Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 8185, for Ayer Phillips, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Conn.
Phillips, Ayer
R, 8, 1, 8, 5
CONTENTS

10.647 Agyn Phillips
Obj 5
suspend
✓
Arthur Brian 123
19
A B Johnson Pineful Count

BRIEF in the case of Ayer Phillips County of Wingham in the State of Colt (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Open Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 75 years  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     Amf In 1776 Line of service Private Gen. Clark. Col. Douglass   Spy 1777 2 " Capt Brown Col. Ely   Simms 1780 2 " Capt W. Clarke Col. Lacey   Fell 1780 6 " Col. Jones Col. McCallum  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? None  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Mainfield Count  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? By living witnesses  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct 
1832 1774 56 69 13
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Richd. D. Cotts Examining Clerk.

Ayer Phillips
Suspended
F B Hudson Plumsted

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
5 Oct 1833
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, shewing the Service of Ayer Philips
   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.              
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. (u) 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) _____, who has 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
It does not appear that the best evidence of his service has been produced. He should state carefully whether there are in his knowledge surviving officers of the term of service in 1780-81 in particular.

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 inquiry 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 fix 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.
[t] 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.

Ayer Phillips
Oct 1832.
6h.
Luc
N. B.—Should two or more heirs join in the foregoing, the plural should be substituted for the singular number.

State of Connecticut County of Windham
Be it Known, that on this twenty fourth day of January A. D. 185 3 before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Harvey Phillips who is the heir and only heir at Law of Ayer Phillips, dec resident of Plainfield in said County, and made oath according to law that he is the legal heir of Ayer Phillips who was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution, and who has heretofore made application for the benefit of the Pension Act of 1831 that he is directly interested as a claimant in said pension and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as my Agent may use in prosecuting said claim. of Ayer Phillips
Countermanding and revoking all Powers of Attorney, and authority heretofore given, I hereby constitute and appoint C. W. BENNETT , of Washington City , my true and lawful Attorney, to prosecute the claim of Ayer Phillips for any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or increase of Pension that may be due; and I hereby authorize my said Attorney to examine all papers or documents in relation to said claim on file in the Department at Washington City, or elsewhere, to file additional evidence or arguments, and to receive for my exclusive benefit, the certificate which may be issued for said claim, which certificate I wish made payable at the Washington City, D. C. Agency; to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed, and to do all things that I might or could do were I personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney and Agent shall lawfully do in the premises.
In presence of Benjamin Bacon Benjamin Bacon Sworn to, Subscribed and Acknowledged before me the day and year above written, and I hereby certify that I believe the said Harvey Phillips to be directly interested in said claim as set forth, and to be the identical party therein alleged.
Benjamin Bacon Justice of the Peace
State of Connecticut County of Windham
ss County Clerk's office
It is Hereby Certified, that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me, Clerk of the Court of  County Court for the  Windham County that Harvey Phillips the party who has sworn to, and acknowledged the foregoing Declaration and Power of Attorney is the identical child of the reputed soldier aforesaid. I further certify, that Benjamin Bacon Esq. before whom the preceding affidavit and Power of Attorney were made and acknowledged, was, at the time of so doing, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, and that the signature purporting to be his, I believe to be genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office, this third day of February 185 3 Willis Fuller Clerk
1. Claimant's name or names in full.—2. Post Office address. 3 "That he is the identical man," or, "that she is the widow of the identical man," or, "that he or she is the legal heir of the identical man," &c., &c. 4. Leave this line blank.—5. "He is," "she is," or "they are."—6. Revolutionary soldier's full name.—7. Claimant's signature.—8. Claimant's name.—9. Magistrate's signature. 10. "Identical," "widow of," or, "child of."—11. Magistrate's name.—12. Clerk's signature.
N. B.—Should two or more heirs join in the foregoing, the plural should be substituted for the singular number.

Williamstown Oct 10 th 1832. Dear Friend, I have the honor to inform you that the above affidavits above testimony in a certain is intitled to search for as in due course as to to the truth of the facts therein contained.
Yours sincerely
James W. Johnson Justice of Peace
1084 Agass Phillips
Return to be made to Francis B. Johnson Plainfield Ct
Whereunto Williamstown Oct 10 th 1832. and for the County of Washington in the State of Connecticut as hereby certifies that Francis B. Johnson Esq. before me known to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing affidavits was known to me to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing and nothing and that said facts and evidence before me to him to his satisfaction.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Bridgeport in said County this 5 th day of September A.D. 1832.
Francis B. Wells Clerk

Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
STATE OF CONNECTICUT, } SS. COUNTY OF WINDHAM, }
On this 3rd day of September A. D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court, before the Probate Court for District of Windham , now sitting, Ebenezer Phillips a resident of the town of Plainfield in the County of Windham, and State of Connecticut, aged 75 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: 1st in August 1776 . I was drafted in Col. John Douglass Reg. and in Lieut. Clarke's Company and marched in to Reg. & Comp. to Horse Neck in the State of New York from thence to West Chester where we remained three Months from thence to the White Plains and we there remained one Month from thence we marched to Miles Square where we remained between two and three Months from thence we marched to Dobbs Ferry and there remained about two Months. I was then dismissed and came home, during this time I saw Genl. Washington, Putman, Lee &c. in the Spring of 1777 I volunteered in Col. Ely's Reg. and Capt. Benjamin's Bde. and marched to New London Ct. and there remained in service in D Reg. & Comp. in building the Fort two Months and was then dismissed and came home, in the summer of 1780 . I was drafted in Col. Sillards Reg. & in Capt. Waterbury's Comp. and marched in D Reg. & Comp. to Groton Ct. & there remained two Months in service in working on the building of Fort Griswold, and then came home in the fall of the year 1780. Enlisted in Col. John M. Collins Reg. and Capt. Jones Comp. and marched to Providence R.I. before which another came on we took up digging intrenchments, during the night we were on guard the British then lay off at Rhode Island in route across in D Reg. Comp. I remained until the Spring of 1781. I was in around this time I think about six Months. I have no documentary evidence of my service.
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 the Town of Plainfield where I now live on the 24th day of August 1757  2. Have you any record of your age; and if so, where is it? Ans. in my Father's Family Bible  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the revolutionary war, and where do you now live? I lived in the Town of Plainfield when called into the service & have there since since except about six years which I spent in Massachusetts  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom? I can answer no otherwise than above  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. I do not know that I can state any more than I have above.  6. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service; and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? When I went my portion of duty I had a gratia discharge but at no other time but was honorably discharged.  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. 
W. John Milton
Samuel Rockwell Ebenezer Phillips

Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year aforesaid, before the Probate Court for the District of Windham in the State of Connecticut.
Probate District Plainfield
John Gordon Clerk
We Samuel Rockwell a clergyman, residing in the town of Plainfield in said Windham County, and John Witter residing in (the same,) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Ayer Phillips who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration, that he believes him to be 75 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. Sam l Rockwell John Witter
Sworn, and subscribed, on the day and year aforesaid, before the Probate Court for the District of Windham in the State of Connecticut.
Probate District Plainfield
John Gordon 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 Samuel Rockwell who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman resident in the said town of Plainfield and that John Witter who signed the same is a resident in the said town of Plainfield and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I John Gordon Clerk of the Probate Court for the District 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 Ayer Phillips for a pension.
Probate District Plainfield
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this 3 rd day of September A. D. 1832
John Gordon Clerk of Probate for Plainfield District
I Reuben Bryant of Plainfield in Windham County and State of Connecticut , aged 69 years, as follows in the war of the revolution, as a Patriot do testify and say, that in and in the month of March of 1776 I was in the Continental Army from Boston to New York City , in Col. Purn's Reg. and from New York City we marched to King's Bridge and from them we retreated to the White Plains and from them to Dobbs Ferry . I was in service there about one year, as I do testify and say that I was convinced that I frequently saw Ayer Phillips of said Plainfield who was a soldier in the State Troops , I saw him in service

at Kings Bridge, at White-plains, and Dob- su. They at these places I saw him a great number of times, and then was bound him to be in the service. I was well acquainted with him before I went into the service, and I have no doubt from my knowl- edge of the man of the within named up- and other Phillips, that he was in service this time the free home of Sir Walter, and I do testify and say that I saw the said Agur Phillips in Col. McKeever Reg. (I should think in the year 1780) at Providence R.I. a number of times, how long he was there I am not able to say, and further say the rest.
Rev. Gen. Bryant
Windham County ss Plainfield Aug 13 th 1832. Personally appeared Richard Bryant sign of the above and foregoing affidavit, whereunto swore as a witness is entitled to swear under oath to the truth of the facts therein contained. Before Me.
Francis B. Johnson Justice of Peace
I the undersigned of Plainfield in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut, a Soldier in the war of the re- bellion, aged 69 years, do testify and say that I was well acquainted with the within named up-mentioned Agur Phillips, who I was well acquainted with in the war of the rebellion, and I do testify and say that I well remembered that in the year 1776 Col. John Douglass Reg. marched to New-Christie & N.Y. and that the within named up-mentioned Agur Phillips was in service

Reg. In the said Ayr Phillips was gone some time in this Town, how long I am not now able to say. I like was remembered that the said Ayr Phillips was by report which I heard in the neighbourhood at the time, at Windsor was in a Quaker or number of months in the leading of the Suits. this I heard from him & others at or near the time of his service. I then lived within a few rods of the said Ayr Phillips; in 1780 I was one of the the service myself, but was recalled that he was at Providence in Col. Saltonstall's Cheshire Reg. how long he was gone at this time I am not now able to say, and further the Depo- not say not.
Windham County ss Plainfield Sept. 3 d 1832. Then personally appeared Mr. Phillips sign of the above affidavit whose testimony in a controversy is entitled to credit, and whose solemn oath to the truth of the facts therein contained.
Before Me Francis B. Johnson Justice of Peace
Ayr Phillips
Oath to be read to Francis B. Johnson Plainfield Vt.
I, Morris Bolles Clerk of the County Court within and for the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut do hereby certify that Francis B. Johnson Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavits were made is duly enrolled as a Justice of the Peace in and for said Windham County, that the foregoing signatures of his name are in his hand writing, and that full faith and credit ought to be given to his acts as such.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Brooklyn in said County this 5 th day of September, A.D. 1832.
Morris Bolles Clerk

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
February 25, 1926
Mrs. Lewis T. Champlin 142 Grove St. Putnam, Conn.
Madam:
I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 8185, it appears that AYER PHILLIPS was born in Plainfield, Connecticut, August 24, 1757.
He stated that while a resident of said place he served with the Connecticut Troops at various times from August 1, 1776, until May, 1781, amounting to about twenty months in all, as private under Lieutenant Clark, Captains Abram Shepherd, Benjamin Bacon, Waterman, Joshua Bottom, Jones, Major Backus, Colonels John Douglass, Ely, Ledyard, John McClellan; he was in the battle of White Plains.
He applied for pension September 3, 1832, while a resident of Plainfield, Windham County, Connecticut, but his claim was not allowed as he failed to furnish satisfactory proof of six months service as required by the pension law.
In 1853 Harvey Phillips (a son of the soldier) stated that he was the only heir of Ayer Phillips.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner

1926 Feb. 25 hist. to "Vice" Service of chain film See letter in case of Thos. Weaver S. 35717. W.C.S. 1929 May 28 - Hist. to Roy C. my Phillips - letter referred to proper div. for Civil War data.
Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
REJECTED
S/S
P. O. Ayer Phillips
Service: _____
Enlisted: REJECTED , 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Sis of 1852 gives following reason for see pension: "He did not serve in us." Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

Connecticut
Rev.
Act 7. June 1832
Ayer Phillips
185
suspended
See letter to
F. B. Johnson
Plainfield
Nov. 4. 1833
letter to same 4 Dec r 1833

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Ezra Phillips which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? evo vide green 5 VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. † Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which 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 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 shewn 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.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
‡QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the 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.
¶ In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.

26. 5 74 Agnes Phillips
Application for a Pension
Certificate to be sent to Francis B. Johnson, Quincy Ill.
With this for Dr. Knowles of Windlewood

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.
State of Vermont County of Windham
On this 9 th day of July 1833, personally appeared in open Court, before the Probate Court for the District of Plainfield in said County now sitting Asa Phillips, a resident of the Town of Plainfield, in the County of Windham, and State of Vermont, aged 75 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: — 1 st Service. That on the 1 st day of August 1776 I was drafted in a Company commanded by Lieutenant Clark in Col. John Douglass Regiment of State Troops or Militia, and on the 2 nd day of

being discharged. I marched in said Company and Regiment to Horse-neck in the State of Connecticut from thence we were marched to Westchester in the state of N.Y. where I remained in service in said Company and Regiment, three Months ; From thence we were marched to the White Plains in the same State, and I there remained in service, in said Company and Regiment as aforesaid, one Month From thence we were marched to Miles-square, in the same State, where I remained, in service as aforesaid, two Months From thence we were marched to Dobson-Fury, so called in the said State of New York, and there remained in service as aforesaid, two Months , when I was discharged, which was the fore part of April 1777. Making in the whole of this time Eight Months which I was in service in our Company. Captain Clark was our Orderly-Sergeant, under Sergeants Nathaniel Sattley & Ebenezer Harris, Corporals Lewis Harris and Sam Jones:—

Ebenezer Lyon was Adjutant , in said Regiment, during this tour of duty Step- hen Clark aforesaid was promoted to Serge- ant-Major , in this same I saw Generals Washington , Putnam , Lee , etc. Elias Woodard was Commissary in said Regiment.— I was in the action which took place at White Plains aforesaid, between the Amer- icans and a large party of the enemy which landed at Long's Creek. If General Washington was not in this action he was near by, as I saw him soon before and after the action;— In proof of this tour of service I refer to the affi- davit of Asahel  Bryant herunto annex- ed, as the only proof of this my tour of duty, as I know of no person living who saw me in service in this tour excepting the said Bryant .— and, I have no documentary evidence what- soever. I did the duty of a private soldier,

2 d Some. That on the 18 th or 20 th of April 1777. I voluntarily enlisted in a company commanded by Capt. Benjamin Burow, which was a part of the Connecticut Militia, and marched in said company to New-London Ct. where we were joined to the Regiment commanded by Col. Ely, the Lieutenant in said company was De- rekiah Butts. Ensign. — Dacey. — I remained in service in said company and Regiment, at said New-London in building the Fort, until the last of June 1777, when I was discharged and came home, making three months that I was in service in this town of duty. I know of no person living who was with me in this town of duty, or that saw me in service at this time, and have no documentary evidence in relation to the same, and refer to the affidavit of Job Phillips hereto annexed as the only evidence in my power to prove of my services in this town of duty. — I cannot remember any more of the officers than I have named above. —

3 d June.
That in the fore part of September 1780. (the same day I cannot recollect) I voluntarily enlisted in Capt. — Jones Company and marched to Providence R.I. and was there joined to the Regiment of Connecticut State Troops or Militia under the command of Col. John M c Clure, the officers which I remember in said Capt. — Jones Company were as follows 1 st Lieut. Samuel Grosvenor, 2 d Lieut. Ebenezer Harris, Ensign — Mylie, Joseph Harris was Sergeant, Thomas Harris was Corporal, Jeremiah Wilby was Captain of a Company in the same Regiment. I was in service in said Company and Regiment at said Providence, until cold weather came on, in digging entrenchments, but after cold weather came on. During the winter & Spring I was in duty as guard. I continued in service at said Providence in said Regiment and Company as aforesaid until the fore part of May 1781. during the last of the winter and the Spring the British left Long Island. — In said May of 1781. I was honourably discharged and came home, making in this time of duty Eight Months which I was in service. I have given the names of the officers so far as I can recollect and.

proof of my services in this tour of duty. I refer to the affidavit of Richard Bryant herewith annexed as the only proof in my power to prove of my services. I have no documentary evidence of this tour of service. I rendered duty in all my tour as in the capacity of a private soldier . The aggregate of time spent in the three tours mentioned in this my declaration, is Eighteen Months , for which I ask a pension.
I am old and have lost my mem- ory, and cannot therefore give the quin- tel circumstances of my services, when the names of the officers more fully than I have in my declaration, and have produced all the proof in my power, in relation to my services as aforesaid. I therefore can say nor do any more.

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 proffered to said applicant. Q's.
1 st Where and in what year were you born? Ans. in the town of Plainfield Windham County, State of Connecticut, where now living, on the 24 th day of August 1757;—
2 d Have you any records of your age, and if so where is it? Ans. In the Bible that was my Father's Family Bible:—
3 rd Where were you living when called into service? Where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live? Ans. I have always lived in Plainfield, aforesaid, where I now live;—

4 th How were you called into service? Were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute, and if a substitute for whom? Ans. I was drafted , and voluntarily enlisted ;—
5 th 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, under the general circumstances of your service? I have given the names of all the officers who were with me, and with the Troops where I served, that I can recollect, under the general circumstances of my service as fully as I am able, in my declaration.—

6 th Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and, if so by whom was it given, and what has become of it? Ans. I never received any written discharge, but was honorably discharged;
7 th 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. Sumner Rockwell and John Witte. Myer Phillips
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year aforesaid, before the Probate Court for the District of Plainfield, in Windham County, and State of Connecticut.
Joseph Eaton Judge of the Court of Probate for Plainfield District

We Samuel Rockwell a Clergyman residing in the Town of Plainfield in said County and State, and John Witte residing in the same, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Ayer Phillips, who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration, that we believe him to be 75 years of age, that he is respected and believed in the neighbourhood where he resided to have been a soldier in the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sam l Rockwell
John Witte
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year aforesaid, before the Probate Court for the District of Plainfield, in the County and State aforesaid. —
Joseph Eaton Judge of Probate for the District of Plainfield

and the Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogat- ories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and since as he states, and the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Samuel Backwell, who has signed the preceding Affidavit, is a clergyman residing in the Town of Plainfield, and that John Witte who signed the same, is a resident in the said Town of Plainfield, and is a credible person, and that their statement is ent- itled to credit, and that the persons who has subscribed the within affidavits are well known to this Court to be a credible whose testimony is entitled to credit
Joseph Eaton Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Plainfield

I John S. Gordon Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Springfield, in the above said County and State, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Agnes Phillips for a pension. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court this 9th day of July 1833.
John S. Gordon Clerk Probate for the District of Springfield

I Reskin Bryant of Plainfield in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut, aged 78 years, a soldier in the War of the Revolution, and a Pensioner, do testify and say, that in the Month of December 1775. I enlisted in Captain Christopher Ely's Company in Col. Parsons Regiment of State Troops or Militia, the officers in said Company, Lieut. — Richd Ensign David Dorrance, Sergeants, Squire Ladd and — Shaw, and in said Month of December, marched to Newbury Massachusetts, and there remained in service until April 1776, when we were marched — through Connecticut, to New-York City, and remaining in service in said Company and Regiment in the State of New-York at different places until the last of January or first of February 1777, and I was then discharged, and came home, and I do further testify and say, that during this tour of service, I saw Asa Phillips then and now of Plainfield's residence, and the identical person who had signed the foregoing declaration, from August 1776 to January or February 1777. I saw him the said Phillips during this period in a Company commanded by Lieut — Clark in Col John Douglass

Regiment of State Troops or Militia, I had been the said Phillips in service in said Company and Regiment during their service often were at the following places, to wit, at White Plains, Dobbs Ferry, Westchester and Miles square all in the State of New York, and I very often saw the said Phillips at the aforesaid places during the aforesaid period, and I further testify that when I was discharged I left the said Phillips in service in the aforesaid Company and Regiment, and I further testify and say that in the Winter of 1780, Major Phipp of Windham Connecticut, took the comman- d of four companies of Militia which were raised to march to the State of Rhode Island, and some marched to Providence Rhode Island, Capt. John Kim- ball had the command of one of the comp- anies and I enlisted into his Company and marched under said Captain and Major to Providence Rhode Island, and there remained in service in said Com- pany under said Captain and Major the term of six weeks, and then ma- rched to Bristol in the same State, and there remained two or three weeks, and then we were marched back to Prov-

were afterwards, and then coming two weeks, when we were dismissed and I came home. And I do further testify and say that during the two different periods of my stay at Pro- vidence aforesaid, I saw the afore- said Ezra Phillips, in duty in capt. James Company, in Col. John M. Williams Regiment of Connecticut State Troops or Militia, in actual service. I saw him as often as every three days that I was there, and I left him the said Ezra Phillips in service in said Company and Regiment when I came from Providence afore- said the last time, I have always lived in the same town with the said Ezra Phillips, before and since the War, & know him well, and have no doubt from what I know of his services in the said aforesaid, that he served in the whole in those towns fourteen months or more, for true this Deponent doth not know not.
Reuben H. Dyer

Windham County ss Plainfield July 9 th 1833.
Personally appeared in open Court St. Reuben Bryant, signer of the within and foregoing affidavit, who is personally known to this Court, as a witness, whose testimony is entitled to full credit and has made solemn oath to the truth of the same. Before me
Joseph Eaton Judge of Probate for the District of Plainfield

I Job Phillips of Plainfield in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut, a Soldier in the War of the revolution, and a Pensioner, aged 69 years, do testify and say, that in the spring and summer of 1777. I was living and residing at home at my Father's house in Plainfield aforesaid, in the neighbourhood of Ager Phillips who was resident and lives in said Plainfield, and I do testify and say that I perfect- ly well remember, that said Ager Phillips in the Month of April in the year of said 1777. enlisted in a Company of Connecticut Militia, commanded by Capt. Benjamin Bacon, for a term of duty at New London on Mt. and that said Ager Phillips did march in said Company from said Plain- field for said New London, and that he was gone from home until the latter part of June same year, during the period I was often at the house of the Father of the said Ager Phillips, and understood at the time that he was to serve a term of three Months, and after he came home I well remember that it was said by him the said Ager Phillips that he had served a term of three Months or more, and further this Deponent saith Not. Job Phillips

State of Connecticut Windham County ss. Plainfield July 8 th 1833.
Personally appeared Job Phillips, Signer of the foregoing affida- vit, who is personally and well known to me, as a witness whose testimony is entitled to full credit and belief and made solemn oath to the truth of the same. Before Me.
J. B. Johnson.
Notary Public Within & for the County of Windham.
26.5.24
Job Phillips
Application for a Pardon
Certificate to be sent to James W. Johnson, Pardon-By. St.

Sturminster Newton 11 th 1893.
In your Letter of the 4 th inst. in relation to the Prussian claim of Messrs Phillips & others has been duly received. Mr Phillips states more service in his last declaration than in his first, from the fact that he has by reflection enabled himself to state with more accuracy. I have taken his affidavit of explanation, and the affidavit of a few of his neighbours as to his character for truth. I have not obtained a certificate that I am a Justice, as I have one now already in your office, which was sent to you by Mr Burnham Clerk of the U.D. Branch, Bank at Mansfield.
I hope this explanation will be satisfactory in relation to Mr Phillips claim. I am Sir Yours Affectionately Hon J. L. Edwards Francis B. Schofield

I, Sylee Phillips of Acinfield in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut, aged 75 years, a soldier in the war of the revolution, and an applicant for a pension, do testify and say that at the time, I made my first declaration for a pension, the details in relation to my service, and the time I was out in service, was in a great measure, gone from my recollection, it was a subject which I had not thought of for many years, but by conversing with those who were in the service, and reflection I was enabled, as I thought, to state the length of my service very nearly correct, as to my time of duty in 1776. and 1777 to West Chester Co. Pa. I may be mistaken, but on further reflection, I am not prepared, to think differently, than I stated in my first declaration, I recollect being dischar- ged from Lieut. Charles Mansfield's, which I thought was the last of December 1776. or the 1 st of January 1777, but I am told, the Pay Roll says it was the 5 th of November. But I well recollect that I served a conside- rable time under Maj. Backus, and there- for as long a period under Capt. Abram Shephard, both of this town, after I was discharged from the Company of Lieut. Clarke, at which security what-

time I came home I am not able to say, but winter had passed, and the people were following, when I was on my way home. I left Springfield for West-Charter for this town of duty in the Month of August 1876. The people here had not then finished their buying, and as we passed the St. River at Hartford, they were mowing the Hartford Meadows, so called, on the 24 th August we were at Wesseneck in this state. That was my birth day, and my Brother who is now dead and William Spalding who is likewise dead, were with me & proposed to ship me, and I wanted to get rid of it. I have no doubt that I was not in this town of duty all of eight Months.
As to my second term of duty, which was to Providence R.I. I can only say, that I well recollect, that I started the service in the fall, and came home some time in the Spring, it was warm weather when I came home, and I have no doubt I served as long as eight Months in this term of duty;—
I was out on drafts at different times at Wadsworth Ct. & Grafton Ct. and Point Luce the R.I. at the first time, at New London. I was under Capt. Benjamin Bacon. The second time at Grafton I was under Capt. Joshua Norton and

the 3 d time at Paint-Suboth I was un- der capt. Watuman, and was gone about two Months each time. but this I did not state in my declaration, as I could not get proof of my services in these times.
Ayer Phillips
Windham County ss. Springfield Nov 11 th 1853. Personally appeared Ayer Phillips signature of the above and foregoing affidavit, whose testimony as a wit- ness is entitled to full credit & belief and makes solemn oath to the truth of the same, before Me.
Francis B. Johnson Justice of Peace
We the undersigned, inhabitants of the town of Springfield aforesaid, and nei- ghbours to the above named, Ayer Phillips, do testify and say that we have been well acquainted with him, for thirty years and upwards, and that no man stands higher for truth and veracity among his neighbours, and that his statements are entitled to full credit & belief.
Frederick Gray Oliver Eaton E. C. Eaton Jeremiah Hovey George W. Gordon

Windham County p. Plainfield Nov 11 th 1832 Personally appeared E. C. Eaton Frederick Gray Joseph Nuttall and George W. Gordon signers of the foregoing affidavit who are per- sonally known to the subscriber as wit- ness whose testimony is entitled to credit, and made solemn oath to the truth of the same, before me Francis B Johnson Justice of Peace

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section NMR/eel
list. of his ad. copied from let. of Feb. 25-1926
May 28, 1929
Roy C. Phillips 2021 Wirt Street Omaha, Nebraska
Sir:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 8185, it appears that Ayer Phillips was born in Plainfield, Connecticut, August 24, 1757.
He stated that while a resident of said place he served with the Connecticut Troops at various times from August 1, 1776, until May 1, 1781, amounting to about twenty months in all, as private under Lieutenant Clark, Captains Abram Shepherd, Benjamin Bacon, Waterman, Joshua Bottom, Jones, Major Backus, Colonels John Douglass, Ely, Ledyard, John McClellan; he was in the battle of White Plains.
He applied for pension September 3, 1832, while a resident of Plainfield, Windham County, Connecticut, but his claim was not allowed as he failed to furnish satisfactory proof of six months service as required by the pension law.

In 1853 Harvey Phillips (a son of the soldier) stated that he was the only heir of Ayer Phillips.
The Revolutionary War records of this bureau fail to show a claim for pension on file on account of the services of Darius Phillips.
The data furnished you in regard to Asa Phillips, Senior, and Asa Phillips, Junior, were assembled from the applications for pension and land on file in this bureau, and there are no general genealogical data on file.
Your letter which also contained request for Civil War data, has been referred to the proper division for reply.
Respectfully,
EARL D. CHURCH Commissioner.
He stated that Asa Phillips, Jr., 1827-1887 (Wt. 29451-120-55) was not the one he wanted that it did not fit in with Plainfield Records etc. That he could not be the son of Asa Phillips, Sr. 1792-29 etc.