Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 30035, for Isreal Potter, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Potter, Isreal or Israel
S. 30035
CONTENTS

33.398
Massachusetts
Israel Potter, dec d . of — in the State of who was a private in the — commanded by Captain Smith of the — commanded by — in Mass Revolution line for 7 months.
Inscribed on the Roll of Boston at the rate of 23 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 24 th day of March, 1831. and end 17 th August 1847.
Certificate of Pension issued the 2 nd day of April 1837. and sent to.
Franklin Hall. 39. State St. Boston. Mass.
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
G. T. Getty
Recorded by Book
Clerk,
76
Vol.
1
Page 27.

A (No. 1) Custom House, Marblehead, Sept 2 d 1843.
The following questions should be answered by Mr Israel Potter or his friends before a declaration can be drawn for his signature and oath with the view of his obtaining a Revolutionary Pension:—
Is Israel Potter the exact name you have always borne and signed both in the Revolutionary War and since? Answer. Israel Potter is the exact name I have always borne and signed both in the Revolutionary War and since.
Where was you born, how old are you , how long did you reside in the United States and in what places did you reside while you lived there, and more particularly where did you reside — or rather what place did you hail from or consider your home while you served in the Army?
Answer. I was born in Worcester, in the County of Worcester in the State of Massachusetts, I am fifty years of age, I resided in the United States eighty years, While in the United States I resided in Worcester in New Bedford, in Shrewsbury and Marlborough; and Worcester was the place I considered my home while I served in the Army.

How old were you when you first entered the Revolutionary Army - or rather what was the exact date (as near as you can recollect) of your entering the Army or Navy - as the case may be - and what were the particulars of the service performed?
Please set forth in answer to this question as near as you can - "the day month & year when you entered the service, and the time when you left the same; and if under more than one term or engagement specify the particular period or dates of the time of entering or leaving the service in each case, together with the rank and names of the Officers under whom you served. Also whether you was drafted, or a volunteer, or substitute for another man. Also state the battle, if any, and the country or part through which you marched. Also the particular name or number of the Regiment or Regiments on which you served."
Also state whether you had a regular discharge from the service, or so what has since then. Also whether you have any kind of documentary evidence - with name what capacity did you serve?
Answer - At the time I first entered the Revolutionary Army I was not quite eighteen years of age, and as near as I can recollect it was in the Fall 1779, as near as I can recollect I entered the service in May 1779 under an engagement for three months service and left the service in 1780. During the period of service just mentioned, the name of the Captain to whose company I belonged was Holden, and he

Do you know of any person living Service for which we were required was to repel the incursions of the Indians on the Mohawk River. In May 1780 I was engaged for a period of six months further service, the object of which was to resist the said army, I went from the North parish of Shrewsbury to New Point, after arriving at the latter place we were removed to Robinson's farm on the East Side of the Hudson, I remained at the latter place a month or thereabouts, where with the other recruits I was regularly drilled, We then marched from Fishkill New Paltz Hill, onward to New Plant's Point and here crossed the river to Stony Point under the Command of the Marquis Lafayette, I met here the names of Brigade Major Porter and Regimental Major Sturtevant. The Captain of my Company was named J. R. Smith. We marched from Stony Point to Congers from thence to Sappaw, then to Backusack then to Ranger from thence back to Backusack then to a place called Crane Town and after being reinforced by some other places we marched back to West Point to join our X (see next leaf)
Do you know of any person living in any part of the Country either United States or British Provinces, who served with you?— if so, please state their names & places of residence. Also please state the names of any of those who served with you whom you can recollect & perhaps I might find some of them on the or elsewhere Pension Rolls & thus obtain their affidavits in support of your claim. Please state also whether your health is such that you can go before the Probate Court or any other Court of Record to attest & execute your Declaration. This If your health is not (19)

good enough the law allows allows the claimant to be sworn at his home by a Judge of any such Court; but in such case the Judge must certify that the claimants' infirmities are such that he cannot appear in open Court. But in either case it is necessary that I should know, as the Declaration must be drawn according to the fact is.
This paper is forwarded through the Agency of Capt. George R. Potter of the British Service Triumph, and the enquiries may be answered in the open spaces of it, or on another paper, the whole returned to me. If you know of any other veterans or widows of veterans in any of the Provinces who served in the American Forces in the Revolutionary War, it might be advantageous to them for me to know it & their place of residence & names. Respectfully, James Gregory

12 M c Clane Eugene Custom House Nantucket U.S.
Peter H. Hovey Letter of Clements, New York

(W. 2.)
Cam 5 f Annapolis
Elements Nova Scotia
2 October 1843
Mr James Gregory Sir
In answer to your inquiry whether I know of any person living in this Country or the States I beg to say that I know of none in this Country, but I recollect the names of some persons in the United States as follows; one person of the name of Snowbridge a drummer in the infantry and whose place of residence was Groton, another whose name was Jonathan Ryce a native of Shrewsbury, another whose name was Barnes who belonged to New Bruns- wick another whose name was Mansfield who came from the neighbourhood of Boston, and a great many others whose names I cannot at present remem- ber The state of my health is such that I cannot venture from home so before I write to attest my decla- ration I am very sincerely and have been advised at the time of my by sight. When you find in the declaration for me to recite I can procure the attendance of the Sadr of Probate for this County who will take my attestation.
Yours truly

Requesting you to use every exertion in my behalf for which you shall be adequately remunerated.
Remains from ob d : Servt: Israel Patten
P.S. You had better forward the de- -claration for me to execute with as little delay as possible -
I hereby certify that the foregoing a going letter was written by me at the request of the late Israel Patten and upon his dictation, and was signed by one of his sons by his direction. I further certify that the said Israel Patten was Hindu at the time - Campsville in the Province of North India 12 th July 1856 Geo. Millidge

Mr James Gregory Marlborough M.P.

(No. 3.)
Clements Co. Pa. Bransford Pa. July 2 nd - 1845.
Dear Sir,
With pleasure I received your favour of - July 1 st 1845 and while perusing your Epistle I have been musing over it not knowing hardly what care to take however as I am an old man - Blind and helpless also my wife is entirely - helpless and have been for five years past - and how long we may live yet I don't know the Lord knows best what it - however under present circumstances, I have not got the means to spare to am the best on your second proposal - but if I where 15 years younger I would rather do it than take up with the first proposal for then I could take care to the States my self and look after it however I have come to a Conclusion to say that I will take up with your first proposal which you have stated in your Letter that is to give you three Eighths of the Firm Received what ever it might be and take upon your self the Risk and Responsibility - and you may depend on my word - I was always of that temper when I could not get the best I I was pleased to take less - however I - think by your statement there is every possibility of obtaining my claim and I shall leave the case with you for further consideration and if you are pleased so to do

to undertake my cause you had better get ahead and pressure in the matter before you are my days are almost spent. - if you intend to do what you stated you will please write me by the return of Capt. Persons also send on the Declaration for my signature and the money if you claim my expenses here will be some thing like 20 dollars -
I am Dear Sir very Respectfully your humble Servant
Mr.
Great Peter Jan
James Gregory Collector Marblehead M.D.S.
My Dear Sir I am now writing you my father and would just say that even then is for him to be here in this business Sent delay informing it sent on per his failing very fast - Capt. Persons told me you where saying that some of the names that my father sent to that served with him you could not make out I was telling him of it and tried to get him to recollect but I found his recollection fail him however he gave me a few I don't know whether they are the same or not you may get some information by them

Jonathan Rice - - - - - Yzdae Cutton - - - - - one Thaddeus a Summer - - - - - one Sergeant Mayer Buckner - - - - -
Please Exonerate these Scrolls and with kind regard I remain Dear Sir yours truly
James P. Morgan
Province of Nova Scotia Annapolis N.S.
James Potter of Elements in the County of Annapolis Province being duly sworn maketh oath and saith that the foregoing letters were written by him at the request of the late Israel Potter and upon his dictation and that the said Israel Potter was then for several years previous to his death.
Sworn to before me at Annapolis this 22 July 1856
James Gray JP
James Potter

Mr James Gregory Marblehead
France st Capt Groom
Massachusetts
W-S

Clements in the County of Annapolis N.S. Mr James Griggery - June 25 - 1845 Dear Sir (No. 4)
I return you my sincere thanks for your kindness in trying to obtain my pension for which I served here under the U.S. Constitution - it is some time since I have heard any thing concerning the subject until of late by the way of Capt. Green I under stand by him that it is your desire yet that there should be something done otherwise a provision made by Congress to secure those that are claimants under infirmity that live in Nova Scotia I should consider it an honor to you both to grant us that privilege of obtaining to your claims here - I am told me my age is almost 80 and I am Entirely Blind also my health very poor so that I am unable to cross the water to come and see you though if I where able it would be gratifying to me to come and see my Father once more and to converse with you on the subject - there is yet remaining with me a request for my Century in which I was born and ensue will be - though under British hands - It is not likely that I shall remain a Great while longer here as the Shores after my Glass is all most run out - therefore I would say if there is any thing more that you would would wish for me to say or do than has been done you will oblige me to let me know soon as possible as I

uncertain with me - The Statement I gave you be sure was a true one and my Claim is good and not to be Disputed - I was Nine Months in Actual Service in the Army but all most 18 Months before I got Released besides it cost me one hundred Dollars for my kit out and at one time we took from the Enemy 500 heads of horse 500 head of cattle 3000 Sheep 9 pieces of Artillery and a number of Horses - I just mention these facts for your Satisfaction and if I was with you I could tell you a great many things that happened while the war lasted - however I must be short and write less with you for consideration trusting in your friendship toward me in continuing the business - please let me hear from you by the first opportunity whether there is any prospect of my obtaining or not if there is perhaps my Son will notify you as soon as this Season - Nevertheless if I should lose my earthly Reward here I trust I have another for which I have been striving for under the Great Capt of my Salvation which is Sure - I trust I can say with the Apostle Paul I have fought a good fight I have finished my course I have kept the faith henceforth there is a Crown laid up for me which the Righteous Judge will give me at that Great Day after the Dissolution of this earthly tenement may the Lord bless you it is the desire of your loving Servant and Brother Ezra Jenns with Respect J. Sheal J. Sheal

Province of Nova Scotia Annapolis N. S.
I am the author of the hereunto in the County of Annapolis from an having been duly sworn Matilda's estate and Sister that the foregoing letter was written by him at the request of the late Sarah Potter and upon his dictation and that the said Sarah Potter was blind for several years previous to his death. And this de- ponent further saith that the said Sarah Potter died at Annapolis in the County of Annapolis on the nineteenth day of August A. D. 1847, that the said Sarah Potter was a clergyman of the Baptist denomination, that he has always understood and believes that the said Sarah Potter came from Massachusetts in the United States to reside in Nova Scotia and that he was a soldier in the American war of Independence.
Sworn to before me at Annapolis this 22 nd July 1856
James Potter
James Gray S.P.

(No 5.)
Province of Nova Scotia County of Annapolis 3 rd
I, George S. Millidge Judge of the Court of Probate within and for said County do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to the said Court that Israel Potter, late of Clements in the said County died at Clements aforesaid on the seventeenth day of August one thousand eight hundred and forty five and left widow Subiokind children whose names are Aaron, Israel, John, James Jacob, Josiah and Sarah Potter, Mary wife of James Bulcomb, Sarah wife of Josiah Sparre, Rachel Potter Susannah wife of Henry Watling and Ann wife of Joshua Cogswell; I further certify that at a Court of Probate

Probate held at Annapolis within and for said County on the third day of September A.D. 1847 James Potter and Isaac Potter took possession of the will of the said Isaac Potter and were duly sworn into office as the executors thereof, and that their appointment as such executors will continue in full force and effect having been in no wise revoked or annulled.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the said Court to be affixed this 22 nd day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five.
J. S. Millidge Judge of Probate etc.

(No 6.)
Province of Nova Scotia Annapolis S. S.
I Moses Shaw of Clements in the County of Annapolis Esquire, do hereby depose and say that I was formerly well acquainted with Israel Pottin late of Clements aforesaid and that the said Israel Pottin died at Clements aforesaid on or about the twentieth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty three and that I was present at and attended the funeral of the said Israel Pottin; that the said Israel Pottin left behind surviving children whose names are Aaron, Isaac, John, James Jacob, Josiah and Sarah Pottin, Mary wife of James Pottin, Sarah wife of Josiah Pottin, Frances Pottin, Susan Pottin wife of Henry Pottin

and then wife of Joshua Coggins; I further depose and say that the said Israel Patten was a Clergyman of the Baptist denomination, and that I have always understood Moses and believe that he came from Massachusetts in the United States to reside in Nova Scotia and have been informed and believe that he was a Soldier in the American war of Independence I further depose and say that said Israel Patten was killed for several years prior to his death -
Moses Shaw
I am to and subscribe on this fifteenth day of July A. D. 1856 before me and I the certify that the said Moses Shaw is person- ally known to me to be a Resident of Clements and a credible witness. I further certify that I heard the witness

in the claim of Isaac Potts deceased to a pension from the United States.
Geo. Miller Esq
Judge of Probate for the County of Philadelphia in the Province of Penn State

(No. 7) Province of Nova Scotia Annapolis S.S.
I James Gray of Annapolis in the County of Annapolis one of Her Majesty's Justices of the Peace for the said County do hereby certify that George J. Millidge whose name is subscribed to the affidavit herunto annexed is well known to me, that he is a resident of Annapolis and a credible witness, and I also certify that Moses Shaw whose name is subscribed to the affidavit herunto annexed is well known to me, that he is a resident of Annapolis in the County of Annapolis and a credible witness, and I further certify that I have no interest in the claim of Israel Patten deceased to a pension

pension from the United States. Given under my hand at Annapolis in the said Province this 22 nd day of July A. D. 1856
James Gray Sur. Peace.
I further certify that James Walker  Rotten is well known to me, that he is a resident of Annapolis in the County of Annapolis and a credible witness. Annapolis 22 nd July 1856 -
James Gray, Sur. Peace.

(No. 8.)
Province of Nova Scotia Annapolis S.S.
I, George R. Grissie of Annapolis in the County of Annapolis and Province aforesaid, Clerk of the Peace for the said County do hereby certify that James Grissie whose name is subscribed to the Jurats of the affidavits hereto annexed is a Justice of the Peace for the said County and that full faith and credit are to be given to all his acts in that capacity.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal of Office this 22 nd day of July A. D. 1856.
Geo R. Grissie Clerk Peace

Isaac Potter Dec d . Mass
June 7/1832

State of Massachusetts. } p. Suffolk County. } 3
On this Tenth day of October in the year one thousand eight hundred & fifty six. personally appeared in open court, before the subscriber, Judge of the Superior Court for the County of Suffolk within & for said County. Isaiah Potter, a resident of Clements in the Province of Nova Scotia, but now com- migrant of Boston, in said County, aged 41 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the Act of June 7, 1832.
That he is one of the children of, and one of the Administrators upon the estate of, Israel Potter, dec d . late of said Clements: that his said father was a private soldier in the war of the Revolution & served as follows:-
He enlisted when not quite sixteen years of age, from the North Parish of Shrewsbury, in the year 1779, under an engagement for three months service.
In May 1780 he again enlisted for six months.

For proof of the above service, and a more detailed description of the same, he refers to the certificate of the Secretary of the State of Massachusetts, herewith presented, and to the account of his services given by his said father in 1843, and at that time committed to writing, in answer to various interrogatories proposed to him by James Gregory Esq.
He further declares, that, to the best of his belief, his said father never made application for a pension during his life time, and that he died at said Clements on the seventeenth day of August, in the year eighteen hundred & forty seven, whereby your declarant & the other surviving children of the said Israel Potter became entitled to the amount due him at his decease.
He further declares that he wishes the certificate when issued to be made payable at the Pension Agency in Boston, and that he has appointed Franklin Hall of said Boston, his true & lawful attorney in the premises.
In presence of Stephen F. Park.                      Elijah Potter
Sworn to, subscribed and acknowledged.

on the day & year above written, & I cer- tify that I have no interest in this claim & am not concerned in its pros- ecution.
Stephen J. Nash Just of the Superior Court of the County of Suffolk
Memor. The Superior Court of the County of Suffolk has the same powers while the Court of Common Pleas formerly had, while sitting in that County.
See Acts & Resolves of Massachusetts, 1855, Chapter 449.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, 7 th October 1856
I H ereby C ertify, That at the date of the attestation hereunto annexed,
Stephen G. Nash was Judge of the Superior Court of the City of Boston Justice of the Peace for the County of
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony of which, I have hereunto affixed the SEAL OF THE COMMONWEALTH, the date above written.
A. D. Witt Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Personally appeared before me one of Her Majesty's Justices of the Peace for the County of Digby this day, The Rev d Charles Randall who maketh oath and saith that he officiated at the funeral of the late Mary Potter, widow of the late Rev d Israel Potter, and that she died on the Seventh day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty nine and that she died about one and a half years after her husband's death, and that she remained a widow until her death.
Sworn before me at Weymouth this 3 rd day of March 1857.
Stearns Jones J.P.
Charles Randall

I hereby certify that The Rev d Charles Randall who has made the foregoing Affidavit is a respectable & worthy Minister of the Gospel, Nova Scotia Weymouth the 3 rd day of March 1857 J. Henry Jones S.P.
High P rs
I Henry Stewart Prothonotary of H ts M s Supreme Court of Judicature for the County of High do hereby certify that the above party subscribes the above Certificate above is one of H ts M s Justices of the Peace in and for said County of High in good Standing
Given under my hand and the seal of the said Supreme Court this 12 th day of March A.D. 1857 J. Stewart Prothonotary

No 39.078 Israel Potter dec.
Mass.
Franklin Hall Octo
20 1856 - Lt same no. 81 same Feb 6 1857 - 1856
(a native of Worcester)
born in Worcester 80 yrs old - died
at 18 yrs - Worcester New Bedford, Shrewsbury
at Marlboro' which during Worcester war, his son
not quite 16 when entering the service in 1779 for 3200
Baptist preacher - in New Bedford - from Mass.
Brother Aaron with him in one tour
at a son in Boston in 1856 son's wife between Boston
wife name Mary 1849 from Scotland
June 7 1832.

30035 INVALID.
Rev
File No. 30,035
Isaac Potter
His Rev War
Act: June 7 th 32 nd
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 326
[Arrangement of 1870.]

39 State St. Boston October 24 th 1856.
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 20 th inst. in regard to the claim of Israel Potter, dec d for arrears of pension under the Act of June 7, 1832, I beg leave to state that the claimant is Executor upon his father's estate, as stated in the certificate of Judge Willidge, & not Administrator. The statement in his declaration "that he is Administrator" is a clerical error which escaped his observation and my own.
I am not able to state with entire confidence, whether the father of my client left a widow or not. I have a strong impression that he did leave one, but that she survived him a very short time only. However that may be, she is now dead, and has been several years. Of that, I am sure .
I enclose a certificate from the Secretary of War,* showing that a man by the name of Israel Potter, did serve from Ipswich, as you suggest.
I am, Sir, very respectfully Your obed t serv t Franklin Hall. To the Commission of Pensions. Washington D.C. * The certificate has been filed with the (copy of Israel Potter's N.H. 32-1042) to which it refers. — (1856)

Mr. Jacob Boice of Clements in the County of Annapolis, Nova Scotia, Yeoman, appears before me this day and being sworn, maketh oath and saith that he came to this County in the year 1783, and that he is in the sixtieth year of his age, and that he was acquainted with the late Rev. Israel Potter, and that the said Israel Potter came to this country after the peace, and that his expressed feelings towards the family to the British Government was in favor of the United States, and for many years, he was termed by many persons, "Rebel Potter" and that he came to this country to inherit his father's property and did inherit it.
Sworn before me at Clements in the County of Annapolis Nova Scotia this 9 th day of December A.D. 1856
Jacob Boice
Mrs. Shaw Hear

Province of New South Wales County of ...
I hereby certify that David Price whose name is subscribed to the affidavit on the preceding page is well known to me, that he resides at 6 ... in the County of ... and that he is a person of credit and respectability and that he has no interest in the Estate of the late ... deceased. Witness my hand 12 December 1856.
Walter Shaw I Reano

Province of Nova Scotia Winnipegosis S. S. 3
I George R. Francis Clerk of the Peace for the County of Winnipegosis in the Province of Nova Scotia, do hereby certify that Moses Shaw whose hand is subscribed to the first Sarah of the affidavit on the preceding page is one of the Magistrate Justices of the Peace for the County of Winnipegosis in the Province aforesaid - Given under my hand and seal this twelfth day of December A. D. 1856.
Geo. R. Francis Clerk Peace.

39 State St. Boston Jan 10 th 1857.
Sir,
Enclosed herewith I send additional testimony in the case of Israel Potter, dec d , applicant for a pension under the law of 7 June 1832, for the purpose of obviating, if it may be, the objections to the allowance of that claim, raised in your letter of the 8 th Nov. ult o .
In regard to the emigration of Potter to Nova Scotia before the end of the war, I am informed by his son Josiah, a highly respectable & intelligent citizen of E. Boston, ( & he is confirmed by David, the Executor), that it is a matter of family history, that his father went to Nova Scotia because he was obliged to, and not because he wanted to. — That when he was discharged from his last term of service, he had no money & scarcely any clothes, and it being in the winter season, he had no place to go to, & was unable to procure employment. Under these circumstances, the only alternative left for him was to make his way to his father's house, in Clements, N.S. which he did with considerable difficulty. His father desired him to remain at home & assist in carrying on the farm, and he did so. In fact he never left the spot again, but after his father's death, he removed

on the homestead, & continued to reside there until his death in 1847. In confirmation of this, & that he did not bear Massachusetts from any feelings of hostility to the cause in which the Colonies were engaged, I beg leave to refer to the accompanying affidavit of Jacob Boice. - It is true that Boice is mistaken as to the time that Potter went to Nova Scotia. - That perhaps is not surprising, nor, I conceive, important, - but he cannot be mistaken as to the circumstance, which he states, of Potter being called by many persons, 'Rebel Potter'. - I submit that this, taken in connection with his previous service, which certainly must be admitted to raise a presumptive in his favor, is conclusive evidence of the state of Potter's feelings & of his political opinions, & that he was not opposed to the struggle of the Colonies, but on the contrary, sympathised with them & wished them success, after he had ceased to try & help them achieve it. In further confirmation of this view, may be adduced the friendly expressions towards this country contained in his letter of June 25 th 1845, herewith transmitted, to which I beg to refer.
In reply to the other objection, - the delay of Potter to assert his claim, I enclose the affidavit of his son James that he began to act as soon as he knew of the passage of the law. That Potter himself did not entertain any doubts as to the validity of his claim, as intimated in your letter, seems to be placed

beyond suspicion by that passage in the same letter of June 25, 1845, when he says, "my claim is good & not to be disputed &c" -
Your letter also requires that letters of administration should be taken out in this State. To this there can be no objection on the part of the claimants, other than the expense, unless it should arise from the legal difficulty, that by our laws, to warrant the application for such letters, the deceased must have left property in this State to be administered upon. That he can hardly be said to have done. However, if this requirement be insisted upon, it will be complied with, if possible. May I venture to suggest, in this connection, that the Executor who applies here, had the confidence of his father, or he would not have named him Executor. Besides that, the other children are aware that this claim is pending, & I have heard of no objection from any of them, to his receiving it, as Executor under the laws of Nova Scotia. It cannot I think, be apprehended that this money could, under any circumstances, go into the general assets of the estate, - for it would be received by the Executor in trust for himself & the other children, & this trust would be strictly enforced whenever the principles of the common law prevail.
I am Sir, most respectfully
Your obedt Servt
Franklin Hall.
Hon. Geo. C. Whiting.
Comm. of Pensions,
Washington D.C.

39 State St. Boston March 21 st 1857.
Sir.
In reply to your letter of the 6 th Feb. ult o in the case of Israel Potter, dec d , claimant for a pension under the act of 7 th June 1832, I have the honor to state that James Potter, & Isaiah Potter are joint Executors of the will of s d Israel Potter, as shown by the evidence heretofore transmitted, but whether the pension certificate should be made payable to one or both of them. I respectfully submit, is a question for the office to decide for itself. It is a matter of indifference to the Executors themselves, farther than this, that Isaiah commands a vessel running between Boston & Nova Scotia, - consequently is frequently in Boston, & if it be made payable to him, could be collected with more facility & less expense, than if made payable to both. I will only add that I am aware of no objection why it should not be made payable to Isaiah alone. There is no more familiar principle of law than that a payment to one of the joint Executors is payment to both.
Enclosed herewith, I send evidence of the death of Potter's widow, as required

at the close of your letter. It was an oversight that it was not sent in the first instance. It would have been sent subsequently, but I supposed, from no exception being taken to it at the time, that the personal explanation in my letter of the 24 th Oct ult o was deemed satisfactory.
I am Sir, most respectfully Your obed t serv t Franklin Hall.
Geo C. Whiting Esq. Comm r of Pensions, Washington. D.C.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston,
June 12 th 1856.
I Hereby Certify , That from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Israel Potter is borne on pay roll of Capt. Francis Wilson's Comp. Col. Samuel Denny's Regt. from Oct. 26 to Nov. 23. 1779 1 month 6 days as private, travel included. The above service was for 3 mos. to reinforce the Continental Army, service in State of New York. Aaron Potter served with with said Israel same time.
Also on descriptive list of six mos. men raised from the Town of Shrewsbury, Worcester County, Apr. 17; Height 5. 7; Complex. Light; Arrived at Springfield July 5. 1780.
Also on pay roll of men raised for the Town of Shrewsbury to reinforce the Continental Army for six months in 1780, from July 3. to Dec. 18. 1780 5. mos. 24 days travel included.
Read and allowed in Council Feb. 26. 1782. Jonathan Keyes and Gadock Cutting served with him.

The Soldiers in Capt. Wilson's Comp. referred to above were from Shrewsbury and other Towns in Worcester County.
And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. De Witt Secretary of the Commonwealth.

APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF REVOLUTIONARY SERVICES,
Made by the heir of the party who rendered the service.
County of Suffolk  City State of Massachusetts  Town of Boston
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office, of the service of my father, Israel Potter in the war of the Revolution.
He was a native of the Town of Worcester in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts .
He enlisted from the Town of Shrewsbury in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts in the year 1779 as a private in the Company commanded by Captain
Regiment in and he served as follows,* viz:—
He first enlisted in the fall of 1779, to the best of my knowledge & belief, when he was not quite 16 years of age, and served three months, under Capt. Dole. His service was on the Mohawk River, repelling the incursions of the Indians.
He again enlisted in 1780 for the term of one month. He first went to West Point, afterwards to various other places in N. York, & then back again to West Point, where
* Here describe, as fully as may be, the length of service, the rank, &c., of the claimant, or the capacity in which he served, and all other particulars known.

he was discharged. This last service was under Capt. J. K. Smith. He did not enlist again. His brother Aaron Potter was with him, as I have frequently heard him say during a portion of his service. Jonathan "Kyles", — Warner, — Marigold. Zadoc "Cutten" also served with him. One Snowbridge was drummer, & one "Buckner" was Sgt. Major. — The above account of my father's services is taken from a statement made by him in 1843
I am now more fully than above stated.
years old, and my memory does not enable me to state the services
Witness my hand, this ninth day of June A. D. 18 56 ,
Signed by said in my presence,
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.
} Levi Potter

Brief in the case of Israel Potter dec d of Mass. Act June 7 1832 -
Record evidence of service, with which he is identified by reputation of service - by the fact that the records show that the soldier went into service from the town, of which, it is shown Potter was a resident - and by the further and more conclusive fact that the records corroborate Potter's own statement made many years ago.
Death, heirship and administration shown agreeably to our Regulations.
Sent to Franklin Hall by 39 State Street Boston Mass
Thornton Fiplett Examiner.

39 State St. Boston 8 th October, 1856.
Sir.
Enclosed herewith I have the honor to transmit the application of Isaiah Potter, in behalf of himself and the other children of Israel Potter, dec d for arrears of pension due his late father, under the Act of 7 June 1832: - also evidence in support of said claim.
I would most respectfully request a careful comparison of the statement of his services made by Mr. Potter in 1843, with the certificate of the Secretary of Massachusetts. Such a comparison, it appears to me, cannot fail satisfactorily to establish the identity of the claimant with the Israel Potter, to whom the service is there credited. The only discrepancy between the two is in the name of the Captain under whom the three months service in 1779 was rendered. If a possible error of recollection is not deemed sufficient to account for this discrepancy I would beg leave to suggest, that Mr Potter states positively that this service continued three entire months. The rolls in the Secretary's Office show but

one month and six days. How may he not have rendered this service under Capt. Wilson, and some other portion of the three months have been under Capt. Holden, & the name of Capt. Holden have become fixed in his memory?
This view of the case is confirmed by the fact that Capt. Wilson's company was composed of men from the town of Shrewsbury & other towns in Worcester County; - his brother Aaron was also in the same company, and the place where the service was rendered agrees with his account of it.
I am, Sir, most respectfully Your obedt Servt Franklin Hall.
Hon. J. Minto. Commission of Pensions. Washington D.C.

Israel Potter, dec? Mass-
adm 2 June 7 1832 -
7 mos pri Int g $ 23.33. a year from 4 March 1831 to 17 August 1847 - when he died.
Pay to James & Isaiah Potter 2 Exrs for themselves & Aaron 3 Israel 4 John 5 Jacob 6 Josiah 7 Frances Potter 8 Mary Balem 9 Sarah Spar- row 10 Susannah Walkey 11 Ann Logsdwell 12 or any or either of any others &c
Cert to Franklin Hall Esq 39 State Street Boston Mass

X My enlistment into and after the lapse of a short time I was discharged - I was not in any battle or engagement - I do not remember the name or number of the Regt in which I was attached - The officers much money was made to myself and other men to join the army which proportion was accepted by myself and others and we accordingly entered the service - I had a regular discharge from the service signed by Captain Smith before named whose name was I think John Billy Smith - At the time I was about to leave for Nova Scotia I left my discharge with a person of the name of Oliver in the town of Shrewsbury for the purpose of enabling him to procure payment for supplies and advances made to me I have no documentary evidence - I served in the Army in the capacity of a private -
Boston 13 th Oct 1843
James Gregory Esdaile
Enclosed you have the answer to the within Questions by which you will be able to form some idea of the weight of claim and inform me of the same with any other Documents directed to the care of Messrs Hadd & Hall N o 3 & 4 Chatham Street Boston where I will find them on my return in about 10 days I am Dear Sir yours truly J. G. Esdaile P.S. I will come on and send you the on my return -

Province of Nova Scotia Amherst S. S.
I George S. Millidge of Amherst in the County of Amherst and Province of Nova Scotia Banister at Law Matriculated with and Sworn that the answers to the interrogatories contained in the proper writing herunto annexed marked A were committed to writing by this deponent, that they were dictated by Israel Potter before 16 months in the County of Amherst delivered and was written by this deponent that the said Israel Potter was there and that the said answer after having been so written was read over to him - This deponent further saith that the said Israel Potter was a Clergyman of the Baptist Church and that he has been informed and widely believed that the said Israel Potter came from Massachusetts to this Province -
Given to you one at Amherst this } George S. Millidge 22 nd day of July A. D. 1856 }
James Gray S.P.

Moses Potter Esq. Justice of the Peace for the County of Annapolis appeared before me this day and being sworn made oath and saith that his father the late Rev. Israel Potter did not know of the passage of the law in the United States which embroad his case until several years after it had passed. And that he began to move about it as soon as he heard of it —
Given before me at Clements Port this twenty eighth day of November A.D. 1856
Moses Shaw Esq. Moses Potter
This is to certify that I have nothing to gain or lose by the issue of this question —
Moses Shaw Esq.
This is further to certify that James Potter whose name is subscribed to the foregoing affidavit is well known to me that he resides in Clements in the County of Annapolis and that he is a person of credit and respectability
Moses Shaw Esq.