Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 175, for Bissell Phelps, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Phelps, Bissell, Sarah.
W 175
BLt 3822-160-55
CONTENTS

563. Increase. M.
Vermont.
Rejected
Dwight Phelps dec d of Washington Co in the State of Vermont who was a W. Conducto in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ in the Conn t line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Montpelier at the rate of 600 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831. I end 26 Oct r 1845, when he died.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 th day of Mar. 1850 and sent to H. H. Sylvester, Present
Arrears to the 14th of Semi-annual allowance ending Increased from _____ $480.00 Payable to only surviving child his Widow Sarah Phelps. { Revolutionary Claim, } At June 7, 1832
Recorded by J. P. Chase Clk Book E 2 Vol. 3 Page 93

3750.
Vermont. Mont. Sarah Phelps, widow of Bissell, Phelps
Ed
who served in the Revolutionary Conductor Con n war, as a Wagon conductor,
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 480 dollars 00 cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 25 th day of Feby 1854 and sent to
Stephen Thomas, West Fairlee, Vt.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 32 Vol. A

31,657.
Mar. 3. 1835.
Apr. 2. "
Sarah Phelps, widow of Bissell Phelps, Capt. 1 st Can t Inf ry
Col., Hubbard, Dept. Q.M. Conductor of Trains under Col. Hubbard, Dept. Q.M. Master Genl.
End.
Dis.
Revolutionary War.
Pensioner.
AW: 160 ac. Aug: 18/53
Bon d B y Th.
3822 ip Aug 17/55
Pa M.
Horace Phelps. South Royalton. Vt.
Mr. July 53 - aw 37 50
Vol P - page 77.

and when he returned home - in the month of November 1776, he enlisted into the Connecticut State Troops and was by them called, for the term of six months, under Capt. Elijah Hight of Woosterfield, Connecticut. That he served this term in S. Capt. Hight's Company & in Col. Dyer's Regiment, who went from Windsor, Connecticut that he with his Co. & Regt. marched to New Rochelle in the State of N. York where he was stationed at S. New Rochelle & Horse Neck, during said term. That he was in several skirmishes with the refugees & Cow boys. That at the end of said term he was discharged at said New Rochelle & returned home in May 1777. - That within four months. Marched under Capt. Gilbert to Fort Trumbull at New London where Capt. Gilbert was taken sick & he was after that in Capt. Elisha Hight's Company & in Col. Dyer's Regiment. That in said Fort Trumbull he served out said 4 months, during Garrison Hill. When said Fort Trumbull he was dismissed & returned home to his residence.
On the 16th day of June 1778 he received a commission signed by Schuyler H. Webb Q.M. Master Genl. as a Capt. in the Great Falls Connecticut Department, and the bar of the Continental Establishment, with the same Rank & Emoluments, as a Capt. in the line. That with his Commission he received order to raise by enlistment, for the term of six months, a company of men & teams. That he, by virtue of said Commission & order, did enlist a company of men sufficient to form fifteen six 4x teams. That he with said company immediately marched into the service of the Re States, at White Plains in the State of N. York. That from White Plains in the State of N. York. That from there, under the order of Genl. Starbuck Lt. Master Genl. went to Newbury in Connecticut where he completed the said six months. That at the expiration of that six months, he by order of Genl. Starbuck for the further term of one year (until further discharge) for the same service. That with said company of teams & teams he continued to serve in transporting the provisions of the army, from Newbury, Hartford & New Britain, under the order of said Genl. Starbuck - That on the 11th day of April 1779, Col. Hubbard Deputy Quartermaster Genl. having the same additional companies of teams, & having introduced, with men & teams into said company. That on which took the command of his old company and he proceeded to New Britain & raised a second company of men (with teams) for the term of 6 months, from said 11th day of April 1779. That he enlisted & raised said L. Company with them he served through said nine months, under the Quartermaster Genl. Department, in the vicinity of New Windsor, N. York, transporting provisions for the army from New Windsor (at Jersey) to the army at Mt. Point. That at the expiration of said 9 months, he re-enlisted his said company to serve in the same department of the army till the last day of December 1780. That during that last service he was mostly with the army on the line between N. York & N. Jersey, near a place called To the War. That he served with his company of teams till said last day of Decr. 1780. When at said To the War, he was honorably discharged Genl. Starbuck, Quartermaster Genl. - That in March 1781 he received a like appointment to raise a company of men & teams to join the Continental Army, then at Providence, R. I. & S. D.

Sworn to, and Subscribed, this fifth day of December A.D. 1832, before Paul Dillingham Justice of Peace
State of Vermont } Joshua G. Vail Clerk of Washington County Washington County ss Court. do hereby certify that Paul Dillingham who has subscribed the above as Justice of Peace , is a Justice of the Peace in & for the County aforesaid, duly qualified to act, and that I know the same to be his genuine Signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and have affixed the Seal of said Court, at Montpelier in Washington County, this fifth day of December A.D. 1832. Joshua G. Vail Clerk
0179
Phelps, Bissell Conn. W 175

DECLARATION in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
STATE OF VERMONT, } COUNTY OF Washington ss. } On this 7th day of August A. D. 1832 personally appeared in open court, before the Honorable County Court, within and for the County of Washington now sitting, Bisell Phelps a resident of Waitsfield in the County of Washington and State of Vermont, aged 78 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832:—
That he entered the service of the United States under the
following named officers, and served as herein stated: That at the commencement of the Revolution war he resided in the town of Eastford County of Vermont State of Vermont. That at the alarm of Lexington battle in April 1775 he turned out as a volunteer Marching under Capt. Erich Buel... 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.
Sarah Minge Phinehas Rider
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
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 Sarah Minge who has signed the preceding certificate, is a resident in the said town of Waitsfield and that Phinehas Rider who has also signed the same, is a resident in the said town of Waitsfield and an credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Attest, Joshua Y. Gail Clerk.
I Joshua Y. Gail Clerk of the County Court for the said County of Washington
do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Bisell Phelps for a pension.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this Eight day of August A. D. 1832.
Attest, Joshua Y. Gail Clerk.

Personally before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Washington, Bissell Phelps, within named who being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that he was actually in service as a Quarters Master, having a Captain's Commission, from the 16 th day of June 1778 to the 31 st day of December 1780, in the American Army ; That for two years, six months & fourteen (14) days, I served as a Quarters Master with a Captain's Commission, and that, that service was exclusive of my service as Quarters Master in the French Service & also exclusive of my service for eleven months as a private before I received my Commission and during two years, six months & 14 days service as Quarters Master, as above stated, I claim a pension. Bissell P. Phelps
Phelps, Bissell Conn W175

Declaration of Sarah Phelps June 29 1848

Declaration under the act June 7 1832 State of Vermont, } At a Probate Court held at Washington District S.S. } the Probate Office in Montpelier within and for the District aforesaid on the 29th day of June A.D. 1848. Personally appeared Sarah Phelps a resident of Montpelier in the County & District of Washington & State of Vermont Aged Seventy Six years who being first sworn according to Law doth on her Oath make the following declaration in order to ob- tain an increase & arrears of Pension due her late Hu- band Bissell Phelps deceased under the Act of June 7th 1832 or of any other act or Resolution of Congress applicable her case. That she is the Widow of Bissell Phelps who was a Captain or Conductor of Teams in the War of the Revolution and was a Pensioner upon the Rolls of the Ver- mont Agency at the Rate of Four Hundred & Eighty dollars per Annum under the Act of the 7th June 1832 that she considers him to have been Entitled to a Larger Sum than Four Hundred & Eighty dollars having been informed that the Department have Allowed in such cases at the Rate of Six Hundred Dollars per Annum: that she asks the Allowance of an increase to Annuity in the whole to $600. That she was Married to said Bissell Phelps at Regatta in the County of Windsor & State of Vermont on the Twenty Seventh day of February in the Year Eighteen Hundred and three (1803) that her Husband the said Bissell Phelps died at said Montpelier in the year Eighteen

Heard & forty five on the Twenty Sixth day of Oct ber That she still continues a Widow: That her maiden name was Sarah (Waterman): That she refers the Department to the office of the Third Auditor in the Treasury Department for the Proof of the Death of the said Bissell Phelps: For proof of her Marriage to the said Phelps she refers to the Family record hereto attached which is in the original handwriting of her late Husband excepting that part thereof relating to the Marriage of Horace Phelps
Sarah Phelps
Subscribed and sworn to in open Court the day and year first above mentioned. By the Court.
Attest, Lyman Briggs Reg. State of Vermont, } I Lyman Briggs Register and Washington District, S.S. } Clerk of the Probate Court within and for the District of Washington aforesaid do hereby certify that Satisfactory Evidence has been shown to said Court the Sarah Phelps the above declarant is now the Widow of Bissell Phelps who died late of Montpelier in the County of Washington and State of Vermont, and that the said Bissell Phelps was a Pensioner of the United States under the act of Congress of June 7 1832: And I further certify that the Family record hereto attached was cut by me from the Family Bible of the said Bissell Phelps.
In Testimony whereof I hereunto affix the Seal of said Court and Subscribe my name in Probate Office

at Montpelier in said district on this 29th day of June in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred & forty Eight,
Attest Gysman Briggs Reg'd Clerk
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF VERMONT,
BY THE GRACE OF GOD,
FREE AND INDEPENDENT:
To all to whom these Presents shall come, or may concern,
Send Greeting.
KNOW YE, That Gysman Briggs whose Official Signature appears to the foregoing Certificate of Marriage is the duly constituted and now acting Register and Clerk
of the Probate Court, for the County and District of Washington & that his sig- nature thereon is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have caused the Seal of said Court to be hereunto affixed in Probate Office at Montpelier in said District, this 29 day of June
A. D. 1848.
Attest, J. M. Easton
Judge. Viggin.

Anno DOMINI 96. e Isaiah 55 1.
He that is unjust, let him be unjust still ; and he that is filthy, let him be filthy still ; and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still ; and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And behold, I come quickly ; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work
offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth, say, Come. And let him that is athirst, Come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book :
f Deut. 13 1. Prov. 30 6.
19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly ; Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and end, the first and the last.
4 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
5 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the
The END of the NEW TESTAMENT.
State of Vermont
Washington County ss
I, Horace Phelps of Montpelier in the County of Washington & State of Vermont of lawful age do hereby certify that the foregoing Record is in the original hand writing of Horace Phelps and made by him Except that part thereof which is the record of the marriage of Horace Phelps!
Sworn and subscribed this 29th day of June 1803 and the above foregoing is personally known to me to be a true copy before me Lyman Briggs Justice of Peace

FAMILY RECORD.
h is eous, let h And ith me all be
Marriages.
Bipell Phelps Married to Lovena Skinner By the Reverend Robert Hubbard January 2 nd 1795  Bipell Phelps Married to Sally Waterman By the Reverend Norton Luther February the 27 th 1803  David Phelps Married to Lovena Wood February the 23 rd 1796 By the Reverend John Nash  Aaron Married to Sally Wait December the 9 th 1797 By Wright Spalding Esq.  Thomas Wait Married to Lovena Phelps April the 8 th 1802 By the Reverend Wm Pulver  Alexander Phelps Married to Rachel Steel March the 2 nd 1809 By the Reverend William Williams  Horace Phelps Married to Lucy S. Stowell June the 20 th 1832
Births.
David Son to them Born November 4 th 1795  Aaron Son to them Born April 15 th 1798  Alexander Son to them Born October 6 th 1780  Lovena Daughter to them Born November 26 th 1784  Solomon Son to them Born August 15 th 1787  Son Born September 28 th 1789  Emma Daughter to them Born June 26 th 1791  Son to them Born December 13 th 1794  Son to Bipell and Sally Phelps Born August the 8 th 1804  Son to them Born June 29 th 1805  Horace Son to them Born August 29 th 1806  John South Thorne & Lovena Wait Born October 15 th 1809  Delia L. Daughter to Thomas and Lovena Born 15 th August 1814  and Lovena Daughter to Thomas and Lovena Born 2 nd August 1806  and Lovena Daughter to Thomas and Lovena Born 16 December 1807

No. 2639
Susp. Nov. 21. 1832
Obj. 5.
(to be corrected by Mr Edwards order)
admitted 2 yrs Acad Capt. 2 d Master Dept $320. —
(Page 77)
P. Dillingham
Watbury Cpl.
34

BRIEF in the case of  Bipell Phelps  of  Waitsfield  in the State of  Vermont  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge?  county court.  If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  How old is he?  78 years  State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     In 1775 April 1 private Gen. Wm. Mifflin   1776 Nov. 6 " Capt. Back   1778 Feb. 4 " Conn. State Troops Capt. Wright Col. Emos   - 1778 June 16. 2 5 15 private Capt. or conductor Capt. Gilbert Col. Chapman He says he was a Capt. in the Det. P. M. Gen. Dept.   - 1781 Mar. not definite conductor Same Service  
 In what battles was he engaged?  none mentioned  Where did he reside when he entered the service?  Hebron Connecticut 
 Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?  By one living witness, by various orders & receipts recd & given while in the P. M's. Dept. & by the oath of the Clerk of the County who swears that he saw his commission as Capt. in the forementioned Dept.  Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? 
Correct
X  Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
J. M. Duffie Examining Clerk.

I Horace Phelps of Moritown Washington County Vermont, of lawful age depose & say, that I am now 36 years old - that as near as I can recollect about 16 or 18 years ago, I was present with my father Bissel Phelps, & Col. Cephas Cooper of Moritown aforesaid, when they looked up among my father's papers, his old Commission & discharge to be sent to Washington to aid a claim my father was then trying to get through Congress, found on an Army Duclile - They found his Commission which I saw & read - Also a discharge which I saw & read - The Commission was signed by Abraham Newland D.D. M. Genl., and in it, father was appointed Conductor of Trains, with the rank of captain & rating of Captain. The discharge was signed by said Hubbard D.D. M. Genl. I now think the Comd. was dated in Jan 1778 & the Discharge in Dec 1780, though I might not recollect these dates accurately but not the period of his service as conductor, he so often talked of in the family - I know that these two papers were claimed to said Cephas Cooper to be forwarded to Washington & as I have always lived with my father, I think I know that said papers have never been returned; and
In Dec. 1834, Dudley Chase, was in Waitsfield as an Arbitrator in a case between two Societies relating to a Meetinghouse; and I then heard him tell my father that said papers were lost while he Chase was Senator, at Washington. and further I say not. Horace Phelps

The within subscribed, and sworn to Febry. 3 d 1842 before me Paul Dillingham Jr. Justice of Peace
I personally know Horace Phelps, and certify that he is a credible witness. Paul Dillingham Jr. Justice of Peace

31,651. Mrs. Sarah Phelps
Widow of Bissel Phelps
War of the Revolution
Reply to
Horace Phelps
S. Royalton
Vermont
South Royalton Vermont

STATE OF VERMONT,
Windsor
County, ... ss.
ON THIS 26 th day of March A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fiftyfive personally appeared before me, Sarah Phelps  John B. Durkee a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, Sarah Phelps aged eightythree years, a resident of Royalton in the State of Vermont who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Bissell Phelps who was a Captain and in the company commanded by Captain Conductor of teams who was in the regiment of commanded by Col Nehemiah Hubbard in the war with of the Revolution declared by on the _____ that her husband at _____ on or about the _____ day of A. D. _____ several years for the term of and continued in actual service in said war for the term of fourteen days , and was honably discharged at _____ on the _____ day of She states that A. D. she receives a pension as the Widow of said Bissell Phelps in right of his said service under the act of February 3 rd 1853 of 480 dollars per, ann., payable at Montpelier Vermont That in her application for that pension will be found evidence of her marriage and of her said husband's service and of his death to which she refers for evidence in support of her claim She further states that she was married to the said Bissell Phelps in Royalton on the 27 th day of February A. D. 1803 by one Martin Tupper a Minister of the Gospel and that her name before her said marriage was Sarah Watman ; that her husband died at Morristown Vt. on the 26 th day of October A. D. 1845 , and that she is now a widow.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the "act approved March 3, 1855," and states that she has never received Bounty Land of the United States and has never before applied for any and she hereby appoints Horace Phelps of Royalton Vermont her Attorney to prosecute her claim & receive her warrant therefor
Sarah Phelps
We, George W. Waterman and Julia L. Phelps , residents of Royalton in the State of Vermont upon our oaths, declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Mrs. Sarah Phelps in our presence, and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be, And that she is now at this date a Widow
George W. Waterman
Julia L. Phelps
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
John B. Durkee
Justice of Peace.
STATE OF VERMONT,
Norman Williams,
Clerk of the County
Windsor COUNTY, ... ss.
Court for the County of Windsor
in the State of
Vermont, which is a Court of Record, hereby certify that John B. Durkee Esq. is an acting Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly qualified by the laws of this State to administer Oaths for general purposes; that I am acquainted with his hand-writing, and believe his signature to the foregoing to be genuine.
In testimony whereof, I hereby set my hand and affix the seal of said County Court, at Windsor in said County, this 29 day of March
A. D. 1855
Norman Williams,
Clerk.

In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of Birsee Phelps Mil. F. 175, a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his and (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Apr. 1775 1 mo Private Elijah Buel. ✓ Conn.   Nov. 1776 May 1777 " Elijah Wright. Nooger Enns. "   Feb. 1778 4 mos. " Gilbert and Eliphalet Buckley Samuel Chapman "   June 16 1778 Dec 30 1780 Conductor of teams  { Nehemiah Hubbard Deputy Q. M. General  "  
Battles engaged in, ✓
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Hebron Hartford Co. Conn.
Date of application for pension, August 7. 1832: His claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Waitsfield, Washington Co. Vt., Moretown Vt in 1845
Age at date of application, born March 1754 at Hebron, Hartford Co. Conn.
Remarks: He died Oct. 26 1845 at Moretown, Washington Co. Conn. he married Lovina Skinner Jan. 2. 1775; she married Sarah Waterman Feb. 27. 1803 at Royalton Vt. the where she resided in 1854. 82 years of age. Her claim was allowed.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

No. 31.657
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
Received April 2, 187 55
Sarah Phelps. Wid of Bissell Phelps Rev: War.
Warrant No 3892-160-55.
Horace Phelps. South Royalton. Vt.

Vermont 3.565
Bipold Phelps.
of Washington in the State of Vermont who was a Com d of Teams in the Gp M d Reg t comma by Captain of the comma by in the Coame clcu line for 2 years
Enscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 320 Dollars — Cents per ann to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate & Pension issued the 23 d day of April 1834 and sent to Hon. S. Prentiss U. S. Senator
Arrears to the 4th of March 1834 $ 0 Semant. allowance ending 4. Sep. 0.00
$ 1.120
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Not June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by R. B. Burdine Clerk, Book E. Vol. 3. page 85.

3751 Vermont.
Sarah Phelps, widow of Bissell who served in the Revolution war, as a Wagon Com.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of $80. Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 2d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 th day of Feby. 1853 and sent to Stephen Thomas. West Fairlee Vt.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act July 3, 1853, Page 32

   Bisel Phelps Conductor Contra for     1778 Sept 14 To Cash this day to acct. for p r Rec d 51 0 0 1778 Nov r 11 By his Bill of Expenses rec d 93 2 0   Oct r 5 To Cash this day do 42 0 0   Nov r 11 To Cash this day to balance do 2 0   93 2 0 93 2 0   Nov r 12 To Cash to acct. for p r Rec d 72 0 0 1778 Dec r 13 By his Bill of Expenses rec d 164 5 0   " " ditto " ditto ditto 60 0 0   Dec r 5 To ditto " ditto ditto 6 0 0   " 13 To ditto infall to balance ditto 26 5 0   164 5 0 164 5 0   Dec r 13 To Cash this day to acct. for p r Rec d 24 0 0 1779 Jan y 7 By his Pay roll rec d in this day 1146 10 8   " 31 To Cash " day ditto 27 0 0 Feb y 8 By his ditto ditto 826 19 0   Jan y 7 To ditto " day ditto 240 0 0   Feb y 6 To ditto " do his Brother Solomon ditto 51 0 0   " 12 To ditto " day infall to balance ditto 1631 9 8   1973 9 8 1973 9 8   Feb y 11 To Cash to acct. for (omitted) p r Rec d 60 0 0 1779 Feb y 20 By his Bill rec d in this day 347 14 6   " 20 To ditto infall to balance ditto 287 14 6   347 14 6 347 14 6   March 28 To Cash to acct. p r Rec d 66 0 0 1779 March 24 By his Pay roll rec d 906 13 0   " 24 To ditto infall to balance ditto 847 5 0 By his Bill for Wood 6 12 0   March 24 To Cash to acct. for p r Rec d 132 0 0 1779 Apr l 3 By his Bill against C.G.H. 399 17 3   Apr l 5 To Cash p r your 3 d Int l ditto 27 0 0 June 9 By his ditto against ditto 341 15 0   " 28 To ditto this day ditto 105 0 0 July 19 By your Bill N o 1 492 17 0   May 4 To ditto this day ditto 150 0 0 By ditto N o 2 3071 7 0   " 11 To ditto p r their Bill ditto 240 17 3   June 1 To ditto to acct. for ditto 150 0 0   July 19 To ditto this day infall to balance ditto 3500 19 0   4305 16 3 4305 16 3   July 28 To Cash this day p r Rec d 24 0 0 1779 Nov r 9 By Pay roll rec d N o 1 & 2 4196 11 0   " To Cart box 12th 3/ 1 16 0   Nov r 9 To Cash this day to balance 4170 15 0   4196 11 0 4196 11 0   Nov r 9 To Cash to acct. for p r Rec d 1020 0 0 1780 Jan y 1 By Daniel Jones acct. D r to balance 1380 1 0   " 25 To ditto 1000 Dollars ditto 300 0 0   " 27 To ditto 200 " acct. Sam l Whistler ditto 60 0 0   1380 1 0 1380 1 0   Apr l 11 To Cash this day 600 dollars p r Rec d 180 0 0 1780 July 6 By his Bill C.G.H. commission & interest 7333 6 6   June 2 To ditto ditto ditto 488 13 4   " 30 To ditto ditto ditto 4016 13 4   July 6 To ditto ditto to balance ditto 2647 19 10   7333 6 6 7333 6 6   Aug t 23 To Cash advanced George Whistler p r Rec d 241 16 8 1780 Aug t 28 By his Bill against C.G.H. 792 9 0   Sept r 6 To ditto ditto by D. Jones A.D.L.M.H. 2902 6 8 Oct r 10 By Dan t Jones Certificate given up 2885 18 6   Sept r 9 To ditto this day p r Rec d 969 3 4 1781 By his Pay roll of Service James 83504 0 0   " 23 To ditto ditto ditto 1619 0 0 By ditto rec d by Noah Whistler 41412 0 0   Nov r 4 To ditto ditto ditto 407 0 0   Dec r 16 To ditto ditto ditto 491 0 0   Jan y 8 To ditto ditto ditto 245 0 0   " 11 To ditto 3 d Int l but for Pay roll on file 7624 0 0   " 13 To 200 chains let him some time past 126 0 0   Feb y 10 To Committee of Pay Table Order to balance 113967 0 10   128594 7 6 128594 7 6  
   1775 Nathaniel Green Esq r L.M. Gen l     July 3 To Cash p r Bisel Phelps for Expenses 33 14 6   Jan y 7 To ditto " Bisel Phelps for Services of James 1146 10 8   Feb y 12 To ditto " Bisel Phelps " ditto 826 19 0   July 19 To ditto " Bisel Phelps " ditto 3564 4 0   Nov r 9 To ditto " Bisel Phelps " ditto 2020 4 0   Feb y 10 To ditto " Bisel Phelps cond n for ditto 83504 0 0  

   March 24 To Cash to acco d for p r Rec d 152 0 0 June 9 By his ditto against ditto 341 15 0   Ap r 5 To Cash p r your 3 d Inst t 27 0 0 July 19 By your Bill N o 1 492 17 0   " 28 To ditto This day 105 0 0 By ditto N o 2 3071 7 0   May 14 To ditto This day 150 0 0   " 11 To ditto p r due Bill 240 17 3   June 1 To ditto to acco d for 150 0 0   July 19 To ditto This day in full to balance 3500 19 0   4305 16 3 4305 16 3   July 28 To Cash This day 24 0 0 1779   " To Cash box 12th 3/ 1 16 0 Nov r 9 By Payroll m ts N o 1 & 2 4196 11 0   Nov r 9 To Cash This day to balance 4170 15 0   4196 11 0 4196 11 0   1779 1780   Nov r 9 To Cash to acco d for p r Rec d 1020 0 0 Jun y 1 By Daniel Jones acco d 1 st to balance 1380 0 0   " 25 To ditto 1000 Dollars 300 0 0   " 27 To ditto 200 " ditto" S r M c Krisley 60 0 0   1380 0 0 1380 0 0   1780 1780   Ap r 11 To Cash This day 600 dollars p r Rec d 180 0 0 July 11 By his Bill C.G.H. commencing time of service 7333 6 6   June 2 To ditto ditto 488 13 4   " 30 To ditto ditto 4016 13 4   July 6 To ditto ditto to balance 2647 19 10   7333 6 6 7333 6 6   1780 1780   Aug t 23 To Cash advanced George Wrisley p r Rec d 241 16 8 Aug t 28 By his Bill against C.G.H. 792 9 0   Ap r 1 To ditto ditto by D. Jones A.D.M. & M c Krisley 2902 6 8 Oct r 10 By D t Jones Certificate given up 2885 18 6   Sept r 9 To ditto This day p r Rec d 969 3 4 1781   " 25 To ditto ditto 1619 0 0 By his Payroll of Service Trams 83504 0 0   Nov r 4 To ditto ditto 407 0 0 By ditto m ts by Noah Wrisley 41412 0 0   Dec r 16 To ditto ditto 491 0 0   1781   Jun y 8 To ditto ditto 245 0 0   " 11 To ditto 3 d Aug t last for Payroll on file 7626 0 0   " 13 To 2 B d chains del d him some time past 126 0 0   Feb y 10 To Committee of Pay Table Order to balance 113967 0 10   128594 7 6 128594 7 6  
1778 Nathaniel Green Esq r L.M. Gen l
   July 3 To Cash p r Bessel Phelps for Expenses 33 14 6   1779   Jan y 7 To ditto " Bessel Phelps for Services of Trams 1146 10 8   Feb y 12 To ditto " Bessel Phelps " ditto 826 19 0   July 14 To ditto " Bessel Phelps " ditto 3564 4 0   Nov r 9 To ditto " Bessel Phelps " ditto 2020 4 0   1781   Feb y 10 To ditto " Bessel Phelps Cond r for ditto 83504 0 0  
Office of Sec y of State Hartford Conn t April 2 nd 1844
I certify that there are various Books and papers deposited in this Office that belonged to Mehlemiah Habbard Esq r late of Middletown in said State, and who was Dep y Quarter Master Gen l in the Revolutionary war, and the above is a true and exact copy of an account found on one of said Books with Bessel Phelps Conductor of Trams. Said Book appears to be exclusively for acco d with Trams, Conductors of Trams, and officers in the Army, and the rank they held in the Army is annexed to their respective names. There is also in said Book a long acco d headed Nathaniel Green Esq r L.M. Gen l and entries made from time to time for paying sundry Conductors of Trams & officers in the Army and the above are extracts from said account for paying Bessel Phelps Cond r of Trams

I further certify that there is another Book deposited in said Office that belonged to the said Nehemiah Hubbard, and is styled the Dr Master Genl Book of receiving and delivery, and the following is the heading under which Names are entered, and the date, the rank each person held, and the articles delivered, are against each Name.
Delivery of articles in the Dr Master Genl Department
  1778 Nov 14 Bipol Phelps Cond 2 3 13 Paper   " " Atm Howe L. M. B. 100 Boards   Dec 15 Aaron Ball L. M. 2 Reams Paper   1779 " Bipol Phelps Cond 2 4 u. u. Iron   Apr 3 John Lump Col n 3 9 2 Paper   " " Bipol Phelps Cond 2 3 Sto Cart boxes   Aug 17 George Sturges A. G. to B. H. 3 9 2 Paper   1780 " Bipol Phelps Cond 2 1 " do   Feb 7 John Hall U. C. S. 12 " do   " " Bipol Phelps Cond 2 1/2 " do   Apr 19 Samy Chapman 5 " do   " " Bipol Phelps Cond 2 1/2 " do 
I further certify that the following is an entry made on a Day Book that belonged to the said Hubbard.
Hartford State of Connecticut July 11 th 1780  Commissary Genl Forrage
"For Sundry expenses his Comp y of Teams transporting Provisions recruiting etc and the expenses of himself & Horse his Teams procuring Forrage etc $ 7333. 6. 6"
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said State this 2 nd day of April A d 1844
R. A. Phelps Secretary of State

175 Ray WIDOW, &c.
File No. 175
Sarah Phelps Widow Dipell Phelps Wagon conductor Lew. Mar.
Act Feb. 3 rd 1853.
Index:—Vol. M. , Page 127
[Arrangement of 1870.]

see letter 9 Oct. 1841 to A. Ray do to same date Sec. of State Oct. 14. 1841 - do. to A. Ray & P. Agt. at Montpelier, (Vase Shop.) Oct. 27. 1841 to Wm. D. Brewster March 1 st 1842 - do. to Paul Bingham Jr. July 13. 1842 do to Hon. J. Matlock Dec 31. 1842. do to Hon. S. M. Clarke Jan 2. 1843. See Report to Sec. War Aug. 17. 1843, and his decision against the cap Sept. 4. 1843 - See Rep. to Sec. War Feb. 11. 45
Vermont N o Bipol Phelps of Washington Co. in the State of Ver. who was a Bond fide in the 2 nd Div by Captain _____ of the _____ in the Connecticut line for 2 years
Entered on the Roll of Vermont the rate of 320 Dollars _____ Cents per annum commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 rd day of April 1834 and Hon. S. P. Hunt U.S. Sen.
Arrears to the 14th of Mar. 1834. 9 60. 00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 th Sept. 1 60. 00 $1,120.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by R. Bruns Clerk Book 6 Vol. 3 Page 85
Paid to 4 March 1841

Vermont 3563.
Bissell Phelps
of Washington Co. in the State of Vermont who was a Conductor } in the _____ commanded of Team } by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ in the Conn. line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Montpelier at the rate of 480 Dollars _____ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. Increased from $320, former payments to be deducted.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 th day of October 1845 and sent to L. J. Pease Hartford, Connecticut
Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Not June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, Book E. 2. Vol. 3. Page 93.

Pension Agent notified } see letter }
Col. to Hon. L. B. Peck
August 4 th 1848

No. 887
Danah Hays und. of Dist. -
Vermont
857. Sumy. Cir to S. D. 185
Act 3. Feb. 1857

Bissell Phelps
Conductor of Team (2 years)
$480 per an. deduct former payments. Inform the Agent that the suspension is removed and that the pension is increased to $480 per an. former pay- ments to be deducted -
Act 7. June 1832
Mentpelier Vt
Role
Send cert: to L. T. Pease Hartford Con.

3563
Vermont
Bipset Phelps
of Washington Co in the State of Vermont who was a Captain in the Quar ter M aster  Detachment by Captain  of the  commander by  in the Connecticut  line for 2 years  $320.00
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of  Dollars  per annum to commence on the 10th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 th day of Dec r 1832 and paid to P. Dillingham, Waitsbury Vermont.
Arrears to 10th of Sept. 1832  $480.00 Semizant. allowance ending 4th Jan 1833  160  $640.00
Conductor of  $320 Hen  Senate  US
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by T. Luce Clerk, Book D. Vol. 4 Page 79
In letters to Mr. English by P. Paul Dillingham of  31 st 1834
Conductor of  $320

Receipts -
Mr Carroll would call the attention of the Secy. to the other Receipts other than = with the endorse- = ment of the Justice of the Peace on the envelope
(No 8)
24
v 3822
160 ams

No 4171 Sarah Phelps, wid. of, Bipell,
H.
Leh. to S. Thomas Feb: 2 o . 52.

The within papers were taken promiscuously from a map of the like kind in Bishop Phelps possession. They are sent with his application as tending to establish the fact of his service in the Quarters Mt. Genl Department.
27 P. Dillingham 17
(10)

Rev. a/c 753. V.F.
B. Phelps
Bipal Phelps $480. p. a.
Died 26 th Oct 1845. Paid to his death. B.S.B.
6
Rec: W: 26 th Oct: 1845.
Admit when agent from the Co: Applicant resides in & that off: no arrears or in arrears of Premium.
"V. B. Phelps."

I understand that the case of Bible Phelps has been reexamined, and that errors have been discovered in it. Mr. Edwards will be so good as to communicate to me, before a final decision is made upon the case, a statement of the supposed errors.
S. Prentiss.
Mansley, April 21st.

Holland & Goss with Horse team from Jersey 20 Dinner — Total 159
July 11 th 1887 Magn. Millly
Cond d Weed — Cond d Leavenworth Cond d Coleman Cond d S d Phelps

Additional Declaration of Sarah Phelps of Vt. Recd Feb 3 d 1853
Please to communicate with - Stephen Thomas West Fairlee Vt.

State of Vermont } On this 23 rd day of December Hartford District } J. S. D. 1853 - Personally appeared before the Probate Court at a Session thereof held at Royalton in the County of Windsor in the State of Vermont in said district Sarah Phelps, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits made by the act of Congress passed February 3 rd 1853, granting Pensions to certain widows of Officers & Soldiers who served in the War of the Revolution.
That she is the widow of Bissel Phelps who was a Conductor of Teams or Wagon Conductor in the War of the Revolution and a Pensioner of the United States at the rate of $600. per annum under the act of June 7 th 1832 a part of which sum was paid to her after the decease of said Bissel Phelps that she was married to the said Bissel Phelps on the twenty seventh day of February Eighteen hundred three
That her said husband died on or about the 25 th day of October Eighteen hundred forty five that she was not married to him prior to the second day of January Eighteen hundred but at the time above stated, she further declares that she is still a widow; and for proof of her

Marriage, and the death of her said hus- band she refers to the Declaration which she made to obtain the balance due him at his death and accompanying documents The words "or about" interlined before signing; that her Maiden name was Waterman Witness - John Pootie                      Sarah her Phelps Haran Phelps                      Mark Sworn to and Subscribed in open Court by the above declarant, on the day and year first above written                      John Pootie Judge Before me
State of Vermont ) I John Pootie Judge of Probate Kartford District ) within and for said district do hereby certify that Satisfactory evidence has this day been adduced to said Court by the affi- davits of Nathaniel G. Joslyn & Dea. Richardson of Waits- field Vermont and Franklin Thomas & Horace Phelps of Roy- alton in said district credible Witnesses that Sarah Phelps the above declarant, is the Wid- ow of Bissell Phelps late of Morristown in the County of Washington deceased, who was a Pensioner of the United States for service in the War of the Revolution Given under my hand in Probate Court at Royalton in said district this 23 d day of December A.D. 1853 -                      John Pootie Judge

State of Vermont, Hartford District ss
I Lyndon A. Marsh, Register of the Probate Court of said District do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true record signed by the Judge, and contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Sarah Phelps for a pension, as therein stated.
In testimony whereof, I do hereto affix the seal of said Court this twenty eighth day of December, A.D. 1853.
L. A. Marsh, Register.

House of Reps
Jan y 6. 1843
J. S. Edwards Esq. Comm. of Pensions Dear Sir,
The Committee on Rev. Pensions has had under their consideration the petition of Rufus Phelps praying Congress to have his name replaced on the Pension Roll. They think he makes out a strong case, but observe that in your letter to Paul Dillingham Jr. Esq. you say, "I have already stated that the official returns show clearly that he was under a civil contract, and did not belong to a corps forming a component part of the Army. The return is the best evidence which the case affords, and the affidavits of individuals to prove that he held a commission are wholly unavailing." I am therefore directed by the Committee to ask you to furnish them with a copy of the official returns, or so much of them as applies to this particular case, and showing clearly that his services were under a civil contract . And also to ask you to say, whether in your opinion, the original Commission, spoken of in the petitioner's declaration, if produced, would constitute such evidence, as would authorize you to restore him to the Pension Roll. You will please also to furnish the Committee with a copy of the declaration and papers of Samuel Edgecomb of Boston Comm.
I have the honor to be, Very respectfully, &c. &c.
J. S. Clarke

Montpelier Nov. 8. 1852.
W. G. Wade Esq.
Dear Sir.
Your favor of the 1 st inst. was duly received. In reply I have to say that Noah Risky did belong to the Continental establishment according to my best recollection.
I first enlisted under Capt. Wm. Hale 3 months, then under Bissel Phelps 9 months & was at once  transferred served out the full time, and then again enlisted under Phelps for 9 months longer, & was at once transferred transferred to Noah Risky's Company , and served the full period of nine months under Risky and was discharged from this last service about 500 miles from home.
Capt. Risky had a company of his own and was out some two years I should think in the service - My last service was under Risky.
Yours Respectfully Silomon Yost

Hon J L Edwards Com Pension
Sir As I shall be gone from Washington before you on examine the case of Capt Russell Phelps, I would thank you communicate your answer to Mr Nicholas Correll who has had some considerable agency in this matter of late
Yours truly P. Billingham Jr.
A Rep. Jan 17. 1844

Washington
Oct. 9. 1871.
Sir,
I have received your letter of this date, in the case of Bepel Phelps. - stating that there is no evidence whatever that he received $40 per month for his services.
Will you be pleased to request, of the Secretary of State, an examination to be made, of the Washington papers, as to the pay of the applicant, while acting as conductor of trains in the war of the revolution.
I am respectfully Yours. &c. &c. Geo. A. Ray
J. L. Edwards Esq. Court of Pennsylvania.

Pension Office
The Hon Secretary of War
Washington
No 15
City.
4

Hon Lewis Cass Sec. of War.
Watbury Vt. Decr. 6. 1832.
Sir Capt Bissell Phelps has made an amendment to his original Declaration, so as to show with more precision the length of time which he served as Quarten Master, Exclusive of his Service in the French Army, and setting forth for what Service he claims a Pension.
The Amendment is on the back of the original Declaration, and here I should remark, that it was the fault of the draughtsman of that Declaration, rather than that of Capt Phelps, that the Statement of Service was not made with sufficient precision; for Capt Phelps has a very distinct recollection of his Service, both as to time & all accompanying circumstances.
Capt Phelps has forwarded an other affidavit, showing the previous existence of his Commission & Discharge, which were both forwarded on to Washington, to aid in procuring a Special act of Congress, in Affidavits favor, in relation to Revolutionary losses & Services - and which there were, lost, or mislaid, so that they have not since been found.
M c Phelps says that by going about the Country a few days he could procure other affidavits as to his Service for which he claims a pension, but as I rec d no intimation with the return of the papers, that any further proof as to that, would be required, I have not advised him to go in pursuit of it; but have herewith returned his application again to the Pension Office.
Should an early & favorable decision be made, in this case, the heart of an old & diserving man, would be gladened, and I can not but think, that this is one among the justest applications made for a pension. Further communications in this case, from your Department, will be adopted as before.
Very Respectfully Your O b d t Serv t .
Paul Dillingham Jr

Washington 7. th March 1845-
Dear J. L. Edwards Chair. of Pensions
Sir. Under the power of atty taken from B. Phelps of Vermont, given a few weeks ago. I authorize Henry L. Sylvester Esq of Washington City. to act for me in my absence, in the case of said Phil Phelps application for a pension. & to do all that it would be lawful for me to do, under that power of atty, in person
Respectfully your friend P. Skeligham Jr
Asst. Phil. & Henry in all?

Washington July 23 1850
Sir
I enclose herewith two certificates to be used in the application of Sarah Phelps & L. Wells
I have the honor, to be Respectfully H. H. Sylvester
Hon J. L. Edwards Committee of Pensions

West Fairlee Vt. Feby 20 th 1854
Hon: L.P. Waldo Comr of Pensions
Dear Sir, I herewith forward the affit of Mrs Sarah Phelps, of Royalton - also the affit of Horace Phelps, Lucy, Phelps, & Franklin Thomas which I trust will be satisfactory to establish her claim to a Pension under the act of Feby 3 rd , 1853, I knew & loved Bissell in his lifetime & his wife the said Sarah, I was present when she made her vouchers to obtain the bal due her husband at the time of his decease & when the money was paid to her - and know that she is the same person, I think the proof is in accordance with your request, by your letter in this case dated Feby 2 nd 1854.
Please to communicate the result to me -
I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully
your obt Servt
Stephen Thomas

Waterbury Vt May 26 1843
Paid
Nichols Candell 18 3/4
Present
Nicholas Carroll
No. 1 Varick Place
New York City
N. York
10 26
Single Bussel Vt.

Mount Vernon Washington Co. Vt.
May 26. 1843
I hereby authorize Mr. Nicholas Carroll to any prosecute any claim I may have against the Gen. Government, but the prosecution of this claim shall not bar me from any further or future claim I may now or hereafter have and still claim when passed for payment shall be payable to myself in person or to my order
Witnesses
D. M. H. Carpenter
Cephas Carpenter
By all Delegates

Washu Feb
L. T. Pease.
Appeals out Bifull Phelps pension claim.
P 25 Lee St 10/45
Pension Office Report

Washington City Feb Sir
The undersigned was inscribed on the pension roll of Revolutionary pensioners as a conductor of teams under the Pension Act of 1832. And was paid at the rate of $320. per annum until 1841. When having discovered, that he was by law entitled to a pension of $480 per annum, he made application for an increase accordingly; but instead of receiving that justice at the hands of the Commissioners, his name was stricken from the roll. On what grounds, he has never been able to learn. Since so far as he can understand, there is no pretence that the evidence on which his pension was originally granted has been in any degree weakened and impaired.
He has recently discovered further documentary evidence, which has been submitted to the Comm ee who on a re-vision has again rejected his claim. he therefore appeals to the Secretary of War & prays to be heard in the premises. Pipit Phelps Ag t Atty Hon ble Wm Watkins Sec y of War S. D. Pearce

Additional proof in the case of Mrs Sarah Phelps of Vt. under act of Febry 22 1853 —
Please & communicate with Stephen Thomas West Fairlee Vt
STATE OF VERMONT.
Office of the Secretary of State, Montpelier, February 15 th 1854.
I certify that Charles M. Lamb Esquire, whose name is subscribed in his own proper hand-writing to the foregoing certificates, is and was at the date thereof, a justice of the peace, duly elected and qualified, with full power and authority under Writs of Mandamus and by virtue of the laws of said State to administer oaths and take depositions, and acknowledgments of deeds, and that to his official acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are, and ought to be given. Given under my hand and the Seal of this office, this 15 th day of February A. D. 1854.
David Thompson Secretary of State.

I Sarah Phelps of Royalton in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont of Eighty two years of age, do hereby testify and say, that I am the Widow of Bissell Phelps, a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, late of Montpelier, in the County of Washington, deceased; that I am the identical Sarah Phelps who drew the balance of pension due to the said Bissell Phelps at the time of his decease; since which time I have removed from said Montpelier, to the town of Royalton aforesaid, where I now reside and that I am now the Widow of said Bissell; and that I am the same person, who made a declaration before a magistrate in the month of February last, and also an additional declaration before the Probate Court on the 23 d day of December last, to obtain a pension under the act of Congress passed February 3 d A.D. 1833
Witness, Cha s M. Saurb, to signature — Sarah her Phelps a mark of Sarah Phelps. — mark
Subscribed and sworn to at Royalton in the County of Windsor, this Eleventh day of February A.D. 1834
Before me Cha s M. Saurb, Justice of the Peace

We Horace Phelps, and Lucy S. Phelps, wife of the said Horace Phelps, of Royalton in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont do hereby testify and say, that Sarah Phelps, who made the foregoing affidavit, and which is herewith annexed, is now a resident of said Royalton and resides in our family: that she is the identical person who drew the arrear of pension due to Bissell Phelps, a Revolutionary Pensioner late of Montpelier in said State, deceased, at the time of his decease: that said pension was allowed at the rate of $600. per annum: that said Bissell resided in our family at the time of his decease, and that the said Sarah, (now his widow) has continued to reside in our family ever since his, the said Bissell's, decease: We further say that we have resided in said town of Royalton for the two years now past, past & previous to which last mentioned time we resided in the town of Montpelier, before mentioned.  Horace Phelps Lucy S. Phelps
Subscribed and sworn to by the above affiants, at Royalton in the County of Windsor this Eleventh day of February A.D. 1834, before me, and I hereby certify, that said affiants are personally known (over) 5

to me and that they are credible witnesses Charles M. Sams, Justice of the Peace

I Franklin Thomas of Boylston in the County of Middlesex and State of Vermont, of lawful age, do hereby testify and say that I am acquainted with Mrs. Sarah Phelps now of said Boylston. I further say that I was acquainted with the said Sarah Phelps, while she lived in Montpelier in this State, from which place, she removed to said Boylston about two years ago, since which time she has resided in the family of Horace Phelps. I further say that the said Sarah Phelps, was the wife of Bissell Phelps, late of said Montpelier, a revolutionary pensioner, now deceased, at the time of said Bissell's death, and that the said Sarah, is now the said Bissell's widow.
I further say that I was personally acquainted with both, while they lived together in said Montpelier. — I further say that the said Sarah Phelps is the only person of that name I have ever known. — Franklin B Thomas
Subscribed and sworn to at Boylston in Middlesex County this Eleventh day of February A.D. 1834 before me; and I further certify that the above affiant, is personally known to me, and that he is a credible witness. Richard M. Gannett, Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont
Windsor County ss. Personally appeared before me, Sarah Phelps of a resident of Royalton in said County who first being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress Febry 3 rd 1853.
That She is the widow of Bissell Phelps late of Moretown in the County of Washington deceased, who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, that she was married to said Bissell Phelps at said Royalton on the Twenty Seventh (27 th ) day of February in the year Eighteen hundred and three (1803), that said Bissell Phelps died at said Moretown on the Twenty Sixth day of October in the year 1845; that she is still a widow, and she refers to the declaration which she made on the 29 th day of June 1848, & the accompanying documents there with, upon which the balance due said Bissell Phelps at his decease was paid to her; for Proof of her Marriage and the death of said Bissell -
Sarah Phelps
Sworn to and subscribed by the above declarant this 21 st day of February 1853 and I certify that she is a credible witness.
Before me
Nathan Dane Justice of the Peace

STATE OF VERMONT.
Office of the Secretary of State, Montpelier, February 24 th 1853 }
I certify that Nathan Dake Esquire, whose name is subscribed in his own proper hand writing to the foregoing certificate, is and was at the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the county of Windsor duly elected and qualified, and that to his official acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are, and ought to be given.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of this Office, this twenty fourth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-three.-
Fernand F. Merrill
Secretary of State.

West Fairlee Vt. Jan'y 30 th 1854
Hon L.P. Waldo
Sir, I herewith enclose an additional declaration of Mrs Sarah Phelps of Vermont, under the act of Feb'y 3 d 1853. Please examine the same and communicate the result to me — If the proof of the death of her husband (Bissell Phelps) is not satisfactorily proved in the papers now in the case please refer to the Auditor's office for the same —
I have the Honor to be Very Respectfully
Your Ob't Serv't Stephen Thomas

Washington July 20 1850
Sir
I will beg leave to call your attention to the application of Sarah Phelps - Widow of Capt Russell Phelps, and of Selinda Wells one of the children of the late Mr. Phelps for an increase of the capitation pensions of said Phelps & Wells under the Act of June 7, 1832. These papers were presented to the Office through the Hon Mr Peck of Vermont, and are now upon your files. Please report to me, as to Mr Peck's.
I have the honor to be Respectfully & etc H. H. Sylvester
Hon J. H. Edwards Commr Pensions

Pension Office
August 17. 1843
Commission of Pensions Report in the case of Bissel Pheep.
Decision of Commissioner Confirmed Major Genl. Amortis Sept. 4. 1843

Pension Office
August 17. 1843.
Sir,
In obedience to your order I have the honor to make the following report in the case of Bissel Phelps, in which his present Attorney, Mr. Carroll, has taken the enclosed appeal.
The claimant was in 1834 inscribed upon the roll of Pensioners under the act of 7 June 1832 and paid until 1841, when the transcripts from the "Washington Papers" No 1. 2. 3 were received and were deemed conclusive that he was one of the numerous employees of the Quartermaster Department for the transportation of supplies , engaged upon stipulations for a per diem compensation, and therefore not entitled. His own statements, and his documents on file, shew that he was engaged in transporting provisions &c from Depots of purchase, to Depots of Issue, with ore teams, and in no instance is he seen in command of a Brigade of teams in the train of the Army with the Munitions of War . The papers of Daniel Miles, who was one of the "Conductors of Teams", will furnish full information of the relation which they sustained to the Army, which was surely that of a conductor, including their

our compensation per diem, and that of their drivers and teams.
The receipts of Claimant invariably "promise" to deliver the Article 16. while engaged for the Continental Army up to 1781, and during that year he receipts to the same Quartermaster General of the Continental Army for "forty herd doleens on account of the wages of my Company of Teams in the service of the Army of France ", and subscribes it as "Conductor. These documents have been deemed conclusive of the only question now made, whether he was in the Military or Civil service of the Government.
It is unnecessary to go into a detailed answer to the statements of Mr Carroll, as to the incidents which marked Claimant's relation to the Army. They were no doubt such as characterized the service of Niles and other conductors of teams employed to transport supplies from places of purchase to those of issue.
This Claim has been the subject of considerable correspondence with previous agents of the Claimant and several members of Congress, and it is upon very mature consideration of its merits, that it has been resisted.
Hon James M. Paton, Secretary of War,
I have the honor to be Very respectfully, Your obedient servant, Wm Crump

I Ephraim Carpenter of Moretown in Washington County and State of Vermont age sixty two, depose and say that for thirty four years last past, I have been acquainted with Capt Bissell Phelps of Waitsfield in said County, that I have repeatedly seen & perused his old papers relating to his military service. I have frequently seen his commission which to the best of my recollection, the same was dated some time in June 1778. and I know it was signed by Abraham Hubbard Esq. Lieut. Genl. Constabulary and appointing said Phelps, a Capt. in the Quarters Master General's Department, with the same rank, pay & emoluments, as a Captain of the line. I have also seen & read a Discharge given to said Phelps, signed by Timothy Pickering, Quarters Master Genl. and dated same time in Dec. 1781. in the year 1824, as I think, I saw said Commission & Discharge for the last time, they were then enclosed, in my presence, to be sent on to Washington to the care, as I think of, Genl. Allen, then member of Congress from Vt. I have since heard the Hon. Dudley Chase late Senator from Vt. say that said Com- mission & Discharge, came into his hands while at Washington, in that the same were some where in the papers, that last. — Ephraim Carpenter
State of Vermont Washington County } At Middlesex in said County, December 5th 1832 before me, personally appeared Ephraim Carpenter in due form of law, that the above affidavit by him subscribed contains the truth & nothing but the truth, before me Paul Dillingham Jr. Justice of Peace I certify that I am well acquainted with Ephraim Carpenter who subscribed the above affidavit, & that he is a credible witness. Paul Dillingham Jr. Justice of Peace

State of Vermont } I Joshua P. Vail clerk of Wash- Washington County } ington County Court. do hereby certify, that Paul Dillingham Jr who has affixed his name to the within is a Justice of the Peace within for Washington County. Duly qualified to act, and I know the same to be his genuine sig- nature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said Court at Montpelier in Washington County this 5th day of December A.D. 1832. Joshua P. Vail Clerk
Sophia Carpenter Efficient
A
(No 5.)
37

I. Roderick Richardson In of Waitspice County of Washington State of Vermont of lawful Age do testify that for most of the time for 20 years past I have had the charge of the Post Office at this place I have held the office of Post Master for 12 years and was Clerk in the office a number of years before, Within that period of time and while Bessel Phelps of Waitspice now of Moretown was prosecuting a claim before Congress. I saw at the Post Office some of Capt Phelps old papers. Amongst which was an obligation signed by some paymaster or officer in the Army. a Commission for raising Teams, I should think the Commission Constituted him "Captain & Conductor of Teams" I should think so receipts & accounts for money disbursed. As I saw the papers at the Post Office I should think quite probable they were brought there to be enclosed and sent by mail but I have not a clear recollection of that fact.
State of Vermont Washington County ss
Roderick Richardson In
Waitspice Feby 4. 1842
Personally appeared before me Roderick Richardson the signer of the above affidavit Halema Oath made that the same contains the truth according to his best knowledge & belief
Roderick Richardson
Just of Peace

Copy
I hereby certify that in the commencement of the session of congress in 1825 or in 1826. I examined all the papers belonging to the petition and case of Bipele Phelps, and I will recollect seeing among them, the papers mentioned by him in his petition now pending before the Senate of No. States. is the Certificate of his first appointment to the French Army, and the S d due bill of £ 341. 15 s with sundry affidavits in support of his claim. I also will recollect, at a subsequent session of congress, of making enquiry for the papers of said Phelps, with a view of again presenting them for the consideration of the Senate of No. States, and that they were not then to be found.
Washington Feb 1. 1837.
signed "Isabel Chase."
presented by Rev. A. A. Phelps 24 Feb 1842

D
Bissel Phelps clerk -
L. T. Pease
(No. 11)
L. T. Pease Prest Feb 1. '45

I John Huxford of the town of Glastenbury in the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut a Revolutionary pensioner aged eighty eight years old on Oath testify and say that I enlisted into a Company of Teamsters in the year 1778 commanded by Bissel Phelps then residing in Colchester in said County and State who was called and styled Captain or Conductor of Teams and I was constantly in said Service under the said Bissel Phelps as said for a term of three years and that I was under Military Orders & discipline and received rations from day to day from the Commissary or Mr. Munter Dept.
Our Company consisted of ten Men as teamsters and one Cook and the said Bissel Phelps was mounted on a Horse and his duties appeared all the time to be to give Orders to the said Company of Teamsters and make provisions for their daily subsistence and we were all the time strictly under Military discipline and were at times when emergency and occasion required ordered into the Military ranks and subject to Military duty.
The said Bissel Phelps was reported to be a very active and useful officer through most the whole of the Revolutionary war and undoubtedly served under a commission.

After serving the three years under the said Russell Phelps, as before stated I enlisted under Samuel Wisley as Conductor and served about two years. The said Wisley resided in the said town of Glastonbury at the time I enlisted under him.
Further this deponent saith not.
John his X Huseford mark
State of Connecticut County of Hartford ss Glastonbury January 28 th 1845
Personally appeared before me John Huseford with whom I am personally acquainted and subscribed to the above and made solemn oath to the truth of the same & I further certify that he is reported to be a very respectable and credible person and whose memory appears to be remarkably good for one of his age & information.
Benezr Bissell Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut } ss. Hartford County }
I Chauncy Howard, Clerk of the County Court for said County, hereby certify that Benjamin Bissell whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate is a Justice of the Peace for said County.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court, this 29 th day of January A.D. 1845.
Attest Chauncy Howard, Clerk.

House of Rep 29 Janry 1845
J. L. Edmonds Comd. of Pensions
Sir Capt. Basil Phelps of Moretown Vermont, is not only one of my constituents, but is also my neighbor & friend. & I have all along had some supervision of his application for a pension which has been some years pending in your Office.
I intend, in person, to call that case up for your further consideration in the course of a few days; and until I do this I respectfully ask that it may not be decided or acted upon.
Yours Very Respectfully P. Dillingham Jr.

Friday morning
Augt 18 th /43
Sir
According to the understanding I had with Genl. Parker, I was to have the honor of an interview, with Col. Cummins, this morning. I should not certainly have ventured from my room except under that idea.
My not seeing you must plead my apology for adding this much to the matter already before you. You will notice in the original papers the Certificate or Endorsement of Paul Dillingham Jr Esq. on the envelope covering several Receipts of B. Phelps only four of which are before you. Who this gentleman is may be gathered from the fact that the Democrats of the 4 th District in Vermont have nominated him for Congress.
I will merely add that among those who have interested themselves for Bissell Phelps are the Hon. Messrs. Phelps & Prentiss U. S. S. Hon. Messrs. Mattocks, Everett & Hiland Hall, the last known as a gentleman who cuts his face impartially & absolutely against all improper Claims.
With sentiments of the highest consideration
I have the Honor to be
Very Resp s
Yrs. O bt . Serv t .
Rich d G. Carroll
Hon James M. Porter Secy. of War

House of Rep. 11 Feby 1845
Dear Mr. Wilkins Sec of War.
Sir Permit me to call your attention to the case of Capt. Israel Phelps of Waitsfield Vermont. Which is an application to be restored to the Pension list, under the act of 1832. His declaration is for Military service as conductor of Teams, with the rank pay & emoluments of a Capt. of the line - Two or three years ago he was stricken from the Roll on the ground, that there was a doubt whether his service was performed in a Military Character, or on a civil contract. Capt. Phelps, is now 89 years of age. I have known him 20 years & he is a man of the most scrupulous honesty & integrity - His faculties of mind are unimpaired - and to this day his recollection of all, even the minutest things pertaining to the Revolutionary war - seems to be strong and perfect - I state this, that you may look at his fragment statements under oath, in his case - On them I place high reliance - Please too, look at the report of Col. C. Carpenter about Phelps Cannonins, near last. Also the

various depositions of old soldiers as to the military character of his service - especially that recently submitted, from the title the  records  records showing the acts, the title the  records  records , the military character & bearing of which is apparent. Kept with him by N. H. Hubbard Dep. Dr. M. Genl.
Capt. Phelps is one of the most deserving of men, and one of the most needy; and liking his right to a pension perfect. I feel extremely anxious, that you will give it a full examination, for I believe that will result in your being satisfied of his right . I believe two persons to conductors, have been allowed on the same record evidence as that now recently submitted in this case.
The papers are so numerous that I could not well refer to or specify them in a letter, but I suppose they will all be sent up with the report.
Yours very sincerely P. Dillingham Jr.
Could you afford me an opportunity to look over the papers with you, it would oblige me much
P. D. Jr.

Apr 17 79 Cong. Journal 2
Resolved That the Commander in Chief be authorized as directed to take such measures for enlisting a competent number of wagoners to continue in service for nine months or during the ensuing campaign as shall by him be deemed most effectual for progress.
That the wagoners so enlisted shall receive 40 dollars per month as a part of clothing or a bounty.
That such regulations shall be established by the D.W.G. for the conduct, mustering as paying of said corps of wagoners as shall be found expedient as proposed by the Commander in Chief.

23 Summer Congress Apr 23 1779
Resolved, That the Quarter Master Genl be empowered to direct to employ so many wagons as shall be necessary for the use of the army upon the best terms on which they can be obtained, provided such terms are approved by the Commander in Chief.
Journal May 11 1779
That the pay of a deputy wagon master be 100 dabs per month, one ration as per day as 20 lb Substanc — as That a Wagon master be allowed 80 lb per month, one ration as 10 lb Substanc —
Journal June 14 1779
Resolved That the Quarter Master Genl be empowered to allow as pay as for a Wagon, driver, as 4 horses $15 1 / 3 one ration as forage per day —
In the Return of the 2 nd Genl Department Aug 1 1779 Bishop Phelps Comdt had charge of 14 teams — pay 2 1 / 3 lb per day $80 per month & 1 1 / 3 lb per day — $10 per m. exactly conforming with the Resolu n of May 11 1779 There was after the cont cy money had become depreciat d

Apr 17 79 Cong. Journal 2
Resolved That the Commander in Chief be authorized as directed to take such measures for enlisting a competent number of wagoners to continue in service for nine months or during the ensuing campaign as shall by him be deemed most effectual. And further —
That the wagoners so enlisted shall receive 40 dollars per month as a part of clothing or a bounty —
That such regulations shall be established by the D.W.B. for the conduct, military as paying of said corps of wagoners as shall be found expedient as approved by the Commander in Chief.

Concord Nov 16 Dec 1862
Sir
Col D. Phelps of Vermont has substituted Concord for a position, will you please send me copies of his evidence now in your office to be used before the committee. respectfully yours &c
John Matthews

Sept 19 '45
Power of Attorney from Bikel Phelps to L. T. Pease,

Hartford Conn Sept 16 / 48-
Sir
Enclosed is a parcel of Abby from Bessie Phelps which I had intended to have filed in your office during my late visit at Washington. You will find among the papers in the case a letter from the M.C. of my Clients District - The Hon Paul Dillingham fully recognizing my new powers - So that if the Secretary allows the Pension, you will please forward the Certificate to me
Very Resp y
Your most
Abd t
Sent
L. J. Pease
Hon J. L. Edwards Cannon St

Brief in the case of Sarah Phelps, widow of B. F. Bell. Wm's Son County and State of Vermont. act 3 rd Febry, 1853.
Claim, ("original," for increase )
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Asken was a pension under the act of 7 th June, 1832.
Second License of Marriage
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Stephen Thomas Esq. Name and residence of Agent West Fairlee, Vt.
H. C. Boynton. Examining Clerk

Pension Office, February 18. 1845.
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that, since my report in the case of Bissel Phelps, upon an appeal of Mr. Pease, the Rev. Paul Dillingham has filed a power of Attorney, from the Claimant which from its phraseology is evidently intended to supersede all other Agencies, and protect Claimant from any demands which such Agents have made, or hereafter may make, upon him for services, real or nominal.
If the case was now before this Office, I should be constrained by the terms of that power of attorney, to hold no correspondence upon the merits of his claim, except, with Mr Dillingham, and such attorney as he might appoint.
I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully, Sir,
Your Obedient Servant,
J. L. Edwards
N.B. The power of Atty. given Mr Dillingham is herewith enclosed.
Hon. William Williams, Secretary of War.

Waterbury Vt. 19. March 1834
J. L. Edwards Cust. of Pensions
Sir An applying to E. P. Engleby President of the Burlington Bank, for certain sums of money due to Pensions in this vicinity, under the Act of June 7. 1832, it was found that the Roll transmitted to that Bank, did not contain the name of Asaph Allen, and that the sum of $27. was annexed to the name of Bissel Phelps, when it should be, to agree with his certificate $320. of course neither of said pensions have recd their last semi-annual payment.
Will you direct the Agent to amend the Roll by adding the one name & altering the sum to be paid the other? I have written this, by request of the Cashr of the Burlington Bank, and hope there will be no delay in communicating the directions asked
Very Respectfully Your Obedt Servt, Paul Dillingham

Pembina Agency Mantupin Nov 3 rd 1841 J. Edwards Esq. Clerk of Pen
Sir - I have rec d your order directing me not to pay Bippel Phelps' pension - It has been paid to the 4 th of September last
Respectfully Th. Reed Pen Agt

Washington
Oct. 5. 1841.
Sir,
You will receive enclosed, an application, and declaration made by M c Alister Phelps, who was a conductor of Fanny Ann- -ing the war of the revolution, and a pension under act June 7. 1832, at the rate of $32. per annum, Vermont agency, for an increase of his pension to the rate of $40 per mo. His pension Certificate is herewith returned for that purpose.
I am very respectfully Your M c Alister Ph. May
James. L. Edwards Esq. Comm r of Pensions

3563
Insurance Russell Phelps dec d .
N at 17 June 1832
Amount 27 years, Mr. Candace $100 00 per ann from 1831 to 24 October 1845, the day of my death payable to my widow Sarah Phelps deducting what has been paid at the rate of $480 per ann
H. H. Sylvester Present

Pension Office March
1858
Sir
I have the honor to inform you that the pension granted to  the Lady of  Admiral Mary Holmes has
Admiral James C. Holmes
[Faint mirrored text from the reverse side of the page]

Byph. Phelps
Payments to be made at Burlington Vermont by the Pa. Br. Br. Ass. Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of Vermont
36 Recorded by Viral Suce Clerk, in Book 2. Vol. 4 page 79

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 7th June, 1832, Missel Phelps of Washington County of the State of Vermont who was a Captain in the Vermont Mountain Gun Department in the Army of the Revolution is entitled to receive Three hundred Dollars each  per annum during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually, on the 4th of March, and 4th of September in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this Twenty seventh day of December one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two
Lewis Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. }
J. Edwards

Augt. 1. 1779.
A return of Teams hired & employed by Nehemiah Hubbard D.2. M.G.
   Conductors Number of Teams Wages of each Conductor per day in dollars Conductors subsistence per day Amount of Wages of each Company per day in dollars     Solomon Phelps 14 2\frac{2}{3} \frac{1}{3} 117   Adriel Ely 12 2\frac{2}{3} \frac{1}{3} 101   Bispell Phelps 14 2\frac{2}{3} \frac{1}{3} 117   + + + + + + +  
Errors Excepted for Nehem Hubbard D.2. M.G.
Upon an examination of the Washington papers in this Department as to the pay of Bispell Phelps, as a conductor of Teams in the War of the Revolution. It appears that the said Bispell Phelps was paid 2\frac{2}{3} per day in dollars. Fletcher Melvin Actg. Secy.

Pension Office, February 11 th 1845.
Sir,
I have the honor to return you Mr. Pease's letter and the accompanying deposition of John Huseford, upon which he appeals in the case of Bissell Phelps.
This claimant's pension was adjusted in April, 1834 (when there was a very limited knowledge of the transport service of the revolutionary war) upon documents which styled him "Conductor of Teams"; but you will readily perceive by a perusal of the documents (Marked A,) in the case of Jonathan Townsend, how fallacious this mere military designation is as a test of Military Service . This is all I deem necessary to add to the report in a former appeal to your immediate predecessor, herewith enclosed, with his decision thereupon. Mr. Pease makes Claimant assert that he has never been able to learn on what grounds he was stricken from the roll of Pensioners. The Claimant could not be ignorant of the numerous applications he has made for restoration by evidence directed to the "grounds" upon which he was stricken off; nor could Mr. Pease be ignorant of those "grounds" as he has been allowed to examine the papers.

The papers in the case are herewith enclosed, forty in number.
I have the Honor to be,
Very respectfully, Sir,
Your Obedient Servant.
J. L. Edwards
Hon William Williams, Secretary of War.

I Eli Bruce of Fayston in the County of Washington & State of Vermont aged fifty one years depose and say that I am personally acquainted with Mrs Sarah Phelps widow of Bissel Phelps late of Montpelier in said County deceased; that said Bissel Phelps was a Revolutionary Patriot; that the said Sarah has not again married but still continues the widow of the said Bissel Phelps deceased. Eli Bruce
Sworn to and subscribed by the above affiant this 18 th day of February 1850. Before me — And I further certify that said affiant is a credible witness,
Charles G. Eastman
Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont
Secretary of State's Office Montpelier February 18. 1850.
I hereby certify that Charles B. Eastman Esquire whose name is subscribed in his proper handwriting to the foregoing certificate, is and was at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Washington, in said State duly appointed and qualified, and that to his acts and attestations as such full credit is due.
Given under my hand and the seal of this office this 18 th day of February A.D. 1850.
Fernand F. Merrill
Secretary of State

I Eli Bruce of Fayston in the County of Washington & State of Vermont aged fifty one years depose and say that I am personally acquainted with Mrs Sarah Phelps widow of Bissell Phelps late of Norton in said County deceased; that said Bissell Phelps was a Revolutionary Patriot; that the said Sarah has not again married but still continues the widow of the said Bissell Phelps deceased.
Eli Bruce
Sworn to and subscribed by the above affiant this 18 th day of February 1850. Before me - and I further certify that said affiant is a credible witness,
Charles G. Eastman
Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont
Secretary of State's Office Montpelier February 18. 1850.
I hereby certify that Charles B. Eastman Esquire whose name is subscribed in his proper hand writing to the foregoing certificate, is and was at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Washington, in said State duly appointed and qualified, and that to his acts and attestations as such full credit is due.
Given under my hand and the seal of this Office this 18 th day of February A.D. 1850.
Gerard F. Merrill
Secretary of State

Washington City June 17- 1844.
Sir,
We submit additional evidence in the case of Bissel Phelps Esq r of Vermont, who was a Conductor of Teams, during the war of the Revolution, conclusive as regards the only objection made by the Pension Office to the allowance of his claim.
This claim has been resisted on the ground that Mr. Phelps was a " Contractor ". Upon examination we have been unable to discover any fact to warrant such an assumption.
The evidence now produced shows conclusively the Military service , and the military character of the service performed by Bissel Phelps Esq r .
The account enclosed is between Nathaniel Green Quarter Master General and Bissel Phelps Conductor. The items to which we direct your attention particularly, are his "Bills of Expenses" allowed him; They were never allowed as the journals of the Old Congress show, except to Commissioned Officers who incurred them in the discharge of their duties, acting under orders received from competent authority. His "Bills for his

Pay Rolls allowed him none but a Commissioned Officer , having command of an enlisted company could present a "Bill of his Pay Roll ." Any contrary idea, is inadmissable from the very nature of the service and all idea of military organization ceases, at the instant that a " Contractor " can present a "Bill for his pay Roll ." By his Bills against the Commissary General of Forage allowed him. If he was a Contractor his account would be for the stipulated price of his service. He could have no separate Bills against the Commissary General of Forage . He would have no authority to enter into engagements for the forage or other expenses of his Teams, that would hold the Commissary General of Forage responsible. But as a Conductor he held the right, and would be empowered to exercise it, and it was as a Commissioned Officer that he contracted these debts, not in his own name, but upon the credit of the Commissary General of Forage , who could only pay the demands of Competent authority and would not have been credited with these sums in his account against the Government had he paid them without such absolute authority.
We direct your attention also to further extracts from this evidence from the " Quartermaster General's Book of Receiving & delivery ." Here he is charged at various times from Nov: 1778 to Feby 1780 with 'paper,' 'iron,' 'cartboxes,'

As a Contractor he could not have drawn these articles from the Public Stores. But as a Conductor he could do so. And it appears & is in the evidence that these articles were drawn by Bissel Phelps Conductor , and that the Charges to the others are to Brigade Quarter Masters, Quarter Masters, Brigade Majors, & Assistant Commissaries of Issues.
We find also that in his Bill against the Comy Genl. of Forage of the 6 th July 1780 that the charge in the day Book of Genl. Nathaniel Hubbard is "For sundry expenses his Company Teams, transporting provisions, recruiting &c and the expenses of himself and horse his Teams procuring forage &c."
We direct your attention to the word recruiting . Have you ever heard of a Contractor who was authorized to recruit? Is it the province of any one but a Commissioned Officer to recruit? Recruit what or whom? Can he recruit any thing but his Company? and that Company must be an enlisted one otherwise it could not be recruited.
We find also a receipt of Bissel Phelps given to Samuel Blagge Forage Master for Forage for eighty nine Oxen & eight a Contractor could not draw forage. His contract would cover all his charges. Not so with an Officer. He had his pay and rations and those alone. He looked to the Government for every other expense of whatever character or nature the same might be and the

Government were obliged to discharge all such demands.
We wish to go no farther. We rest the case in the belief that this military service is proved we now ask from you, most respectfully your own personal examination, believing that this removes the only impediment to your granting the certificate, for $480 per annum, the amount to which he is entitled, and soliciting your earliest action.
We have the honor to be Very Respectfully Your Obs t Serv t Paul Dillinger Jr. A.R. Mr. Upsham M. Smith
No 29
James L. Edwards Esq. Comm r of Pensions
By a reference to the organization of the Quasi- Master Generals Department as exhibited in the Journals of the Continental Congress Vol. 2 d pages 126. to 129 it is evident that a conductor or wagon- master was an officer of that department and the transcript of Brevet Phelps' account now exhibited shows most conclusively that he held that office
James L. Phelps

Adolf Bikel Phelps.
L. B. Pease Pub. Sept 4 '45
J. P.

I, Bissell Phelps of Moretown in Washington County & State of Vermont Depose testify & say that I am 99 years of age, I was born in the Town of Hebron in the then County of Hartford in the State of Connecticut and there Resided until the year 1784, I was commissioned by Nehemiah Hubbard Deputy Quatemaster General & Deputy Comissary General of Forage as Capt & Conductor of Teams, in the Spring of 1788 in the Revolutionary Army of the United States & served not far from three years, with Enlisting Orders from said Nehemiah Hubbard to Enlist from twelve to fifteen Teams of Six Oxen each & Enlisted 15 Teams, & there were ten Companies of Teams at that time when I was mustered into the Service with the following Captains or Conductors viz, Capt Solomon - or Phelps, Capt Bissell Phelps, Capt John Strong Capt - - - Justice of Hartford County Connecticut, Capt Zedekiah Morgan Capt Amiel Ely Capt Samuel Northern Capt Saml Brown Capt John - - Breadway Capt Langford Carter all of New London County Connecticut and all of us were Subject to General Orders, The above named Capt Samuel Brown belonged in Colchester in New London County & State of Connecticut and was in the Service as Capt or Conductor of Teams for two or three years (Cannot say positively which) I Drew Rations & made Regular Returns of my Company & Teams and we were all Subject to the Same Regulations & further this Deponent saith not
Bissell Phelps
Washington } Moretown July 28 th 1845 County }
The above affidavit Sworn to before me
Joseph Sawyer Justice of the Peace I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Bissell Phelps the Signer of the above affidavit and consider him a man of strict truth & veracity, also consider him of very sound mind for a Man of his age
Joseph Sawyer Justice of the Peace

STATE OF VERMONT.
Secretary of State's Office,
Montpelier, July 29 1845 }
I certify that Joseph Sawyer Esq whose name is subscribed in his own proper hand writing to the foregoing certificate is and was at the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the county of Washington duly elected and qualified, and that to his official acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the seal of this office, at Montpelier, this the 29 th day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty five.
Fernand F. Merrill Deputy Secretary of State.

I Bissel Phelps of Moretown Washington County Vermont, now in my 88 th year of age. Alas and say that I was placed on the Pension Roll, Vermont agency, under the act of June 7. 1832 at $320. per year; and having during the last fall made application for an increase of that pension, through the agency of Hon. Asa P. Day Esq. of Rutland City, and being informed, that doubts are entertained, by the Comd of Pensions, as to whether I was ever regularly appointed a conductor of Teams. I now on that point make the following statement, that on some of the first days of June 1778, while residing in Helson, Hardford County Connecticut where I had then recently returned to from a tour of Militia Service, I received a Commission from & signed by Jeremiah Hubbard Deputy Quarter Master Genl. of about the date of its receipt, in and by which I was appointed a Captain, & Conductor of Teams, to recruit & conduct a Company of from 12 to 15 Six Cattle Teams, which Commission in words gave me the "rank, pay & rations of a Captain of the line of the Continental Army" and on the 16 th day of June 1778 I having enlisted said Company, entered Hartford City with said Company which was by S r . Hubbard personally inspected & approved, and I served as in my application stated, in the said Company till some of the last days of December A.D. 1780, when I was regularly discharged, My discharge was signed by said Jeremiah Hubbard, a Dep. Q tr M r . Genl.
In June 1779 I received what was called an Army due bill by me, nearly of the following form "Due to Bissel Phelps Conductor, three hundred forty one pounds, fifteen shillings lawful money which I promise to pay, at time for his bill this day rendered us, against the Commission Genl of Forage. Signed A. Wells for S. Hubbard Dep. Com. Genl Forage"

which Dutton having never been paid, on account of appreciation of Continental Money. I made it a subject of petition to Congress as much as 25 years ago, and while that petition was pending before Congress, as it did during several sessions, I forwarded on, the Original Commission & Discharge, from Mr. Hubbard herein before mentioned, as evidence to substantiate that claim. I sent them to the Hon. Henry Olin then a Member of Congress from this State, and afterwards, said Commission & Discharge went into the hands of the Hon. Dudley Chase Senator from the State of Vermont, who took charge of my said petition. During the term of his service as Senator in the Senate of the United States, said Dutton, Commission & Discharge were lost or misplaced, so that before they could not be found, but whether lost from the hands of said Chase, or from those of the Committee never could be certainly ascertained; but Senator Chase afterwards gave his certificate under oath, stating the loss of said papers, as well as their true & genuine which certificate, was put into the hands of Judge Brant, now Senator from this State to enable him to prosecute my original claim. I have no subsequent knowledge of said Commission & Discharge.
Bigell Phelps
Sworn to, and Subscribed, this 10th day of January A.D. 1842, before me Paul Dillingham Jr. Justice of the Peace

I Ebenezer Fox, of Northfield, in the County of Washington and State of Vermont, of the age of seventy eight years, depose, testify & say that in the year 1779, I resided in Goshenbury in the State of Connecticut and in the same year I enlisted, into the continental Army under the command of Capt. Byssil Phelps, then of Hockersen in the State of Connecticut, but now of Montpelier in Washington County and State of Vermont, for nine months as a private, in that campaign.
I was mustered as were all soldiers, at the general rendezvous. The team which I drove was also mustered at the same place & time. I was well acquainted with Capt. B. Phelps, & know that he had a commission, and also he had regular orders for enlisting teams & teams which I think was signed by Gen. S. Hubbard, if not, by some other superior officer. At the time I enlisted, I saw his commission and enlisting orders, and have since seen that same commission at Montpelier in this State at a meeting of the old officers & soldiers of the army. I also know that he held the rank, rank of captain & had the pay & rations of captains of the line. We drew our rations from the military stores of the army, & our pay from the same source. We were under the regulations of the Army, and for any offence were tried by martial law, & suffered the same penalty as all the officers & soldiers of the line, further more this deponent saith not.
Ebenezer Fox
Sworn to and subscribed. May 18 th 1822 Before me
Cephas Carpenter Justice of the Peace
I certify that I am personally acquainted with Ebenezer Fox who signed the above affidavit, & that he is a credible witness.
Cephas Carpenter Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that Cephas Carpenter whose name appears appear upon these affidavits is a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Washington in the State of Vermont and further that these signatures are in his hand writing.
Attest Lewis Chamberlin Deputy Clerk

I Allen Andrew of Berlin in Washington County and State of Vermont of the age of eighty one years, depose, testify, and say, that in 1779, I served in the Army of the Revolution under the command of Capt. Byssil Phelps, then of Helbron in the State of Connecticut, but now of Moretown in Washington County & State of Vermont. I served nearly all of that campaign, and though I cannot say, that I ever saw his commission yet I have every reason to believe & do believe & suppose that he was a regularly commissioned Captain, for I know that he held the rank, & had the pay, & rations, of a Captain of the line. I also know that Captain Phelps, enlisted troops, by virtue of an order to that effect, signed by proper persons. We were all under the regulations, & discipline of the army and any offences were punished as in the same way that they were in any part of the army. We draw our rations from the military stores, & our pay also from the same source, and on on one occasion we were all without food for a great length of time because we could not draw, wholesome food, from the military stores.
I further know that Capt. Phelps, enlisted troops, & held the command of them, several years, further more this deponent saith not. Allen Andrew Sworn to, and subsc. entred May 18. 1842
Before me Cpt. as Cooper Justice of the Peace I certify that I am personally acquainted with Allen Andrew, who signed the above deposition, & that he is a credible witness. Cpt. as Cooper Justice of the Peace

I Solomon Aye of Berlin in Washington County and State of Vermont of the age of seventy eight years, depose testify & say, that I served in the Revolutionary army, in all, three campaigns, the first I enlisted under Timothy Hale, which was in 1779. In 1780 I resided in Goshenbury in the State of Connecticut, and enlisted into the service, under the command of Capt. Byssil Phelps, of then of Hebron in the State of Connecticut, but now of Moulton in Washington County and State of Vermont. In 1781 I also enlisted into the same service under the command of Capt. Noah Wisley. When I enlisted under Capt. B. Phelps, as aforesaid, I enlisted for nine months, with six or seven, which were all mustered at the general rendezvous. I was well acquainted with Capt. Phelps, and do know that he was commissioned under the continental Government, with the rank, pay, & rations of a captain of the line. We drew our rations out of the continental stores, and received our pay from the same source. We were under the laws & regulations, of the Army, and if any one deserted, he was tried by the martial law, in the same way that every soldier in the service, was, and suffered the same penalty. I further say, that Capt. B. Phelps was in the service, all of the time that I was, as above. I further know & testify that Capt. Phelps had regular enlistment orders, to enlist teams & teams, and I was enlisted in accordance with them. Further more I say not.
Sworn to & subscribed May 18. 1842 Solomon Aye Before me
Ephraim Carpenter Justice of the Peace
I certify that I am personally acquainted with Solomon Aye the above deponent, and that he is a credible witness.
Ephraim Carpenter Justice of the Peace

and reported against by the Pension Committee, and rejected.
JHC
War Office 14 th Feb y 1845
* There are several of the same description of papers - receipts &c - signed by Townsend as in the case of Phelps.
Claim of Biped Phelps for a pension - offered from the decision of the Court of Pensions.
Before this case is decided the Hon ble T. Biddulph desires to have an opportunity of inspecting the papers relating to it.
No 12

Claim of Bissell Phelps.
This claim is for a pension for services as a "Conductor of teams" in the War of the Revolution. A pension was at one time allowed, but on a subsequent investigation of the case, the conclusion was come to, that the services were in a civil capacity, and the pension was stopped. It will be perceived that there has already been an appeal to the Secretary of War, who confirmed the decision of the Commission of Pensions against the claim. Since then new evidence has been submitted, consisting of an affidavit of John Hunsford, and transcripts of certain accounts. The question is whether the service was in a military capacity - the applicant being under all the various military obligations and subject to martial law.
There appears to have been two systems of land transportation in the War of the Revolution - one where the teams were owned or hired by the government, and under the control and direction of conductors and others, duly commissioned and enlisted for the purpose, and principally connected with the immediate operations of the Army - the other, where the teams were individual property, employed under contract, principally in transporting supplies from the place of purchase to depots, and from one depot to another.
Applicant swears that he had, from N. Hubbard Deputy Quartermaster General for the Continental line, a regular appointment as a Conductor with the pay and emoluments of captain, and that he was employed in "enlisting" and directing men and teams. He also alleges that he had a regular discharge from S. Pickering, Quartermaster General, but that both of these papers were sent to Washington and lost. Two witnesses, (see papers A & B) testify to their knowledge of his having had such papers, and one (paper B) states that he had them in his possession and enclosed them to Washington. Both persons state that the Commission connected him with the Quartermaster department, with the same pay and allowances as a Captain in the line.
(John)

John Galt (paper B) states that he knew Applicant as a Captain and Conductor in the Quartermaster department "with the same pay, rations, and rank as a Captain of Infantry" &c: that he wore a Captain's uniform and enlisted men, and procured teams. Ebenezer Fox testifies (paper C) that he "enlisted in the Continental army under command of Capt Bissell Phelps," knows "that he had a commission and regular orders for enlisting teamsters" &c, for he saw them when he enlisted; that the men enlisted were regularly mustered at a general rendezvous, were under the regulations of the army, and for any offence, were tried by martial law, and suffered the same penalty as Officers and Soldiers of the line. H. Andrews and Solomon Aye (paper C) testify to the same effect, except as to seeing the commission. John Haxford's statement, whose affidavit (paper D) is now submitted, substantially agrees with those of Andrews and Aye. The transcript (paper E) is of an account with "Bissell Phelps, Conductor" and is certified to be taken from "books in the office of the Secretary of State of Connecticut, which belonged to Ruhemiah Hubbard" who was Deputy Quartermaster in the Revolutionary war, which books appear to be exclusively for accounts with teamsters, conductors of teams, and Officers in the Army, and the rank they held in the Army is annexed to their respective names &c. In the account Phelps is debited at various periods, from Sept 1778 to Feby 1781, with cash and articles of public property delivered to him, and credited, in one or two instances, by bills, numbered variously, and by amounts of pay rolls. A small portion of the payments to Phelps are charged as for expenses, and the remainder as "for service of teams". There is also a transcript (paper F) from another book "styled the Quarter Master General's book of receiving and delivering", with headings "under which names are entered, and the date and rank each person held, and the articles delivered to them". In this transcript Phelps is charged, as "Conductor", with small quantities of paper at various times, and "three Sets Cart Boxes"

boxes". In a day-book of Habbards, it is certified that the Comm y General of Forage is charged with £ 7333.6.6. paid to "Bissell Phelps, Conductor, for sundry expenses of his Company of teams transporting provisions, recruiting &c, and the expenses of himself and horse, his teams, procuring forage &c". Among the papers, are a number of receipts for supplies delivered by him, in which he is designated as Conductor. There is also a receipt from Elijah Hyde Conductor, for 828 crowns received of Phelps as "Conductor" on account of wages of the returning teams of the French Army". There is a receipt from Phelps in the same capacity for "forty hard dollars on account of the wages of my company of teams in the service of the Army of France which I am to account for". There is also an order addressed to him as "Conductor of teams" by "Ezra Stur D. Q. M r G.". These old papers (see package F) are certified to have been taken promiscuously from a mass of the like kind in Phelps's possession. There is a number of other receipts of papers, receipts and orders by him as Conductor in the service of Phelps.
The opinion of the Commissioners of Pensions that Phelps did not serve in a military capacity, under a regular Commission and with a stipulated monthly pay, as in the case with all commissioned Officers, but that he was merely one of the civil employees of the Q r Master Department, who were styled conductors when in charge of a number of teams and teamsters, is based upon a copy of "a return of teams hired and employed by Nehemiah Habbard (Deputy Quarter Master General, August 1789" obtained from the "Washington Papers". This paper (G) contains the names of a number of persons, styled conductors, the number of teams in charge of each, and shows the compensation per day for the team, and of the conductors. Among the names is that of Bissell Phelps. In addition to the per diem, these persons were allowed subsistence.
In the case of Jonathan Townsend, a regular contract
(was

was made with him to furnish "a company of ox teams" for the service for the term of eight months, with teamsters, Townsend to Superintendent and keep the teams in order, for a compensation of ten shillings per day. In the contract he is styled "Conductor". This was evidently a civil agreement, and the service under it a civil service, and yet the Officer who made the contract with him, who like Hubbard was a Deputy Quartermaster Genl for the State of Connecticut, gave him a formal appointment "like a Conductor for ten ox teams" for eight months, and to perform the duties agreeably to the regulations established by Congress. This appointment is dated the same day with the contract, and for the same eight months. The Commissioners of Pensions refers to these papers (see package H) to show the relation these conductors bore to the service, and that it was a civil and not a military one.
It is proper to add that this claim has been before Congress and reported against by the Pension Committee, and rejected.
J. H. C.
War Office 14 th Feb y 1845
* There are several of the same description of papers - receipts &c - signed by Townsend as in the case of Phelps.

Know all men by these presents, that I, Bissel Phelps of Moretown in the county of Washington and State of Vermont, do hereby constitute and appoint the Hon. Paul Dillingham Junior of Waterbury, in the county of Washington, and State of Vermont, my true and lawful attorney, for me, and in my name, to prosecute my claim, or application, for a pension, now pending before the Pension Department of the United States.
Hereby authorizing, empowering, and requesting the said Dillingham to take the sole, general, and exclusive charge, and control of said application, and manage the same according to his best judgement and discretion, and also authorizing the said Dillingham to employ, in the prosecution of my said claim, such agent, or agents, as he may choose, and to pay them such compensation as he shall deem necessary and best.
And I, the said Bissel Phelps, hereby make void, countermant, and revoke all and every power, or powers of attorney and agency, by me heretofore given, or granted to any person or persons whomsoever, for the purpose of prosecuting my pension claim as aforesaid.
And I hereby respectfully request and direct the Hon. J. L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions, to treat the said Dillingham, as my true and lawful attorney, and sole agent, in the prosecution of my said pension claim.
Witness my hand and seal this 6 th day of February A.D. 1845.
Signed, sealed, and delivered in presence of us
J. Dean Jr. Horace Phelps
Bissel Phelps

Birrell Phelps Power of Atty to Loran B. Pierce

I know all persons by their friends that S. Bissell Phelps of Moretown in the County of Washington & State of Vermont do hereby constitute and appoint Loran S. Peck of the City of Hartford in the State of Connecticut, my Agent & Attorney for me and in my behalf to do and transact all such acts and things in my name or otherwise before the Commissioner of Pensions & if need be the Secretary of War as he may deem necessary or expedient relating to any & all applications which have heretofore or which may hereafter be made by me for a Pension or Pensions from the United States on account of the Revolutionary Services of myself in the Revolutionary War under any act or acts of Congress heretofore passed, hereby revoking all Powers of Attorney heretofore given by me, in Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this 29 th day of July A.D. 1845, Signed Sealed & Delivered in Presence of
Joseph Davenport Horace Phelps
Bissell Phelps

Colt & Rich's Affidavit for B. Phelps
B
(No 6)
B

I John Cott of Fayston in Washington County and State of Vermont of lawfull age do testify & say that I have been acquainted Bissell Phelps Esq for more than fifty years in the year 1778 I knew him as Captain and conductor of a Company of teams in the Quarter Masters Generals department under the Continental establishment in which capacity he continued until the close of the year 1780 with the same pay rations & rank as a Captain of the Infantry of the Continental corps which was forty dollars per month and three Rations I further say that in the Spring of 1781 I knew Capt Phelps engaging in the above said capacity in the French Army in which he served until the American & French troops Marched to Yorktown in pursuit of Lord Gen Cornwallis I knew of the Marching with said Army further say not Duxbury July 9 th 1832-
John Cott
State of Vermont Washington County ss
Sworn to before me at Duxbury this 9 th day of July 1832.
Jason Carpenter J.P. Peace
I certify that I am acquainted with John Cott who subscribed the above affidavit and that he is a man of truth and veracity
Jason Carpenter J.P. Peace

I George Rich of Mansfield in Washington County State of Vermont, of lawful age, depose & say that about the year 1818. At that time being Clerk of Washington County Court Bissel Phelps of Waitsfield, was making some attempts at getting a pension & in the course of my examination of his papers, I saw, what purported to be, and I have no doubt but it was, a Genuin Commission, signed by John M c Kellar Deputy Quartermaster General in the Continental Army, by which S d Phelps was appointed & constituted a Capt in that Department of the Army with the same rank & emoluments, as a Capt in the line which I think was dated in the year 1778. I also saw a discharge running to said Phelps, dated in the year 1780, & signed by Timothy Pickering Quartermaster General I had both of said papers in my possession & transmitted them to the Pension office  they they were afterwards returned to me, and after that I know of their being put into the hands of the Hon. Dudley Chase, at that time  then a Senator in Congress from the State of Vermont and I have very frequently, since, heard that said Chase, while at Washington, lost or mislaid, said papers so that they could not be found.
George Rich.
State of Vermont } At Montpelier August 8 th 1832 George Washington County } Rich, personally appeared, and made oath in due form of Law, that the above affidavit by him subscribed, contains the whole truth & nothing but the truth. Before me Paul Dillingham Jr Justice of Peace
I certify that I am acquainted with George Rich who signed the above affidavit, and that he is a credible witness. Paul Dillingham Jr Justice of Peace

State of Vermont } I, Joshua W. Vail Clerk of Washington Washington County } County Court, do hereby certify that Jason Carpenter & Paul Dillingham in each of whom has offered his name to the within, are each justifying of the River in and for said Washington County, each duly qualified and that I know the same to be each of their genuine signatures
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said Court, at Montpelier this eighth day of August A.D. 1882
att Joshua W. Vail Clerk

I John Colt of Newburg Washington County and State of Vermont - aged 87 years Depose and say that during the Season of 1780 from Spring to the close of the fall I served in the War of the revolution, under the Command of Colonel Heubner. Col. Dr. M. G. G. is during that year I could know Capt. Russell Phelps. now of Morristown Vermont, who resided about one mile distant from where I live. Capt. Phelps had been in the same Service two seasons before. I know that he enlisted a company, as it was called, that is enlisted men to drive, & procure it their teams, in the year 1778. The was called Captain's Troop a Captain's uniform. All those who originally enlisted Companies, of this kind, as far as I know, were regularly Commissioned by Dr. M. G. G. Heubner, and had the Rank pay & station of a Captain in the Continental line. - I never did said Russell Phelps Commission, but have no doubt but he had one, from the cir- cumstances before above mentioned. that he enlisted his company. that, as I understood, all such were Com- missioned, that he dressed in a Captain's uniform, and in all respects appeared to hold the same rank as the Captain in the line. I always supposed he held a Commission I suppose so now & have every reason to believe it. And further this Deposition is the truth, only to say, that said Russell Phelps pay for month, during that Service, was forty dollars, besides Captain's rations. This I know of my own knowledge. John Colt
Sworn to, and Subscribed. This 18th day of January A.D. 1842 before me Paul Dillingham Jr. justice of the Peace
I certify that I am personally acquainted with the man John Colt & know him to be a credible witness. Paul Dillingham Jr. justice of the Peace

I Cephas Carpenter of Moritown in Washington County State Vermont, aged seventy one years depose & say that I have lived neighbor to Bassel Phelps, now of Moritown, recently of Waitfield, for 43 years past. About the year 1817, said Phelps had in his possession what was called an army duebill, which I repeatedly saw from the time I first knew Capt. Phelps, till the about the year above stated. It was dated in June 1779 for the sum of 341 pounds & 15 shillings, saying that sum was due to Basil Phelps Conductor, & promising to pay said sum to him & signed by A. Wells for A. Hubbard. D. Can for Force. Capt. Phelps, said he never had received anything on it & he & I had often talked about making some effort to have government pay said claim. About the year 1817, I drew a petition for Capt. Phelps, founded on that paper, praying Congress to pass a law for the payment of the debt evidenced in that duebill. I kept a copy of, or rather the rough draft of that Petition, which I now have & from that and certain I recollect might about that date & substance of that duebill - When said Petition was signed, I sent it together with said duebill, at Capt. Phelps request, to Henry Plin, as I now think, then a member of Congress from Vermont, (but if I am mistaken as to its being Mr. Plin then I should be confident that it was to Dudley Chase Senator from this state & I cannot be positive to which it was sent) to be laid before Congress. That Petition was laid before Congress, was referred to a Committee, and lay along without final action some years. Afterwards & within the last 20 years, it was thought best to have some evidence of Capt. Phelps services, sent on to aid in

that application, and as Capt Phelps relied on me in those days to assist him. I was called on to see to sending on the proof. Capt Phelps then showed me his original Commission, which was dated in June 1778 & signed by Nathaniel Hubbard Dep. Dr. M. Genl. In and by said Commission, said Bissell Phelps, was appointed a Conductor of teams, with the rank pay & emoluments of a Captain of the line, and I think the tenor of the Commission was that he was appointed Captain & Conductor of teams, and the word "Captain" might not have stood in that relation but that it constituted him a Conductor, with the rank & pay of Captain. I know. Said Phelps also showed me a discharge from P. Hubbard, signed in the same capacity of S. Dr. M. Genl. dated in the month of Decr. 1780 - and by said Phelps Christian I enclose both of said papers by mail to the case, and now think of said Dudley Chase, my present recollection being that said Allen had then ceased to be a member of Congress - but if not sent to said Chase, they were sent to P. Allen - I enclosed said papers at the P. Office in Watertown, and A. Richardson for the Clerk in the Office saw them. I think too that he saw the original bill when that was enclosed, though if he did it was before he had charge of the office constantly. All of these papers, to which ever of the men sent, went ultimately into the hands of Dudley Chase, while he was Senator from this State & were by him used in trying to get thought, a law to pay P. Allen - In those days I had several

talks with S. Chase upon the subject, when he was at home & heard from him that all said papers were by him laid before the appropriate Committee. No law was in proposed, and when he ceased to be Senator & retired home, he did not bring S. papers, when I said President present Senator from this state was desired to take charge of that claim, said papers could not be found, & Mr. Chase then made his certificate & I then swore to it, stating that between him & the Committee in Congress, those papers, to wit: Deedbill, Commission & discharge were all mislaid or lost. This certificate was forwarded to Judge Prouty whether he still keeps it or not I do not know. I never saw said papers after they were sent to Washington. Henry Ohio has been dead, these 15 years - I went in July 1842 to the House of Dudley Chase before mentioned in Randolph to take his affidavit to the loss of said papers, but found in indisposition & a frequent recurrence of fits to which he is subject. I found his mind so much impaired that he could recollect scarcely nothing, not being able to tell his own age or when he was in the State or whether he was ever there. His wife said that should he have an interval of a few weeks without a return of these fits his mind might return so that he could give evidence, but the probability is he will never be any better than he now is -
Cephas Cofensted
Sworn to, and subscribed this 3 rd day of Feby A.D. 1842 before me Paul D. throughout Jr. Judge of the peace

I further depose and say, that in the year 1804, when the Vermont Militia were Organized in Waitsfield the first time, Bipei Phelps, was elected Captain of the Company, which was said that day about whether I Phelps ever held a Commission, as some there said he was only a "Corn driver", and to set that matter right said Phelps then showed me some one other his Commission, which was the same that I afterwards forwarded to Washington, as before stated.
and further I say that Ephraim Carpenter Sworn to & Subscribed Feb'y 3 1842. before me Paul Dillingham Jr. Justice of Peace
I Certify that I am well acquainted with Col. Ephraim Carpenter, the signor of the above & foregoing affidavits, and that he is a credible witness
State of Vermont Paul Dillingham Jr. Justice of Peace Washington County ss
I Stillman Churchill Clerk of the County and Supreme Judicial Courts within and for said County of Washington hereby certify that Rodrick Richardson and Paul Dillingham Jr Esqrs whose signatures are attached to the foregoing depositions are Justices of Peace within and for said County.
They have been since the first day of December A.D. 1841, as appears from their Commissions now on file in my office - and said signatures are then true and genuine signatures -
The testimony whereof I have set my hand and affixed the seal of said County Court at Montpelier in said County this 7th day of February A.D. 1842.
Stillman Churchill, Clerk

W. Carlos - letter.
Foreign Office
No 31
21
obeying. In Sept. 1979 he was ordered from Israel not to re-enter N. I. for a year. He has returned

Washington Augt. 16 th 1843
Sir
In the case of Bissell Phelps Esq. of Moretown, Washington County, Vermont - I beg leave to submit the following statement of facts, and respectfully appeal to you from the decision of the Pension Office.
Bissell Phelps Esq. was Commissioned as Captain and Conductor of Teams by Nehemiah Hubbard Esq. Deputy Qr. Mas t General, about the 1 st day of June 1778, and was ordered to enlist 15 men with as many teams and report himself and them at Hartford Conn t on the 16 th of said month. He arrived at Hartford with the requisite number of men and teams, who were inspected by Gen l Hubbard, and, as it was called, mustered into service. He continued in the service from the time above specified until the 30 th day of Dec r 1780, making a period of 2 years 5 months and 29 days, and for this service he claims and is entitled to receive by the law of 1832 a pension of $480 per annum.
I shall first allude to the service that Mr Phelps specifies, which he now recollects or rather cites to prove that he served in a military capacity, not in a civil one. In Dec r 1778 he was transporting clothing from Hartford ordered to Sidney Hay Esq. Deputy Qr. Mas t Gen l at Fishkill. He was met at Danbury by Gen l Parsons who informed him that the Regiments for whom the clothing was intended, Cols. Shepherd's, Bigelow's & Brewer's, were at Reading, and that General Putnam would countermand the orders he (Phelps) had received. Accordingly Gen l Putnam ordered him that night to deliver his loads to Major Star Assistant Qr. Mas t Gen l at Danbury, which order he obeyed. In Sept r 1779 he was ordered from Fishkill N.Y. to Ringwood N.J. for army stores. On his return

from Ringwood he stopped at night at 'Hicks House' at a place called Smith's Close. During the night they were attacked by a band of Tories or Cow boys. They beat off their assailants, using their arms to some purpose.
But he performed other service, prior to becoming a 'Captain & Conductor of Teams'. He first enlisted, as a private, in the service of the colonies at Boston & served one month. He was, as a private, at New Rochelle & Hornbeck N.Y. and served there six months. In the winter of 1777 he was at New London and Fort Grumbull, as a Sergeant and served there four months. Then following this service comes his Commission before mentioned on the 1 st June 1778. He was therefore in the service altogether 3 yrs. 4 mo. & 29 days.
It is alleged that he executed a bond for the faithful performance of his duties. This I deny. He gave no bond. He received his commission, and was in every respect subject to the rules & regulations of the army. His dress was military. He wore a blue coat, faced with buff, a gold band on his hat, and his arms were a sword & pistols, and this uniform he always wore when on horseback, at the head of his company. When marching on foot or performing fatigue duty, his uniform & arms were dispensed with, but always at hand to be used if necessary. He was engaged, almost uninterruptedly, in transporting goods from all parts of Conn t , some parts of Mass., but more particularly upon the Hudson River. His head quarters were Hartford, Danbury, Litchfield and Fishkill. He always acted under the orders of Genl. Hubbard, his Commanding Officer, in transporting provisions, munitions of war &c, except in winter when he was ordered to procure materials for army huts and in getting wood for the army. His men had always the stacks of arms & equipments belonging to their company. When in the refugee country, or exposed to any danger from the enemy, the men, armed, stood sentry on the teams of public property.

When any of his men were disabled or sick they were sent to the General Hospital & Capt. Phelps immediately made a requisition on the nearest Colonel commanding a Regt. in service, for men to supply their places. He never made a contract with the Govt. to render or procure to be rendered to them the services of men or teams, but under his own appointment & by orders of Genl. Hubbard he procured teams & detached men for the Government. When he received the various articles which it was his duty to transport, agreeable to orders, he executed duplicate receipts therefor, signed by himself as Conductor of Teams , on one of which he took a receipt, when he delivered the property over to the proper agent, department or officer, which he returned to the party holding the first receipt, thus taking up the first given. He has now hundreds of these receipts in his possession. He states also that he received , on his making the draft, provisions from John Hall, Issuing Commissary, at Hartford Cont. - all rations being provided by the General Govt. and drawn therefrom. The Commission which he received called on him to obey all General Orders, and the orders of any superior officer in the Quarter Master General's Department. He always considered himself as acting in a mere military capacity , and always supposed, indeed knew, that he was so regarded by those under whose command he acted, as serving in a military capacity , and in no other .
I now beg leave to refer you to the annexed documents as proof of the position assumed by myself that Capt. Phelps was an Officer in the Military Service of the country during the war of the Revolution, and not serving in any civil capacity . The documents alluded to, are three several returns of Genl. Nehemiah Hubbard

The first return is taken from No 173, 3 rd Volume of the "Washington Papers" - the second return from "Army Returns" Vol 104, and the third being an extracts from a returns from "Army Returns" Vol. 103, same papers.
The first proves that Bissell Phelps Esq. was a Conductor of Teams , a commissioned officer - the second gives an account of the teams  hired by Genl. Hubbard, and the names of their  Conductors proving that Bissell Phelps Esq. was not one of that number, although at that time in the service, the third shows that Genl. Hubbard had no hired teams , but that all were public property and the men enlisted and their Officers  commissioned
I rest my case. This gentleman is verging on a century. His family - his character and standing, entitle him to the fullest consideration. If he is not a military officer then are not thousands of others whose proof of character, merit and standing could not compare with his - and yet they were pensioned. Strike off the name of this good old patriot from your Pension List, and it must be followed by many others who are similarly situated. Is then any additional proof required ? What more can be needed than is furnished? At this late day, when the tomb has claimed as its property the men of the generation who were his comrades, & knew his character and standing, is it fair to call on him now for additional testimony when it was considered sufficient under the law of 1832 to adjust his pension at $320?

I submit the case to your justice - I submit it with full confidence. That Mr Phelps will not have cause in his last days to utter words so often spoken by others "that Republics are ungrateful"
Entreating your early attention, I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the highest consideration,
Very resp y .
Mr. O. H. Smith.
Nicholas Carroll
Hon. James Madison Porter Secy. of War Washington

Look inside for Brunnell's Candela & Co Leaves.
See also John Cull paps p o 32-91
27
No 1.
G
No 173 3 Vac W. popas st 2nd
(No 18)

A Return of Teams hired and employed by
Nehemiah Hubbard Q. 2. M. Genl. Augt 1. 1779
   Conductors Number of Teams Wages of each Wages of each Conductors Cooks wages Am't of wages Am't of wages   Team per day Conductor per day subsistence per day of each company each company per   in dollars in dollars per day in dollars per day in dollars day in pounds & Money     Solomon Phelps 14 8 2 2/3 1/3 2 117 £35. 2   Adriel Ely 12 8 2 2/3 1/3 2 101 30. 6   Sabin Strong 12 8 2 2/3 1/3 2 101 30. 6   Samuel Brown 10 8 2 2/3 1/3 2 85 25. 10   Samuel Northam 12 8 2 2/3 1/3 2 101 30. 6   Bissell Phelps 14 8 2 2/3 1/3 2 117 35. 2   John Breadway 10 8 2 2/3 1/3 2 85 25. 10   Gershun Buttle 15 8 2 2/3 1/3 2 125 37. 10   Roswell Ransom 12 8 2 2/3 1/3 2 101 30. 6   At Hartford without a Con rs 6 8 48 14. 8   At Chester without d o 4 8 32 9. 12   Jehiel Morgan (Danbury) 8 8 2 2/3 1/3 67 20. 2   Dolls. 1080 £324. 0. 0.  
Errors Excepted
(signed) Nehem Hubbard
Q. 2. M. G.

Return of Private Teams engaged to serve with the Army to the first of January 1781
  Theodore Root  Conductor  11 ox teams    Nathan Baxter  ditto  9 ditto    Ebenezer Coleman  ditto  10 ditto    Solomon Phelps  ditto  10 ditto    Noah Risley  ditto  9 ditto    Jonah Phillips  ditto  11 ditto    Clark Cartee  ditto  11 ditto  
Engaged by Nehemiah Hubbard Esq? Q. M. G. at Hartford, and are employed in transporting Commissary Genl's Stores
  John Dredinay  Cond?  9 carts 33 yoke oxen    John Norman  Cond?  3 d? 35 ditto    Sam? Rissell  d?  8 d? 28 ditto  
Engaged by Nehemiah Hubbard Esq? Q. M. G. at Hartford, and are employed in the Artillery Park
  At the Bake house 1 Waggon & 4 horses  } Engaged by Q.M. for Somerset County    At the Staff Commissary 1 d? & ditto  
Camp Tappan 29 th Sept r 1779
A true Copy
(signed)
R.A. (Clairborne)
late Q. M. G.

Amendment to the appeal in the case of Bissell Phelps Esq.
Washington Augt. 18 th / 43
Sir
I proceed, respectfully, to answer the report in the case of Bissell Phelps, made by the Pension Office under date of the 17 th , in reply to my appeal, of the 16 th inst.
I am glad to learn that the original papers on which the Pension Office granted a Pension to the Claimant under the Act of '32, together with the mass of evidence taken since that period, will be to day submitted with the case.
I consider the facts established by them abundant and sufficient.
I must protest against the inferences by which the Pension Office would destroy the right of the Claimant.
The inference to be drawn from the "Washington Papers", is the direct reverse of that assumed by the office. No 1 of these Returns is the only one , in the possession of the Pension Office, and that only partial and incomplete. No 2 & 3 were procured, after search, by myself. What inference is to be drawn from them? 1 st That Bissell Phelps was a "Conductor" - 2 nd That he received the pay & subsistence of a Captain 3 rd That from the 2 nd Return it is shown that Nehemiah Hubbard Esq. had no hired ox-carts or wagons and no hired two or four horsed wagons. 4 th That from the "3 rd " Return it is shown that Bissell Phelps' name is not among those of the "Conductors" on the list headed "Return of Private Teams engaged to serve with the Army &c"

and yet Bissell Phelps was at that time a "Conductor". But it does give two of the names on the 1 st Return, to wit: Solomon Phelps and John Breadway or Breadinay. I cannot however admit that even these "Conductors" were serving under 'Bond or Contract' or as hired men, mercenaries, not serving their country, but rather the interest of their pockets - They were not serving in any Civil capacity. They were serving in a Military capacity. I humbly submit it that there is nothing to prove that they were not.
Is it attempted to be inferred that because the word "Wages" occurs in the 1 st Return that therefor the claimant was an 'employee' or 'hired man' in the service of the Dr. Mus. "Dept."? This cannot be urged as a reason, when three  points of all the returns made by the "Deputy Dr. Mus. Genl." uses the words "wages" - "subsistence", instead of "pay" - "rations", to their "Asst. Depy. Dr. Mus. Genl." other acknowledged commissioned Officers . All through the four hundred and odd volumes manuscript , known as the "Washington State Papers", wherever "Army Returns" or Accounting Officers "Returns or Reports" are to be found - in a majority of cases the word "Wages" is used to the utter exclusion of the word "pay" -
In regard to Daniel Miles, whose case is cited by the Pension Office. I respectfully request, sir, that you would be pleased to ask for the Volume, from the Office in which the history of this individual is to be found. Here all is inference . I ask, sir, the production of this case that you may examine as regards the analogy between the Claims of Daniel Miles and Bissell Phelps. Whether Daniel Miles entering into an arrangement, not with Genl. Hubbard, but

with another Officer, and executing to that  other Officer a Bond or Contract, is any proof that Bissell Phelps , commissioned by Genl. Hubbard, and looking to Genl. H. as his superior Officer, was not a Commissioned officer & that he did sign or execute similar Bonds?
In reference to the argument that he, in 1781, belonged to the French Army - his papers shew that he served  more than  two years under Genl. Hubbard , in the American Army , and procured his Discharge from that Officer, pri' to his engagement to serve the French Army.
I contend that it is shown by his papers that his rank , pay and rations , his uniform  gait  arms and his title  more than of a Captain - that he had a Commission and Discharge both in regular form - that these were in 1825 lost either by Hon. Dudley Chase then U. S. S. from Vt., by the Senate Com't. to whom they were submitted or by some of the clerks or employees of the U.S. Senate. These papers having been transmitted together with a Certificate given to Bissell Phelps , during his service as " Conductor ", for upwards of three hundred pounds, on account of Forage , said Certificate never having been paid by the Govt. The evidence is conclusive to prove this. Conclusion as regards the existence of such papers in 1825 some 40 years after their date - Conclusion that these papers were not lost through the agency of nor by any carelessness on the part of Bissell Phelps .
Sir, one other point and I have done.
Is not Adiel Ely a Pensioner , whose name is on " Return No 1 "? Were not very many of the Teamsters or Waggoners , under Bissell Phelps , especially , and also under others  Conductors , to be found on " Return No 1 ", pensioned and are not they or their widows at this time pensioners ?

Surely the Office must have been convinced that their Conductors' were Commissioned Officers and had power to enlist men , or these men would never have been pensioned
I entreat you, Sir, most earnestly and respectfully I entreat you to favor this case with a full examination. I hope my boldness, and earnestness in this case will excite displeasure in no quarter - with you, Sir, I am certain it will not.
I would not have pursued it so unflatteringly, if my feelings had not been so entirely interested for this high minded, honorable old man, whom I believe to be as much entitled to a Pension - a full Pension, as General Washington would be, if now living.
With renewed expressions of the highest consideration
I have the honor to be Very Resp'y.
Yr. Obl. Servt.
Nich. Garroll
Hon. James Madison Porter Secy. at War Washington.
No 36
Reply to Mr. Garroll

copy from Heuleland papers, - Bissell Phelps
3 in Noah Wistley Condor cutting. -

Hartford State Connecticut, Feby. 10 th 1781. Quarter Master General - - - - - D r
To Paid Bissell Phelps per Bill
  For the service of 8 Teams 214 days, each @ 16/  £  1369  12    For the ditto of 3 ditto 234 days each @ 16/   561  12    George Wadsworth Cook 234 do. - - - @ 16/   46  12    Bissell Phelps Cred: 7 Months - @ £15.0   105  -    Time Horse Hired Expense 3 Days to make a settlement   4  16     £  2,087  12  
4 0
Advance forty for one - - - - - £ 83,504 0. 0.
Bissell Phelps Cred: - - - - - C r ?
By your Pay Roll rendered in this day - - - £ 83,504 0 -
Bissell Phelps - - - - - D r
To Cash in full to Balance - - - - - £113,967 0 10
10
Bissell Phelps - - - - - C r ?
By Noah Whitley's Pay Roll rendered in this day £41,412 - -
Senior Office, Oct. 3. 1845.
I hereby certify that the above is truly copied from a book covered with parchment, said to be long to the Historical Society of Connecticut, and deposited in this office by S. T. Pease, and returned to the War Department this 3 rd day of October 1845.
Wesley Miley Clk.

A Return of Stores in the Quarter Master Generals' Department, under the care of Nehemiah Hubbard Esq. Q. M. Genl. Augt. 1 st 1779 Extract
Waggon Department
+ + + + + Two horse waggons — ditto hired — Four horse waggons 38 ditto hired — Ox carts wagons 18 ditto hired — + + + + +
The Return from which this is taken is made on a printed form with blanks, after the printed words "ox carts", there is written "2 waggons" - the numbers being written in with ink

General Return of Quarter Master's Stores on hand March 1780
Extract
Waggon Department
2 horse waggons 29 do hired 4 horse waggons 432 do hired 25 Ox carts 44 Ox teams hired + + + +
The Return from which this extract is taken is made on a written form the whole of the words and figures being written in with ink. The report is made by Timothy Pickering Esq. Qr. Mas. General

Waitsfield Vt Oct 30 1905
Pension Commissioner - Dear Sir:-
Kindly send me Revolutionary military record of the following as contained in their application for pension
Ezekial Hawley who died in Waitsfield Sept 27 1822
Bissell Phelps who served from Conn.
Yours truly Emily May Baker.

State of Vermont ( On this 27 th day of September A.D. 1841 person- Washington County ss. I - ally appeared, before me a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, Bissell Phelps a resident of More- town in said County, who being sworn as according to law, doth on his oath state, that he is now a pensioner under the act of June 7. 1832, at the rate of $320. per annum, as a conductor of teams in the War of the revolution, on the Vermont pension roll; that he served in that ca- pacity for upwards of two years under Jeremiah Hubbard Dep. Q r Master General, as will be shown by the original application of his, now on file in the War department, under the act of June 7. 1832.
Now the object of this declaration being made, is in order to obtain the payment of the difference of the amount of pensions, through my attorney Mr. Alexander Ray of Washington, between the sum of $320. a year, and the amount of my monthly pay $40.00 per month while in the line of my duty, from 4 th March 1831. up to the 4 th September 1841, and so continue during my natural life; and I hereby relinquish all claim to any other pension or increase, except the present.
Bissell Phelps
Sworn to, and subscribed ( the day and year above written, before me -
Paul Dillingham Jr. Justice of the Peace.

(No. 9.)
State of Vermont Washington County p. { I Stillman Churchill Clerk of the County Court within and for the County of Washington hereby Certify that Paul Dillingham Jr is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County of Washington duly Commissioned and qualified as appears from files and papers now in my office, and the within is his true and genuine signature.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court at Montpelier in said County this 27 th day of September A.D. 1841.
Stillman Churchill Clerk

Phelps, Bissell
Conn.
W. 175,
A receipt in behalf of Ezra Starr, W.D.M.G. dated Wanbury, Nov. 23. 1778, signed Levi Starr.
Receipt signed Bissell Phelps Condtr. dated Marlinton Nov 25 1778.
An order to Bissell Phelps Condtr. of Teams by behalf of  order of Ezra Starr W.D.M.G. dated Wanbury, Jany 31. 1779.
Six receipts signed Bissell Phelps, Condtr. dated respectively, Marlinton, Feby. 2. 1779, Wanbury, Feby 5. 1779, Wanbury July 14. 1779; Hartford Nov. 23. 1779, Hartford, June 3. 1780. and Hanover, Morris Co. Aug 29. 1781.
A receipt signed Elijah Hyde Condtr. These papers have been removed from this case to be sent to the War. Dept.
Sent to War Dept. Jan. 16, 1913 E. H. Feby. 17. 1912.