Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17,447, for John Phelps, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Phelps, John Sarah
N. 17,447
CONTENTS

9835 Connecticut.
John Phelps of Litchf. in the State of Conn. who was a P. of Cavalry in the Comp y commanded by Captain Seymour of the Reg t commanded by Col. Pitkin in the Mass. line for 7 mo. 4/16 days Conn.
31. 39 / 100
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 31. Dollars 39. Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 day of Dec r . 1833. and sent to Wm. C. Woodruff. Litchfield. Conn. -
Arrears to the 4th of Mar. 1833. 62. 78 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept. 33. 15. 69.
$78.47
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Wm. C. Palmer Clerk, Book C Vol. 3, Page 34,

Rep.
324.
Connecticut Sarah Phelps widow of John Phelps who was a private of Cavalry Mass in the Massachusetts line for 7 months & 16 days
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 31 Dollars 39 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 th day of June 1843. and sent to George C. Woodruff Litchfield Conn
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1. Page 74

Sarah Phelps 120 ——— Sarah Phelps widow of John Con.
act 7 July 38
5 years
Married Oct. 1780
adm'd 7 mo. 16 d. pri of family
$31.39.
no deduction.
Geo. C. Woodruff Litchfield Conn.

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7 th July 1838 entitled "An Act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows"
State of Connecticut } ss District of Litchfield County of Litchfield }
On this 31 st day of July 1838 personally appeared before the Court of Probate within & for said District the Court being a Court of Record Sarah Phelps a resident of Litchfield in said District aged seventy seven years who 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 th 1838 entitled "An Act granting half pensions pay to certain widows" That she is the widow of John Phelps late of said Litchfield deceased who was a soldier, & she thinks a private, in Cavalry in the Army of the Revolution in the Company commanded by Capt Morris Seymour & that according to the best of her knowledge & belief her said husband served in the Army in the Military service of the United States a period of seven or eight months during the years 1776. 1777. & 1779 in & about New York City; in the neighborhood of the North River; at East Windsor & at Norwalk Conn. That when he entered the the service & during its continuance he resided

in said Litchfield That s d John Phelps was a Pensioner of the United States under the act of June 7 th 1832 at the rate of Thirtyone 39 / 100 Dollars per annum; that she cannot state with particularity the circumstances in relation to his service but for proof of it refers to his original application for a Pension & to the record & documentary evidence of it in the War Department
She further declares that her maiden name was Sarah or Sally Shether; that she was married to the said John Phelps on the 24 th day of October 1786 by the Rev d Judah Champion the settled minister of the Gospel in s d Litchfield; that her husband the aforesaid John Phelps died at s d Litchfield on the 25 th day of June 1833; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving said service, but the marriage took place previous to the 1 st of January 1794 viz at the time above stated; & that she has remained a widow ever since the death of said John Phelps Sarah Phelps
Sworn & subscribed on the day & year above written Before
Phinehas C. Morris Judge of Probate For the District of Litchfield. Conn

And the said Court doth hereby declare its opinion after the investigation of the matter that the facts stated & set forth in the foregoing declaration of Sarah Phelps are true
Phinehas Minor Judge of Probate For the District of Litchfield Conn
I Geo. C. Woodruff Clerk of the Court of Probate within & for the District of Litchfield Conn do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Sarah Phelps for a Pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 31 st day of July A.D. 1838
Geo. C. Woodruff Clerk

" John Phelps and Sally Shethew was married octobr twenty fourth. Seventeen hundred & Eighty by the Rev. Judah Champion."
I hereby certify that the above is a true copy from the Records of the Town of Litchfield with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows. "Oct. 24. 1780."
Sam. T. Boller. Town Clerk.
I Sam. T. Boller, above named. depose & say that I hold the office of Town Clerk, in the Town of Litchfield aforesaid. in the County of Litchfield in the State of Connecticut. and that the above is a true extract from the Records of said Town with the exception above named as certified by me
Sam. T. Boller, Town Clerk of the Town of Litchfield
Sworn before me the 24 th Day of July A D 1838 Morris Woodruff Justice of the Peace
And I further certify that the above named Samuel T. Boller is well known to me his entitled to credit
Morris Woodruff Justice of the Peace

I Sarah Phelps of the town & County of Litchfield of Lawful age being duly sworn do depose & say that I am the daughter of John Phelps late of 1 st Litchfield & Sally or Sarah Phelps his wife, that my 1 st Father was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States & died at 1 st Litchfield June 25 th 1833 & that I was present at the time of his death, that he left my mother the said or Sarah Sally Phelps his widow, who has remained his widow & unmarried ever since his death, and further saith not
(Dated at Litchfield July 31 st 1838)
Sarah Phelps
Litchfield County ss Litchfield July 31 st 1838 Personally appeared Sarah Phelps to me well known & who is entitled to credit & made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by her in my pre- sence subscribed
Before me
Elisha S. Abernethy Justice of Peace

I Alanson Abbe of the town & County of Litchfield Conn of lawful age being sworn do depose & say that I was well acquainted with John Phelps late of s d town & was his attending Physician during his last sickness & that he died at s d Litchfield on the 24 th or 25 th day of June 1833 and that he left Sarah Phelps of s d town his widow who has ever since remained unmarried & his widow and further saith not Dated at Litchfield July 31 st 1838
Alanson Abbe
Litchfield County ss Litchfield July 31 st 1838 Personally appeared Alanson Abbe to me well known & who is entitled to credit & made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him in my presence subscribed
Before me Elisha S. Hemenway Justice of Peace
[Handwritten initials and mark]

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, } ss. Litchfield. LITCHFIELD COUNTY,
I Geo. C. Woodruff, Assistant Clerk of the County Court of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Horace Woodruff & Elisha S. Hemenway Esq s are Justices of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and by Law authorized to administer Oaths and to take the acknowledgment of Deeds . And that their commission was dated on the 29 th day of May A. D. 1838 and will expire on the 20th day of June, A. D. 1839 and that their signatures annexed to the preceding certificates are genuine
Given under my hand and the Seal of said Court this 1 st day of August A. D. 1838
Geo. C. Woodruff Assistant Clerk

John Phelps 8601

Declaration of John Phelps, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832
State of Connecticut } Court of Probate within & for the County of Litchfield } District of Litchfield
On this 21 st day of Aug 1832, personally appeared in open Court before the Hon Frederick Wolcott Judge of s d Court of Probate, now sitting John Phelps a resident of Litchfield in said County aged 76 years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers & served as herein stated, viz, I was born in Litchfield in said County on the 9 th day of March 1756. There is a record of my age in the records of the town of Litchfield aforesaid
In the summer of the year 1775 I belonged to a company of Cavalry in said Litchfield commanded by Capt. Moses Seymour of s d town & in the month of June of that year said Company was called out to go to New York. It was supposed that after the British had evacuated Boston, they would attempt to take possession of New York, & to prevent this many of the militia Companies in Conn, were ordered to march to New York, & for this purpose I marched in said Company of Cavalry to New York, we marched to New York & were stationed in that City under the Command of Col Major Elisha Sheldon of Salisbury who commanded our Regiment, our duty in the City was to keep guard, ride on express, patrols &c We remained there till the last of August, when our Company was ordered to march to s d Litchfield & conduct as a prisoner of war Mr. Matthews the Mayor of the City of New York, He was accordingly brought by us to Litchfield & there left under the care of Capt. Seymour, I will remember that before we reached home & while on the way we heard of the Battle

at Flatbush; when we arrived at Litchfield we were dismissed, I served as a soldier of the United States at this time two months & a half. I have no documentary evidence of it, & to prove it annex the testimony of David Callin who served with me the whole of this tour.
In the following summer (1777) our Company was called out to go to the North River & unite with other troops in the American Army. I went with said Company & joined the army near Peekskill, our Company was stationed at a place called Crompond, for a few weeks & until we were ordered by Gen Putnam with a considerable body of men to march towards Kings Bridge near which the British were encamped. The object of this movement as I understood was to make an attack on them for the purpose of diverting their attention from a contemplated incursion upon Long Island. We marched down under the command of Gen Varnum & made an attack upon the British out posts at Valentine's Kill & there took a Lieutenant & some men prisoners, but no general contest took place. We remained near Valentine's Kill a day or two & returned to Crompond, in the neighborhood of which we remained ready for service & without any event occurring of consequence till we were dismissed. I served in the American army at this time and believe two & a half months .
About the first of September 1777 Capt Seymour having marched to oppose Gen Burgoyne, with some of his Company, the remainder of whom I was one, were ordered to march to the North River & we did so under the command of an inferior company officer & I think under the British one Frisbie. We marched to Peekskill & the British having broken the chain across the North River & forced a passage up, we marched up the River upon the east side as the fleet sailed up, our object was to protect the adjoining country & do any other service which might become necessary. We went up the River as far as Rhinebeck, and the fleet having at

Red-Stock heard of the surrender of the British army at Saratoga & of course being unable to effect a junction with the army at Albany, they returned down the River, & we returned as far down as Fishkill I well remember that the British burned Esopus now called Kingston as they sailed up, This town was on the west side of the River & I saw the smoke when burning, from the east side side, at Fishkill we were dismissed & returned home. I served at this time two months
In Nov r after Governor Franklin the English Governor of New Jersey being confined as a prisoner of war in the prison at Litchfield Capt Seymour directed a few of his company to take & carry said Franklin from the prison in Litchfield & deliver him to Gen Erastus Wolcott of East Windsor, Conn; this duty I was directed to perform as a soldier in the United States service with others, & I did so perform it & was gone for this purpose threedays
In the month of July 1779 I was called out with said Company upon an alarm to go to Newbury Norwalk, which place was about to be attacked as was supposed by the British, they having already landed at several places on the coast of Connecticut, some of which they had burned, We marched immediately to Norwalk, & arrived there two days before that place was attacked by the British, I was there when the British landed which was on Saturday night, & the next morning they made an attack & took & burned the town, We retired a little but remained in the neighborhood till they reembarked, when we marched first to Milford thence to Stamford & there remained till the British sailed down the sound to New York, & then the company was dismissed, except myself & one other who were detained as riders on express, but the next day a detachment of Cavalry arrived & I was dismissed, Gen Oliver Wolcott commanded the troops in that quarter at this time. I served at this time thirteen days

Said Capt Seymour commanded said Company through said War. We were frequently called out to different places & when there was no further occasion for our services we were dismissed together by some officer, but we never received written discharges. I have no documentary evidence of my services, but to support my declaration I annex the testimony of David Cutlin who served with me at all times when I was called out. I have lived ever since it was & now live in S d Litchfield & am known to Seth P. Burs, Elisha Hearn, William Buel, Samuel Seymour &c in my present neighborhood, & who can testify as to my character for veracity, & their belief of my services as a soldier of the Revolution.
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.
John Phelps
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid before me Frederick Wolcott Judge of Probate Litchfield District Conn t .
We Truman Marsh, a Clergyman residing in the town of Litchfield aforesaid & Ozias Seymour residing in the same town hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with John Phelps who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration of S d town; that we believe him to be 76 years of age; that he is reputed & believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, & that we concur in that opinion. And that said Phelps is a man of good character for veracity, & his statement may be relied on.
Truman Marsh Ozias Seymour
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid before me Frederick Wolcott Judge of Probate Litchfield District Conn t .

And the said Court does hereby declare its opinion after the investigation of the matter, & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier & served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to it that the Rev d Sherman Nash who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the town of Litchfield & that Elias Seymour Esq. who has also signed the same is a resident in the same town, & is a credible person, & that their statement is entitled to credit.
Frederick Wolcott, Judge of Probate Litchfield District, Conn t
I Phinehas Miner Clerk of s d Court of Probate do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Phelps for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said office this 5 th day of September 1832
Phinehas Miner Clerk

I David Catlin of the town & County of Litchfield, Conn being duly sworn do depose & say that for the last 50 years I have been well acquainted with John Phelps of 1 st Litch- field & that in June 1770 the Company of Cavalry com- manded by Capt Moses Seymour in the Conn t Militia to which said Phelps belonged was called out to go to New York to defend that City against the British & was at that time for that purpose, 1 st Phelps went as a soldier in 1 st Company & continued in the service of the United States till the last of August in 1 st City when he went with said Company which was sent to Litchfield as a guard of a Mr Matthews the English Mayor of New York who was sent as a prisoner to 1 st Litchfield, when 1 st Company arrived at Litchfield it was dismissed. 1 st Phelps served in said Company about two & a half months. I served for the same time in 1 st Company & therefore know that 1 st Phelps performed said service
In the summer of 1777 said Company was called out to join the American Army on the North River & joined it at Crompand near Peek Kill, it was stationed at Crom- pand for some time when a part of the Army were ordered down the River to make an attack on the British near Kings Bridge, 1 st Company marched down at this time & an attack was made on the British at out Posts at Valentine's Hill, soon after the Company with the others marched back to Crompand to their former encampment & remained there till it was dismissed, 1 st John Phelps belonged to & served in this Company through the whole of this tour which was of about 2 months duration, I served in the same Company for the same time, & knew that 1 st Phelps so served
In the fall of the same year 1777 Capt Seymour went with a part of his Company to the Northward to oppose Burgoyne; the part that remained in & near Litch- field was called out to join the American Army at Peekskill 1 st Phelps, with myself joined the Army

as soldiers in 1 st Company at P'keepsie & were sent up the River under the Command of Gen Putnam to watch the British fleet as they sailed up the River we went as far up as Rhinebeck, & there hearing the news of the surrender of Burgoyne the fleet returned down the River & we returned to Fishkill & were there dismissed & returned home after being out about two months
In July 1779 said Company was called on an alarm to go to Norwalk  Conway Count, which place had been attacked or was about to be attacked by the British said Phelps & myself both went to Norwalk  Conway in 1 st Company, we were present at the Battle fought there & when that town was taken & burned; after the British had reembarked we went in 1 st Company to Stamford where we remained till the British returned to New York, & then we were dismissed said Phelps served at this time under 1 st Capt Seymour & under Gen Oliver Wolcott who commanded at Nor- walk
Said Company was frequently called out in the service of the United States during the revolutionary war & when no longer needed was dismissed, but no written discharges were given
Said Phelps' character for veracity is good & his statement entitled to credit, and further saith not Dated at Litchfield this 28 th day of July 1832
David Catlin
Litchfield County ss Litchfield July 28 th 1832 Personally appeared David Catlin a witness to me known to be entitled to credit, & who subscribed the foregoing deposition in my presence & made solemn oath to the truth of the same
Before me
Geo. C. Woodruff Justice of the Peace

I David Catlin of the town & County of Litchfield, Conn being duly sworn do depose & say that I am 60 years of age & have been well acquainted with John Phelps of said town & that in November 1777 said Phelps was ordered by Capt Moses Seymour to whose Company of Caval- ry said Phelps belonged, to go as a soldier in the service of the United States, as one of a guard, to carry Governor Franklin the British Governor of New Jersey from said Litchfield where said Franklin had been confined as a prisoner of war to East Windsor & that said Phelps went as one of said guard & delivered said Franklin as directed to Gen. Charles Wol- cott at East Windsor. I was one of said guard & know that said Phelps performed this service, which occupied three days . And further the deponent saith not. Dated at Litchfield this 4 th day of September 1832 David Catlin
Litchfield County ss. Litchfield September 4 th 1832 Personally appeared David Catlin a witness known by me to be entitled to credit, and who subscribed the above deposition in my presence, and made solemn oath to the truth of the same, before me Hugh D. Welch Justice of the Peace I Frederick Wolcott, Clerk of the County Court within & for the County of Litchfield in the State of Connecticut, certify that George C. Woodruff Esq. before whom the preceding Affidavit of David Catlin appears to have been taken, was on the 28 th day of July 1832 & now is a Justice of the Peace residing in said County, & that Hugh D. Welch Esq. before whom the above affidavit of David Catlin appears to have been taken is a Justice of the Peace residing in said County, & that the preceding signatures which purport to be the signatures of the said George C. Woodruff & Hugh D. Welch are genuine — Witness my hand & the Seal of said Court this 4 th day of September 1832. Frederick Wolcott, Clerk

8001 Mrs Phelps Connecticut
On for 7. Months 11. days Cavalry
6. — 2 f. f. f. 1. f. f. f. " f. f. f. f. f. f. 3 / 139
Geo. B Woodruff Milchfield Connec.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
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, showing the Service of John Phelps Sitaford Co Connecticut
   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.     Oct 1776 " 2 15 Albany Capt Seymour Brig Sheldon. New York 71 Years 7   " 1777 " 2 15 " Same Gen Putnam Attacked at Red Bank Richfield Conn Sitaford County traditionaly   " 1777 " 2 — " at Red Bank at Red Bank Evidence   " 1778 " 3 — " Seymour Putnam Connec and 1 witness   1779 " 10 — " Same Gen. Eldredge Valentia Hill Putnam   46 Putnam   7 16 Rhinebeck   Newark   Watson Stamford  
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 the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
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 three or four months , 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 [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 17447
Sarah Phelps Wid. of John Phelps Priv. Rev. War
Act: March 4. 1843
Index:—Vol. M , Page 128
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Is John Phelps on Capt. Seymour's roll of hon. marines (Militia)?
July 79 - on 12 days - New Haven & Norwalk alarms 77 notes

Connecticut 118.
Sarah Phelps, widow of John Phelps, deceased, (late pensioner.) who died on the 25 th of June 1833, of Litchfield Co. in the State of Connecticut, who was a private Cavalry in the army, commanded by Captain Seymour, of the reg't commanded by Col. Putnam, in the Massachusetts line for. Jonathan H. Phelps, private of Cavalry.
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut, at the rate of 31 Dollars 39 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1830.
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 th day of August 1838, and sent to George C. Woodruff Esq. Litchfield, Vt.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1838 $62.78 Semi-annual allowance ending 1 st July " 15.69
$78.47
5 years pension. { Revolutionary Claim, Act July 7 th , 1838, Section the 1 st }
Recorded by G. T. Rhodes Clerk, Book A, Vol. 1, Page 204.

No 32

Declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of the 3 d March 1843, granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have received pensions under the act of July 7 th 1838. State of Connecticut
County of Litchfield } ss Litchfield
On this 17 th day of March 1843 personally appeared before me George C. Woodruff a justice of the Peace in & for said County of Litchfield Sarah Phelps a resident of Litchfield in the said County of Litchfield aged 82 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 of made by the act of Congress passed on the 3 d of March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of John Phelps late of Litchfield who was a Private in the Army of the Revolution in Capt. Leon, Seymour's Company of Cavalry & she thinks in Sheldon's Regiment, and that she was a Pensioner of the United States at the rate of Thirty one 39 / 100 Dollars per annum under the act of July 7 th 1838. She further that she is still a widow.
Sarah Phelps
Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year above written before me, and I certify that the above named declaration is personally known to me.
Geo. C. Woodruff Justice of the Peace

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, } ss. Litchfield. LITCHFIELD COUNTY, }
I Origen S. Seymour
Clerk
of the County Court of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that George C. Woodruff is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and by Law authorized to administer Oaths and to take the acknowledgment of Deeds . And that his commission was dated on the 10 th day of June A. D. 1842 and will expire on the 20th day of June, A. D. 1843 and that the preceding signature which purports to be his is genuine.
Given under my hand and the Seal of said Court this 17 th day of March A. D. 1843
Origen S. Seymour Clerk

Litchfield (Conn) Sept 5 th 1832
Sir I herewith transmit to your Department, John Phelps' Application for a Pension, with the proof He wishes your answer to be sent to me
Yours &c
Geo. C. Woodruff

8608
Genl
(Revolutionary Claim)
John A. H.
To the Hon Secretary of War Washington
D.C.

10 32 33 Mar 23 43
ck
Mar 3. 1843
Rob: Seymour Isaac Phillips
[Handwritten flourish]
J. L. Edwards Esq Comm ee of Pension Washington City D. C.

Litchfield Conn March 17 th 1843 J. L. Edwards Esq. Sir
I enclose the application of Rebecca Seymour & Sarah Phelps for Pensions. When granted please send me their certificates Kirtland Green Geo. C. Woodruff