Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 5922, for Sylvester Philips, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Philips, Sylvester
S 5922
Carded
CONTENTS

see letters to B.B. Smith & all P.Af. Oct. 7. 1836 Transfer to Pennsylvania from 4th Sept 1836 - Oct 7. 36.
New York 28.625 A
Chester Philips Chenango Co in the State of New York Private in the Company commanded by Captain Chapin of the Reg't commanded by Col Potter in the Wasp's Militia 14 mo. 28 days
Date of death not on a
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 49 Dollars 76 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30th day of April 1834 and sent to P.B. Prindle Esq Norwich
Arrears to the 4th of March 1834 $149.28 Pension allowance ending Sept 4 '34 - 24.88
$174.16
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { per June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Saml St. L. Page Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 4 Page 114

APPLICATION FOR A TRANSFER.
State of Pennsylvania } County of Tioga }
ss.
On this ninth
day of September
1836,
before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for the said County of
Tioga.
personally appeared Sylvester Philips
who, on his oath, declares that he is the same
person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain
Israel Chapins
in the Regiment commanded by Colonel
Elisha Porter
in the service of the United States; that
his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of New York
from whence he has lately removed; that he now resides in the State (District,
or Territory,) of Pennsylvania where he intends to
remain, and wishes his pension to be there payable, in future. The follow-
ing are his reasons for removing from New York State
to Tioga County Pennsylvania - to wit -
Being aged & feeble in health he wishes
to reside with his son Richard with whom
he now is -
Sworn and subscribed to, before me, } the day and year aforesaid. }
Benj B. Smith J.P.
Sylvester Philips mark
The oath to be taken before a duly qualified Magistrates, whose official character and signature must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. The county Clerk, Secretary of State, or some other officer, must certify, under his seal of office, that the officer who administered the oath is a Justice of the Peace, Judge, Mayor, Alderman, or Notary Public, as the case may be, and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
The oath must be supported by the testimony of some respectable person, as to the Pensioner's identity. He must swear that the person who has taken the above oath is the person described in the affidavit. The Magistrate must certify, that the witness is a person of veracity; and the affidavit must also be authenticated in the manner above directed.
We witnessed the Execution of the foregoing affidavit - by Sylvester Philips - The reason he gave for not writing his name is that he is old - hand trembling & nearly blind - Geo. Hildreth Charlton Phillips

Sioga County Ss.
Before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace in & for the County of Sioga aforesaid personally came Charlton Philips a resident of the said County to me personally known to be of good moral character & of unquestionable veracity who being duly sworn accor- ding to law doth depose & say - That the within named Sylvester Philips is the identical person therein described & who signs the foregoing affidavit in his presence - the said pensioner being the Grandfather of this deponent - Sworn & subscribed before me this 9 th day of Sept. A. D. 1836
Charlton Philips
Benj m B. Smith S. J.

State of Pennsylvania Tioga County 3d.
I John F. Donaldson Clerk of the Court of Tioga County, certify, that Benjamin B. Smith Esq. is a magistrate as above and that the foregoing signature, purporting to be his is genuine. — In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name, this ninth day of September in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty six. —
J. F. Donaldson Clerk of the Court of Tioga County.

J. Edwards Esq. Commissioner Pensions Washington

Philadelphia Sept. Oct. 1. 1836
at Sir,
I herewith forward the application of transfer of Sylvester Philips a pensioner - He formerly resided in Chemango County N. Y. & removed to Tioga Co. Pa. last winter to live with his son Richard -
At the same time of making out the application for a transfer I also made out the papers to draw his pension for the last year - he not having drawn as he said since Sept. 1835 - I called on the Agent in N. York a few days since with these papers who informed me that as the pensioner had been set off to the Albany District since 1834 he could not pay - he also remarked that the removal of the pensioner to Pennsylvania would prevent payment being made at Albany likewise - He further suggested that the better way would be to get him transferred as early as might be & that the same papers altho' made to draw in N. York would answer to draw in Penn a .
If Mr. Philips can get his money due with the papers already made out it will save him both trouble & expense - He resides eleven miles from a magistrate who does such business and he is old & feeble - Upon further reflection I

Conclude to forward You the whole papers and if you decide that they are suf- ficient You will please make an endorsement upon them to that effect which will govern the Agent there -
If these papers will not answer please point out what alterations be may be necessary -
I shall be at home Wellsboro' Tioga County Pa. in a short time when You will please direct Your communications -
Very Respectfully Your O bt Servt
Brady W. Smith
J. V. Edmonds Esq. Commission Pensions Washington D.C.

Sylvester Philips Pension Application
18280
Direct Pension Certificate if allowed to
P. B. Middle
Norwich,
Connecticut.
St. J.
adm 14 mo. 288 pr

Amended declaration
State of New York Albany County
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for said County. Mr. Sylvester Philips of said County to me known who being duly sworn deposes and says that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot recollect precisely the 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, to wit:
10 months & 15 days For ten months and 15 days I served as a private in Captain Chapin's Company under Colonel Porter - under my first enlistment for a year as stated in my declaration - I think I am also entitled to pay for the remaining one month & a half that I was sick, but it is respectfully submitted to the wisdom of the department -
3 months. For three months I served as a private in Captain Philips Company under Col. Porter
3 months. For three months I served as a private in Capt. Denzenroe's Company, under Col. Porter, for all which services (making all together one year, four months and 15 days) I claim a pension - He also states all the above service was in the Massachusetts line of State troops or Militia as he has stated in his declaration - that they were in embodied corps called out under the authority of that State and that during all said time I was not engaged in any civil pursuit - And further saith not - his
Sworn & subscribed to before me this 29th May 1893 - Sylvester Philips mark Samuel P. Dike, Justice of the Peace

State of New York Columbia County
I Harris K. Pike Clerk of the Said County do certify that I am acquainted with the hand writing of Samuel Pike Esq and rightly believe his name subscribed to the within affidavit to be his genuine handwrit- ing and signature - And that at the date of this same he was one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the Said County
Witness my hand and seal of Office this 3d June 1833 H. K. Pike Clerk
1100 11 11 11 11
Columbia County
On this with deed Bth 11 39

Chenango County
On this ninth day of October AD 1832 personally appeared in open court before the Court of Common Pleas of said County now sitting present
John Tracy Nathan Taylor Levi Bigelow Hezekiah Reed Charles Forb
Judges
Sylvester Philips a resident of the town of Guilford in the County of Chenango and State of New York aged Seventyfour years and upwards who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated
In the year 1776 at or about the first of February enlisted at the town of Ashfield County of Hampshire State of Massachusetts for a year in the State Year Service as it was called into a Company commanded by Israel Chapin of Hatfield Hampshire County Captain. 1st Mount of Artillery Northampton Hampshire County Lieutenant and one Sylvester of Chesterfield Hampshire County Ensign. The regiment to which his Company was attached and belonged was under the command of Elisha Porter Colonel. (The names of the other regimental officers does not recollect - Thinks General Gates was Commandant of the Brigade who reviewed them several times. - Received forty shillings bounty and a months pay at the time he enlisted but no equipage - about a week after he enlisted passed muster at North Hampton Hampshire County and in about two days after passing muster marched with his company to Bennington Vermont and remained there a day or two then went to Secondbury and there remained about two days and then marched up Champlain Lake and the St Lawrence river to St Johns and there remained one or two days and

Then marched to Chambley Fort and there remained three days and then marched through Sorel and a place or within about four miles of the city the British, supposing the City the Americans lying near by called the three Sisters or three Sisters to Quebec remain- ing at no place after having left Chambley fort until they arrived at Quebec where or at this place  they  one night remained at Quebec until the sixth day of May 1776 and then retreated back to Sorel and on this retreat had a slight skirmish with the British as they were about to cross a river the name of the river does not recollect The British attempted to pull down a bridge to cut off the retreat of the Americans but they were driven off after a light skirmish remained at Sorel two or three weeks and then went to Chambley Fort and remained there two or three weeks and were there joined by General Sullivans Brigade then marched back to Sorel and remained there something like six weeks and then marched back to Chambley Fort and were there three or four days taking off the cannon and ordnance for the purpose of removing them to St Johns the regiment then marched for St Johns but this department with nine men were left behind and were placed about a half a mile from Chambley Fort to watch the move- ments of the English army which was expected in about three hours the English army marched in to Chambley and he then followed on after the main body of the Ame- ricans and overtook them a few miles from Chambley and marched down with them to St Johns remained there a day or two and then went to the Isle aux Noix remained there as he thinks about a week and then went to Crown Point and there remained about a week and then went to Tienderoga and there remained a day or two and then crossed the lake with his company to Mount Independence and there assisted in building a breast work and remained there until about the last of November 1776 and then fell sick with the lake fever and he was sent to the hospital at Fort George and there remained in the hospital till sometime in

December and he then received a paper from Doct Pott and Doctor Histrinner, stating that this deferment was not able to do duty, so that he might pass the Guard, and go home - This paper was called a pass. - That he went home but was not able to do duty until after his year for which he had enlisted had expired. When the Captain of his company came home he gave up this pass to him and received his years wages but never received any of his back rations - Was engaged in no battle or skirmish during this term of service except the one afore mentioned. Gabriel Strong drummer, Cotton Dickinson Fifer, Seth Jones William Dady & Benjamin Wells Sergeants, one Warren Corporal, John Spinnage, Bethuel Benton, Samuel Bodwell, John Lee & Spencer Philips privates were soldiers in the same company and served with him.
About the first of June 1778, volunteered at at Southfield into a company commanded by Benjamin Philips Captain. Understood at the time that one Johnson was Lieutenant but never joined the company as his family were unwell - The Ensigns name does not recollect. The regiment to which his company was attached and belonged was under the command of Elisha Porter Colonel, one Dickerson Major (the names of the other regimental officers does not recollect - Thinks Gates was the Commandant of the Brigade as he reviewed them several times but they were never reviewed by a General - received no pay at the time of volunteering the same day he volunteered marched with him company to a place called Moses Brook on the North River in the State of New York. The place of rendezvous and there joined his regiment there remained three months performing camp duty.

was then discharged verbally by the captain — was in no battle or skirmish during this term of service — Levi Steele Sergeant Oliver Cook Corporal Julius Frazar Fisher Douglas Payne John Vaddler John Porter Linah Goodwin Nathan Brown Privates served in the same company and were discharged at the same time with him
Some time between the first and the tenth of June in 1711 volunteered at Ashfield into a company com- manded by one Donzmore Captain Ephraim Jen- nings Lieutenant. The Enoigons name does not recollect The regiment to which his company was attached was under the command of Elisha Porter Colonel One Dickerson Major The other regimental officer does not recollect. Think General Washington was Commandant of the Brigade as he reviewed them several times and were never reviewed by any other General. The next day after he volunteered went to North Hampton Hampshire County Mass and there joined his company and then marched with his company to New London the place of rendezvous and there joined his regiment remained there three months performing duty keeping guard and also assisting to build a fort below the town and was then discharged verbally by the captain was engaged in no battle or skirmish during this term of service — Amasa Smith Orderly Ser- geant Benjamin Sprague & Isaac Aldin Sergeants Cyrus Drake drummer Jonathan Lyon & Samuel Fowler Francis Goodwin Stephen Taylor & Jesse Taylor Privates also served in the same company and were discharged with him

and he further states that he has no documentary evidence of these his services during the revolutionary war and knows of no person whose testimony he can procure to testify to his services but he has attached hereto the affidavits of Spencer Philips and Bethel Benton which were taken a number of years since when this deponent thought of applying for a pension under the old pension law but he knows not whether either of them them are living as he had not heard from them in some years.
In answer to the interrogatories required to be put by the War department to applicants for pensions he answers as follows viz
1 st He was born at Ashfield County of Hampshire State of Massachusetts on the 12 th day of June 1758 2 d Never knew of any record of his age. 3 rd He resided each time he entered the service at Ashfield Hampshire County Mass and resided there after the war until the year 1795 and then moved to Guilford Chenango County State of New York where he now resides 4 th He at one time enlisted and the other times volunteered as stated in his declaration 5 th He never received a written discharge except the pass he received from the Hospital Physicians at Fort George should be called one, which he afterwards gave to his Captain as stated in his declaration

6th
Saw General Washington at New London General Arnold at Ticonderoga General Gates at Ticonderoga General Sullivan at Belle Meade. The general circumstances of his services are stated as fully as he can recollect them in the body of his declaration.
7th
He gives the names of Samuel & Smith late Sheriff Rufus Baldwin Merchant at Fitch Merchant Samuel Kent Farmer Roby Knapp Physician John Latham Farmer all residing in Guilford County of Chenango his present residence as men to whom he is well known and who can testify to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution.
and this deponent further states that he is acquainted with no clergyman who could testify to his character in this vicinity as the clergyman formerly residing at Guilford has lately left the place and he has not yet become acquainted with the one that supplied his place.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
S. P. Hildreth
Sylvester his  mark Philips
B. F. Reycroft Witness

We Rosswell Reynolds residing in the town of Guilford County of Chenango and Jeremiah White residing in the town of Guilford County of Chenango hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Sylvester Philips who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration: that we believe him to be seventy four years and upwards 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 and that we have never heard any doubts expressed by any person as to his having been such a soldier: and we further certify that the former clergeman of this place has lately left here and that there is no clergyman in the neighborhood of the said Sylvester Philips sufficiently acquainted with him in our estimation to make a certificate required by the Pension Law passed June 7. 1832 Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid Rosswell Reynolds Jeremiah White J. K. Pike Clerk
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 stated: and the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Rosswell Reynolds of the town of Guilford County of Chenango and Jeremiah White of the town of Guilford County of Chenango are credible persons and their statement is entitled to credit who have signed the preceding certificate and it further satisfactorily appears to the Court

That there is one Sylvester residing in the neighbourhood of the said applicant who is sufficiently acquainted with him to make the certificate required by the Pension Law
Mr. Gray Judges of the Court Rev. Read of Common Pleas Charles York of Chenango County N. York
State of New York County of Chenango ss
I Jarvis H. Pike Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Chenango do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Sylvester Philips for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this ninth day of October A. D. 1832. P. B. Prindle Dep Clerk

State of New York Cayuga County 31
Sylvester Phillips Being duly sworn Deposeth & saith that he was a private soldier in the company of Capt. Israel Chapin in Col. Elisha Porter's Regiment in the Massachu- setts line on the Continental Establishment From the fifth of February 1776 to the 15th of November following That during all that time Sylvester Phillips was a Messmate of his & he knows did duty in said company as a private soldier To further that this Deponent is in no way interested in the application of said Phillips & further saith not
Sworn & subscribed before me Sylvester Phillips The 4 day of December 1817
Charles Kellogg Judge of Cayuga Common Pleas
I Certify That it appears to my satisfaction that the above Deponent is a credible Witness & Deserving of Credit
Charles Kellogg Judge of Cayuga Common Pleas

State of New York } Cayuga County } ss.
I Michael S. Myers,
Clerk of said County. Do certify that at the date of the within af- fidavit, Charles Kellogg Esq. was a Judge of the Court of Common
Pleas of said County; and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe that his signatures subscribed to said affidavit & to the certificate accompanying the same, are genuine Witness my hand & seal of office this 6 th day of June 1833
M. S. Myers.

No 18280
Sylvester Philips Chenango County New York
e. i.
Ed Bangs
aam D
P.B. Prindle & Merrill Chenango County New York. Watts

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 subjjoined 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. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Sylvester Philips Chenango County New York.
   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.     Enlisted Feb 9 1776 time of service not stated 10 15 private Capt Chapin Genl Gates Col Porter Marched to Burnington Vermont, to Tienderoga & John's & que lee, to the Del. Riv. & Mo'g to Brown Point taken sick & sent the hospital Fort George 7 1/2 years Ashfield Hampshire County State Massachusetts Traditionary evidence 2 living witnesses enlisted evidence - No clerical papers not properly attached   Vol - 1 st June 1778 - 3 - private Capt Philips Col Porter 2 nd Marched adams Creek North River   1 st between 1 st & 10 th June 1781 - 1 13 private Capt Dugmore Genl Washington Col Porter 3 rd Went to Northampton Massachusetts New London  
{ The applicant states that he enlisted for 12 months, was prevented from returning out by sickness - But was paid by his officer for 12 months service }
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 , 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 [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.

February 3, 1934
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mrs. J.D.Meola 12 Front Street Norwich, New York
BA-J/ERL Aaron Phillips-S.43853 Sylvester Philips-S.5922
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of Aaron, James and Sylvester Phillips, who received pensions.
Because of the great demand for Revolutionary War data and the limited clerical force available for furnishing such information, it has not been possible to comply fully with each request which requires such an amount of time and research. The records of Aaron and Sylvester Philips are given herein as found in the respective claims for pension based upon their service in the Revolutionary War.
Aaron Phillips S-43853
Aaron Phillips was born in April, 1755; the place of his birth and the names of his parents are not shown in the papers in the pension claim.
He enlisted, January 1, 1776, in the state of Massachusetts, and served one year in Captain Moses Knapp's Company, Colonel Joseph Read's Massachusetts Regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed July 5, 1827, while residing in Guilford, Chenango County, New York.
There is no reference to wife and children.
The names of two brothers, John and Noah Phillips appear.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of the Revolutionary War pensioner, Aaron Phillips (S.43853), you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, citing the following data:
Aaron Phillips, Certificate No. 19788, issued July 21, 1827, rate $8 per month, commenced July 6, 1827, Acts of March 18, 1818 and May 1, 1820, New York Agency.
*****
Sylvester Philips S.5922
Sylvester Philips was born June 12, 1758, in Ashfield, Massachusetts. The names of his parents are not shown in the papers in the pension claim.
While residing in said Ashfield, Sylvester Philips enlisted February 1, 1776, for one year, served as a private in Captain Israel Chapin's Company, Colonel Elisha Porter's Massachusetts Regiment; went on an expedition to Quebec, and on May 5, 1776, while the army was retreating from that place, was in a small skirmish; in November, 1776, he was taken sick and allowed to return home and was not able to rejoin his regiment; he enlisted about June 1, 1778, and served three months in Captain Benjamin Philip's (no relationship shown) Company, Colonel Elisha Porter's Massachusetts Regiment; he enlisted early in June, 1781, and served three months in Captain Abel Dinsmor's Company, Colonel Elisha Porter's Massachusetts Regiment.
Could not identify Capt. Israel Chapin as of Col. Porter's Regt.
In 1795, he moved from Ashfield, Massachusetts, to Guilford, Chenango County, New York, where he was residing when he was allowed pension on his application executed October 9, 1832.
In 1836, he was residing in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, with his son, Richard. The name of soldier's wife is not shown nor are the names of any other children designated.
In 1836, the name Charlton Phillips appears: no relationship to the soldier was shown and there are no further family data.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of person paid and possibly the date of death of the Revolutionary War pensioner, Sylvester Philips(S.5923), you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, citing the following data:
Sylvester Philips, Certificate No. 28625, issued April 30, 1834, rate $49.76 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832, Pennsylvania Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator.

Rehman
5922
INVALID.
File No. 5922
Sylvester Philips
Bi Rev war
Act: June 7 th '32
Index: Vol. M , Page 295
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1909 May 17. Hist. to Wm H. Talbott &
1884. Feb 3. Hist To Mrs. J. B. Meola. Letter in case Aaron Phillips - D43853
1926. Sept. 24. Hist. to Florence Sheehan. See letter in. Talbott Phillips. Rev. S. 41068/6.52/9.22.

New York Rev.
Sylvester Philips Suspended let. to P. Brindle Act. 22 1833.
Act. 7 June 1832

Transfer Phillips to Penn a role, to take effect from 4 Sept. 1876 - & send not ice to B. B.
Smith, Esq. Wellsboro' Tioga Co. Pa.

Sylvester Phelps

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, April 14 th 1834.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of "Sylvester" Phillips, as a private, is borne on a Pay Roll of Capt. Abel Dinsmor's Company, in Col. Elisha Porter's Regt. where he is allowed from July 24 th to August 31 st 1779. for services and travel one Month and thirteen days. — — — — —
m d 1-13
Sylvester Phillips claims for services under Capt. Israel Chapin, in Col. Elisha Porter's Regt. in 1776. under Capt. Benjamin Phillips. in Col. Elisha Porter's Regt. in 1778. and for further services under Capt. Dinsmor in 1779; but the rolls which he describes are not found in this Office, except the one above mentioned.
cf. d.
Edward D. Bangs Secy

W. H. Talbott & Talbott, Attorneys at Law, Rockville, Md.
Rockville, Md. May 5th. 1909
Chief Clerk, Pension Office, Washington, D. C.
My dear Sir:
My wife had two ancestors who served in the Revolutionary Army, Richard Phillips and his son Sylvester Phillips, both of Mass.
Richard Phillips was a private in Capt. Epes Co., Col. Pickerings Regt., and
Sylvester Phillips was a private in Capt. Abel Densmores Co., Col. Elisha Porters (Hampshire County) Regt.
Richard died before the war was over, but how, we do not know; Sylvester is reported to have served during the entire war, first under Gen. Arnold, and later under Gen. Ethan Allen, and died in 1841, at Westfield, Penna.
Sylvester is reported in the family to have been on the Pension Rolls, but we have no proof of same.
If possible, we would like to have the records of the two, as shown in your office, and in such detail as you may be able to furnish.
Thanking you for such assistance as you may be able to give us, I am,
Yours very truly, W. H. Talbott

reply to your request of _____, received a statement of the military history of Sylvester Phillips a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau.
S. File 592V
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     July 1, 76 1 year Pri. Israel Chapin Elisha Porter Mass.   June 1, 78 3 mos. " Benj. Phillips " "   June 81 3 mos. " Abel Dinmore " "   Expedition to Canada.  
Battles engaged in, skirmish May 6, 1776.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Ashfield, Hampshire Co., Mass.
Date of application for pension, Oct. 19, 1832. Allowed.
Residence at date of application, Guilford, Chenango Co. N.Y. p. 178
Age at date of application, B. June 12, 1758 at Ashfield (Va. Mass.)
Remarks: In Sept 1836 sol. visited with his son Richard in Troy Co., Pa.
Office note ( May 6 1776 date of Plaisir of Housaw engagement )

September 26, 1936.
Florence Shabhan 131 Chestnut Street Battle Creek, Michigan.
BA-5/ILL Pelatiah Phillips S. 41068 Sylvester Philips 166.2 S. 5922
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of Sylvester Philips who served from Massachusetts and resided in Chenango County, New York, in 1829, and Lieutenant Pelatiah Phillips who served from Massachusetts(Ashfield).
The record has been found of only one Pelatiah Phillips; his record is given herein as shown in pension claim, S. 41068, based upon his service in the Massachusetts troops, War of the Revolution. The record of Sylvester Philips, cited above, is furnished also, as found in his claim for pension, S. 5922.
PELATIAH PHILLIPS-S. 41068.
Pelatiah Phillips enlisted about April 1775, and served eight months as private in Captain Webber's company, Colonel Fellow's Massachusetts regiment, then re-enlisted, and served one year as corporal in Captain Samuel Bartlett's company, Colonel Jonathan Ward's Massachusetts regiment, during which last service he was at Long Island and in the Jerseys, and was discharged January 1, 1777. His residence at the time of his enlistment was not given.
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 3, 1818, at which time he resided in Brandon, Rutland County, Vermont. He was aged then sixty-two years; the date and place of his birth and the names of his parents were not shown.
In 1820, the soldier's wife, Lydia, aged sixty-one years, and his daughter, Diadania, aged fourteen were the only members of his family living at home. He did not state the date of his marriage to said Lydia. At the time of her marriage to Pelatiah Phillips, Lydia was a widow with a number of children by her first husband; the name

that husband was not stated, nor the date of either marriage given, nor date of death of her former husband, nor the names of said children. In March 1824, Lydia Phillips stated that one of her daughters was married "winter before last".
Pelatiah Phillips, the soldier, died June 17, 1833.
In 1824, Charles Salisbury who lived a short distance from Rutland, Vermont, stated that he married the daughter of Pelatiah Phillips, also, that the soldier and his wife were living with him then; he did not state the name of his wife.
SYLVESTER PHILIPS-S. 5922. Copied EEL/ILL
Sylvester Philips was born June 12, 1758, in Ashfield, Massachusetts. The names of his parents were not given.
While residing in said Ashfield, Sylvester Philips enlisted February 1, 1776, for one year, served as private in Captain Israel Chapin's company, Colonel Elisha Porter's Massachusetts regiment; went on an expedition to Quebec, and on May 5, 1776, while the army was retreating from that place, was in a small skirmish; in November 1776, he was taken sick and allowed to return home and was not able to rejoin his regiment; he enlisted about June 1, 1778, and served three months in Captain Benjamin Philip's (no relationship shown) company, Colonel Elisha Porter's Massachusetts regiment; he enlisted early in June, 1781, and served three months in Captain Abel Dinsmor's company, Colonel Elisha Porter's Massachusetts regiment.
In 1795, he moved from Ashfield, Massachusetts, to Guilford, Chenango County, New York, where he was residing when he was allowed pension on his application executed October 9, 1832.
In 1836, he was residing in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, with his son, Richard. The name of soldier's wife is not shown nor are the names of any other children designated.

In 1836, the name of Charlton Phillips appears; no relationship to the soldier was shown and there are no further family data.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of person paid, and, possibly, the date of death of the Revolutionary War pensioner, Sylvester Philips, you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, citing the following data:
Sylvester Philips, Certificate No. 28625, issued April 30, 1834, rate $49.76 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832, Pennsylvania Agency.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.