Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 24,880, for Silas Potter, Rhode Island

SERVICE
NUMBER
R.I.
Potter Silas Elizabeth
N. 24,880
CONTENTS

To Albany N March 1837 - - life annuity sent Rockbridge M
Let to Otis P.
York from 4 th 14 July 1838 - no A. M. Coburn advised County N Y
Granger ("O.G.") Sept 2, 1840
Letter to O. P. 14 th Oct 1840
Paid at the Acts of the 4. Sept to 23 Nov 1840
Granger 8 th Aud 2 Treasury under the 6. April 1838 from Nov 1839. A gt Oct. 1840
From Connecticut to 22. 548. Albany New York.
Silas Potter
of Windham in the State of Connecticut who was a Sergeant in the Comp y commanded by Captain Mason of the Reg t commanded by Col Dyer in the R. Island line for 2 years.
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 120 Dollars 60 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4 th day of October 1833 and sent to J. Buckley Ashford Conn t
Arrears to the 14th of Sept 1833 300. 00 Semi-ann. allowance ending 4 March 1834 60
$ 360. 00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. R. Palmer Clerk, Book E Vol. 3 Page 35.

Declaration of Lilas Potten
Return to J. G. Buttrick Ashford Connecticut

Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
STATE OF CONNECTICUT, } ss. District of Ashford, Ichabod Bulkeley Judge holding Court, COUNTY OF WINDHAM, } court of Probate for said District in
On this 6 th day of April A. D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court, before the County Court the County of Windham aforesaid, now sitting, Silas Potter a resident of the town of Ashford in the County of Windham, and State of Connecticut, aged 81 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, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated: That in December 1776 and said he was called into the service, upon an alarm, with others of the militia, and served, an orderly sergeant, at South Kingston in the State of Rhode Island for the period of four months: Captain Simeon Clark commanded the Company and in the Regiment commanded by Col. Thomas Potter, and that he quartered at the house of George Brown in said South Kingston (where all of Capt. Clark's Company quartered) the principal of said period and the rest of said period they quartered at the Smith House and were stationed there for the above period at South Kingston in said Rhode Island.
2 nd That in April 1777 immediately following the above period, the militia came to a draft and served by turns, That is to say, one half would serve fifteen days and then the other half would serve fifteen days and that he served in his turn for the period of two years, quartering at the house of Godfrey Harris, excepting one month of said two years, when he was called on to the Island of Rhode Island and served said one month, and served in the Battle, under Major Jonathan Hoxton, Col. Charles Dyer's regiment, in General Sullivan's action - and thus served at this term of service a period of one year - that he was then drafted and served this period, an orderly sergeant. That David Moore was his captain in the above action, this service was rendered as above stated in guarding the shore and that part of this period, he served under Capt. Clark, a part under Capt. Tracy and Capt. Webb. 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.
The following interrogatories were by said Court propounded to said applicant, viz: -
 1. Where and in what year were you born? In Richmond, State of Rhode Island April 17 th day A.D. 1751 - 1. old. 8. -  2. Have you any record of your age; and if so, where is it? Herewith inclosed, from the Town records of said Richmond -  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the revolutionary war, and where do you now live? When called into the service he lived at said Richmond, in the County of Washington, which Island - since the war at Ashford aforesaid where he now lives - and if a substitute, for whom?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? That he was drafted -  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 service. He gave stated above - that he has no documentary evidence in relation to his services -  6. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service; and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? That he has never received any  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 in your services as a soldier of the revolution. 
Rev. Ezekiel Skinner and Tho. Dow Esq.
Silas Potter

Court of Probate for the District of Ashford in the Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year aforesaid, before the County Court County of Windham in the State of Connecticut. Attest. B en j. C. Simmons Clerk
We Ezekiel Skinner a clergyman, residing in the town of Ashford in said Windham County, and Thos Dow - residing in (the same,) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Silas Potter - who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration, that we believe him to be 81 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. Attest. Ezekiel Skinner
Court of Probate for the District of Ashford in Thos. Dow Sworn, and subscribed, on the day and year aforesaid, before the County Court the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut. Attest. B en j. C. Simmons 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 states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Ezekiel Skinner who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman resi- dent in the said town of Ashford and that Thomas Dow Esq. who signed the same is a resident in the said town of Ashford - and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. Attest. B en j. C. Simmons Clerk
I B en j. C. Simmons Court of Probate for the District of Ashford, in - Clerk of the County Court the County of Windham, in the State of Connecticut, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Silas Potter - for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this 6 th day of April A. D. 1933
B en j. C. Simmons Clerk
That he served in his turn from the Militia from April 1779 to July 1781, to guard the shores, a part of the time under Capt Richard Buhy and a part under Capt Joshua Webb, a part of this service he rendered at Tiverton, and a part at Bristol, in said State of Rhode Island and served at this time in his turn under said draft a period of one year and one month and a half of a month . That he served at this time of service, under the same field officers, as before, Major - Mason - and Col o Charles Dyer - and that General Spencer had the at said Tiverton and Bristol all this above period -

This is to certify that Silas Potter (Formerly of Richmond in the State of Rhode Island now residing in the Town of Ashford in the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut) was Born April the 17 th Day AD 1751 Old, S. as on Record it now Doth appear Town Clerks office
Richmond March the 2 nd Day AD 1833
Witness
Reynolds Hoosie J.B.H./E.

State of New York
County of Madison ss. On this 3 d . day of Feb- ruary 1838 before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for the said County of Madison personally appeared Silas Potter, who, on his oath, declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain (Captain's name not recollected) in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Charles Dyer in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the Pension Roll of the State of Con- necticut from whence he has lately removed; that he now resides in the town of Stockbridge County of Madison & State of New York, where he intends to remain & wishes his Pension to be then payable in future. The following are his reasons for removing from the State of Connecticut to the State of New York To wit - He sold his farm in the town of Ashford State of Connecticut & removed into the town of Stockbridge aforesaid for the purpose of living with his son, John Potter. Sworn & subscribed to before me Silas Potter The day & year aforesaid John Potter J P
State of New York
Madison County ss. Charles Foster of Stockbridge in said County being duly sworn deposes & says that Silas Potter who has taken the above oath, is the person described in the above affidavit & is well known to this deponent as such identical person & further saith not Sworn & subscribed to before me Charles Foster This 3 d day of February 1838. John Potter J P
I certify that I am well acquainted with the sd. Charles Foster & that he is a person of truth & veracity - Dated this 3 d . day of February 1838 John Potter Justice Peace

State of New York
Madison County Clerk's Office
I, Alexander Donaldson Jr Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that John Potter Esquire whose name is subscribed to the within Surat and cer- tificate was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly elected and qualified: And that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said John Potter and verily believe the signature to the said Surat & certificate are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County the third day of February 1835.
A. Donaldson Jr Clerk
P1121

New York Albany Elizabeth Potter widow of Silas Potter who was a Sergeant in the Rhode Island line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 120. Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 th day of June 1843 and sent to
O. P. Granger Martinsville New York
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 7. Page 14.

X Elizabeth Potter application for a Pension.
Otis P. Granger of Morrisville, Madison Co. N.Y. agent.
7286 Elizabeth Potter NY act 7. July 38 m 86. d 39
Admitted
2 years
Vergt
$120 per an.
No 7286
Otis P. Granger Esq. Morrisville Madison Co. N.Y.

State of New York, Madison County, On this 14 day of August 1840 personally appeared before the Subscriber Epenetus Holmes one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of said County of Madison, Elizabeth Potter a resident of the town of Starkbridge in said County, aged seventy six years & upwards. 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 1838, entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows"; That she is the widow of Silas Potter, who was at the time of his death a pensioner of the United States under the act of June 7. 1832, at the rate of one hundred & twenty dollars per year. That he resided in Connecticut at the time said pension was granted, but was subsequently transferred to the State of New York, For proof of his services reference is made to the papers on file in the Pension Office. She further declares that she was married to the said Silas Potter in the town of Ashford State of Connecticut, on the 6 th day of December One thousand seven hundred & eighty six; that her husband the aforesaid Silas Potter died in Starkbridge on the twenty second day of November 1839 & that she has remained his widow ever since; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January seven hundred & ninety four, (1834) at the time above stated. Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year above written before me & I certify that the said applicant Elizabeth Potter cannot from bodily infir- mity attend Court.
Elizabeth Potter
Epenetus Holmes Judge of Madison County Courts.

State of New York
Madison county, John Potter being duly sworn says that the within named Silas Potter died on the 22 d day of November 1839 & left him surviving his widow Elizabeth Potter, who has remained his widow ever since the period of his death. Sworn to before me the 14 th of Aug t . 1840 & I Certify that the said John Potter is a credible witness
John Potter
Ebenezer Holmes Judge of Madison County Courts.
State of New York
Madison County Clerk's Office ss I Alexander Donaldson Jr Clerk of said County do hereby certify that the Hon. Ebenezer Holmes the person before whom the foregoing declaration and affidavit purports to have been made and sworn was on the 14 th day of August 1840 one of the Judges of the County Court in and for the County of Madison aforesaid duly appointed and qualified and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Judge and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said County the 14 th day of August 1840
Alexander Donaldson Jr Clerk

Silas Potter and Elizabeth Warren joined in marriage
I Benjamin C. Simmons Clerk of the Town of Ashford in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut do certify that the above is a true copy of the Record of said Town with the exception of the date which is expressed on the Record in fair legible figures as follows
Dec r 6 th 1786
Benjamin C. Simmons Clerk
I Benjamin C. Simmons above named do hereby and say that I hold the Office of Clerk of the Town of Ashford in the County & State aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the Records of said Town of Ashford with the exception above named as certified by me -
Benjamin C. Simmons
Clerk of said Town of Ashford
Sworn before me on this 3 rd Day of July 1840
I Aled D. Richmond Justice of the peace

I, ROYAL R. HINMAN , Secretary of the State of Connecticut, and keeper of the Seal thereof, do hereby certify and make known to whom it doth or may concern,
THAT Isaac D. Richmond is
been an Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Windham in said State, duly appointed, commissioned and qualified, having full power and authority, by the laws of said State, to take the acknowledgment of Deeds and to certify the same; also to administer oaths to witnesses and to take Affidavits and Depositions out of Court, and to give certificates thereof; and that full faith and credit may and ought to be given to the official acts and attestations of the said Richmond
in Court and Country.
In testimony whereof, I have, in my capacity of Secretary as aforesaid, hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of said State, at the City of Hartford, in said State, the 11 th day
of July — in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and forty
And I certify that the signature of said Richmond hereunto annexed is genuine.
Royal R. Hinman Secretary.

22.5248 Giles Patten
Adm 2 years serf u.c.j. $120
J. Buckley Ashford Conn.

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. 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, showing the Service of Silas Patten  It in d m. com to Con-
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Aug st 1776. 4. Col. - Sergeant. Col. Thoms Patten. 81 years - Richmond Rhode Island. Testimony & 1 st Depositions -   " - 1777 & 1778. 1 Col. - Sergeant. Major J. Moxon Col. E. Dyer - Genl. Sullivan -   " - 1779 & 1781. 1. 1 15 - Col. - Sergeant. Major J. Moxon Col. E. Dyer Genl. Sullivan -  
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 records, 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 days 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.
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.
[k] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

X 7286 NY
Rejected Subt. to O.P. Granger Sept 2, 1840.
alt 7. July 38

Reported Let. to O P Granger Sept. 2, 1840
7092 Albany, New York Elizabeth Potter widow of Silas Potter
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 22 Nov r 1839 of Madison Co. in the State of N. York who was a Sergeant in the company commanded by Captain Mason of the regt. commanded by Col. Dyer in the R. Island line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 120 Dollars ————— Costs per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 th day of March 1843, and sent to O P Granger, Esq. Morinville, Madison Co. N.Y.
Arrears to the 14th of March 1841 $600 — Semi-annual allowance ending
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by D Brown Clerk, Book A. Vol. 2. Page 103

Transfer Cer 3 Oct 1837. Cer to Pen age 3 Oct 1837.
Albany New York. Connecticut . 22.5718.
Silas Potter.
of Windham in the State of Connect. who was a Sergeant in the Co. commanded by Captain Warren of the Rgt. commanded by Col. Dyer in the Vt. & N.H. line for two years .
Inscribed on the Roll of Connect. at the rate of 120 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21. day of Oct. 1833 and sent to Spencer . Col.  Asaph  Colt
Arrears to the 4th of Sep 1833 — 300. Semi-ant. allowance ending Mar 34 60. $ 360.
{ Revolutionary Claim, } Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Wm. Palmer Clerk, Book 8 Vol. three Page 35.

Aurora Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution
J.N.M.1 Rev. Sec.
Aurora, Illinois
July 16, 1916.
Dear Mr. Saltzgaber--
I wish to get the war record of Sergt Silas Potter- born 1751 in Richmond R. I. Died in Stockbridge N. Y. 1839. Was placed on pension roll for two years service in 1832. Wife was Elizabeth Warren. W. 24880
Also war record of John Warren who served in the Conn. Militia from Ashford, where he was born and died.
Also Samuel Babcock whose obituary says he was a Colonel in Rev. War His wife was named Sylvania or Sylvia. I do not know the state where he lived but his daughter was married while in N. Y. State. W. 23546
do you have any record of David Jackson, born in Ireland 1730 died in Lancaster Co. Penn. 1811. Was in Battle of Trenton.
Supplied Nov. 20/15
Thanking you for your reply, I am,
Respectfully yours,
73 N. Root St.
Aurora, Ill.
Helen F Daily
David Jacksons wife was Elizabeth Reed.

1333. Pine Street
Philadelphia
Commissioner of Pensions. —
Dear Sir. —
I write to ask, if you will be so kind as to find for me some thing concerning Col. Silas Potter. in the Revolutionary Service. — It has been handed down that he was Col. —
He was any way a Revolutionary Soldier. — He was buried at Stockbridge New York.

and the inscription on his Tomb- stone is "Silas Potter Revolutionary officer of 1776. Died Nov. 22 1839 aged 88 years." That is all.
I neglected to say he went from Richmond Rhode Island. —
He has my great Grandfather, and if I can find authority, it will make me eligible for a daughter of the Revolu- tion. — I have looked through various books on the Penn. Hist. Society. — and can find plenty of Potters from Rhode Island but not Silas Potter. Have been recommended to you as the widow of Silas Potter received a pension.
Very respectfully Yours M. Louie
DEC 31 1896
OLD WOMAN & NAVY
WILLIAM H. HARRIS

Mrs John Van Klief 1333. Pine Street Philadelphia
Dec. 26. 1896.

Reg
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 24880
Elizabeth Potter
Widow of
Silas Potter
Sergt R. A. line
Act: Mar 3 rd 1849
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 116
[Arrangement of ...]

60 6 5 \frac{1}{2} 90 ) 330 ( 3 \frac{2}{3} 270 60
Jan. 9. 1897. History to Mrs. John Van Kirk - 1333 Pine St. Philadelphia, Pa.
1916 July 27. Hist. to Helene F. Dailey F.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
October 20 th 1840.
Sir :
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same, at the Treasury of the United States," The widow of Silas Potter, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Albany, N.Y. Agency, at the rate of one hundred Twenty Dollars and  Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of September to the 23 rd Nov. 1839, the day of his death. 22 5
Respectfully yours,
Alvin B. Parris
Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions, Present.

No 7286
Aug 18 1870
My July 7 1838 Eliz: Potter
free
L. Edwards Esq Comr. of Pensions Washington D.C.

Morrisville Madison Co. N.Y. Aug 15., 40
Sir
Enclosed I send the application of Elizabeth Potter for a Pension.
Yours & Otis P. Granger
J. L. Edwards Esq

Oct 9
Mr Evans
[Large stylized initial letter, possibly 'J' or 'E']
J. J. Edward, Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington

Pension Agency Hartford 6 th Oct r 1837
Sir.
In answer to your enquiry as to what time Silas Potter a Pensioner on the roll of this Agency under the Act of 7 th June 1832 at $120. Dollars per annum was last paid. I have to inform you that he has been paid to the 11 th of March 1837.
I am very respectfully Your Obedient Servt. Sam l L. Pitkin. Agent.
J. S. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Silas Potter , 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. W. 24,880.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Dec. 1776 4 mos. only serv Simeon Clark Thomas Potter R. I.   Return Apl. 1777 4 2 yrs. 1/2 mos. " " David Moore Clark Charles Dyer   July 1781 in short time at various times. Richard Bailey " "   Joshua Webb " "  
Battles engaged in, Rhode Island in Sullivan's Expedition. Residence of soldier at enlistment, Richmond, Washington Co. R. I. Date of application for pension, Apl. 6, 1833. His claim was allowed. Residence at date of application, Ashford, Windham Co. Conn. Age at date of application, born Apl. 17, 1751 O.S. at Richmond, R. I.
Remarks: sol. mar. Ashford, Conn. Dec. 6, 1786. Elizabeth Warren.  She died Nov. 27 1839 at Stockbridge, N.Y., & she was all. pens. on her appln. executed  Aug. 14, 1840 while a resident of Stockbridge & 76 yrs. of age.  son John of Stockbridge in 1838 is the only child referred to. There is no  further family data.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

Mar 16 '43
Mr.
E. Patten Q. General
free
Edwards Esq
Comm of Pensions
Washington
D. C.

Morrisville (Madison Co) N.Y. March 9. 1843
Sir
I some time since addressed you a line in relation to an application for a Pension by Elizabeth Potter in the fall of 1840, which was then denied because she was not a widow at the time of the passage of the act. By a subsequent act of Congress I suppose she is entitled to a pension & a reference to her papers or file will show her marriage. Since the death of her husband Sir, I also requested information in the case of Phoebe Truesdell widow of Jonathan Truesdell who was a pensioner under the act of July 7. 1838, but whose husband died after March 1836. Her Certificate granted her a pension to the time of the death of her husband & I understand that the Pension department has decided that she is entitled to the full five years . Please send me the necessary papers by which she may obtain the pension due from the death of her husband back to the 4 th of March 1836.
I have rec d no answer to my communication in relation to these two cases, altho' it was addressed to you six weeks since.
I observe from the papers that Congress has passed an act extending widow pensions one year; if so will you send me any rules or regulations of your department which will be useful to applicants under the act.
Respectfully yours, Otis P. Granger
J. L. Edwards Esq Com r of Pensions

371 ap 17 1843 N.Y. Mar 3 3 43 Eliz Potter
Official business.
Free
J. L. Edwards Esq Comm of Pensions Washington D. C.

Morrisville (Madison Co) N.Y. April 10. 1843
Sir
Enclosed I send you the application of Elizabeth Potter for a pension under the Act of 7 Congress.
Respectfully yours Otis P. Granger
J. L. Edwards Esq.

Harknessville N.Y. Feb 5-18
Sir
Hon. Orin Holt
Member of the House of Representatives Washington

Gen. Holt, Dear Sir.
Mr. Silas Potter requests me to inform you that he has applied to the War Department for the purpose of drawing his pension in this State - As you are acquainted with him and know the fact of his being a pensioner and of his removal from Conn. to this State, he would be much obliged to you if you would take the trouble to call on the Secretary and communicate what information you possess on the subject. We should be gratified to receive a line from you on the subject.
Stockbridge, Madison County, N. York Feb. 3 rd 1838
Yours Respectfully Noah M. Coburn
Washington Feb 7 10 th 1838
Sir
The gentleman above alluded to in Mr. Coburn's letter was an acquaintance of mine and I am knowing to his removal to the State of N.Y. by granting his request you will confer a favor on him as well as on me
Yours Sincerely D. Holt
Hon. J. L. Edwards Comm. of Pensions D. Washington

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Washington towns Richmond August the 6 th Day AD 1833.
Personally Appeared Silas Moore the within Deponent and Made solemn oath to the Truth of the within Deposition Before me the Subscribed and I also Certify that he is A man of truth and Veracity
Nathan Moore Justice Peace State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations. —
Washington S. T. Clerks Office Court of Common Pleas
I Samuel Helme Clerk of the Court Aforesaid do hereby certify that Nathan Moore Esq whose Signature in his own proper hand Writing is hereto prefixed is a Justice of the peace for the Town of Richmond in the County of Washington Legally chosen by the General Assembly. Commissioned by the Governor and otherwise Qualified as the Law requires that full faith & credit ought to be given to his Attestation throughout the United States of America. I also certify that I am personally acquainted with Silas Moore Esq the Deponent & do consider him to be a man of Truth & Veracity In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Affixed the Seal of the Court Aforesaid this Seventh day of August in the Year 1833.
S am Helme Clerk
Deposition of Silas Moore

The Deposition of Silas Moore of Richmond in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island Aged Seventy Three years Being Sworn According to Law Testifies and Says that he is Acquainted With Silas Potter formerly of Richmond in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island Now of Ashford in the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut that in December A.D. 1776 the Deponent and the said Silas Potter Belonged to A Company of Militia of said Richmond under the Command of Capt Simeon Clarke and said Company Was called Down in South Kingston to Guard the Shores When the British Ships Lay off in the Bay and Had A few Days at the Smith house and then to the George Brown house During the Winter and said Silas Potter was there A Sadding and was An orderly Serjeant and in April A.D. 1777 the Militia came to A Draft and Served By turns (35) one half Would serve fifteen Days and then the other half Would serve fifteen Days and that said Silas Potter Served in said Company for nearly two years quartering at the Godfrey Hosford house Part of the time under Capt Simeon Clarke and Part of the time under Capt Richard Bailey and that the said Silas Potter was in the action with Tarr on the Island of Rhode Island under Major Jonathan Mason in Col Dyers Regiment in General Sullivans Expedition and also that the said Potter with my self was on Tarrton and We Served Part of the time under Capt Joshua Webb and further the Deponent saith not Silas Moore

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Washington County vs Richmond August the 6 th Day A.D. 1833 Personally Appeared George James the within Deposition and Made solemn oath to the truth of the within Deposition Before me the Subscriber and also Certify that he is A Man of Truth and Veracity
Nathan Moore Justice Peace State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations.
Washington S t . J. Clerks Office Court Common Pleas
I Samuel Helme Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Washington do hereby certify that Nathan Moore Esq. whose signature in his own proper hand writing is hereto prefixed is a Justice of the Peace for the Town of Richmond in the County of Washington chosen by the General Assembly. Commissioned by the Governor & otherwise qualified as the Law requires that full faith & credit ought to be given to his attestation throughout the United States of America. I also certify that I am personally acquainted with George James Esq. the deponent who I consider to be a man of Truth & Veracity
Deposition of George James
In Testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand & Affixed the Seal of the Court Aforesaid this Seventh day of August A.D. 1833
Sam l Helme Clerk

The Deposition of George James of Richmond in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island Aged Seventy Eight years Being Sworn According to Law Testifies and Says that he is acquainted with Silas Potter formerly of Richmond in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island Now of Ashford in the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut and that in the first Part of December A.D. 1776 he the Deponent and the said Silas Potter Belonged to A Company of Militia of Said Richmond under the Command of Captain Simon Clarke and was Called Down in South Kingston on an Alarm to Guard the Shores and Staid at the Smith house A few Days and then Quarters at the George Brown house During the Winter there Where I and the said Silas Potter was With the Rest of the Militia and in the Spring of 1777 the Militia Came to A Draft and Served By turns (I & P) one half of the Men Would Serve fifteen Days and then the other half Would Serve fifteen Days and Said Company Quarters at the Goffey Hoag and house Nearly two years and Served under Clarke Part of the time and Part of the time under Capt Richard Bailey and Part of the time under Capt Joshua Webb and further the Deponent Saith not George James

P1121 - Feb 10. 88
3
Paxson Office.
Mr Wray
Stockbridge Inn Feb 5th
to the Secret Department

To the Secretary of the War Department, Dear Sir, Having been personally acquainted with Mr. Silas Potter, the person named in the enclosed paper, when he lived in Connecticut; knowing the fact of his being a pensioner, and also of his removal to, and present residence in this State; I am requested to state to your honor, that the old gentleman, who is near 90 years old is unable to recollect distinctly the name of the Captain under whom he served — that at the time of his application for a pension, his papers were all placed in the hands of his agent, and are now probably in possession of the department — that the last time of his drawing was in March 1835 at Hartford, Connecticut, of which the agent at Hartford has probably apprised the Department — that he did not apply in time to receive it in September in this State owing to a want of information as to the steps necessary to be taken to obtain a transfer.
Should any thing further be necessary, perhaps Gen. Holt, a member of Congress from Conn. who is acquainted with Mr. Potter, and knows the fact of his being a pensioner, and of his removal to this State, can furnish it.
Stockbridge, Madison County, State of N. York Feb. 3 rd 1838.
Yours Respectfully Noah M. Corbun

Monmouth N.H. Oct 26 Sept 3
pa
Mr Evans
J. L. Edwards Esq Corner of Pennion Washington D. C.

1837
Morrisville (Madison County NY) Sept 26
Sir Silas Potter a Pensioner under the act of June 1832, has moved from the state of Connecticut to this state (New York) & he wishes to be transferred to the agency of the state. What steps are necessary for him to take to have this effected - Will you have the goodness to inform me -
Respectfully yours Otho P. Granger
J. L. Edwards Esq

Silas Potter — Suppl — Declaration
[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]

State of Connecticut Windham County } to Ashford Probate District
On this 10 th day of August A.D. 1833 personally appeared, in open court, before the court of Probate, for said district now sitting, Silas Potter a resident of the Town of Ashford, in said district and county and State now aged 82 — years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth, on his oath, make the following supplemental declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832 — This declaration is made supplemental before declaration made before said court of Probate on the 8 th day of April 1833.
1 st That he served as stated in his former declaration four months at South Kingston in Rhode Island — entering the service in December 1776 and returned home about the 1 st of April 1777 — Capt d Simeon Clarke was his Captain and in the regiment commanded by Col o Thomas Potter — and that he served at this term of service, from Richmond in said Rhode Island to said Kingston — in this service he was an orderly sergeant 2 nd That he served a period of one year — an orderly sergeant in his turn as drafted, as stated in his former declaration — entering on this term of service, immediately after the above term of service of four months, in April 1777 and continuing to serve in his turn, of fifteen days service at a time, until April 1779, thus serving at this term of service the full period of one year as above stated — one month of this year he served on the Island, of Rhode Island in which time, he was in the Battle, in the Sullivan expedition, the remainder the said one year (excepting said one month) at South Kingston in said Rhode Island, kept guard on the shores and was garrisoned there at said South Kingston — in the above Battle David Moore was his Captain; field officers, Col o Ch s Dyer, Major Maxon and General Sullivan — when in garrison as above stated he served a part of the time under — Capt d Clarke — a part under Capt d Bailey and a part under Capt d Webb — that Col o Ch s Dyer commanded the regiment, to which he belonged —

That he was drafted and again served in his turn from the Militia, entering the service in April 1779 the day of the month he does not recollect and leaving the service in July 1781 - as stated in his former declaration - for the period of one year and one month and a half month at Tiverton and at Bristol and vicinity in Rhode Island, Company officers - Capt. Richard Bailey a part of the time and Capt. Joshua Webb a part of the time - Field Officers, were Major Nelson - Col. Ch. Dyer, and Genl. Spencer - that he was an orderly sergeant at this term of service - that they were garrisoned at said Tiverton and said Bristol and kept guard there - That this term of service as well as the second term above named was rendered, as stated in his former declaration in his turn in the Draft from the Militia - That is to say, one half of his company would serve fifteen days and then return, and the other half would go and serve fifteen days - and that he thus served in his turn, in the draft of fifteen days at a time, for the period above stated - and that for the period of service above stated he was not employed in any Civil pursuits. That he has now stated all the particulars he can recollect and furnish the best evidence he could obtain - That for all the periods above stated he lived belonged in said Richmond and in the two last terms of service, he marched from said Richmond to South Kingston, and through Providence and Warren to said Tiverton and to said Bristol in said Rhode Island - and that he served as above stated in the revolutionary war the period in the whole of two years, nine months, and fifteen days -
I as Potter
Sworn to, and subscribed on the day and year aforesaid, before the court aforesaid - Attest Benj. C. Simmons Clerk

And the said Court of Probate for the said District of Ashford do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter that the above named applicant, Silas Potter was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states -
Attest Benj. C. Simmons Clerk
I Benj. C. Simmons Clerk of the court of Probate for the District of Ashford, in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original supplemental proceedings of the said court of Probate in the matter of the application of Silas Potter for a pension -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said court of Probate This 10 th day of August A. D. 1833 -
Benj. C. Simmons Clerk

Elizabeth Potter application for one year pension
O. P. Granger agent of Morrisville, Madison Co N. Y.
371

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, 1838
State of New York
Madison County, On this 8 th day of April 1843 personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in & for said county of Madison, Elizabeth Potter a resident of the town of Starkbridge in said county of Madison 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 benefits of the provision 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 Silas Potter, who was a Sergeant in the army of the Revolution. That applicant as such widow received a pension of one hundred & twenty dollars per annum under the act of July 7, 1838 & that her pension Certificate granting said pension is dated on the twentieth day of March 1843. She further declares that she is still a widow & the widow of the said Silas Potter.
Sworn to & subscribed before me the 8 th day of April 1843 & I Certify that the said Declarant Elizabeth Potter is personally known to me & known to be the person & widow mentioned above -
Elizabeth Potter
John Potter justice Peace
State of New York
Clerks Office Madison County 3 rd J. Levison French Clerk of said county do certify that John Potter Esq before whom the above affidavit purports to have been taken, was on the day of the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly elected and qualified, and that I am

well acquainted with his hand writing and verify believe his signature to the same to be genuine. — Witness my hand and official seal the tenth day of April 1843. Oliver Fairchild Clerk.