Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 15574, for Oliver Phelps, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Phelps, Oliver
S. 15574
carded
CONTENTS
[Ruled lines for entry]
[Ruled lines for entry]

Vermont N o 28,333
Oliver Phelps
St. Johnsbury in the State of Vermont was a private in the Comp y commanded Captain Smith of the Reg t commanded Col Webb in the Connecticut for 12 months
Enrolled on the Roll of Vermont the rate of 40 Dollars — Cents per annum commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 th day of May 1834 - Hon. B. F. and Deming H. R.
Arrears to the 14th of Mar. 1834. 120.00 Pens ant. allowance ending 4 th Sept " 20.00 $ 140.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by R. Brundin Clerk, Book 8 Vol. 3 Page 85 -

Ms 26/70
Col. index
Oliver Phelps
Common
Admrs as per note
Bms p 40
proof see letter to
A Paul Eg. in 93
no proof
H. B. F. Dunning

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Oliver Phelps of Concord, Vermont
   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.     Enlist 1780 1 Private Col. Mott Majors Danna & Hibbard 19. 86 Richford Connect Incidental {  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I, _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the 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.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Oliver Phelps Declaration

State of Vermont } ss. District & County of Caledonia } On this third day of January A.D. 1833 personally appeared before the Hon. Benj. J. Deming, Judge of the Court of Probate for the Dis- trict of Caledonia aforesaid now sitting, Oliver Phelps a resident of St. Johnsbury in the District and County of Caledonia aforesaid aged sixty nine years last March 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 7. 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.
That in the latter part of March or first of April 1780 at Norfolk, County of Litchfield and State of Connecticut, his then place of residence he enlisted for the term of one year in the company of Capt. Matthew Smith, Lieut. Wilson, Sergeant Allen was taken prisoner and after his exchange was appointed Ensign. Mustered at Stamford Conn. and there joined the Regt. of Col. Webb in the Connecticut troops. Majors Dana and Shipman. Adjutants Bull & Whiting, under the command of Gen. Waterbury, stationed a few miles east of Horse neck and there remained until May or June when marched about noon and through the night to a place called "Frog's point" in Westchester State of New York and there about sunrise the next morning had an engagement with the enemy, and on the same day retreated to White Plains, entered the encampment occupied by the French troops, pitched their tents at the left of the French troops and there remained a month or two - during the time went down to "Frog's point" had a skirmish with the British and drove them off. From the White Plains marched to Horse neck and there remained a month or two - thence to Stamford northerly of Palmer's hill and there built a Fort called Waterbury fort

and there remained during the winter and was there discharged having served the full term of his engagement in the same Company and Regiment.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the Agency of any state.
That he has no documentary evidence and knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his services.
Was born in Goshen, Litchfield Co. Conn. March 1763. Has no record of his age but has seen a record of his age in the town records of said Goshen. Was living when called into the service at Norfolk Conn. and removed from there to Barkhamsted in the same County about the year 1784 or 1785 - and there resided until the month of April 1826 when he removed to St. Johnsbury, Vermont, where he has ever since resided. Entered the service by voluntary enlistment and was not a substitute for any person.
Recollects that Gen. La Fayette was at the White plain That he did not receive a written discharge from the service.
Oliver Phelps
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Before Benj. H. Dunning
Judge of Probate

I Ephraim Paddock residing in St. Johnsbury in the County of Caledonia and State of Vermont, do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Oliver Phelps who has made the foregoing declaration, and have known him for twenty seven years last past, that I believe him to be sixty nine years of age, that he sustains a good character for truth and veracity, and I have no doubt that he served one year in the revolutionary war as he states; and I recollect hearing the said Oliver or a brother of his now deceased, some twenty years since, relate an anecdote of the said Oliver whilst he was in the revolutionary service. Ephraim Paddock
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid Before Benj. H. Dunning Judge of Probate
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 James Johnson who has signed the accompanying certificate is a Clergyman resident in said St. Johnsbury, and that Luther Sewell who has also signed the same is a respectable gentleman resident in said St. Johnsbury, having formerly been a representative in the Congress of the United States, and that Ephraim Paddock who has signed the foregoing certificate is a highly respectable gentleman resident in the same St. Johnsbury and recently one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of this State, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

I Amos Paul Register of the Court of Probate for the District of Caledonia aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Oliver Phelps for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this ninth day of January A. D. 1833.
Amos Paul Register
Oliver Phelps Declaration

information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. Oliver Phelps, Ser. File 15-5-74
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Mch. or Apr. 1781 1 year Pvt. Matthew Smith { Gen. Waterbury's Brigade } Conn.                                                   
Battles engaged in, in 3 skirmishes, two at Traps Point. Residence of soldier at enlistment, Norfolk, Pittsfield Co. Conn. Date of application for pension, Jan'y 3, 1833. His cl. was al. Residence at date of application, St. Johnsbury Caledonia Co. Vt. Age at date of application, born Mch. 1763 at Goshen, Pittsfield Co. Conn.
Remarks: ✓

P
1554/11
✓
INVALID.
1909 Dec 29 Hist. to Lizzie B. Conner V.L.M. 1910 Jan 25 Hist. to Gertrude D. Seeley V.L.M.
File No. 1554/11
Oliver Phelps
Pri Rev War
Act: June 7" 82
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 444
[Arrangement of 1870.]

The records of the State show that the General Assembly of Connecticut, at their session in November 1780 ordered a regiment to be raised for defence of Horseneck, and to serve until the first of March 1782; that Matthew Smith was appointed one of the Captains.
Barabel Beebe was appointed Lt Col. & Edward Shipman Major.
This corps was, in February 1781, augmented & reorganized, & subjected to the command of a Brig. General.
Dec r 2 nd 1833.
E. Phelps -
Comptroller's Office December 2 nd 1833
I Elisha Phelps Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Connecticut, do certify, that it appears by the account of the Pay Table that the under date June 13 th 1782

Capt. Matthew Smith was credited by his account rendered § 2313, 1, 2, & that there was charged to the United States, viz, To " amount Capt. Matthew Smith account rendered " pay roll, Waterbury's brigade of fine § 2313, 1, 2. "
That it also appears that Col. Babe was not in service under this appointment, that the above mentioned corps was divided into two battalions of Infantry commanded by Majors Shipman & Humphreys, & a company of Cavalry, & the whole commanded by Genl. Waterbury.
No roll of Capt. Matthew Smith's company has been found; nor any evidence showing how long it was in service.
E. Phelps.
Mr. Phelps has § 2313, 1, 2.

Oliver Phelps Add. Declaration.

State of Vermont
Caledonia District ss.
On this 30th day of April A.D. 1834 person- ally appeared before the Hon. Samuel Lias Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Caledonia aforesaid now sitting Oliver Phelps a resident of St. Johnsbury in said District and who being first duly sworn according to law doth make the following declaration in addition to and explain- atory of his declaration made before Probate Jan. 3. 1833.
I Oliver Phelps, in addition to my former declaration, further say, that at the time I enlisted by the consent of my father, being then a minor, there were six others of about my age enlisted from the same town (Essex) to wit: Cyrus Norton, Joel Phelps, Seth Walter, Nathan Brown, Joseph Humphrey & Stephen Mace; all save Mace served under Capt. Matthew Smith; Mace served as I now think in a company of Horse, which I believe was commanded by one Sheldon — We entered the service immediately after entering, I think it was in March 1780, but from examining a copy from the contractors office in Connecticut, from further reflection I may be mistaken in the year, it may have been in 1781 that I enlisted, in stead of being discharged that year; but whether in 1780 or in 1781, we were marched directly to Palmers hill near Horse neck; where we found a number of other companies; one commanded by Capt. Stoddard, I believe there was a company commanded by Capt. Porter, there was a company called Major Dana's company; and it now appears to me, that there was another company commanded by a Capt. Smith, other than Matthew Smith; there was also a company of light horse (cavalry) which it appears to me now, was commanded by Sheldon Sheldon, while encamped on Palmers hill, there was a guard consisting of one sergeant, corporal & 12 privates kept at Pittock bridge, distant a mile or so from the hill; on the 1st of May I was ordered on that guard under Sargent Allen, (afterwards Ensign) to stand 24 hours, about sunrise, the 2nd day a company of horse (called DeLoach's Rifles) advanced rapidly upon us; having rained during the night, our guns were all wet save three; the guard dispersed, the Sargent Corporal & three privates were taken; I ran to the bank of the stream & crawled up under the roots of a stump in an excavation made by the water; I was pursued by two of the enemy who came on the stump, but they could not reach or see me without getting into the water, which they had not the time or inclination to do, for the troops from the hill were upon them & they fled; I glad was I. — The last of May or in June we were marched for forage point ; past Round hill in the night, where it was stated the British had a force; reached forage point as the sun rose; as we mounted a rise from the marsh, we found ourselves within less than 20 rods of a line of British infantry paraded just over the ridge, they fired upon us & killed Cyrus Norton & one other from our company & we then fired on them & pursued them a mile or two, when we were ordered to retreat, & they pursued us; I think we had but one other killed on our side, the skirmishing lasted about an hour.

encamped. The service commenced immediately after enlistment, & I think it was in March 1780, but from examining a copy from the controller's office in Connecticut, from further reflection I may be mistaken in the year, it may have been in 1781 that I enlisted, in stead of being discharged that year; but whether in 1780 or in 1781, we were marched directly to Palmers hill near horse neck; where we found a number of other companies; one commanded by Capt Stoddard, I believe there was a company commanded by Capt Partin, there was a company called Major Deane's company; and it now appears to me, that there was another company commanded by a Capt. Smith, other than Matthew Smith; there was also a company of light horse (cavalry) which it appears to me now, was commanded by Capt. Sheldon , while encamped on Palmers hill, there was a guard consisting of Sargeant, corporal & 12 privates kept at Titus's bridge, distant a mile or so from the hill; on the 1 st of May I was ordered on that guard under Sargeant Allen, (afterwards Ensign) to stand 24 hours, about sunrise the 2 d day a company of horse (called Deane's refugees) advanced rapidly upon us; having rained during the night, our guns were all wet save three; the guard dispersed, the Sargeant corporal & three privates were taken; I ran to the bank of the stream & crawled up under the roots of a stump in an excavation made by the water; I was pursued by two of the enemy who came on the stump, but they could not reach or see me without getting into the water, which they had not the time or inclination to do, for the troops from the hill were upon them & they fled; I glad was I, — The last of May or in June we were marched for forage point; past Boars hill in the night, where it was stated the British had a force; reached forage point as the sun rose; as we mounted a rise from the marsh, we found ourselves within less than 20 rods of a line of British infantry paraded just over the ridge, they fired upon us & killed Cyrus Norton & one other from our company & we then fired on them, & pursued them a mile or two, when  then we were ordered to retreat, & they pursued us; I think we had but one other killed on our side, the skirmishing lasted about two hours; we retreated on to the white plains, where there were less or more of the French army encamped; we lay there with the French, for six or eight weeks; I learnt afterwards, that

Gen Waterbury expected the French to have attacked the enemy on Redmond hill at the same time that he marched us on to frogs point; but for some reason they did not, therefore he ordered our retreat; Major Shipman commanded where our company was arranged, marching to & from frogs point. While we lay at White plain, we were again marched down upon frogs point, & the enemy fled to their ships - they fired from the ships, but did us no harm: we stayed there several days; during the time Gen. Washington was there. - I saw Gen Lafayette at the white plains, to which place we were again marched; after this, it might have been in August, we were marched on to horse creek about a mile west or north west from the ledge which it was said Gen Putnam rode his horse down, where we encamped until last of Oct or first of Nov, then marched into the edge of Stamford, about one mile north of Palmers hill, & built Waterbury fort & wintered in it; keeping a guard at Titus' bridge at the end of the year we were dismissed, & myself & three others returned home. All who enlisted with me are either dead or gone to parts unknown to me, and
_____ I stated in my declaration to which this is in addition, that Capt Matthew Smith company, belonged to Col. Webb's regiment, I supposed that as Gen. Waterbury commanded in person, there was as a matter of course, a Col. under him; & I did not see or hear any Col. spoken of as I now recollect, but Col. Webb; the first time that I remember of seeing Col. Webb was some time in the winter; he came to fort waterbury, bringing in one of my com messmates who had been sent out on a patrolling party, & was badly wounded on the head by the cut of a British sword; I saw him in the fort several times afterwards, but I have no recollection of ever seeing him take any command at the fort or any other place. When he brought in the wounded soldier, I heard Col. Webb say that as it was said by Capt Ell. Smith who came to our Barracks tent with Webb visiting the wounded man; that Col. Webb was returning from N. York or the British lines, where he had been on business bearing a flag of truce, & met the British party with the wounded man & several others who they had as prisoners; & they let the Col. take the man upon his parole of honor.
I have recently understood from Hon. Tim o Hinson, who served in Col. Mead's regiment in that section before & after I was out, that there was a Col. Charles Webb who belonged to Stamford Ct. Oliver Phelps
Sworn to and subscribed this 30 th day of April A.D. 1834.
Before me
Saml. H. Judge of Probate.

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the in- terrogatories prescribed by the War department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states in the foregoing declaration.
I Amos Paul Register of the Court of Probate for the District of Caledonia aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Oliver Phelps for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this 30 th day of April A.D. 1834.
Amos Paul Register
since the above was presented after entering, I think it was

Oliver Phelps
2338
24178
Paid 6
How Benj o G Denning
Sanville 101-

We James Johnson a clergyman residing in the town of St. Johnsbury in the county of Caledonia and Luther Jewett residing in the same St. Johnsbury do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Oliver Phelps of said St. Johnsbury who has as we understand, made a declaration before the Probate Court in order to obtain a pension for revolutionary services, that we believe him to be sixty nine years of age; that he sustains a good character for truth and veracity and we have no doubt but that he served one year in the revolutionary war as he states. James Johnson
Luther Jewett.
State of Vermont } Caledonia County ss } St. Johnsbury January A.D. 1833
Personally appeared the above named James Johnson and Luther Jewett who have subscribed the above certificate and made oath that the same is just and true.
Before me
Luther Clark — Justice of the Peace
State of Vermont } Caledonia County ss. } I Benjamin H. Deming clerk of Caledonia County Court do hereby certify that Luther Clark is one of the Justices of the Peace for said County and that the above is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I hereto affix the seal of said Court and subscribe my name this ninth day of January A.D. 1833.
Benjamin H. Deming

Lansing, Mich.
Dec 12 - 1909 Pension Department
Dear Sir
Can you give me the Revolutionary War record of Oliver Phelps who was granted a pension in Caladonia County Vermont I think during the 1830's
Can you also give me the Revolutionary War record of Charles Perkins who was given a land grant of what is now part of New York City If you can I shall be greatly obliged
Sincerely Yours
Levi B. Coles
403 Seymore St. Lansing Mich

Osceola, Tioga Co., Penn. Jan. 13, 1910.
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
I am making application to be admitted a member of D. A. R. on the record of my ancestor, Oliver Phelps. Oliver Phelps was pensioned for Revolutionary services. His name appears in a "Census of Pensioners for Revolutionary Services as returned by the Marshals under Sixth Census" (1840), page 123. He then resided at Elkland, Tioga County, Pennsylvania, where he died May 20, 1848. Where he resided when he applied for his pension I do not know. He was in Captain Mathew Smith's Company of Connecticut men for 1781.

I am informed that his application for a pension will recite the services that he performed as a soldier. It is necessary for me to state these services in my application.
Will you kindly examine his papers and inform me the facts above indicated, and if there is a charge for these examinations I will remit.
Yours truly,
Benjamin D. Seely.
Decatur
Tioga County.
Pennsylvania