. Halmroth. Freedonia N.Y.
Paid at the Treasury under the acts of the 6 th April 1838 from 4 March 1838 to 4 Sep 1838 - age notified to April 1840
Set to New York March 30/1852 " " " " " " " " " " Tho: J. Wheeler 30 June/52 Robt Owen Sep 29/53 Tho: J. Wheeler 15/3 Octo 3 1855
47 57
1838 55 55 1838 55 55
N o 11, R o 2. Albany 11942  Pennsylvania
Jonathan Phelps
of Warren Co. in the State of Penn. who was a Pr. V. Capt. in company by Captain Morgan of the Regt. Co. by Col. Wells in the Conn. Troops time for 8 months Pr. 26.66 7 " Capt. 25.
$52.00
Inscribed on the Roll of Pennsylvania at the rate of 52 Dollars 00 Cents, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 day of July 1833 and sent to J. Galbraith Franklin Pa.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 104.64 Semi-ant. allowance ending Sep 1833 26.16 $130.80
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by D. Brown Cler Book E. Vol. 5 Page 45

Declaration for Widows Revolutionary Pension act of July 4 th 1836
Charity Phelps widow of Jonathan Phelps
E. C. Durfee Agent Leon Cattaraugus Co N.Y.

State of New York      Us (County of Cattaraugus)
(On this twelfth day of January in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred & fifty-eight personally appeared before me the undersigned Judge of the County Court of Cattaraugus County, said Court being a Court of record Mrs Charity Phelps aged seventy two years a resident of Conesango in the County of State aforesaid who being duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following declara- -tion in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 4 th 1836 That she is the widow of Jonathan Phelps who was a private soldier & wagoner in the war of The Revolution. That his place of Residence at the time he entered service was Lyme or Haddam then New London now Middlesex County in the State of Connecticut. That he served in the Militia or other troops of said State under Capt. Richard Eliel & Abner Cornstock that as she has been informed he was stationed on Long Island Seneca & other places during the war. That he was also with the army in the State of Virginia as a soldier or wagoner & was in service at the surrender of Cornwallis.

She further declares that she was married to said Jonathan Phelps on the 14 th day of August A.D. One Thousand Seven Hundred & Eighty four & lived with her said husband Seventy three Years that he the aforesaid Jonathan Phelps died on the 26 th day of September One Thousand eight hundred & fifty seven & that she has remained a widow since that time as will more fully appear by reference to the proofs hereto annexed
That she was married at East Haddam in the State of Connecticut by Israel Spencer a justice of the Peace that her name before her marriage was Charity Beckwith
That her said husband was a pensioner during his lifetime under the act of June 7 th 1832 at the rate of $53. 32 / 100 per annum which was paid to him at the agency at Philadelphia Pa. afterwards transferred to Albany N.Y. to take effect from the 4 th of March 1838
That said Jonathan Phelps name was placed on the list & Certificate issued to him July 15 th 1838 and recorded in the Pension Office in Book E. Vol 5. Page 415 By J Brown Clerk and she refers to the evidence now on file in the Pension Office more fully to substantiate the service referred to
Charity Phelps

The foregoing declaration subscribed & sworn to before me this day and year first before written and I Certify that from her appearance I think said deponent is of the age stated in said declaration & that her statements are in all respects true That she is unable from age & bodily infirmity to appear in open Court & I further State that I am in no way interested in said Claim.
Nelson Cobb, Commission Judge Cattaraugus County New York

State of New York } ss Charity Phelps Cattaraugus County } being duly sum-
moned before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid duly qualified to administer oaths, deposes & says that she is the identical Charity Phelps who makes the declaration appended for a Widow's Revolutionary Pension, that her age is Ninety two years that she resides in Conesango in the County & State aforesaid
She further states that she is still the widow of Jonathan Phelps who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution & a Prisoner as stated in her appen- ded declaration & that she was married to him in the town of Haddam or Lyme in the State of Connecticut on the 14 th of August 1784 and live- ed with him as his wife until his death which happen- ed Sept 26 th 1857
She further states that after diligent enquiry she has reason to believe that no Public record exists or ever did exist of her marriage with said Phelps, That she once had a private record which said record was in a family Bible but it was destroyed by the burning of their house more than fifty years ago & none other has since been made & to the best of her knowledge & belief there is no person now living who was present at

her marriage Seventy four Years ago & that the annex- -ed Evidence is the best she can now furnish to show that she was once the wife & is now the widow of Jonathan Phelps
Sworn & subscribed this 2 nd day of
January 1859
J. B. Ellsworth Justice of the Peace Charity Phelps
Cattaraugus County ss
Edwin Adams & China M. Adams his wife being duly sworn before the undersigned Justice of the Peace duly qualified to administer oaths depose & say that said Edwin Adams is a son in law and said China M. Adams a daughter of Mrs Charity Phelps who makes the appended declaration for a widows Revolutionary Pension, That the former deponent is aged sixty five & the latter fifty nine years that they have known said Charity Phelps from their earliest recollections & that from the infancy of said deponents she lived with Jonathan Phelps as his wife & neither ever heard the fact of her being such questioned or disputed, That said Jonathan Phelps died at the time set forth in the appended dec- laration & that said Charity is still his widow & has resided with said deponents since his death & each saw her make oath to & subscribe the appended declaration & each knows her to be the identical person therein described And said deponents further say that the facts set forth in her appended affidavit in relation to the destruction

of the family record is as deponents believe strictly true & that after diligent inquiry no record Public or Private of their Marriage now exists & that there is no person now living who witnessed their Marriage
Subscribed & sworn to this Edwin H. Adams
27 th day of January 1859
J. B. Ellsworth Justice of the Peace Cattaraugus County ss
Thomas J. Wheeler being duly sworn deposes that he is Practising Physician in Conewango County, aforesaid that he has known Charity Phelps & her husband Jonathan Phelps intimately & well for a period of ten years that he has been their family Physician, That he never heard the fact of their being husband & wife questioned & deponent believes the facts set forth in the appended affidavits to be strictly true & that no Public or Private record of their Marriage can be furnished, & this deponent further states that he knows said Jonathan Phelps to have been a Revolu- tionary Prisoner & that he died at the time set forth in the foregoing declaration to wit about Sept 26 th 1852
Thomas J. Wheeler
The foregoing affidavits Subscribed & sworn to before me this 28 th day of February 1859 & I certify that I know said affiants to be persons of Credibility & that said Charity Phelps is undoubtedly the person she is represented to be and I further state I have no interest whatever in said Claim J. B. Ellsworth Justice of Peace

CATTARAUGUS COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE,
Q. b. & S. B. C.
ss. On this day personally appeared
THOMAS MORRIS, Clerk of said County, do certify that the foregoing to have been taken, was on the day of the date hereof, before me in and for said County, elected and sworn and duly authorized to take the same; and further that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of and verily believe the signature purporting to be his genuine
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official Seal this 10th day of February 185 7 .
Thomas Morris CLERK.

113.323

DECLARATION.
State of New York } ss. County of Cattaraugus - }
On this 20 th day of April A. D. 1855, personally appeared before me, James a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, Jonathan Phelps aged ninetyone years, a resident of the Town of Conesango in the State of New York who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is the identical Jonathan Phelps who was a private & corporal in the Army of the United States in the Revolutionary War; that on account of his services in said War he was allowed and is now actually in receipt of a Pension under the Act of Congress, passed on the 4 th day of June — A. D. 1832 at the rate of $ 52 50 per annum, as will more fully appear by reference to the evidence now on file in the Pension Office at the City of Washington.
He makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which he may be entitled under the Act approved March 3d, 1855.
He also declares that he has never received any Bounty Land Warrant under this or any other Act of Congress, nor made any other application therefor. Except an application made on or about the 26 th March 1855.
Claimant's Signature.
Jonathan Phelps his mark
WE, Edwin Stearns and J. J. Wheeler residents of Conesango in the State of New York upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Jonathan Phelps in our presence; and that, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, we believe that he is the identical person he represents himself to be. and that the said Jonathan Phelps signed his name by making his mark because he cannot see to write.
Edwin Stearns
Signatures of Witnesses.
Thomas Wheeler
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me, on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person he represents himself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
Signature of the Magistrate.
[Signature]
State of New York County of Cattaraugus Office of ss
J. O'Neal Southwick County Clerk and Clerk of the County Court in and for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that B. Brice Esquire , whose genuine signature appears above was, at the time of signing the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid duly elected and sworn and that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit and that said County Court is a Court of Record having general jurisdiction. I also certify that I have no interest in the result of this case and am not concerned in its prosecution.
Given under my hand and official seal at Ellicottville in said County the 24 th day of February 1855. J. O'Neal Southwick County Clerk of Cattaraugus County

Jonathan Phelps
22/12

State of Pennsylvania, Sixth Judicial District } Warren county ss ————— } 15
On this sixth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two, personally appeared in open court, before Hon. Henry Shippen President and his Associates, Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of said county of Warren, now sitting, Jonathan Phelps, a resident of Sugar Grove township in the county of Warren and state of Pennsylvania aforesaid aged sixty nine years, who being first first duly sworn according to Law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. ————— That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein after stated. That he first entered the service as a waiter to the French General, Milonmarquis at Providence in Rhode Island in the month of March or April 1781 in which he remained until the month of December in that year. From Providence we passed through Philadelphia and Baltimore to Yorktown. He remained in Yorktown during the siege of Yorktown. The American continental Army was stationed on the York side, and the French Army and the Virginia militia on the opposite side of James River. The cannonading continued for nine days, three of which it was without cessation. I was present when a few rods when Cornwallis surrendered and delivered his sword to Genl. Washington. He first offered to offer it to Rochambeau, and then handed it to Washington. I saw the old British soldiers coming out of the fort at Yorktown when it was given up, with their knapsacks on their backs and in full uniform, soon after the surrender of Yorktown, in the latter end of November or beginning of December of that year. I received a written discharge, which I preserved, but which got burnt a number of years afterwards with my other papers when I got my house burnt in Delaware county, New York. While I was out on this tour, my duty was to take care of, and carry the baggage of Genl. Washington.

for. After I went to York town with Genl. Washington and conveyed his baggage to that Fort, I volunteered with a number of others about sixty to take a redoubt belonging to the British in the neighborhood of York town on the Gloucester side of the river. There were a number of redoubts on both sides of the river belonging to the British, which were taken one by one during the siege. After my discharge, I was on board a sloop conveyed, being sick, to Wilmington with a number of others in wagons. I was then put on board a sloop with about fifty or sixty others to the head of Elk. We were furnished with four days provision, under the supposition we would reach the head of Elk in that time, but on account of opposite wind and bad weather we were out fourteen days, and had nearly starved. From the head of Elk I walked home to the town of Lynn in Connecticut home where my mother father lived. When I left head of Elk I had but ten dollars in money, and provisions being scarce and high and not being able to travel far in a day, my money soon ran out, and my way being along the sea shore, and many of the inhabitants being Tories I had a great deal of difficulty in getting home. Some time in the month of August in the year 1782 Simon Saunders a corporal in Captain Morgans company, Col. Mells regiment then stationed on the line for a year or more, became sick and unable to perform duty, and I entered as his substitute and remained in that service until the month of December following about four weeks. I entered at this time at the town of Lynn in Connecticut. During this time we had a number of skirmishes, generally in the night with what were called cowboys or refugees under Delancey. We took to winter quarters at Kings Street near Horse Neck the middle of November or latter end of that month. After we had stationed here two or three weeks, we were attacked in the night by about four hundred of the British and refugees who took prisoners all the officers of our line (excepting a lieutenant Root, and Sergeant Loonis) who had met in council at Col. Mells quarters.

Soon after this we were all discharged. The lieutenant gave the discharges. After our officers were taken, we were frequently attacked by the British and refugees until but few of us remained. The discharge I received also until my papers were burnt in Delaware county in the state of New York as above stated. In January, I think, in 1783 I entered as a volunteer under Captain Comstock at Fort Trumbull in New London, after three months, and remained there for the purpose of guarding the Fort during the whole period of three months. We had occasionally a little skirmish with the boats belonging to the enemy on the Sound for the purpose of keeping them from landing. There was no Colonel or General at Fort Trumbull during that time. I had a written discharge from Captain Comstock, which I preserved until I got my home burnt as above stated, when it and all my other papers were burnt. During this period I was a corporal. At the end of this period I entered as a marine on board the Brig Marshall at New London, commanded by Captain Scofield for a six months cruise. When we had been out a short time a week or two, we captured a British Brig and after we had conveyed her some distance, we were chased by a British Man of War until we were obliged to leave her. The next day we overtook her again and conveyed her as a prize in the Harbor of New London. As we came in, we met American merchant vessels putting out to sea, and were informed by their passengers that Peace was established. We were then discharged. After peace was declared I entered, with eleven others under Captain Josiah Burnham for the term of eight months, at Lynn in Connecticut to guard the Long Island Sound from the Tories, refugees and British, who still invaded and plundered the inhabitants. At the end of the term we were discharged. I think there was, at this time the whole amount of his services was not less than twelve months term in written discharge. I have now no documentary evidence of my services, and know of no person whose testimony I can prove who can testify to my services. I had a brother living in Pittstown near Rochester in New

York, who saw me at York town when in the service. I wrote to him about a month since, but have received no answer and I know not whether he is yet living or not.
The applicant 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.
Further says
Was born at Lyme in Connecticut in February 1764. Since the war continued at Lyme several years. Then moved to Saratoga Co. New York, then to Washington Co. then to Delaware Co. then to Shenango all in New York State, thence to Warren County Pennsylvania (his present residence) ten years ago. That Hiram Gray, XXXXX James Gray, is acquainted with this applicant & can prove his character.
Sworn & subscribed in open court this 7th day of Decr. A.D. 1832 Robert Miles Probate of Nathan O. R. Sp. Warren county ss.
He Hiram Gray and James Gray residing in the town of Warren, formerly of Sugar Grove and James Gray residing in Sugar Grove township hereby certifies that he is well acquainted with Nathan Phelps who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, and has been well acquainted with him for about ten or twelve years past; that he believes him to be about sixty nine years of age as he represents; that he is a man of good character for truth and veracity, and entitled to credit; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that he concurs in that opinion. James Gray Sworn and subscribed the 7th day of December A. D. 1832 Robert Miles Probate.
Warren county ss.
Hiram Gray, of Sugar Grove township, being duly sworn according to law, deposes and

with that he is well acquainted with Jonathan Phelps who has sworn to and subscribed the foregoing declaration, and has been for twenty seven or twenty eight years last past - That he was well acquainted with him in Schenectady county in the state of New York, when he then resided in the neighborhood with this deponent, and has been well acquainted with him in Sugar-geon township in this county for the last ten or twelve  seven or eight years, and that he has always sustained a good character for truth, and has always been reported and believed in his neighborhood to have been a colin of the revolution - that he has never heard it dis-puted or doubted, and that he fully concurs in that opin-ion.
sworn and subscribed the 7 th day of December A. D. 1832
Hiram Gray Robert Miles Pratt
Warren county ss
Dr. Hiram S. Newman, residing in the Borough of Warren formerly a resident of Sugar-geon township in said county being duly sworn according to Law, deponeth and saith that he was well acquainted with Jonathan Phelps who has sworn to and subscribed the above declaration, as much as fifteen or sixteen years since in Schenectady county New York, and that he has been well acquainted with him since he came into Warren county about ten or eleven years; that he has always sustained a good character as a man of truth; that he was generally reported in his neighborhood and not doubted to have been a colin of the Revolution in Schenectady county and since, and that this deponent concurs in that opinion.
sworn and subscribed the 8 th day of December A. D. 1832
The words "to have been a colin of the Revolution" inserted before signing
Robert Miles Pratt
H. S. Newman
H H H

And the Court declare their opinion after investigation of the matter and putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that Jonathan Phelps the applicant was a soldier of the Revolution & served as he states
And the Court further certify that James Gray Miriam Gray & H. S. Newman who have sworn to the foregoing depositions are known to the Court as respectable citizens of this County in whose testimony full reliance may be placed
And that the applicant Jonathan Phelps is also a respectable citizen of said County personally known to the Court
Certified Dec 8 1832.
Henry Chapman Pres't Clerk
Warren county ss
I Robert Miles, Past Chairman of the Court of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Jonathan Phelps for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office of the said Court this fourteenth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
Robert Miles Pratt

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Sixth Judicial District of the Judiciary
Warren county
June
On this fifth day of May June one thousand eight hundred and thirty three personally appeared in open Court of Common Pleas of said county Jonathan Phelps the applicant in the foregoing declaration who being duly sworn according to law, deposes and states that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot recall positively all the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the period mentioned below and in the following grades: — For eight months I served as a private, a waiter under the French General, M'Intosh, as stated in my former declaration — For four months I served as a corporal as substituted for Simon Barnard as stated in my foregoing declaration — For three months I served as a corporal under Captain Campstock as stated in my foregoing declaration — For eight months I served as a private under Captain Burnham as stated, which last service was upon parole and, but the keeping up of a force was considered necessary as the country was not yet settled and the Tories and refugees still committed depredations, as it was immediately after the declaration of the Peace, and I served as stated — For which services as above stated I claim a pension. The deponent further states that he is not able to prove that the Brig Marshall was a public armed vessel, nor can he state that she was, but on the contrary, believes she was not, and only knows that he served on board of her as stated a period not less than two months before she returned. The deponent further states that the reason why he did not in his former application procure the evidence of a clergyman was, that there was no settled clergyman within ten miles of him — Since service has been performed in his neighborhood only by preachers occasionally travelling through the neighborhood, and his own memory still fails and prevents him from procuring that description of evidence now
Sworn and subscribed in open Court the 5th June A. D. 1833.
Jonathan Phelps
Henry Shippen Pres.

Warren county ss
I, Walter M. Hodges, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said county of Warren aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the proceedings of the Court of Common Pleas of said county in the matter of the amended declaration of Jonathan Phelps for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court the seventh day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three.
Walter M. Hodges. Protho
Jonathan Phelps
22/12

Jonathan Phelps
22,112
Jonathan Phelps
R.R.
Admitted
8 mos' private $26.66
  7 " Corporal  25.11      $26.92      $ 52.32   
John Galbraith
Franklin Venango County Pa.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
April 4 1835
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 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 your 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 Jonathan Phelps of Warren County, Pennsylvania
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     1781 serviced in this tour from Jan or April till December Waiter Capt. Morgan Genl. Wilmans Some skirmish thru Rhode Island thru Phila Lyme Connecticut aged 69 Traditional Evidence   1782 about 4 substituted for a Genl. Field Morgan Col. Wales at Philadelphia   1783 3 Corporal Comstock Baltimore to York town   " shifted for 6 years but served only 4th or 5th time on board brig Marine Schopfield   after peace was declared 8 marshal Burnham  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

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, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians 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 } ss.
County of }
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:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons 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 revolutionary 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 declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary 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 hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; 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 services 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.

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 attempted; 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 some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify 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 character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional 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 before 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 procure, 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 follow 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 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 here 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 authority; 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 public 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 contains 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 witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] 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.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[2] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[3] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
He must produce proof that the Marshal was a public - armed ship.

State of New York County of Cattaraugus
On this 22 d day of March one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me a justice of the peace within and for the County and State afore- said Jonathan Phelps, a revolutionary pensioner of the United States, aged ninety one years a resident of the town of Conewango in the County of Cattaraugus in the State of New York who being duly sworn according to law declares that he is the identical person who was a corporal and private in the revolutionary War, that he has forgotten most of his officers names and the numbers of his regiments and also the precise times when he was mustered into and discharged from the service of the United States, that he continued in actual service for more than the term of fourteen days in said revolutionary war and was honorably discharged as will appear by the evidence in the Pension Office upon which his pension certificate was granted on the 15 th day of July 1833 He makes this declaration for the purpose of retaining the bounty land to which he may be entitled under the bounty land act passed at the last sessions of Congress his Jonathan Phelps Mark Edwin Adams
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written. And I hereby certify that I believe

the said Jonathan Phelps to be the identical man who served as aforesaid and that he is of the age above stated B Jenkins Justice The record discharged in foregoing declaration interlined & before signing
State of New York County of Cattaraugus ss Edwin Adams and Thomas Wheeler of Conesango in the County and State above mentioned being duly sworn do each depose and say that Jonathan Phelps signed the foregoing application for bounty land, that he is the identical person to whom a pension certificate was issued as therein stated and that we verily believe served several months in the War of the Revolution Sworn to and subscribed Edwin Adams this 22 nd day of March 1855 Thomas Wheeler before me. And I the said Justice do certify that Edwin Adams and Thomas Wheeler are reputable citizens of this town whose Statements are entitled to credit B Jenkins Justice
State of New York, County of Cattaraugus, Clerk's Office ss I Enos H Southwick County Clerk and Clerk of the County Court in and for the County aforesaid, do hereby certify that B. Jenkins Esquire, whose genu- ine Signature appears above, was, at the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace in & for the County aforesaid, duly com- missioned and sworn, that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit and that the aforesaid County Court is a court of record having general jurisdiction. I also certify that I have no interest in the result of the case and am not concerned in its prosecution. Given under my hand and official seal at Ellicottville in said County the 30. day of March A.D. 1855
Enos H Southwick County Clerk of Cattaraugus County
89-533-568

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Jonathan Phelps a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his and (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. W. F. 9594.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     2) March 1781 8 mos. Priv. William Ely ✓ Conn.   1) May 1780 4 mos. Priv & Corp. Morgan Wells   ✓ 3 " Corpl. Comstock ✓   ✓ 8 " Priv. Burnham ✓   ✓ 6 wks. Marine { on Privateer "Marshall"; com. by  Capt Scophield.     in engagement with Richard a Br. Brig.
Battles engaged in, Siege of Yorktown Residence of soldier at enlistment, Lyme, Conn. Date of application for pension, Dec. 6, 1832. His cl. was al. Residence at date of application, Sugar Grove Twp., Warren Co. Pa. Age at date of application, B. Feb. 1764, Lyme, Conn.
Remarks: He mar. Aug. 14 1784, at East Haddam, Conn. Charity Beckwith, he was a resident of Fredonia, Chautauqua Co. N.Y. in 1839; he died Sept. 26, 1857 and she was al. pension on her ap. ex. Jan. 12, 1858 while 92 yrs. old & a res. of Conewango, Cattaraugus Co. N.Y. "Raised a family of children", only name stated being China M. (aged 59 yrs. in 1859) wife of Edwin Adams.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.
Lev. Lev. Wells was taken prisoner at Hornbeck Dec. 9, 1780 You cannot place the three other services & we cannot verify any by
Conn. Records

Mar. 31-1902 Mrs. Harry R. Lewis Jamestown N.Y.
1915 May 24. History to Mrs. Gertrude N. Douglass F.W.
1920 Nov. 5. Recd. to Mrs. H. L. Randall Aw.
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 9594
Charity Phelps Wid.
Jonathan Phelps Kept. Rev. War
Act: Feb. 38  1853
Index:—Vol. 246
Page 128
[Arrangement of 1870.]

53 5-68 Act March 3/55-
April 2/55-
Jonathan Phelps Corp. & priv.
Rev y War
Revolutionary pensions
Beynton
Thos J. Wheeler Conewango. N.Y.
Rev. T. J. Wheeler Aug 13/55-
Bar Anne Sept 10/55-
ad 32 no 11942

Cattaraugus Co. N.Y. Chautauqua inst. J. Nathan. 38 up. & Corn raised Ch. 3 to 6 acres. 26" Sept 57 3 to 4000 lbs.

Ans. 26, 1853.
Let. rec. to Jonathan Phelps.
Robt. Owen, Rutledge P.O., Chenango, Cattaraugus Co. N.Y.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, PENSION OFFICE, OFFICE OF LEGAL BUSINESS

26.604
160 acres

Paid 3 3/4
Commissioner of Pensions Office of the Interior Washington City D.C.
Conegoway Aug 25/53
Conegoway Ky Sept 20 Jonathan Phelps M.W. - 8-1832
for
Hon Court of Pensions Department of Interior Washington City
Conegoway Ky Jonathan Phelps Reg 3 Mar 55-20-33 ad 7 June 32-11-17 M.W. - 8-1832
for
Hon Court of Pensions Washington City

Paid 3 3/4
Commissioner of Pensions Office of the Interior Washington City D.C.
Conewango Aug 25/55
Conewango NY Sept 20 Jonathan Phelps N.Y. - 1832
for
Hon Court of Pensions Department of Interior Washington City
Conewango NY Sept 20 Jonathan Phelps N.Y. - 1832 Reg 3 Mar 55 no 5335 ad 7 June 32-11-17 1/2 42
for
Hon Court of Pensions Washington City

2 o Auditor's Office March 21/59
Sir: Jonathan Phelps Albany N.Y. act 1832. appears to have been paid to Sept. 4, 1837.
Very Resp'y a Auditor
Genl. C. Whiting Esq. Commr of Pensions
No. 7208
The War Office, March 19 th 1859.
Sir Be pleased to report the time of the last payment to the within named pensioner on the death of his wife & if arrears have been received who by.
Yrs Sir faithfully, Moore Comr of Pensions
No. J. Atkinson Esq. Genl Auditor Treasury

Mary Hicks, } for wife of } Solomon Whittow }
Ad: U.C. Act 1853. for $25. 00
Solomon Whittow, was pensioned under the act of 17 th June, 1832.

Conewango Sept 21 st 1855
Hon Com r of Pensions
In reply to yours of the 10 th let allow me to say. That in 1852 I drew up a declaration for Jonathan Phelps asking an increase of pension, as he claimed more service than was allowed in his certificate. This application was forwarded to Hon F S Martin then M.C. Mr Martin recd from your office the following reply
6 Pension Office
April 3 rd 1852
Sir In reply to the enclosed letter I have to inform you that it appears Jonathan Phelps served eight months as private and seven months corporal. This period under the act of 7 th June 1832 entitles him to a pension at the rate of $52.32 per annum - Unless he can furnish evidence of additional service his

Stipend cannot be increased.
Hon F S Martin Ch of Reps
I have the honor to be Very Respectfully your Obt Servt
J E Heath Clerk
Now unless there was some evidence in your office to establish the 15 Mos service above mentioned why not allow for the whole time (over 2 years) which Mr Phelps claims under oath to have served. If as you say parol evidence was sufficient for 15 Mos is it not equally good for 24 - I arrived at the con- clusion that the records of your office corroborated the old man for only 15 Mos service & that unless he could produce evidence in addition to his own oath for more time no more could be allowed

Mr Phelps served at Horse neck in Conn Militia under Capt Morgan & Col Wells at Black Hall on S I Sound under Capt Josiah Burnham & at Mtumbill under Capt Abner Townsick besides a trip of service to Yorktown Va &c
I think there must be some returns of the Conn troops in the office in which his name appears as having served. Else his pension would not have been allowed
Excuse my earnestness in this matter. I am fully satisfied that the claim is just
Yours &c Thos J Wheeler

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
March 14 th 1840.
Sir :
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Jonathan Phelps, — a Pensioner on the Roll of the Albany N.Y. Agency, at the rate of fifty two Dollars and thirty two Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of March 1838, to the 4 th Sept. 1838.
Respectfully, yours,
Wm. H. Harrison Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.

Woyamensing Bank Phila. Feby 4 th 1839
Sir, Your letter of the 31 st ult. is at hand. In reply: Jonathan Phelps, a Pensioner under Act 7 th June 1832, at the rate of $52. 33 / 100 per annum was last paid to 4 th March 1838. Agreeably to request, I will cease to make further payments to him. His name is now noted on the rolls, as transferred to the Melany Agency.
I am, Sir, respectfully,
Your Obedt Servt.
Jos. Solms P.A. for Jos. Maher P. Clerk
J. L. Edwards Esq., Commr. of Pensions. Washington.

Brief in the case of Charity Phelps wife of Jonathan , Cattaraugus County and State of New York , act 3 rd Feb: 1853,
Claim, ("original," or "for increase")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance. Deceased was pensioner under the act of June 1832, at the rate of $52.32 per An. Three witnesses testify the parties lived together as husband & wife and were reported as a family of children. Soldier died 26 th September 1857 as appears from para. 1 proof & Report of the Thin
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
And to. Widowhood & identity is clearly established
E. C. Durfee Esq.
Leon, Cattaraugus Co., Name and residence of Agent
N. Y.
J. C. Blyth Examining Clerk

House Rep. Washington Dec 17. 1887
To the Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
Will You be so the kindness to furnish me with the information requested in Enclosed Letter of Thomas J. Wheeler in the case of Jonathan Phelps late of Pa a revolutionary Pensioner
Very Respectfully
Yours
Fred. S. Martin

4 52 22 26 28 50 8 1 10 75 26 52 32 23 6 28 0 52 32 365 / 61 8 56 (110 365 75 35 365 17 06 10 66 2 06
Charity Phelps, wid: Onond,
NY,
Attest for 52. 32 Com. Dept. 26 th 1857 under Act 53. 2 nd Secy, Kent Com: when husband died
Cert to E. C. Dwyer, Secy Cattaraugus Co. N.Y.

Union Office, March 19 th 1859.
Sir:
In answer to the enclosed letter of Joseph Clark, Esq., I have the honor to state, that the Senate of the United States failed

free
Hon. Commissioners of Pensions Department of the Interior Washington City D.C.
Ms. A. 9. 2. 22. 68

Conewango Catherine Co N.Y.
March 26 th 1855
Hon Commr of Pensions Sir
I herewith transmit the application of Jonathan Phelps (a revolutionary pensioner) for bounty land under the recent law. I suppose that if his identity is established, the evidence of service in the Pension Office will be sufficient to authorize you to issue his land warrant. I have accordingly made his application without procuring forms.
Respectfully Yours
Oldest Servt Thomas J. Wheeler

State of New York Chautauqua County ss
In this 18th day of January 1839 before me Benjamin Walworth one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas of said county peer- sonally appeared Jonathan Phelps who on his oath deposited that he is the same person who formerly was Captain of Morgan's company in Colonel Wells Regiment of the Connecticut Line in the war of the Revolution and to Captain Marmaduke Dunn's also to Captain Ely's Company at the capture of Lord Cornwallis and also to Captain Barnstaple's company at Fort Trenchell at New London all of which was in the service of the United States at the war of the Revolution
That his name was recorded on the pension roll of the State of Pennsylvania (as a Revolutionary pensioner) from whence he has lately removed that he now resides at the village of Fredonia in the county of Chautauqua and state of New York where he intends to remain and wishes his pension to be there payable in future - The following are his reasons for com- ing from Pennsylvania to the village of Fredonia that his health is very bad and that he is quite infirm from age and sickness and that he has a daughter and other relatives residing at Fredonia and that he wished to reside near them in his sickness and old age (the words "sickness" and "infirm" interlined before) Subscribed and sworn to Jonathan Phelps before me January 18th 1839 B. Walworth Judge Common Pleas

Chautauqua County ss John Forbes of the village of Fredonia being duly sworn says that he has been acquainted with Jonathan Phelps who has subscribed the foregoing affidavit for more than twenty six years last past and that he is the identical person who is descri- bed in said affidavit and that he knows that he is the same person who is described in and who is named in the certificate of a Revolu- tionary Pension now in the possession of the said Jonathan Phelps as a Private and Corporal in the war of the Revolution which said certifi- cate bears date the 15 th day of July 1833 and is numbered 11,942 John Forbes
"the word 'yours' written on a separate before signing"
Subscribed and sworn to before me
January 18 th 1839 W m Walworth Judge Chautauqua
I certify that I am well acquainted with Col. John Forbes who has subscribed and sworn to the above affidavit that he is a person of veracity and that full credit is due to his statement
Dated January 18 th 1839 W m Walworth Judge Chautauqua Co. N.Y.

State of New-York, } ss. Chautauque County--Clerk's Office, }
I George W. Tew Clerk of said county, do hereby certify, that Benjamin Walworth whose signature is set to the Certificate of Proof or acknowledgment of the annexed Pension Power & Affidavit -- and thereon written, was, on the day of the date of said certificate a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. in and for said county, duly authorized to take said proof or acknowledgment. And further, that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and verify believe the signature "B Walworth" subscribed to said certificate, to be the hand writing of the said Judge.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county, this twenty first day of January, A. D. 1839.
G. W. TEW Clerk.

State of New York County of Cattaraugus ss
On this 23 d day of March 1882 personally appeared in open court before Chester Howe County Judge and Surrogate now holding a Surrogate's Court Jonathan Phelps a resident of Conesango in the County of Cattaraugus and State of New York aged eighty eight years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States and served as hereinafter stated Namely That he first enlisted in April 1781 at Lyme New London County in the State of Connecticut, where he then resided as a teamster and waiter and went to Yorktown in that capacity, with the French Army soon after the arrival of the Army at Yorktown he was discharged and immediately volunteered as a soldier and served till sometime in the month of December. Eight (8) months according to the best recollection of this deponent when he was discharged and returned to Lyme. The names of the company and regimental officers under whom this tour of service was performed are not recollected. In the month of May 1782 he volunteered at Lyme and joined Capt Morgan's Company in Col. Wells regiment of Infantry and went to Horse Neck and served there through the summer. In the fall they went into winter quarters on King Street north of Horse Neck; during this winter Col. Wells and most of the Commissioned officers of his regiment

were surprised in the night and captured by a party of British Cavalry under the command of Gen'l De Lany. During this term of service this deponent was appointed a corporal while he was stationed at Horse Neck and continued to serve in that office until his discharge the last of December 1782. He served eight (8) months this term according to his best recollection. Immediately after his discharge as above mentioned this deponent again volunteered and entered Capt Cornstock's Company as a corporal & served as such three months in Fort Snelling at New London when he was discharged. The then, the last of March or first of April 1783, again volunteered & joined Capt Benham's Company and was stationed on Long Island Sound where he served eight (8) months and was then discharged. He then immediately went a cruise on board the ship Marshall as privates, when out about three weeks we had an engagement and captured a British vessel after a hard fought battle of four hours. Our cruise continued about six weeks and when we came into port at New London we learned that peace was proclaimed.
This deponent further says that his discharge and all paper evidences of his Revolutionary services were destroyed by fire when his house was burned some ten  forty years ago and that this deponent does not know of any living witnesses by whom he can prove his Revolutionary services.
This deponent also says that he made application for a pension in 1832 or - 33 and received a certificate bearing date July 15 th 1833 for the sum of Fifty two dollars and thirty two cents per Annum.

that when he received this certificate he was advised by his attorney to make another application but as he was then in affluent circumstances he neglected to do. This deponent believes that his attorney in drawing up his former application must either have omitted to set forth the one hour of service or else there was some mistake made in the examination of the claim. That at the time he was placed on the pension list he resided in the State of Pennsylvania and has since removed to the State of New York. That this deponent in consequence of having lost much of his property is now induced to make this this application for an increase of pension as he actually served over two years; and he hereby relinquishes all other claims to a pension or annuity except that which he now receives & this application to have the amount increased to full pay from the 7 th of June 1832. Jonathan Phelps. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid Chester Howe Surrogate &c
The said Court does hereby declare its opinion after the 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
I Chester Howe Surrogate do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the Court in the matter of the application of Jonathan Phelps for an increase of Pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 23 rd day of March 1852 Chester Howe Surrogate of Lattimer County

Waldo Esquire Dear Sir At the request of Jonathan Phelps an old soldier of the American Revolution and near neighbour of mine I take the liberty to address you on the subject of his claim on the Government in conformity with the laws of the country regulating the same. Mr. Phelps has drawn a half pension since about the year 1833 but thinks and always has thought he was entitled to a full pension, but as he did not so much stand in need of help in former times as he now does he was less anxious about the matter than he now of necessity must be. He is now in his 90 th year and has lately become entirely blind and has himself and wife who is also aged and feeble to support with limited means. Mr. Phelps who now sits by me desires me to say to the officers of the Government that he served his country zealously & faithfully in the days of his youth (two full years) long enough to entitle him to a full pension the short remnant of his days. His services he states to have been as follows viz.
Before he was 21 years old at the age of 18 years he volunteered to take the place of Nathan Tiffany who was drafted. Mr. Phelps then lived in the town of Hempstead on the North Shore of Long Island Sound. He was placed under the command of Captain Ely of General M'Intosh's command, and was thence marched to Providence in Rhode Island in the spring of the year. From that place he assisted in moving the French Army to Yorktown in Virginia where he remained until after Cornwallis surrendered but late in the fall he was taken sick, was discharged, and went home.
The next spring he listed in Captain Morgan's company of Col. Webb's Regiment and was taken to Horse Neck on the lines. His business was to guard the lines & prevent intercourse between the British & Tories. Late in the fall the Regiment went into Winter quarters but after having been stationed there some time they were suddenly surrounded by Tories & British who took all the commissioned officers prisoners while the regiment remained scouting about some 5 or 6 weeks and then was discharged. Mr. Phelps was a Corporal in that service.
" The next spring he listed under Captain Burnham.

whom Company was Called the Blackhall Guard whose service was to guard the Sea Shore prevent depredations by the British and intercourse between them and the Tories
The next service was performed when he listed under Captain Comstock and was marched to New London to take possession of Fort Trumbull and then guarded that harbour three months after which he was discharged
Soon after this he listed under Captain Schofield a Ship Marshall and went on a privateer Cruise was out at Sea three or four weeks and took a British Brig and took it into New London shortly before peace was declared
M c Phelps stands ready to make affidavit to the above facts and appeal to the honor of the government in his case the which is all or nearly all he can do as by the burning of his house some 27 years ago, all his papers including his discharges were destroyed. And at this late day he knows of no living evidence at his command. If the Officers of the government feel inclined to consider his statement and favour his petition he begs leave to state that any number of Witnesses thought necessary by the government to establish his moral character and fair fame as to truth & veracity can be forwarded for the satisfaction of the Government M c Phelps would be glad to say farther that if any relief can be granted by the  done in his government in his case a note of what that might be and under what circumstances from the government would be gladly received.
Very Respectfully we are yours to serve Robert Owen Jonathan Phelps
P.S. Our address will be Rutledge P.O. Conewango Cattaraugus Co New York

Fredonia January 21 st 1837
Sir Please to you at the request of Jonathan Whelpt his application for a transfer of his pension from the Pennsylvania to the New York agency
Yours &c
W. Walworth
Capt Whelpt informs me that he did not draw the half yearly payment of his pension which was due in September last When will he have to apply for the payment of it? J. M.
J. C. Edwards Com of Pensions

March 31-52
App l of Jonathan Phelps - for in- crease of pension.
The George L. ... March 31 st To Spitalans ... New York
Free
to the Commissioners of Pensions Department of the Interior Washington City D.C.

Cornwall, Orange Co. New York March 28 th 1852
To the Commissioners of Pensions Sir
I herewith forward the application of Jonathan Phelps for an increase of pension. When the Old Gentleman obtained his certificate he was wealthy and did not feel the need of the additional pay but he has now become poor. You will please advise me in relation to the matter after you have examined the claim
Respectfully Yours Obed S. Smith
Thomas J. Sherman

Cornery Catts Co N.Y. Sept 4 th 1855
Wm. J. Mcintosh
Yours of Aug t 17 th has been received, in which you inform me that the claim of Jonathan Phelps for bountyland has been suspended because his military service does not appear of record in the Pension Office - Allow me to submit that on the 18 th July 1833, a pension certificate (No 11.942) was issued to Jonathan Phelps, then a resident of the State of Pennsylvania, by which he is entitled to receive $52 34/100 per annum for services as a private & Corporal in the Revolutionary War. This certificate is now in the possession of the said Phelps & of force and effect. The issuing of the certificate as well as the evidence upon which issued, are matters of record in your office & establish a period of service exceeding 14 days. It seems to me that when you are satisfied that the claimant, Jonathan Phelps is the identical person to whom the Pension certificate, above mentioned was granted the evidence in the case is full: To require the claimant to procure & present an exemplified copy of the records in your office, would be extremely technical.
If you require additional evidence of identity inform me - I will observe that I made two sets of papers for Phelps, the first before
over

I received forms. That afterwards under the impression that the first papers might not be sufficiently full another set were executed & forwarded, which you had probably not reached on the 19 th August
Respectfully
Yours
Thomas J. Wheeler

Free official business
103.323
Hon L. P. Waldo Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Conesawa Catteraugus Co N.Y. April 21 st 1855
Hon S. P. Waldo Sir
I herewith transmit an application for Mr Benson for bounty land & a duplicate for Jonathan Phelps a revolutionary pensioner. I sent papers for Phelps about a month since, which were drawn up before I received any for fearing that those previously sent may be defective I have thought best to forward a duplicate application. Please commu- nicate with me when the cases are examined. Yours &c
Thomas White

27 Frank Road Sidney N.Y. C.W.
Rev C.W.
Sept 26 - 1920 -
Bureau Pension - Washington D.C.
Dear Sirs -
Will you please search records for information concerning one Jonathan Phelps, a blind pensioner of the Revolutionary war, who spent his last days at Rutledge N.Y. He died in 1857, born 1764.
Would like to know what state he enlisted from & his service. It has been handed down that he was aide to George Washington. Can you verify this & give any information you find. Yours Respectfully Mrs H. L. Randall - Sidney, N.Y.

50 Central Ave,
NY
Fredonia N. Y., May 18, 1915
To The Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.
Dear Sir, Please to send me the military record of Jonathan Phelps a soldier of the Revolutionary War, who lived many years in this town of Pomfret Chautauqua Co. N. Y., and received his pension here in 1840, and oblige Mrs. Gertrude N. Douglass

HARRY R. LEWIS, ATTORNEY AND COUNSELOR AT LAW, JAMESTOWN, N.Y.
Rev. L. Jamestown, N.Y.
February 21, 1901.
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:-
I am a lineal descendant of Johnathan Phelps, who was a pensioner in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties, State of New York, and after his death his widow received a pension.
Can you furnish me with a certificate of his services during the Revolutionary War?
Thanking you in advance, I am
Yours sincerely,
Mrs. Harry R. Lewis, (by F.L.) 351 E. 5th St.,
Jamestown, N.Y.