Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17,443, for James Phillips, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Phillips James
N. 17,443
Martha Sarah
CONTENTS

7192
L
Rhode-Islands
James Phillips
Hopkinton in the state of Rh. Island who was a Private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Huntington of the Connecticut line, for the term of the war.
Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island at the rate of Eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 15 th of June 1810 -
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 th of March 1819 and sent to Sam l Peckham, Esq r . Hopkinton, R. Island.
Arrears to 4th. of March 1819 - 0 \frac{16}{50} \frac{4}{31} 69. 29 Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 Sept. 1819 - 40. 00
$ 117:29
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Continued Washington County -
Notification sent Sept 29 1820 to Geo. Howland Jr. Hopkinton R.I.

Connecticut - 3424
Martha Sarah Phillips widow of James Phillips,
who was a pensioner under the Act of 18 th March 1834, and who died on the 17 th of February 1834, of Hudson in the State of Connecticut, who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain [blank] of the Reg t commanded by Major [blank] in the [blank] line for 2 years.
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 80 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 th day of July 39, and sent to Chas. Newton Esq., Comr.
Arrears to the 14th of March - $240.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 40.00 $280.00
{ Act July 7, 1838. }
Entered by R. Burdine A Vol. 1 - Page 20
Susp d . see letter April 13, 1840 to L. Hull & P. Ag.
M rs . S. Hallabird Esq. N. S. Dist: Atty.
Litchfield,
31 st Aug t 1840. Comr. do -
to same Jan y 21. 1841
" Hon: D. W. Williams
Jan y 21. 1841
See letter to Charles Chapman Esq., May 01 st 1841 Hartford Connecticut U.S. attorney
do to same June 10 th 1841
do to N. Phillips June 10 th 1841
do. C. Chapman Oct 15. 1841

Connecticut - 3424
Martha Sarah Phillips widow of James Phillips,
who was a pensioner under the Act of 18 th March 18 th and who died on the 17 th of February 1836, of New London in the State of Connecticut, who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain  of the Regt. commanded by Major  in the  line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 80 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 th day of  39, and said  and Chas. Newton, Legislature, Conn.
Arrears to the 4 th of March - $240.00 Semi-annual allowance ending  40.00  $280.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838.
Entered by R. Burdine A Vol. 1 - Page 2
Susp. see letter April 13 1840 to L. Hull & P. A.
Wm. Hallabird Esq. N. S. Dist: Atty. Litchfield,
3 rd Aug 9 1840. Comm. do - to same Jan y 21. 1841, " Hon: D. W. Williams Jan y 21. 1841
See letter to Charles Chapman Esq. May 21 st 1841 Hartford Connecticut U. S. attorney to same June 10 th 1841 to N. Phillips June 10 th 1841 do. C. Chapman Oct 15. 1841

Nathan Phillips of Hopkinton County of Washington & State of Rhode Island aged Forty six years, and son of James Phillips a pensioner of the United States do testify & say that my father James Phillips departed this life at Hopkinton County & State aforesaid on the 17 th day of February A D 1832 and that my Mother Sarah Phillips drew the balance of his pension from the 4 th day of September A D 1831 up to the 17 th day of February 1832 and that she departed this life at Smithfield in said State about two years & six months after the death of my said father James Phillips, and that my father James Phillips never had any other wife to my knowledge and that he lived with my Mother Sarah till his death Hopkinton August 12 th 1840 Nathan Phillips
State of Rhode Island County of Washington } Hopkinton August 12 th 1840 Personally appeared Nathan Phillips signer of the above affidavit

who is entitled to full credit & belief & made solemn oaths to the same Before me
J. P. Brown Justice of Peace
District of Connecticut Office of District Atty Winstons 26 th Jan y 1841
I certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the deposition of Nathaniel Phillips and the certificate of the Justice thereunto annexed, transmitted to me by the Hon ble Edwards Commissioner of Prisons N. S. Holabird U.S. Dist
Atty

James Phillips 1 st 7/92
Sept. 1819
CM

State of Rhode-Island & Providence-Plantations.
WASHINGTON, sc — Court of Common Pleas, August. Term, A. D. 1820
ON this fifteenth day of August . 1820, personally appeared in open Court, being a Court of Record within and for the County of Washington, in the State of Rhode-Island, &c. James Phillips aged sixty four Years residing in the Town of Hopkinton in said County who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his Oath declare, that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows:—
In the Regiment commanded by Col. Lippitt for one year when he was Honorably discharged there from. That he then Enlisted that he then Enlisted into the Continental Army during the War and served in the Regiment commanded by Col. Juddediah Huntington was advanced on Col. Joseph Harr after Col. J. Huntington was advanced to a General that he continued to serve during the Revolutionary War in the Connecticut Line when he was Honorably discharged at the close of the War That he made a previous Declaration on the fifteenth Day of June 1818, and that he has received a Certificate for a Pension, being No. 7192 —And in pursuance of the Act of Congress, passed May 1st, 1820, I do solemnly swear, That I was a resident Citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; And that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
James Phillips
A SCHEDULE of Property and Income, (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) of James Phillips he has a life Estate on a small Lott of Land that came by his wife with a Logg Hutt thereon Standing which Originally cost but few Dollars said property has never been Taxed in any State or Town States nor considered to be worth Taxing One Old Turning Lath with some Turning Tools Two Old Chairs Three Knives one Old Turning Table some Iron pots one Tea Kettle three Earthen Plates Some few pieces of Cookery Ware of very little Value that he is indebted to sundry persons to the amount of Forty Dollars that his family consists of a Wife and One Child his Wife Sixty four Years of Age his Daughter fourteen Years of Age that he sometimes Makes Some of Turning Dishes &c. at the Lath and that he labours by the day that he received a Wound in the Ankle in the Revolutionary War and is very lame that he has a Rupture which is very Troublesome and altogether renders him unable to Labour and Support his family and Should his pension be withdrawn he must be dependant on Public or private Charity for subsistence
James Phillips
Sworn to and declared, on the fifteenth day of August 1820 before said Court With Sam. Helme Clk of said Court
Washington, sc. Clerk's Office of the Court of Common Pleas. A. D. 1820
I Samuel Helme Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, for the County of Washington, in the State of Rhode-Island, &c. do hereby certify, that the foregoing Oath, and the Schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the Records of said Court; —And I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court that the amount in value of the Property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule, is Eight Dollars, and fifty Cents.— In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this fifteenth Day of August 1820 Sam. Helme Clerk of said Court.

James Phillips-Priv:
Col: Huntington's Connecticut Reg't
1777 War -
15 June 1810 -
Executed
Admitted

State of Rhode Island &c County of Washington ss } at Hopkinton on the 15th Day of June A D 1818 before me the Subscriber one of the judges of of the Court of Common Pleas for Said County of Washington
Parsonly appears James Phillips aged sixty five years resident in Said Hopkinton in Said County of Washington who being by me first July sworn according to Law & Oath on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the Late act of Congress entitled an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and naval Service of the United States in the Revolutionary war that he the Said James Phillips enlisted in Hopkinton in the State of Connecticut in the Company commanded by Capt. James Dridge in the first Connecticut Regiment commanded by Col. J. Jedediah Huntington and after that by Josiah Starr and that he entered into the United States Service on the 5th of April A D 1777 during the war and he continued to Serve in Said Regiment in the Service of the United States untill the war ended when he was honorable Discharged at Constitution Island in the State of New York that he was in the battles at Brandywine red bank and Monmouth and at Monmouth battle he was wounded in the Left ankle by a musket ball and is now in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his Country for his Support and that he has no other evidence now in his Power of his Said Services sworn to and Declared before me the day and year aforesaid Samuel Peckham judge of the Court of Common Pleas for Said County of Washington
As aforesaid I do certify that it appears to my Satisfaction that the Said James Phillips did Serve in the revolutionary war

Several years successfully and that he was wounded in the ankle by a Musket ball which appears very visible and that he served as stated in the preceding Declaration against the common enemy and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me to the Secretary for the Department of war pursuant to the Directions of the aforementioned act of Congress and I further certify that the said James Phillips is very poor being in reduced circumstances and need the help of his Country for Support therefore is an applicant within the meaning of the Law which provides for his support all of which I submit to the Secretary of the Department of war
Samuel Pickham Judge C. C. Pleas
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations: —
Washington County ss } Clerk's Office Court Com. Pleas. June 22. 1818.
I certify that the Honble Samuel Pickham whose Certificate is hereto annexed is a Justice of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Washington legally appointed and duly qualified as the Law Requires. In Witness whereof I have hereto affixed the Seal of said Court Sam. T. Gilmore Clerk

3945
Martha Sarah Philips
Con
at 7. July 38
ad
2 yn pri
80
No deduction
Christopher Newton Ledyard Con

1 P. Office Ledyard Ct. 12 th Dec. 1838. Hon: S. L. Edwards,
Dear Sir,
This accompanies papers of Mrs: Martha Sarah Philips, which is her evidence for a pension. If it should appear sufficient, please forward the certificate to me, if not the notice of insufficiency to me.-
Respectfully Yours, Christopher Newton.
Declaration in order to obtain the bene- -fit of the Act of Congress of the 7 th July 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows."
State of Connecticut } New-London County. } ss: Probate District of Ledyard.)
On this 24 th day of Novem- -ber A. D. Personally appeared before the Pro- -bate Court of the District of Ledyard, now sitting, Martha Sarah Phillips, a resident of North Stonington in the County of New- London, and State of Connecticut aged seventy eight years; who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838,

Entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows." That she is the widow of James Phillips who was a private in the war of the Revolution.
That from what he told me in his life time and after we were married, he the said Philips enlisted, as near as I can recollect between the 1 st and 10 th day of April 1777 in Capt. James Eldrige Company in Lt: Colo: Samuel Prentice Regiment; if I recollect right, as he used to tell me.
That as near as my recollection serves me said Phillips enlisted during the war. That my husband the sd: Phillips was wounded while in the service. That he did serve as I believe, two years and upwards.
That said Philips was a Pensioner of the United States under the Pension Act of 18 March 1818, and drew until the time of his death, a pension of Ninety Six dollars a year.
That during the latter part of his life he resided in Hopkinton in the County of Washington and State of R. I.
That for a more particular statement of his services, I refer to his declaration now, in the Pension Office.

She further declares that she was married to the said James Phillips on the tenth day of March in the year Seventeen Hundred and Ninety One. That her husband the aforesaid James Phillips died on the Seventeenth day of February A.D. 1832. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place prior to the first day of January, Seventeen Hundred and Ninety four, at the time above stated.
Martha Sarah her Phillips. mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year aforesaid written.-
Before me,
Christopher Newton. Judge.-
I Benjamin B. Thurston, of Hopkinton in the County of Washington, and State of Rhode Island, aged 34 years, being duly sworn according to Law, do depose and say, That James Phillips of the Town, County and State aforesaid, died at sd: Hopkinton on the 17 th day of February 1832.- Benjamin B. Thurston,
State of Rhode Island } and Providence Plantations, } Hopkinton, Washington County - ss: } Nov: 21. 1838.

Then personally appeared His Honor Lt. Gov: Benjamin B. Thurston, signer to the above Deposition, who is known to the subscriber as a witness whose testimony is entitled to full credit and belief, and made solemn oaths to the Truth of the same.
before me, Rowland Babcock. Just: Peace.
State of Rhode-Island, } Washington County } Waphinton Probate Office, } November 21 st A.D. 1838. }
I, Christopher C. Lewis, Clerk of the Court of Probate of the Town of Waphinton, aforesaid, do hereby certify that Rowland Babcock, Esq. is a Justice of the Peace in, and for said Town of Waphinton. that he is duly commissioned as such, that to my knowledge, he has been duly engaged to his said Commission. that the signatures to the within and foregoing certificate, purporting to be his, I believe to be genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have herunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court the day and date above written. -
Christopher C. Lewis, Clerk of the Court of

Probate of the Town of Hopkinton,
I, Jephthah Geer of Preston, in the County of New London, and State of Connecticut aged 64 years and upwards being duly sworn, do depose and say, that in the year 1791, my father Thomas Geer, lived at North Stonington in the County and State aforesaid, and at that time I was an apprentice, and was occasionally at home at my father's house, and was acquainted with James Phillips of North Stonington or Voluntown, and which Town I cannot recollect. That the widow Phillips named in the foregoing declaration, in the year aforesaid worked at my father's, and that in the month of March or April 1791, James Phillips, and the widow, who is named aforesaid were married at my father's house aforesaid, and that I was present at the wedding, and saw them married.
I am not now positive whether Esq r . Joshua Prentice, or Esq r . Joshua Babcock married them.
Jephthah Geer.
State of Connecticut, } New London County. } On the 24 th day of November 1838, personally appeared Jephthah Geer, signer of the above affidavit, whose

testimony as a witness is entitled to full credit & belief & made solemn oath to the truth of the same - before me,
Christopher Newton, Judge.
I, Abigail Smith of Groton in the County of New-London, and State of Connecticut, aged Seventy three years, after being duly sworn, do testify and say, that James Phillips, & Martha Sarah Am- bury was married, as I was told by my uncle, Sachabod Egleston in the month of March or April in the year Seventeen Hundred & Ninety one, and what makes me know it so well, is my Son William was born soon after, & he was born on the 20 th day of April 1791. -
Abigail Smith.
State of Connecticut } New-London County } ss Groton, Nov: 23. 1838. -
Personally appeared Abigail Smith Signer to the above deposition, who is known to the subscriber as a witness whose testi- =mony is entitled to credit, and belief, and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me. -
(Seal.)
Latham Hull. Notary Public.

7. I, Joseph Tift of Stonington County of New-London & State of Connecticut, aged Sixty Six years, testify & say, that I lived in the neighborhood when James Phillips & Martha Sarah (Avery) was married, & according to the best of my recollection it was in March Seventeen hundred Ninety one, or Seventeen hundred Ninety two, & Bradford Phillips was there oldest child, & was born about one year after the said James & Martha Sarah Phillips was married.
Joseph Tift.
State of Connecticut, } New London County. } ss. Stonington. November 23. 1839.
Personally appeared Joseph Tift signer to the above deposition, who is known to the subscriber as a witness whose testimony is entitled to full credit, and be- liefs, and made solemn oath to the truth of the same, before me.
Latham Hull.
Notary Public.
(Seal.)
I, Bradford Phillips, North Stonington, County of New-London, & State of Connecticut, aged forty six years.

last January, the eldest child of James Phillips & Martha Sarah Phillips, and I have frequently heard my father & mother say they were married on the 10 day of March Seventeen hundred ninety one by Joshua Prentice, Esq. My father in his life time did frequently tell me about his enlisting into the service of the Revolutionary war to serve during the war, and tell me about his getting wounded in the service of the Revolutionary war, and at the time of my father, James Phillips death, I was at sea; - when I returned, some I was informed that he departed this life at Hopkinton, State of Rhode Island on the seventeenth day of February Eighteen hundred thirty two, - he was a pensioner of the United States for many years before his death, & departed this life the 17 day of February A. 1832. - & my Mother Martha Sarah Phillips has remained a widow ever since the death of my father James Phillips. -
Bradford Phillips.
State of Connecticut } New London County. } North Stonington. November 23. 1838. -
Personally appeared Bradford Phil.

lips signer to the above deposition and made solemn oath to the same. -
Said Bradford Phillips is known to the subscriber as a witness whose testimony is entitled to credit and belief. -
Latham Hovee.
(Seal.)
Notary Public.
I Pierpoint Brockett of North Stonington in the County of New London, and State of Connecticut aged 50 years Pastor of the 3 d Baptist Church in said North Stonington: After being duly sworn, do de- pose and say, that Bradford Phillips of said North Stonington, is a member of the B st Baptist Church aforesaid, and is in regular standing with said Church, and that I consider his statements entitled to credit and belief.
Pierpoint Brockett.
On the 24 th day of November A.D. 1838. Personally appeared Elder Pierpoint Brockett signer to the above affidavit, whose testimony as a witness is entitled to full credit & belief & made solemn oath to the truth of the same. Before me. -
Christopher Newton. -
Judge. -

I Polly Prentice of North Stonington, in the County of New London, and State of Connecticut aged 75 years widow of Joshua Prentice, late of North Stonington, decd. being duly sworn do depose and say, that my husband was many years ago, when living, a Justice of the Peace, and officiated as such - that he kept a record of persons who were married by him, or record of marriages by him as Justice of Peace. -
That the records by my husband kept as aforesaid being considered by me of no use; after my husband's death, I gave them to my grandchildren to play with, and that they destroyed them. That the records aforesaid are now all destroyed, and no part of them are now to be found.  Polly Prentice. -
On the 24th day of November A.D. 1838. Personally appeared Polly Prentice of North Stonington signer of the foregoing affidavit, whose testimony as a witness is entitled to full credit & belief, & made solemn oath to the truth of the same. -
Before me,
Christopher Newton, Judge. -

At a Court of Probate held at Ledyard, in & for the District of Ledyard, on the 24 th day of November 1838.
Present - Christopher Newton - Judge.
In open Court now sitting in the District of Ledyard, the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after investigation & examination of the matter of the proof, that Mrs. Martha Sarah Philips is the widow of James Philips, and that she was married as she has stated in her declaration, and that her husband died on the 7 th day of February 1832, as she has stated in her declaration. Attest:
Christopher Newton. Judge.
I, Demington H. Newton, Clerk of the Court of Probate of the District of Ledyard, 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 Mrs. Martha Sarah Philips for a pension.
Seal of the Court.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and the Seal of said Court, on the 24 th day of November A.D. 1838.
Demington H. Newton. Clerk.

State of Connecticut, New London county ss. Northampton.
On this 27 day of February, A. D. 1839, personally appeared before me Latham Hall, a Notary Public in and for the State of Connecticut, Martha Sarah Philips, a resident of the town of North Stonington in the county of New London and State of Connecticut who being first duly cautioned and sworn according to Law, doth on her oath make the following statements; (as explanatory to her Declaration made before the Court of Probate for the Dis- trict of Ledyard in the County of New London and State of Connecticut) in order to obtain the provisions of the act of Congress passed 7 July, 1838.
That she was married to James Philips on or about the 10 day of March, 1791 and that her s d Husband James Philips being a man but poorly educated, never kept any Family record. That there was never kept any record of our marriage by any person to my knowledge, nor can there be any documentary evidence found of our marriage; and I do not know of any further, or other proof than that at- tached to my declaration now in the pension office, and that which is annexed to this my explanatory statement that can be procured to more fully confirm the marriage of myself,

To James Philips aforesaid - as aforesaid stated That I still remain the widow of the said James Philips.
Martha Sarah he X Philips mark
Personally appeared M rs Martha Sarah Phillips who made her mark to the Depo- sition on the other side, and made solemn oath to the truth of the same.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto sub- scribed my name and affixed my Notarial Seal this 27 Day February A.D. 1839 at New London County.
Latham Hull, Notary Public (L.H.)
I William Stewart of Voluntown in the county of Windham and State of Connecticut aged 88 Being duly cautioned and sworn & Depose and say that I used to reside in that part of Stonington which is now North Stonington and resided there for many years.
That when residing in North Stonington aforesaid, I knew James Philip and Martha Sarah Philips his wife they were married or reputed to have been married at North Stonington ab t about the year 1791 or 1792

I well remember of the Report of their marriage at the time they were married and of the neighbors talking about it at the time.
I have not seen the Wid. Martha Sarah Philips since the death of her husband James Philips af? But I believe the Widow Martha Sarah Philips of North Stonington af? to be the same Identical Martha S. Philips who is the widow of s? J. Philips af?    {  N. L. Stanton  {  William  his  {  Stewart.    Wm. C. Stanton  mark  
State of Connecticut } Windham County } ss. Voluntown Feb. 26, 1839.
Personally appeared William Stewart signer to the above deposition, and who is known to the subscriber as a witness whose testimony is entitled to full credit and belief and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me.
E. L. P. }
Wm. C. Stanton
Notary Public
I Lucretia Billings of North Stonington in the County of New London and State of Connecticut aged 90 years next April being duly cautioned and sworn do Depose and say that I knew James Philips and Martha Sarah Philips his wife who used to live in

This town which was formerly Horington. That the said James and Martha Sarah were married at said Horington a little short of a year before their oldest child Bradford Philips was born. The said James Philips & Martha Sarah Philips used to live near neighbor to me.
Lucretia X Billings. mark
Rebecca H. Maine.
New London County - ss. North Horington February 27 th 1839. Personally appeared Lucretia Billings signer of the above affidavit who is known to the subscriber as a witness whose testimony is entitled to full credit and belief and made solemn oaths to the truth of the same before me
Latham Hull
Justice of the Peace.
I Sanford Maine of North Horington in the County of New London and State of Connecticut aged 45 years - do Depose and say that I have heard my father in his life time say that he was at the wedding and saw James Philips and Martha Sarah Holsbury married and that they went to keeping house near my father and within about one hundred rods of the house that my father then lived in.
Sanford Maine

New London County ss. North Stonington February 27, 1839, personally appeared Sanford Main signer to the above affidavit who is known to the subscriber as a witness whose testimony is entitled to full credit and belief and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me.
Latham Hull Justice of Peace.
I Elizabeth Egleston of North Stoning- ton in the County of New London and State of Connecticut aged 93 years and upwards Being duly cautioned and sworn to. Depose and say that I knew James Philips & Martha Sarah Philips his wife who used to live in this town, which was formerly Stonington.
That the said James and Martha Sarah were married at S d Stonington a little short of a year before their oldest child, Bradford Philips was born. the said James Philips & Martha Sarah Philips lived together as husband and wife and used to live near neighbors to me.
I used to visit them and they used to visit me.
Latham Hull } Elizabeth X Egleston. Wm. C. Stanton } mark.
New London County ss. North Stonington February 27 th 1839 personally appeared Elizabeth

17. Egleston who made her mark to the above affidavit who is known to the subscriber as a witness whose testimony is entitled to full credit and belief and made solemn oaths to the truth of the same. before me
Latham Hull Justice of the Peace.
I Caleb Egleston of North Stonington in the county of New London and State of Connecticut, aged 66 years being duly cautioned and sworn to depose and say that I used to be well acquainted with James Philips & Martha Sarah Philips his wife they used to live in this town formerly Stonington and lived near neighbors to my father. The said James Philips and Martha Sarah Philips were married a little short of a year before their oldest son Bradford Philips were born. And the said James and Martha Sarah lived together as husband and wife.
They used to visit at my father's & my father's family used to visit the said Philips & wife.
Caleb Egleston
New London county ss.
North Stonington, February 27, 1839. Personally appeared Caleb Egleston signer to the above affidavit who is known to the subscriber as a witness whose testimony is entitled to

full credit and belief and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me
Latham Hull justice of the Peace
I Gilbert Billings of Griswolds in the county of New London and State of Connecticut aged 70 years and upwards, Being duly cautioned and sworn according to law do depose and say that about forty years ago James Philips and Martha Sarah Philips who from reputation were married and lived together as husband and wife and lived within about one mile of me.
Gilbert Billings.
New London County, ss. Griswold, February 27, 1809. Personally appeared Gilbert Billings, Esq. signer to the above affidavit who is known to the Subscriber as a witness whose testimony is intitled to full credit and belief and made solemn oath to the truth of the same Before me.
Latham Hull Justice of the Peace.
I Lucy Billings of Griswold in the county of New London and State of Connecticut aged about 64 years. Being duly sworn according to law, do depose and say that about forty years ago James Philips and Martha Sarah Philips who from reputation were married and lived together as husband and wife and lived within about

19 one mile of me.
Lucy Billings.
New London County ss. Griswold February 27, D. 1839. Personally appeared Lucy Billings signer to the above affidavits who is known to the subscriber as a witness whose testimony is entitled to full credit and belief and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me -
Latham Hull Justice of the Peace.
I Bradford Phillips of North Stonington in the County of New London and State of Connecticut son of James Phillips and Martha Sarah Phillips being duly cautioned and sworn do depose and say that I was born at North Stonington (as they say that I was born at North Stonington (as they used to tell me) 20 day of January, 1792 and was aged on 20 th day of June 1839 - forty seven years -
Bradford Phillips.
New London County ss. North Stonington, Feb- ruary 27, D. 1839. Personally appeared Bradford Phillips signer to the above affidavits who is known to the subscriber as a witness whose testimony is entitled to full credit and belief and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me.
Latham Hull Justice of the Peace.

I David Coats aged seventy-two years and Ezra Hewitt aged forty-two Both of North Stonington, County of New-London & State of Connecticut are well acquainted with Bradford Phillips signer of the Deposition on the other side and count him at all times entitled to full credit and belief & should think him to be about forty-six years old.
David Coats
Ezra Hewitt.
New London County ss. North Stonington February 27 A D 1839 personally appeared David Coats, Esq. & Col. Ezra Hewitt signers of the above affidavit who are entitled to full credit & believe at all times and places
Sworn Before me
Latham Hull Justice of the Peace 
State of Connecticut
New London county - ss. Probate Office of the District of Ledyard.
I Demington H. Newton, Clerk of the Court of Probate aforesaid, do certify that Latham Hull, Esq. is one of the Justices of the Peace for New London county and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified and that the within and foregoing signatures purporting to [his] and attached to the depositions of Lucretia Billings, Sanford Main, Elizabeth Egleston, Caleb-

Egleston, alias Eccleston, Gilbert Billings, Lucy Billings, Bradford Philips, and David Coats and Ezra Hewitt are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and the seal of the said Court on this 2 d day of March, 1839.
E. G.
Demington H. Newton, clerk.
Post Office Ledyard Ct
6 th March 1839.
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Dear Sir.
I herewith transmit additional evidence to establish the marriage of James Philips and Martha Sarah Philips.
As heretofore, I request the certificate (if allowed) sent to me.
I have the honor to be your most humble serv t .
Christopher Newton.
Hon. J. L. Edwards,
Comm r . of Pensions, Washington City, D.C.
[Postmarked "Ledyard Ct 6 March."]

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 17443
Martha Sarah Phillips
Wid. of
James Phillips
Priv. Rev. War
Act: July 7, 1838
Index:—Vol. M , Page 128
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Dear Sir
I inclose you the deposition of Nathan Phillips of the Town of Hopkinton taken before me Brown Esq Justice of the Peace for the County of Washington & State of Rhode Island if you want any more taken on this subject I will attend to it for you with pleasure to show the fraud I am yours to serve Latham Hull

Judge of Probate Peckham Sir I have in my hands arrested & of Probate Paghook Thomas Harvey concerning 1 st barnement Rdg n of Foot commanded by Col l Josiah Starr of Kames Durmarks and Be this states that —
James Phillips Enlisted April 5 th 1877 During the war the Battle is Dated 1879 —
Col t Harvey commanded the battery after
Col t Edwards — Daniel Collins Sturminster —

Hopkinton Augt. 23 d 1820.
Hon ble Sir -
Enclos d . is James Phillips application under March 2 d 1818 & May 1820, who failed getting it done at the Special Courts, and has since Applied at our August, Term 1820, - there is sufficient testimony to prove his Indigent circumstances now before his Honor the Sec y of War, which was Enclos d . in the application of John Button of Hopkinton -
Rev. Thurstan P. M. Hopkinton

Voluntown September 1 st 1840
Dear Sir,
Your favor of the 26 ult. was duly received on the 29 th — I feel very grateful for the favorable reception of my Declaration in the case of Judah Watson of Plainfield. I have been for several years confirmed in the opinion, that ultimately Truth would prevail, tho' for a time false representations might seem to bear a sway. —
I will now proceed to give the names of Persons referred to in a former communication and also such general information as I am possessed of —
{ George Smith Murphy of Westerly in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island —————
I spent in this case about one week in company with Latham Hull Esq. of North Stonington New London Co. Conn. This was some 2 or 3 or more years since.
The result of our investigation was, that the said G S Murphy served L. Months under proper officers & no longer. — He was frequently out on the Shores at Watch Hill R.I., but under those circumstances vis he would take his gun and go down on that Shore where he felt disposed; stay as long as he pleased & return when he pleased, not putting himself under the Command of any military officers and not remaining out even under those circumstances but a few days at a time

{ Ebenezer Reynolds of Griswold County of New London State of Connecticut
I spent about 2 weeks for this man and found that he was not under any existing pension law entitled to a pension.
Latham Hull Esq also spent some time in this case and we both came to the same decision.
{ Moses Fish of Bozrahville County of Windham and State of Connecticut.
For this man I spent about 2 weeks and took several depositions, also found some record evidence of some service; but did not find 6 months. I therefore decided that he was not entitled to the benefit of the act of 1832.
{ Martha Wilcox of North Stonington in the County of New London and State of Connecticut widow of Francis Wilcox late Deceased
I found on investigation of this case that the — Wilcox rendered 2 or 3 short terms on alarms at New London, but in all not more than about 3 or 4 weeks.
In this enquiry I was alone no one assisting me
{ Olive Whiting of Sterling and Bozrahville (a pauper supported equally between the two towns) Windham County Connecticut widow of John Whiting of late Deceased

I spent about 10 days in the investigation of this case and found to my satisfaction that she was not entitled. - Mr. Whiting's Service falling some days short of 6 months.
{ Helen Lester of Voluntown in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut Widow of Daniel Lester late Deceased
In this case I have made enquiry and have not been able as yet to find more than about 2 mo. Service, and doubt very much, whether any other or more service than that was rendered, yet it is possible there might have been. I have informed the widow that I should abandon the pursuit of enquiry for her -
{ Sarah Simons of Plainfield in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut reported (not lawfully) the widow of Simeon Simons late Deceased who in his life time was a pensioner of the United States under the act of 1888 as I have been informed. She applied to me for my assistance for a pension, soon after I commenced on Judah Watson Case.
I spent between one and two weeks for her & found to my full satisfaction that she never was lawfully married to the said Simons but (as colored persons sometimes do) they took to each other and lived together as Husband & Wife and had several children -

I have been informed that she has since applied to some one in Plainfield, I think F. B. Johnson Esq to help her to a pension whether he or the person to whom she applied, will persist in pursuing her case or not I am not able to inform you. However I last spring saw Esq. Johnson & Benjamin Bacon of Plainfield out on that business.
I believe public opinion is generally that they never were lawfully married
{ Polly Wells of Hopkinton County of Washington and state of Rhode Island widow of Thomas Wells long since deceased —
By reference to my memorandum book I find I have spent 6 days in investigating this case (and paid out $4.62.) besides what enquiries I have made for her when out in R.I. and elsewhere on case of Lydia Champlin late Decd. widow of Jeffrey Champlin Decd.
The result of my researches are as follows. The widow presented to me her certificate of Marriage which I copied and herewith insert a copy of that which I copied — viz:
"Then may certify that Thomas Wells for and Polly Robinson Both of Hopkinton personally appeared in said Hopkinton Washington County in the State of Rhode Island on the 21 day of February A.D. 1782 and were lawfully married per me
John Burdick. Elder

She also showed me her Husband's Commission which he held in the time of the war of the Revolution which was I think that of an Ensign. There can be no doubt of his holding the office of Ensign (or Lieut) in the time of the war, — but I could not find that he served under that Commission or in any way in the war of the Revolution more than about one month , — unless he might have been out for a few days on alarm.
Mr Amos Barber now of North Stonington New London County Connecticut stated to me that he served with Thomas Wells aforesaid at Newport a term of duty of one month in 1781 Commencing 6 th August & served to 6 Sept.
Mr Barber further stated to me that he never knew of Thomas Wells ever serving at any other time and that he (Mr Barber) in time of Revolutionary war resided not far distant from Mr Wells and presumed he should have known or heard of Mr Wells serving if he had rendered any service other than that which was in company with him (Mr Barber).
I, being well acquainted with Mr Barber and personally knowing his veracity, integrity & uprightness and knowing the fact that his intellectual powers were perfectly bright and intelligent, could not doubt but that she never ought to have a pension under any present existing pension laws of the United States. — In justice to the Wid. Wells I must say that she never set forth nor pretended to set forth particular terms of duty or service or any particular term

of time that he served, but said she used to frequently hear her husband tell of being in the war, and requested that I would investigate her case and if her husband did serve 6 mo. or more to assist her in applying for a pension etc. She never has paid me any thing for what time I spent for her, nor has any person in any case where I have found them not entitled —
I have recently been informed that William R. Doyes Esq of Rhode Island (I know not the town or County of his residence for certainty) has been to see her Indeed the keeper of the Public house at Hopkinton R.I. told me that Mr Doyes had been there and put up with him, and that he said he could get her (the wid Wells wife) a pension and has got her consent to make such an effort. Whether he has or will present her claim I cannot say, but from what I hear I presume he will.
I am credibly informed that Mr Doyes aforesaid makes it his business only business to look up cases and engage to get pensions for such as will set him to work and that he tells them he is a duly authorized agent for that business, by the war department and calls himself (as I am told) the Rhode Island Pension Agent, most of the old people believing it.
I have several times been asked by the old people in R.I. if he was an authorized agent, as he stated, — I have said to such that I knew of no such official as State agents,

for applying for the granting of Pension certificates I make this representation concerning Mr. Boyes from information received of the people of R.S. where I have had occasion to visit and I fear that it is too true to be denied or disbelieved -
I would in conclusion state to your Honor that I have been called on about home and also from a distance, very frequently to take depositions in pension cases which cases I knew nothing about only such parts as in the examination of such witnesses might be explained to me; For instance the marriage of some particular person, or some particular time of duty that the applicant or her husband might have rendered in the service. —
Of such cases I can form but a faint or incomplete opinion
I have the Honor, to be your Most obedient and Humble Servant
W. C. Stanton
Dear Sir, I have the honor to submit the following Pension D. E.

Jan 30. 1841
Hon J. L. Edwards
Commrs of Pensions
Washington DC

Winchester 26 Jan 7 1841
Sir
I have the honor to enclose you a copy of Nathaniel Phillips deposition agreeable to your request
I commenced the investigation of the supposed frauds in the case of Martha Sarah Phillips some time ago, but soon ascertained that the matter was not then ripe for probing. I have an arrangement by which I shall be informed of the proper time to proceed in the matter. I am satisfied that much mischief was contemplated & attempted to be consummated & think I shall be able to lay the matter open. I will give you the earliest information of my proceedings in the matter.
I am Sir very respectfully Your obedt Servt
W. S. Holabird
Hon J. H. Edwards Commr of Prisons

District of Columbia Office of District Attorney Washington 7 th Sept 1840
Dear Sir Yours of the 31 st inst covering the papers in the application of Martha Sarah Phillips for a pension were rec d on the 5 th inst I shall go im- -mediately into an investigation of the matter, but whither I shall be able to have the offenders before the next term of our Court, which sits on the 17 th inst may be doubtful. I see by the papers that some attention to the matter will be necessary before process is issued. I will advise you from time to time of my progress in the matter - in the mean time, by the return mail if you can please inform me what act you refer to when you say. "The act places the fabrication & transmission of such papers upon a common grounds of guilt and punishment" - I had supposed that Perjury was the proper offence to charge upon the guilty in cases of this kind.
I am Sir very respectfully Your Ob t Servant
W. S. Holabird

June 7. 1824
Cms.
M. Smith Phillips
5.
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commr of Indian Washington D.C.

District of Connecticut Attorney's Office June 2 nd 1841.
Sir -
I have examined the papers forwarded to my predecessor in the matter of Martha Sarah Phillips, who it is believed has practised a fraud in conjunction with others in procuring a Pension - There are several things in the papers forwarded by the Applicant that furnish good grounds of suspicion, and the deposition of the son of the Pensioner that his mother died within a short period after his father, leaves little doubt that the fraud was the result of a conspiracy among several individuals -
As those who can furnish the information desired reside in Rhode Island, and in a remote part of this State, some time will be consumed, and some expense incurred, in prosecuting enquiries into the facts - This from the nature of the investigation cannot be successfully done by correspondence, and it will therefore be necessary that the Attorney shall make the enquiries in person - As I do not feel at liberty to incur the expense, and labor incident to a personal investigation, without instructions, I write for the purpose of asking the direction of the Department, and shall hold myself in readiness to pursue such instructions as I shall receive, at an early day -
Very Respectfully Your Ob t Serv t Chas Chapman
Edwards Esq

New London County Ss State of Connecticut Stonington June 8. 1818
I Daniel Collins of Stonington in New London County, State a Lieutenant in the Army of the United States in the Continental Establishment, in the Company commanded by Capt James Eldridge in the Regiment commanded by Sedick Huntington and afterwards by Israel Starr 1 st Connecticut Regiment, do testify and say that James Phillips enlisted a soldier under said Capt James Eldridge, to serve during the war, and that he enlisted as appears by the Muster and Pay Roll of Thomas Hovey who commanded the Company of Capt Eldridge after his command ceased the 5 th day of April 1777 - to serve during the war: and this Deponent well believes said James Phillips served more than nine months, and that he was honorably discharged, and this deponent knows said Phillips was a good and faithful Soldier -
Lieut Daniel Collins
Personally appeared before me Daniel Collins sign of the above affidavit and made solemn oath to the truth of the facts therein contained This 8 th day of June 1818 Before me John Noyes Justice of the Peace

Apr 13. 1840
Martha Sarah Phillips,
cc. mch 1838
J. J. S. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions City of Washington
W. L. Chaplin

North Stonington April 8 th 1840 New London County State of Connecticut
J. L. Edwards Esq
Sir I believe I was the Justice that took the proof of the Deposition in case of Martha Sarah Phillips Widow of James Phillips deceased to obtain her pension - within about four Days I find that she practiced a fraud on the Government in obtaining her Pension in 1833 Martha Amosbury was married to James Phillips as she has stated in her Declaration said James Phillips had at the time a wife in the Town Hopkinton & State of Rhode Island By the name of Sarah - who after the death of said James Phillips she drew the Balance Due to said Phillips from the Pension Office up to his death. Said Phillips lived with said Martha Phillips about six Months & left her wants back to Hopkinton & State of Rhode Island to live with his wife Sarah Phillips & there lived with her till his death - at Martha Phillips then married a Man by the name of James Stodard & lived with him till a few years since then Stodard went off & left her whether Stodard is dead or living no one knows that I can find out about I have took pains to make Enquire on this Subject Since I got my first Information I am further told that her name is Martha Stodard & the Sarah was add by her to her name for the purpose of having is other wife name - I write this Letter confidential if you want any Depositions taken to prove these facts Please to write me & I will attend to the same
I am your most obedient Humble Servant Latham Hull