Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 19037, for Caleb Potter, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Butter, Caleb
S. 19037
Conn.
Nass.
Ut.
Carded
CONTENTS

Vermont. 18. 698
Caleb Potter, Sanby
Rutland co. in the State of Vermont. who was a pr. & S gt in the Comp y commander by Captain Wheelock of the Reg t commander by Col. Ward. — in the Mass. Ma. line for 9 mo. Sargeant } Conn 15 " Private } Vt.
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont. at the rate of 95 Dollars — Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of Sept r 1833 and sent to R. Temple Rutland, Vt.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept r 33. $237.50 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Mar. 34 47.50 $285
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Ele Brown Clerk Book E Vol. 3. Page 84

Caleb Potter
9 mo. Keyant 25 do. Private
10496

STATE OF VERMONT, } RUTLAND COUNTY, ss. }
On this 28 th day of Sept. A. D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Judge of the Probate Court of Rutland Co. now sitting, Caleb Potter a resident of the County of Rutland and State of Vermont, aged 74 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. In 1775 he lived at Easton Massachusetts & was a minute man; - and immediately after hearing that the British forces had marched from Boston toward Lexington, he marched in Col. Ward; Regt. Major Brigham, Capt. Wheelock; company to Cambridge, where they arrived 2 days after the battle of Lexington - he immediately enlisted for eight months & when his time was out he volunteered at the request of his officers, as the new recruits had not come in, & served two months longer, making 10 months in the whole - he was in the battle of Bunkerhill. In the spring of 1776 he enlisted for six months in Col. Smith; Regt. St. Col. Ward, Capt. Holton, & was winter to Capt. Holton - marched to New York through Hartford & New Haven, & by water from New Haven & remained in New York until driven out by the enemy in Septemb. when he retreated with the Army to Harlem, White Plains & Croton's Manor, where he was dismissed after serving 6 months. In the spring of 1777 he enlisted for six months in Capt. Leavenworth; company, Col. Cumnfield; Regt. of Connecticut. Served out his time at Horse Neck & in guarding the lines to White Plains - he was at White Plains when he heard the news of the capture of Burgoyne, when he marched back to Horse Neck & was dismissed. In the summer of 1778 he engaged as a substitute for one Rice (whose christian name he has forgotten), whilst he went home to see his family, & served 3 1/2 months in Col. Patnam; Regt. Capt. Gates; company at West Point, where he was principally employed in working on the Forts, & remained until P. Rice returned there, when he was dismissed. In 1779 he volunteered for three months & served as sergeant in Capt. Mallary; company Col. Cumnfield; Regt. at Stamford, Norwalk & along the coast, the enemy being in possession of the Sound & Long Island - he was dismissed at Stamford. The following winter

he moved to Vermont, & in the Spring of 1787 he enlisted for six months in Col. Fletcher's Regt. Capt. Blakesley's Company & was appointed sergeant & served as such 6 months at Castleton & in scouting along the frontier & was discharged at Castleton. He knew Genl. Washington, Lincoln, Sullivan, Putnam & many others whose names he has forgotten, but does not remember so as to distinguish one Regt. from another with whom he served. He has no documentary evidence, never having rec d . a written discharge, & knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his services. He was born at Westboro' Mass. Oct. 10. 1757, but knows of no record of his age except in his Bible. Since the revolution he has lived in Westboro' Mass. about 6 years, in Stamford, Conn. about 10 years, & the remainder of the time in Manchester, Pownal & Danby, Vermont, having lived in the latter place about 4 years. There is no clergyman in the vicinity, but he is known to most of the inhabitants.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed the } day and year aforesaid. }
Caleb Potter
We Benjamin Ford a Clergyman residing in Danby and William Gourd residing in the same place, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Caleb Potter who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 74 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the } day and year aforesaid. }
Benj. Ford Wm. Gourd
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 Benjamin Ford who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman, resident in Danby and that William Gourd who has also signed the same, is a resident in Danby and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I Rodney C. Royce Reg d Clerk of the Court of Packets do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Caleb Potter for a Pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 5 th day of Oct. A. D. 1832
N. Maye Reg d

Calvin Potter Rutland Co Vermont
Notified
Y-
Explanatory declaration & proof enclosed. He has not been able to find proof of his continu- ance - but his other services are sufficient B. Temple
Adm -
9 mos Sergeant 15-.. Private
B. Temple Rutland

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, showing the Service of Caleb Patter
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     April 1775 8 Private Capt. Wheelock Col. Ward 4 years Traditionary   Volunteered more James Officer Bunker Hill Coats 2 Metres   Spring 1776 6 Private Capt. Morton Smith Marched to New York Chesapeake   Spring 1777 6 Capt. Morton Col. Smith to Trenton & White Plains   Summer 1778 2 15 Capt. Gale Paterson   1779 3 Sergt Capt. Mallory Col. Campbell Monmouth   Spring 1781 6 " Capt. O'Keely Col. Fletcher Cornwallis  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
A claim of this extent should be supported by some proof of service no allowance can be made for service as a waiter unless it appears that he was detailed from the line for that employment.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

P 19034
INVALID.
File No. 19034
Caleb Potter
Sergt Rev War
Act: June 7 th 82
Index:—Vol. / , Page 301
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Caleb Potter
Explanatory declaration + proof of service

State of Vermont Rutland Co - 3
On the 24 th day of May 1833, personally came before the undersigned authority, Simon Bates of said County, a credible witness, who being duly sworn doth before say, that he was acquainted with Caleb Potter during the Revolu- tionary war, & was in service with him in the year 1781 - They both served in Col. Fletcher's Regt. The deponent was a private in Capt. Hutchins' company, and said Potter was a sergeant in Capt. Blakeley's company - The deponent served only two months, but said Caleb Potter served six months as sergeant as the deponent understood & verily believes. And that Caleb Potter who served as a private is the same person who has applied for a pension under the late acts of Congress -
Sworn before me this day of your service
R. Brattle Jus. Peace
State of Vermont Rutland Co - 3
On the 8 th day of June 1833, personally came before the undersigned authority, Seth Martin of said County, aged 73, & a credible witness, who being duly sworn doth before say, that he was a soldier in Col. Smith's Regt. of Vols. in 1776, & marched to New York & retreated with the Army when the enemy took that place - and he was acquainted with Caleb Potter near of Danby who belonged to the same Regiment, & was enlisted as a 6 months man the same as the deponent & marched with the Regt. to New York & served

out his time - said Caleb served most of the time as waiter to Capt. Houghton, but the deponent believes he was detached for three services, and he knows he the s d Caleb was a soldier the same as himself, & was discharged at the same time about the 1. Dec. at Croton; Nepon, State of New York.
Seth Morton
sworn before me this day upon oath?
R. B. Russell Jas. Pease
And on the same 8 th day of June 1833 personally came the said Caleb Potter, who being duly sworn both before & say, in addition to & explanation of his declaration of 28 th Sept. 1832, that he was an enlisted soldier in 1776, in Col. Smith's Reg t as stated in said declaration, & was detached from the ranks to serve as waiter to Capt. Houghton - He further says that by reason of old age & the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of all his periods of service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the period mentioned below, and in the following order; - for nine months he served as sergeant - and for two years & one month he served as private - and for such service he claims a pension. He further says, that his three months service in 1779 as sergeant, as mentioned in his declaration, commenced, according to his best recollection, in July & ended in Oct. & he served in guarding the coast - the company was divided into small parties & marched from place to place to watch the motions of the enemy, & protect the inhabitants. He further says, that he has made diligent search & inquiry, & has not been able to find any more proof than what is contained in the foregoing affidavit. sworn before me this day upon oath?
R. B. Russell Jas. Pease

State of Vermont
I Robert Phipson Clerk of Rutland County Court do certify, that Robt. Phipson before whom the foregoing affidavits were taken, is a Justice of Peace for said County, duly commissioned - and that his name thereunto is in his own hand writing.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court this 8. June 1883
R Phipson