Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 18758, for Theophilus Pitcher, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Pitcher, Theophilus Sarah
W. 18758
CONTENTS
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5082.
Massachusetts
Theophilus Pitcher
of Rochester in the State of Mass who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain _____ of the Reg t commanded by Col t Hovey in the Mass line for 8 Months 12 Days
Inserted on the Roll of Mass at the rate of 28 Dollars _____ Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 st day of Feby 1833 and sent Genl l Greville St. John Plymouth Mass
Arrears to 14th of Dec r 1832 $42- Semi-annual allowances ending 21 st Mar ch 33 14- $56-
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J. H. Bliss Clerk, Book _____ Vol. 2 nd Page 75.

We Oliver Cobb a Clergyman residing in the town of Rochester in the County of Plymouth Massachussetts and James Ruggles Esquire also residing in said town, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Theophilus Pitcher who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration; that we believe him to be Seventy years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion. —
Plymouth ss.
Oliver Cobb, J. W. Ruggles —
Sworn to and subscribed in open probate Court this third day of August in the Year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty two.
Attest:
Jacob H. Lound, Register,

We Oliver Cobb a Clergyman residing in the town of Rochester in the County of Plymouth Massachussetts and James Ruggles Esquire also residing in said town, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Theophilus Pitcher who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration; that we believe him to be Seventy years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion.-
Oliver Cobb, J. R. Ruggles
Plymouth ss.
Sworn to and subscribed in open probate Court this third day of August in the Year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty two.
Attest Jacob H. South, Register,

Declaration Shepherd Picher Rockville, Md.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. County of Plymouth ss
On this third day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two, personally appeared John Phillips Pitcher, in open court, before the board of Probate for the County of Plymouth now sitting at Rochester in said County. He being now in the seventy fifth year of his age, having been born at said Rochester on the fifth day of April one thousand seven hundred and sixty two, and in which town his home has ever since been, who, being first 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 7th 1832. That he thinks, in the month of August, 1777 he enlisted in a company of militia raised by Massachusetts for carrying on the war of the Revolution, as a substitute for George W. Ripley then of Dartmouth, in a company then commanded by Menasheh Knapton, captain, Robert Lark and a man of the name of Hathaway subalterns. The officers and soldiers belonged to by thinks, in which were then Dartmouth & Freetown. Immediately after we were mustered I was taken by the Captain as his waiter. The officer except Lark, who afterwards commanded the Bedford regiment, and removed to the Westward an account, and I know not where he is living. He states that circumstances more particular he does not know as any person is living who was then with him. The company went from Dartmouth to Warren R.I. when it took flat bottomed boats and went to Warwick neck; from there to North Kingstown at a place called Upaker Newton, now Warren called Wickford, where it was stationed till the term for which it was raised expired being six weeks.

Afterwards in the Spring, he thinks April / of 1778. a company of Militia was raised by Massachussetts for guarding the shores of the head of Buzzards bay, for the term of six months. The company was divided into detachments in the towns of Wareham and Rochester. He enlisted in this company and served them in a detachment stationed on the Great Neck, so called, in said Rochester under Nathaniel Phipps a sergeant. In the month of August that detachment was ordered to Rhode Island to assist in Sullivan's expedition to dislodge the English who have possession of Newport. He accompanied the detachment and was in the battle which took place on the Island. When at Rhode Island he was in the company commanded by Salomon Harkness of Middleboro, and John Millard and Cousin King subalterns. Col. Hawes and Lt. Col. White were officers of the Reg t . John Maye he does not remember. His father, John Phipps was surgeon. After the battle, and the evacuation of the Island by the American forces the detachment returned to the Great Neck where it remained till the expiration of the term for which it was raised, except that it was called to Fair Haven when the enemy burned Bedford and Fair Haven, and to Falmartha. At the expiration of his enlistment he was dismissed, but had no honorable discharge. and He was in no battle except the one before stated.
In 1779. he thinks the early part of the fall, but is not able to state with certainty, he enlisted in a Company of Militia raised by Massachussetts for carrying on the war of the Revolution, for the term of six months. The company officers were Edward Hemenway Captain, Lucius Weston Subaltern, Ebenezer Clark, 1st

Machias aforesaid
He is
I am told that we were in Capt Tyler reg. but I do not remember any of the field officers. The company went to Providence R.I. where it remained till the period of its enlistments expired. When it was discharged. He had no written discharge, and was in no haste.
His birth is recorded in the Family Record. He has no documentary evidence other than the depositions hereunto annexed.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present & declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
Theophilus Pitche
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid Jacob H. Lord Register
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 Oliver Cobb who has signed the certificate hereunto annexed is a Clergyman resident in the town of Rochester and that James Ruggles Esquire who has also signed the same is a Magistrate residing in the same town & is a credible witness and that their statement is entitled to credit.
By the Court Attest
Jacob H. Lord, Register
I Jacob H. Lord Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Plymouth do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said

count in the matter of the application of Theophilus Pitcher for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the Seal of this Court this third day of August in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two. Jacob H. Lord
Dear Sir, Theophilus Pitcher Rocky Mount.

579.8.
Theophilus Pitcher

T. Pitkin.
I Edward Hardy of Rochester in the County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts legally qualified to give evidence testify and say that I am personally acquainted with Theophilus Pitkin of said Rochester, who is about applying for a pension under a late law of the United States, for services in the Army in the War of the Revolution. I knew said Pitkin in as a private in a detachment of Militia of Massachusetts, stationed as a guard in that part of said Rochester called the Great Neck, under the immediate command of Nathaniel Peppin, a sergeant, and James Haskell Colonel. Said guard were not mustered into said Rochester, so far as I remember, under the command of said officer, as the soldiers then  then  disbanded who composed the company were stationed at said Great Neck, Mattapoisett in said Rochester and Warren. The term of enlistment was six months. I do not recollect the exact initials of said Pitkin, but I know of his performing the duty for said period, a part of which was performed at said Great Neck, a part at Rhode Island, and a part at Falmouth and New Bedford when said last mentioned places were burned by the British. Said Pitkin and myself and others who were stationed at the Great Neck were dismissed at the expiration of the said six months, at said Great Neck. When at Rhode Island Eliezer Hooker had command of the company, but Hawes had command of the reg t and Ebenezer White of said Rochester was ser t major.
Sworn to -
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Edward Hardy
Plymouth 10 August 1 st 1832 Edward Hardy
personally appeared and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed before me the undersigned, and certify that I am personally acquainted with him, that he is of good character for truth, and that his testimony is entitled to credit. Charles F. Hovey Justice of the Peace.

I have known of Rochester in the County of Plymouth and have an unsworn affidavit, legally qualified to give evidence, testify and say. That I am personally acquainted with Stephen Patten named in the foregoing deposition of Edward Hensley. I know him as private in the service of Plymouth militia under the immediate command of Nathaniel Ruggles, late said Rochester deceased, a sergeant, while of said performing duty as testified to by said Edward Hensley except as to that performed by him at Rhode Island, which last I do not recollect; tho' I was then at the time referred to. I have understood from that time to the present at Rhode Island at the time referred to. I have been a neighbor of said Patten for more than forty years last past. Sikes of (Roxbury)
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Plymouth ss. August 1 st 1837. I, Elias Hensley personally appeared and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed. And I certify that I am personally acquainted with said deponent, that he is of good character for truth, and that his testimony is entitled to credit. Charles J. Holmes See Pater.
I know Stephen Patten in the County of Plymouth legally qualified to give evidence, testify and say that during the war of the Revolution, while I am unable to name the year, I was a corporal private in a company of militia raised by the State of Massachusetts, Edward Hensley and of Rochester Captain, Stephen Patten & I think his son William Subaltern. The company were on duty at Providence I think the term of service was a month. Stephen Patten

Peter of Rochester was a member of said company and did duty therein. The company was raised in Middleborough and Rochester. I do not remember that they were mustered till they got to Providence. I have no doubt that Peter served the full term of the enlistment. I do not recall who were the field officers. The period of service was in the warm season of the year. Eben P. Haskell. Seven to
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Plymouth ss. August 1. 1832. Eleanor Haskell appeared and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by her subscribed. And I certify that I am personally acquainted with the deponent, that he is of good character for truth, and that his testi- mony is entitled to credit.
Charles F. Holmes Esq. D.D.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Plymouth ss. I Jacob H. Lord Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Plymouth being a Court of Record do hereby certify that Charles F. Holmes Esquire is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Plymouth & that I believe his name subscribed to the several foregoing certificates is his true & genuine handwriting in testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand & seal of said Court this third day of August in the Year of our Lord one thous and eight hundred & thirty two. Jacob H. Lord

R. F. H.
3 rd Octob r , Nov. 12/55
W. N. Ellis, Nov 14/55
4826.
Massachusetts
Sarah Pitcher
widow of Theophilus Pitcher M g
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 28 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 day of Feb y 1849 and sent to
W. N. Ellis Lippican Mass
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 124 Vol. 2

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th July 1838. Entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows" State of Massachusetts } ss
On this seventh day of November 1838 personally appeared before the Probate court of the county of Plymouth - Sarah Pitcher of Rochester in the said county of Plymouth aged sixty four years and being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7. 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows" that she is the widow of Theophilus Pitcher of Rochester aforesaid who was a private in the army of the Revolution and was a pensioner of the of the United States under the law of Congress of June 7. 1832 and that he drew twenty eight dollars per annum
She further declares that she was married to the said Theophilus Pitcher on the nineteenth day of March in the year nineteen hundred and eighty six and that her husband the aforesaid Theophilus Pitcher died on the tenth day of January eighteen hundred and thirty eight, that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but that the marriage took place previous to the first day of January nineteen hundred and ninety four viz. at the time above stated - and that she has not been remarried since the death of her said husband but now remains a widow -
Sarah Pitcher
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written. Before Wilkes Wood Judge of Probate -

Plymouth Co. I Jacob H Lord Register of Probate for said County do hereby certify that Hon. Willie Wood is Judge of Probate for said County & that the will is his true & genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand & the seal of the Court of Probate for said County this tenth day of November 1838.
Jacob H Lord.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Plymouth County      Town of Rochester
“Theophilus Ditcher and Sarah Foster were married on the the nineteenth day of March in the year Seven hundred and eighty six, by T. Moore,”
I certify that the above is a true copy of record of Marriage on the town records of said Rochester with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows “March 19 th 1786”
W. P. Ruggles { Town Clerk of Rochester
I James Ruggles above named depose and say; that I hold the office of Clerk of the town of Rochester in the County & State aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the records of said town with the exception above named as certified by me      W. P. Ruggles
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Plymouth County
November 7 th 1838
Then James Ruggles above named, whom I certify to be a credible witness, personally appeared, and made oath that the above deposition by him subscribed is true
Before me Seth Miller Jr Justice Peace

Shepherd's Pitche 5/9/98
Pmch
8 Mar & 12 day
a Am
28 #
Isaac M. Lord Plymouth Mass

BRIEF in the case of  Josephus Pitcher  of  Rochester  in the State of  Massachusetts  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court 2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? 3. How old is he? 71 Years 4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     Aug In 17 77 " 1 12 Private Gen. Putnam   Apr 78 " 6 " " Serg. Muggles , Col. Heath   Fall 79 " 1 " " Col. Hammond C o  Sylvan  
5. In what battles was he engaged? Rhode Island
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Rochester
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Living witnesses & traditional evidence
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct
I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
D. H. Adison Examining Clerk.

Arrears
28 09
Reported
Massachusetts
Sarah Fitcher widow of Theophilus Fitcher
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 10th January, 1838, of Plymouth in the State of Mass. who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Walter Bell of the Regt. commanded by Col. Waurez in the Mass. line for 5 mos. 1827,
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass. at the rate of 28 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. and ending the 10th January, 1838.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22nd day of Decr. 1843 and signed by Hon. Jos. Grinnell
No. 8 of Rep.
Total amount,
$
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Thomas Lempkin Clerk, Book 2. Vol. 1 Page 120

2809 Massachusetts
Let to E. Haskell apl 11 1843.
Sarah Pitcher widow of Theophilus Pitcher , dec. who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June 1832, and who died on the 10 January 1838 of Plymouth in the State of Mass who was a private in the Co commanded by Captain Haskell of the reg t commanded by Col Hawes in the Mast's line for 8 mos 12 ds
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass at the rate of 28 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 10th day of Jan 1838.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 day of May 1839, Loud, and sent to I. H. Plymouth, Mass.
Arrears to the 4th of Mar 1839 $ 32.20 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sep '39 14.00 $46.20
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by D. M. Curdy , Clerk, Book A. Vol. 1. Page 120.

Massachusetts 2609
arrears allowed
Sarah Pitchu widow of Theophilus Pitchu who was a Private in the Massachusetts Line for 8 mo 12 days
Plan No 4
Reported
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of Twenty eight Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the fifteenth day of November 1843 and sent to
E. Haskell
New Bedford Massachusetts
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 1 Page 57

Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 187.58
Sarah Pitcher Widow of Theophilus Pitcher Prio Rev. War.
Act: Feby. 2 nd  1/48
Index:—Vol. 14 Page 181
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Theophilus Pitcher Mass: Act of June 1832. to what time paid? Pen. Office.
May 14, 1839
Decr 10 th Jan. 1838/39 to that period JB

1.8 1.15 4 4.60 7 32.20

New Bedford, April 5 th 1848.
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir. I am requested by Mrs. Sarah Pitcher, a certificate for arrears of pension, due her in conformity with the Act of July, 1838. She now resides in New Bedford, County of Bristol, and State of Mass. She is now a widow, and unmarried. She until two or three years resided in Rochester in the County of Plymouth, State aforesaid. She is now 79 years of age. Her late husband, Theophilus Pitcher, was a pensioner under the act of 1832, and died at said Rochester, January, 10 th 1838. He was a private in the Revolution War, and was entitled to receive $25.50. per annum. She commenced to receive her pension at and from the decease of her said husband, when she received her last pension, March 4, 1841, when I returned her pension certificate to the Pension Agent at Boston.
Should there be a certificate of pension granted, please to forward it and direct it to the subscriber.
I am, dear sir, your obdt Servt.
Eli Marshall.

Sarah Pitcher
Mass.
act 7. July 38
area
28 th from March 36. to 10. Jan 38.
Hon. Jos. Giannelli HR

New Bedford August 7 th 1848.
Sir,
I herewith forward the documents I received a few days since from you have the same authenticated by the Register Probate relative to obtaining Pension for the widows.
I have made a declaration on each one that they are all personally known to me.
I hope all the documents are now all properly authenticated, so that the Old tottering Ladies will be relieved from their anxiety very soon.
Yours Respectfully,
E. H. Haskell
J. P. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions.

New Bedford Dec r 11 th 1843.
Dear Sir,
Will you have the goodness to call on J. L. Edwards Esq r Commissioner of Pensions, relative to Widow Sarah Pitcher claim for arrears of Pensions, under the act of July 7. 1838. - Her declaration &c was forwarded, under date the 7 th of last August, with others for Widows, under the act of March 3. 1843. On the 13 day of Nov r last, I received the certificates of Pension, for W d S. Stevens, (now deceased,) Mrs. Beath and for W d Pitcher, for one year's pension.
As nothing has come to hand relative to her claim of arrears, Mrs Pitcher is anxious to hear the result. —
Respectfully Your Ob t Serv t Ed w Haskell
Hon d Joseph Grinnell. Washington City

the Haskell boy
New Bedford

Taunton Aug. 5. 1843
Sir,
Herewith you have the required certificate — You will perceive that Mr Edwards requires you to certify that the Applicants are personally known to you — It is in substance so certified — The word " personally " is required by the rules — I would object to you the propriety or expediency of certifying anew, after my certificate that the said Sarah Pitcher "is personally known to me" and sign it — The rule promulgated by Mr Edwards is, "that the magistrate must certify that the declarant is personally "known to him" —
Yours Respectfully A. Mansfield

Plymouth ss
By it known that on the seventh day of November eighteen hundred and thirty eight personally appeared John Pitcher and Ansel Handy and deposed on oath that Sarah Pitcher is the widow of Throphenus Pitcher who was a pensioner of the United States and that the said Throphenus Pitcher died on the tenth day of January eighteen hundred and thirty eight and that the said Sarah Pitcher has not been married since the said Throphenus Pitcher deceased Ansel Handy
John Pitcher
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above mentioned before the subscriber a justice of the peace in and for said county of Plymouth — W. N. Ellis
and I also certify that the above named deponents are credible persons W. N. Ellis

[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Plymouth ss. I Jacob H. Lord Register of Probate for said County do hereby certify that Seth Miller Jun. & Walter V. Ellis Esqrs. are Justices of the Peace in & for said County & that the signatures to the annexed affidavits purporting to be signed by them are their true & genuine signatures.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the Seal of the Court of Pro- bate for said County this tenth day of No- vember 1838. Jacob H. Lord

of
Supplement March 22, 1881
Dear Sir,
I have just received your letter of the 19th inst. and in reply to inform you that I have not yet been able to send you the amount of the balance due on the account of my account. The said amount is now in the hands of the payee and will be paid as soon as it is due. I have also to inform you that I have not yet been able to send you the amount of the balance due on the account of my account. The said amount is now in the hands of the payee and will be paid as soon as it is due. I have also to inform you that I have not yet been able to send you the amount of the balance due on the account of my account. The said amount is now in the hands of the payee and will be paid as soon as it is due.
Yours truly, John M. [unintelligible]

Treasury Department Third Auditor's Office Nov. 14, 1833.
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 12 th inst. enclosing the papers in the case, I have to inform you that Sarah Pitcher, Act 2 Feby 1848, at $28. per annum Massachussetts Agency appears to have bee paid to 1 Sept. 1853. The papers are here with returned.
Very Respectfully Your Obt. Servt. K. G. Sturges Auditor,
J. Minot Esq. Comm te of Pensions

Theophilus Pitche 5798
Jacob H. Druce Plymouth Mass

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Josephus Ritchie which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes V. Has he mentioned 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? Yes VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? ys
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. † If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? ys Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? ys
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? ys
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? ys
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? ys
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. 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 the applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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.
†QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end 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.

DECLARATION
In order to obtain arrears of Pensions due from March 4, 1836, under the act of July 7, 1838.
On this eighteenth day of April — 1843, personally appeared before the Judge  Eliz H. Haskell of New Bedford of the said County, Sarah Pitcher a resident of New Bedford in the County of Bristol — aged seventy nine years, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the amount of pension which she claims from the 4th of March, 1836, to the tenth day of January, 1838 , from which period she has been already paid under the act of the 7th July, 1838. And the declarant further alleges that she is still the widow of Theophilus Pitcher who was a private during the revolutionary war; that her pension was allowed at the rate of twenty eight dollars per annum per annum, and was paid to her at the Agency in Boston — in the State of Massachusetts , and further she saith not.
Sarah Pitcher
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before me,
Eliz H. Haskell, Justice of the Peace
N. B.—In case the widow should have died since receiving the pension, her children must make application for the arrears, and prove before a Court of record that they are her children. The administrator of the deceased widow may, if the children are willing, receive the money. The papers must be properly authenticated.
N.B. The above named, Theophilus Pitcher & his widow, Sarah were residents in Rochester in the County of Plymouth and State of Mass. She now resides in New Bedford with her daughter.
Eliz H. Haskell, Just. Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Middlesex ss. Samuel Merrill Register of the Court of Probate in & for said County do hereby certify that E. Haskell whose signature is affixed to the foregoing certificate was at the date thereof still in a Justice of the Peace in for said County ————— In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the seal of said Court this fifth day of August eighteen hundred and forty three A. Merrill
Bristol P. New Bedford August 7 th 1843.
I hereby certify that Sarah Pitch within mentioned signed the same in my presence, and that she is personally known to me. She is still living, and resides in said New Bedford.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, day and year last above — } E. Haskell, Justice of the Peace

State of Massachusetts } ss: At New Bedford, Bristol County }
N.B. The interline 1843, and the erasure and fifth cent. was made before signing - Eld. Haskell, Justice of the Peace.
On this eighth day of April, 1843 personally appeared before the subscriber, Eld. Haskell, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Bristol, aforesaid. Sarah Pitcher, now resident of said New Bedford, in the County of Bristol, aged seventy nine years; who being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed on the third day of March, 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served in the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of the late Theophilus Pitcher, deceased, late of Rochester in the County of Plymouth, and State aforesaid; who was a private in the army of the Revolutionary War. = Sarah Pitcher declares she has no recollection of the Company nor the Regiment, in which her late husband served, as all the papers and documents, were sent to the Pension Office at Washington, where he obtained his Pension Certificate, in virtue of an Act approved the seventh $28.00. day of June, 1832. = She was entitled to receive, Twenty eight Dollars, and 25 cents annually, under the Act of July 7 th 1838.
She further declares that she is still a widow. Given to and subscribed, on } Sarah Pitcher the day and year above written. }
Before me, Eld. Haskell Justice of the Peace. =
= I the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace, do hereby certify, that I have been acquainted with the widow Sarah Pitcher, since her residence in New Bedford or about three years, and some acquaintance with the family, when living in Rochester. I did obtain her pension money from the Agent of the U.S. State for pension in Boston, March 4, 1840, in pursuance of July 7 th 1838. Eld. Haskell, Just. Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Bristol County ss. I, Andrew Bassett Register of the Court of Common Pleas in said county do hereby certify that Eli Haskell whose signature is affixed to the foregoing certificate, was, at the date thereof, and still is a Justice of the Peace in said county — In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this fifth day of August Eighteen hun- dred and forty three —
A. Bassett
Bristol J. New Bedford August 7 th 1843.
I hereby certify that the subscriber to the within declaration, Sarah Pitcher is personally known to me for a few years last past, and that she subscribed her name in my presence. She is now living. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand copy of your cert above. — Eli Haskell . Justice of the Peace

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[Faint, illegible handwriting or bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]

Dippican Mass 5 Oct 1828
Mr. Sir I enclose you declaration of Mrs Sarah Pitcher in order to her obtaining a certificate which I believe to be in proper form. If so you will please enclose her certificate to me at this office.
Yours respectfully —
W. N. Ellis
P. M. Dippican Ms

State of Massachusetts County of Plymouth ss. On this twenty ninth day of September 1848 personally appeared before me Subscriber W. N. Ellis, a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid. Sarah Pitcher a resident of Rochester in said County of Plymouth age eighty four years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision, made by the Act of Congress, passed on the 2 February 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Theophilus Pitcher who was a private in the army of the Revolution that she is ignorant of the names of his officers and the number of his regiment. That she was having a pension under the several acts of Congress of 7 July 1835 of 3 March 1843 and of 17 June 1844, and that she received under those acts a pension of twenty eight dollars per annum. She further declares that she is still the widow of the said Theophilus Pitcher
Sworn to and subscribed at the day and year above written before me
Sarah Pitcher
W. N. Ellis, Justice of the Peace
I also certify that the above declaration is personally known to me and that I am fully satisfied of the truth of her statements above specified.
W. N. Ellis, Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Plymouth
I John B. Shung Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court of the County of Plymouth do hereby certify that W. N. Ellis herein is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned & qualified - and that his signature before written is genuine
Given under my hand at the seat of said Court this second day of October in the year 1848
John B. Shung, Clerk