Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 1830, James Cotton, N.J.

SERVICE
NUMBER
N.F.
Cotton, James Chalfant, Schsa
R. 1830
CONTENTS
Former widow
h. d. 1806

State of Virginia } ss Monongahela Co } ss
On this 21 st day of September 1849
Before me James Wm
one of Justices of the
County Court of the above county & state personally
appeared Achsa Chalfant an old and respectable resident of the above county aged 90 years who being duly sworn according to Law doth on her Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions of the acts of congress passed July 4 1836 and the act explanatory of the act passed March 3 1837
That she has married to James Cotton in the fall of 1780 at Princeton New Jersey who was a Drummer under Capt John Skane that he enlisted or volunteered early in the war thinks in the fall of 1775 was in several skirmishes his cannot tell the name of the Battle he was in; thinks in Princeton & Trenton that he was discharged in consequence of a White swelling in his left knee June 1 st 1778 as the accompanying certificate doth show that her husband James Cotton was a cripple, or lost the use of his leg ever after to his death Feb 20 1806 that she has no doc- umentary Evidence to substantiate his service other than the surgeons certificate that she had by her husband
James Cotton 9 Children 7 now living viz Elizabeth aged 71 William 69 James 62 Richard 60 Robert 58 Nancy 56 and Jane 53 that she afterwards married Solomon Chalfant who died Jan 1836 and that she was a widow on the 4 th July 1836 and has remained a widow ever since as will appear by any good proof that she is unable to attend court on account of her age & infirmity in presence of Justices Garard Achsa Chalfant Obed Cottrell her mark
Sworn and subscribed before me this 21 day of September 1849
James Wm J P
Justice of County Court and Justice of the Peace

State of Virginia } ss Monongahela County } On this 21 day of August September 1849
Before me James Wise a Justice of the Peace and of Record within and for the above county and state personally appeared William Cotton one of the children named in the above declaration aged 69 years and a respectable citizen of the above county Who being sworn according to Law declared on oath that his father often told him of the sufferings in the camp that he entered the service soon after the war commenced and should have continued through the struggle had he not been compelled to leave in consequence of a White swelling in his left leg he left just before the Battle of Monmouth that he ever after lost mostly the use of his leg and was always a running sore till his death Feby 20 1806 killed by the fall of a tree not being able to move quick
That his mother afterwards married Solomon Chalfant Who died in January 1836 that his mother has remained a widow ever since that the accompanying certificate was in his father's possession more than 60 years to his recollection that he often saw Tho Wiggins of the certificate; that all of the facts set forth in the declaration are true
William Cotton { Seal }
sworn and subscribed before me this 21 st day of September 1849
James Wise J. G. { Seal }
Justice of the Peace

State of Virginia } Monongahela County } ss
On this 21 day of September 1849
Before me James Wise a Justice of the Peace Within and for the above County & State personally appeared Little Dye aged 53 years a very respectable citizen of the above County who being sworn according to Law declared on oath that he was personally acquainted with James Cotton & his wife Now the applicant Achsa Chalfant that he fully believes that the said James Cotton was in the service as a drummer for more than 2 years that he has known the family for more than 40 years & that the matter set forth in the declaration are true
Little Dye Seal
I hereby certify that I have been personally acquainted With all of the persons named in the declaration & of many of the facts set forth and that the Marriage of James Cotton to Achsa Chalfant was never questioned & that they had the children named in the declaration & that I have known the family for 49 years & that I am about 62 years of age
William Roberts Seal
sworn and subscribed before me this 21 day of September 1849 I further certify that all of the persons who have signed the above affidavit and the declaration are very respectable citizens of the above County & that in consequence of the great age distance 30 miles and infirm health of the applicant I have administered the oath at her residence
James Wise J.P. Seal
Justice of the Peace and one of the Justices County Court

Virg. • Monongalia county ss
I hereby certify that James Wise esquire before whom the foregoing affidavits were made and who therein subscribed his name was at the time of so doing a Judge of the peace, in and for the county of resaid duly commissioned and sworn. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of as deputy clerk of the county court of said county
This the 25 th day of September A D 1849
Leoff Berney
Deputy clerk v.

7911 7587
Achsa Chapman mo of James Cotton
va
at 4 July 1836
Virginia. - Augusta county ss.
I hereby certify that James H. ...
James ...

We Moses Roberts residing in the state of Virginia and County of Monongalia hereby certify that we were well acquainted with James Cotton of whom Achsa Chalfant was formerly the widow; and that he was reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resided, to have been a soldier of the Revolution; and that we concur in that opinion; and that he was reputed and believed to have served three years in the war of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn and subscribed on the fourth day of August 1853. } sworne to and subscribe to on the day and year above of the time written before me it is true
State of Virginia County of Monongalia } ss. On this day of 1853, the Court in and for said County do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter that James Cotton of whom Achsa Chalfant was formerly the widow was a Revolutionary soldier and served three years. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that who has signed the preceding Certificate is resident in in the County of Monongalia aforesaid, and that is
That they are persons of credibility and of the highest respectability and that their statements are entitled to credit.
Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the assertion of the claim of Achsa Chalfant formerly widow of James Cotton to a pension, by William Cotton.
I also certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court that Achsa Chalfant aforesaid was a resident of the County of Monongalia in the State of

Virginia, and died in the said County in said State in the year Eighteen hundred and ... leaving ... children whose names are as follows
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at ... this day of ... in the year of our Lord 1853.
Clerk of the.

State of Virginia County of Monongalia } ss. On this 12 th day of April A D 1853 personally appeared before the one a justice of the County Court of the County and State aforesaid William Cotton a resident of the County of Monongalia in the State of Virginia, aged seventy two years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath, make the following Declaration, in order to assert the claim of Achsa Chalfant to the benefit of the provision made by the Acts of Congress of July 7 th 1838 & August 23 d 1842 the last named Act being explanatory of the first named Act. Said Act of July 7 th 1838 being entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows": that said Achsa Chalfant was formerly the widow of James Cotton, who was a Drummer under Captain John Skank, that he enlisted early in the war in the Fall of 1775 - was in several skirmishes and in the battles of Princeton & Trenton - that he was discharged in consequence of a white swelling in his left knee on June 1 st 1788 as shown by a Certificate attached to the Declaration of said Achsa Chalfant under the Acts of July 4. 1836 & March 3. 1837, which Declaration is now on file in the Pension Office. That he knows of no Documentary evidence other than that Certificate.
He further declares that she said Achsa Chalfant was married to the said James Cotton in the Fall of 1780 seventeen hun- dred and eighty, that her husband, the aforesaid James Cotton died on February 20 th Eighteen hundred and six; that she was afterwards married to Solomon Chalfant who died in January Eighteen hundred and thirty six; that she remained a widow ever since up to the time of her death which occurred on the 15 th day of Septem Eighteen hundred and fifty ; that she was not married to said James Cotton prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz, at the time above stated. That said Achsa Chalfant died leaving children whose names are as follows, viz

Elizabeth William Mary James
Richard Cotton Robert H Cotton Anny Cotton Jane Cotton
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before me A Justice of the peace for said County. Justus Garard JP
Is Informal Affidavit

Achsa Chatfield Wa Sag - 36
Nov 18 - 1852
Isaac N. Coffin, Washington City.

POWER OF ATTORNEY.
STATE OF Virginia COUNTY OF Monongalia } ss: _____
Be it known that before me, a Justice
of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid, duly authorized by law to administer oaths, personally appeared
* William Cotton a resident of Dunkard Creek in the county of Monongalia in the State aforesaid, who being first duly sworn according to law, states that he is a son of Achah Chalfant de of Dunkard Creek (widow of James Cotton de) the former unsuccessful applicant in the county of Monongalia and State of Virginia who was a revolutionary Soldier and that he believes the United States are still indebted, under existing laws, for the pension that was due under the application heretofore made, and that he is directly interested as a claimant in the pension for which application was heretofore made as aforesaid, and constitutes and appoints ISAAC N. COFFIN , of Washington, D. C., true and lawful attorney, with irrevocable power to, examine into, investigate, and establish the claim for said pension, and do all acts necessary thereto.
In witness whereof, William Cotton (son of Achah Chalfant, de the former applicant) has on this 9th day of October 1852, hereunto signed his name, and affixed his seal.
Witness:
Wm Scott J. M. Lazzell
William Cotton 
Signed, sealed, acknowledged, and sworn to before me, on this ninth day of October 1852.
M. S. Fletcher J. P.
STATE OF Virginia COUNTY OF Monongalia } to wit:
I, Marshall M. Dent clerk of the County court, of the county and State aforesaid, do hereby certify, That William S. Fletcher before whom the foregoing power of attorney was acknowledged and affidavit made, was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature above written is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court this 12th day of October 1852.
Marshall M. Dent Clerk.
* Here, if the soldier or officer is living, insert his name; if he is dead, and the widow is living, insert her name; if both dead, insert one of the living children's names; if the children are all dead, and either of them survived the former unsuccessful applicant, insert the name of the administrator of that former applicant.
† Here, if the soldier or officer is living, insert his name again; if the widow is living, insert the words, "widow of," and the name of her husband; if both dead, insert the words, "son or daughter of," and name of the former unsuccessful applicant.
‡ Here insert the word "soldier," or "officer," whichever he was.
NOTE.—When a female is the person who executes this paper, please put the letter s before the word he in every place where it occurs.

James Cotton was born December 23 rd  year in the of our Lord 1749
Isaac Cotton was born April 13 th Day in the year of our Lord 1759
The Children of James Cotton
Elizabeth Cotton was born September the 15 day in the year of our Lord 1779
William Cotton was born January 3 Day in the year of our Lord 1781
Mary Cotton was born June the first In the year of our Lord 1784
James Cotton was born December the 18 In the year of our Lord 1787
Richard Cotton was born November the
Second in the year of our Lord 1789
Robert H. Cotton was born March 29 in the year of our Lord 1792
Anny Cotton was born October 30 Day in the year of our Lord 1794
Jane Cotton was born July 25 Day In the year of our Lord 1797
State of Virginia
Monongalia County (ss)
on this 22 nd day of September 1854 before me a justice of the peace in and for said county duly authorized by law to administer oaths personally appeared William Cotton aged

97 State of Virginia
Monongalia County (ss)
on this 22 d day of September 1854 before me a justice of the peace in and for said county duly authorized by law to administer oaths personally appeared William Cottrell aged Twenty three years, who being duly sworn according to law deposes that the annexed Family Record is the genuine original Family Record of James Cottrell formerly the husband of Sarah Cottrell and which paper was given to him by the said Sarah Cottrell about forty six years ago and has been here in his possession ever since
at the above stated time and place personally appeared James Cottrell aged sixty six years before me a justice of the peace in and for the the county and state above mentioned and being duly sworn according to law deposes and saith that the annexed Family Record is the hand writing of the said James Cottrell which hand writing is very familiar to this deponent
and I certify that that William Cottrell and James Cottrell are persons of the likeliest respectability, and credibility
Justus Garard Justice of the peace

County of Monongalia State of Virginia S.S.
I, Marshall M. Dent, Clerk of the County Court in and for the County & State aforesaid do hereby Certify that Inotus Garand , Esqr before whom the within depositions were taken and whose genuine signature is thereto affixed was, on the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid duly Commissioned and Sworn.
Given under my hand & the seal of said Court this 29th Sept 1857.
Marshall M. Dent

February 19, 1938
James Cotton R. 1830 BA-J/AWF AWF
Mrs. T. T. Arden 7424 Byron Place St. Louis, Missouri
Dear Madam:
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in pension claim, R. 1830, based upon the military service of James Cotton in the War of the Revolution.
James Cotton was born December 25, 1749, place not stated, nor were the names of his parents given.
He married in the fall of 1780 at Princeton, New Jersey, Achsa, who was born April 13, 1759, place not stated, nor was her maiden name given.
James Cotton died February 20, 1806, and his widow, Achsa Cotton, married, date not given, Solomon Chalfant, who died in January, 1836.
The widow, Achsa Chalfant, applied for pension September 21, 1849, while living in Monongalia County, Virginia, on account of the service of her first husband, James Cotton, and stated that he enlisted in the fall of 1775, served as a drummer under Captain John Skank, was in several skirmishes, and was discharged June 1, 1778, on account of white swelling in the left knee, which rendered him unfit for duty.
She was advised that the Act of Congress dated

July 4, 1838, under which she applied for pension, required that marriage should take place before the expiration of the soldier's service, and was also advised to make another application under the Act of July 7, 1838. The widow, Achsa Chalfant, died September 15, 1850, without making another application for pension, nor did her children complete the claim.
The following data in regard to the children of James Cotton, and his wife, Achsa, are shown in the claim-
Elizabeth born September 15, 1779 William " January 3, 1781 Mary " June 1, 1784 James " December 18, 1787 Richard " November 2, 1789 Robert H. " March 29, 1792 Anny or Nancy " October 30, 1794 Jane " July 25, 1797.
Their son, William Cotton, was living in 1853 in Monongalia County, Virginia.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

COTTON, JAMES (N.J.) R-1830

W. W.
son of the Sacred Union J. Wiggins

No 7587
Achsa Chalfant Jn
Letter Seymour Burns 19 Nov 1849 Set Coffin Oct 4 1854
1830
at 4 July 36

RECEIVED
1830
P. O.
Achsa Chase
Service:
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Deages:
Re-enlisted:
The printed list of 1858 gives cause of suspension as "Rejected under Act July 4, 1836"
Attorney: but advised to apply
P. O. under Act July 7, 1838
Recognized.
Contract.
Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18
1922 Mar. 16. Letter to Hon. W. H. H. Mitchell, P.M. 1922 Mar. 25. Historical paper making it find Robert B. Tatham and history of claim also sent her and S.P. Hildreth 257 Broad St. Middletown, Phila Pa and check 1922 Aug. 17. Irish to S.P. Hildreth 257 Broad St. Middletown, Phila Pa and check for one claim returned all cor. in Rev. War Rec.

Mrs Robert B. Gatham -
1138 - 6 th Ave.
Laurel, Miss.
personal inquiry March 23, 1922.
and paid in Law Division for certified copies of papers as follows:
James Cotton, N.J. R. 1830 - 7 pages x
James Cotton, Va. W 6942 - 5 "
Solomon Chalfin Cont (Va) 89166. 3 "
Cash $3 00 from Mrs. Robert B. Gatham 1130 - 6 th Ave. Laurel - Miss. for Certified copies (3 cts) of 15 pages from Rev. War claims of James Cotton, Nancy Cotton + Solomon Chalfin - No receipt desired.
Proctor Jan 3/23/22

M 233 BUREAU OF PENSIONS Finance Division
MAR 23 1922 19__
Chief of Rev. Van Section Sir:
I have this day received from Mrs. Robert B. Tatham draft No. Cash for $3 00 / 100 requesting post-office addresses  copies as per letter herewith.
Copies marked Mar 30, 1922. I saw DW Noted
Very respectfully, O. J. RANDALL Chief of Division.
Serial No. 6284 Law Clerk.  Name David Patton (1st 2) Date Mar 25, 1922  John Rev. No. A1832  Photographic copies wanted of 4 pieces, consisting of 1 pages.  Remarks: Return to Chief Rev. Div.
Mrs. Robert B. Tatham Laurel, Miss. 1130-6th Ave.

October 10, 1924.
The Pension Office, Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen.
Can you tell me if a pension was granted to a Revolutionary soldier from New Jersey by the name of James Cotton?
It is known that the battle of Princeton was fought on or very near his farm and that the day after the battle, James Cotton helped bury the dead.
In 1797 he moved to Green Co., Penn.
If you can give me any information concerning

This man or his son, Robt. Hutchinson Cotton, who is also thot to be a Revolutionary soldier from New Jersey, I shall appreciate it very greatly.
I am enclosing a stamped addressed envelope for reply.
Thanking you
I am
yours Truly
Mrs. W. F. Heaton 316 Poplar Street Nelsonville, Ohio.

February 18, 1938.
Mrs. T. T. Arden 7434 Byron Place Saint Louis, Missouri.
BA-J/III Solomon Chalfin or Chalfant-S. 9166 James Cotton-R. 1830
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Solomon Chalfant, a pensioner.
The data given herein are found in the papers on file in pension claim, S. 9166, based upon service of Solomon Chalfin, or Chalfant in the Revolutionary War. You are furnished, herewith , the Revolutionary War record of James Cotton, pension claim-R. 1830, as it is believed it will be of interest to you.
Solomon Chalfin, or Chalfant enlisted in August 1776, "on Back-creek" in Berkeley County, Virginia, served as a private in Captain Gabriel Long's company, 11 th Virginia regiment, rendezvoused at Martinsburg, marched to Bergen Point, thence to Fort Lee, where he was pressed into service to drive a wagon to Philadelphia, continued in that service, was at the battle of Brandywine, during which engagement he kept his wagon near and supplied the Artillery with ammunition; shortly after, he was appointed a wagon master under Wagon-master General Thompson, wintered with the army at Valley Forge, then wintered at Pluckemin, New Jersey, and in 1779, conducted the United States horses to Prince William County, Virginia; he left the service in March or April 1780.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 27, 1833, at which time he resided in Monongalia County, Virginia. The soldier was aged then eighty years; the date and place of his birth and the names of his parents are not shown. His name was borne on the pension roll as Solomon Chalfin. A report of the Treasury Department shows that he died February 26, 1837. The soldier made no reference to his family at the time he made application for his pension.

In 1892, one R. H. Cotton, aged more than eighty years (his residence not shown) stated that the soldier, Solomon Chalfant, moved from Martinsburg, Berkeley County, Virginia, to Dunkard Creek, fifteen miles west of Morgantown, West Virginia, where he died, that he (the soldier) married first Miss Eaton, and afterwards married Achesa Cotton, the widow of James Cotton.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section
January 21, 1930
Mrs. Martha Geneva Cotton Loveland 425 W. Orange Grove Pomona, California
Dear Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R.1830, it appears that Achsa Chalfant, who was born April 13, 1759, applied for pension September 21, 1849, while living in Monongalia County, Virginia, on account of the services of her first husband, James Cotton, who was born December 25, 1749. She married him in the fall of 1780, at Princeton, New Jersey, and he died February 20, 1806. She afterward married, date not stated, Solomon Chalfant. She stated that he died January, 1836. Her maiden name is not shown.
Said Achsa stated that James Cotton, enlisted in the fall of 1775, and served as a drummer under Captain John Skank, and was discharged June 1, 1778, on account of white swelling of the left knee.
rev. and 1812 Wars Section
She was advised that the Act of Congress dated July 4, 1836, under which she applied for pension, required that marriage should take place before the expiration of the soldier's service, and was also advised to make another application under the Act of July 7, 1838, but she died September 15, 1850, without doing so, nor did her children complete the claim.
The children of James and Achsa Cotton were: Elizabeth, William, Mary, James, Richard, Robert H., Anny, or Nancy and Jane.
For application blanks for membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution, you should apply to the Corresponding Secretary General, Memorial Continental Hall, Washington, D.C.
Very truly yours
EARL D. CHURCH Commissioner.

November 5, 1928
Mrs. Flora D. Townsend 259 S. Ransom Street Ottumwa, Iowa
Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 1830, it appears that Achsa Chalfant, who was born April 13, 1759, applied for pension September 21, 1849, while living in Monongalia County, Virginia, on account of the services of her first husband, James Cotton, who was born December 25, 1749. She married him in the fall of 1780 at Princeton, New Jersey, and he died February 20, 1806. She afterwards married, date not stated, Solomon Chalfant. She stated that he died January 1836. Her maiden name is not shown.
Said Achsa stated that James Cotton enlisted in the fall of 1775 and served as a drummer under Captain John Skank, and was discharged June 1, 1778 on account of white swelling of the left knee.
She was advised that the Act of Congress dated July 4, 1836, under which she applied for pension, required that marriage should take place before the expiration of the

WAB/cst MGA* 2 1818 0018 000000 soldier's service, and was also advised to make another application under the Act of July 7, 1838, but she died September 15, 1850, without doing so, nor did her children complete the claim.
The children of James and Achsa Cotton were: Elizabeth, William, Mary, James, Richard, Robert H., Anny or Nancy and Jane.
Respectfully,
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner.

Aug 7
August 7, 1928.
Mary Blanche Scott, 259 South Ransom Street, Ottumwa, Iowa.
Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 1830, it appears that Achsa Chalfant, who was born April 13, 1759, applied for pension September 21, 1849, while living in Monongalia County, Virginia, on account of the services of her first husband, James Cotton, who was born December 25, 1749. She married him in the fall of 1780 at Princeton, New Jersey and he died February 20, 1806. She afterwards married, date not stated, Solomon Chalfant. She stated that he died January 1836. Her maiden name is not shown.
Said Achsa stated that James Cotton enlisted in the fall of 1775 and served as a drummer under Captain John Skank, and was discharged June 1, 1778 on account of white swelling of the left knee.
She was advised that the Act of Congress dated July 4, 1836, under which she applied for pension, required that marriage should take place before the expiration of the soldier's service, and was also advised to make

another application under the Act of July 7, 1838, but she died September 15, 1850, without doing so, nor did her children complete the claim.
The children of James and Achsa Cotton were: Elizabeth, William, Mary, James, Richard, Robert H., Anny or Nancy and Jane.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT, Commissioner.

Rev. and 1813 War Section.
October 31, 1924.
Mrs. W. F. Heaton, 316 Poplar St., Nelsonville, Ohio.
Madam;
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 1830, it appears that Achsa Chalfant, who was born April 13, 1759, applied for pension September 21, 1849, while living in Monongalia County , Virginia, on account of the services of her first husband, James Cotton, who was born December 25, 1749. She married him in the fall of 1780 at Princeton, New Jersey and he died February 20, 1806. She afterwards married, date not stated, Solomon Chalfant, she stated that he died in January 1836. Her maiden name is not stated  shown .
Said Achsa stated that James Cotton enlisted in the fall of 1775 and served as a Drummer under Captain John Skank, and was discharged June 1, 1778 on account of white swelling of the left knee.

She was advised that the Act of Congress dated July 4, 1836, under which she applied for pension, required that marriage should take place before the expiration of the soldier's service, and was also advised to make another application under the Act of July 7, 1838, but she died September 15, 1850, without doing so, nor did her children complete the claim.
The children of James and Ashea Cotton were- Elizabeth, William, Mary, James, Richard, Robert H., Anny or Nancy and Jane.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

March 30, 1923.
Mrs. Robert B. Tatham, 1130 6" Ave. Laurel, Miss.
Madam:
In response to your personal inquiry of the 23" instant, you are advised that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R. File 1830, it appears that Achesa Chalfant who was born April 13, 1759, applied for pension September 21, 1849, while living in Monongalia County, Virginia, on account of the services of her first husband, James Cotton, who was born December 25, 1749. She married him in the fall of 1780, at Princeton, New Jersey and he died Feb. 20, 1806. She afterwards married, date not stated, Solomon Chalfant and she stated that he died in January 1836. Her maiden name is not stated.
Said Achesa stated that James Cotton enlisted in the fall of 1775, served as Drummer under Captain John Skank, and was discharged June 1, 1778, on account of white swelling of the left knee.
Philippi notes omitted on account of max. class & 1 st child birth

She was advised that the Act of Congress dated July 4, 1836 under which she applied for pension required that marriage should take place before the expiration of the soldier's service, and was also advised to make another application under the Act of July 7, 1838, but she died September 15, 1850, without doing so, nor did her children complete the claim.
The children of James and Ashea Cotton were: Elizabeth, William, Mary, James, Richard, Robert H. Anny or Nancy, and Jane Cotton.
Very respectfully,
Washington Gardner
Commissioner.

Rev. War Section; Record Division.
COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WASHINGTON, D. C.
March 16, 1923.
Hon. Joseph W. Fordney, House of Representatives.
In re: James Cotton, War of Revolution, and War of 1812.
You are advised that the records of this Bureau fail to afford information in regard to any soldier named James Cotton, who served in the War of the Re- volution and War of 1812.
The Revolutionary War records of the Bureau, how- ever show two persons of that name; James Cotton, who was born Dec. 25, 1749, enlisted in New Jersey, died Feb. 20, 1806, leaving a widow Ashea, who later married Solomon Chalfant. The places of birth and death of James Cotton are not on record. ( R. 1830. ) and James Cotton who was born in Guilford Co. N. C. Oct. - 1785, enlisted in Virginia, died Feb. 18, 1838, in Alabama, leaving a widow Nancy Cotton. ( W. 8942. )
If you will state whether either of the above noted is the person whose record is desired, his full history will be furnished you.
Very respectfully,
Washington Gardner
Commissioner.

LINDLEY M. HADLEY, WASH. CHARLES B. TIMBERLAKE, COLO. GEORGE M. BOWERS, W. VA. HENRY W. WATSON, PA. ALANSON B. HOUGHTON, N. Y. THOMAS A. CHANDLER, OKLA.
CLAYTON F. MOORE, CLERK. A. V. MEEKER, ASST. CLERK.
14 March 1922
Hon. Washington Gardner Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Mr. Gardner:
If you records bear the name of James Cotton of Virginia or North Carolina who participated in both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, I shall be grateful to you for any information you may be able to give me; any small detail would be valuable.
Thanking you, I am,
Sincerely yours,
J. H. Findley

St Louis, Mo. Jan. 31-1938
Pension Bureau Washington D.C.
Dear Sir;
Could you give me any information regarding the marriage date and place of marriage of Solomon Chalfant a Revolutionary soldier?
I am a descendant of his and need this information for my D.A.R. membership papers. He was pensioned.
Any help you can give me will be greatly appreciated.
Yours truly -
Mrs T. T. Arden 7424 Byron Pl St Louis, Mo.

425 West Drayton Ave. Pomona, Cal January 15, 1930.
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:-
Please send me a certified copy of the pension and nav record of James Cotton of Princeton, N. J. who served in the Revolutionary War.
National number 209265 is the same ancestor.
Also please send application blanks for membership of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Yours truly,
Mrs Martha Leueva Cotton Lorland 425 W. Drayton Ave Pomona, California

259-So. Ransom St., Ottumwa, Iowa,
Jan. 31st. 1928.
To the Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:-
I wish to get records of James Cotton , who was born Dec. 25, 1749. Came to this country in 1769, and settled on a farm near Princeton, New Jersey. Helped to bury the dead after the battle of Princeton. Was granted a pension which was never claimed.
In 1797. He moved with his family to Green County, Pennsylvania, where he lived until his death in 1806.
He was the only one of three brothers to escape impressment on British ships. The other two were taken to Spain and never heard from.

I wish very much to have his record traced from birth to death.
His sixth child, Robert Hutchison Cotton was my grandfather.
He was born March 29. 1792. in Johnson County, New Jersey, though there seems now, to be no such county in New Jersey.
Thanking you for whatever information you may be able to give me I am
Respectfully Yours, (Mrs) Flora D. Townsend.

259 So. Ransom St, Ottumwa Ia.
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.
Dear Sir:—
I wish to get records of one James Cotton. Our records say he came to this country in 1769, the only one of three brothers to escape impressment on British ships. The others were taken to Spain & never heard from.
He was born Dec. 25, 1749.
Settled on a farm in New Jersey, near Princeton.
Helped to bury the dead after the battle of Princeton.
A paper recently found said he was granted a pension which was never claimed.
In 1797 he moved with his family

to Greene County Pennsylvania where he lived until his death, in 1806.
I shall be very glad to have his record cleared up & traced on down to date if possible.
Robert Hutchinson Cotton, his sixth child, who was my grandfather was born March 29, 1792 in Johnson County New Jersey.
There seems now to be no such county in New Jersey.
Thanking you for any informa- tion you may be able to give me
I am respectfully, (Miss) Mary Blanche Scott,

174 Woodland Ave
Western Springs, Ill.,
Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:-
Please send me a certified copy of the pension and war record of James Cotton, of Princeton, N. J., who was in the Revolutionary War.
Yours Truly,
(Miss) Faye Baker
174 Woodland Ave
Western Springs, Ill.

407 (54) Pension Office March 19 th 1849
The papers in the case of Achsa Chalfant, formerly widow of James Cotton, to two Claims, a pension under the act of 4 July 1836, have been examined and filed.
Mrs Chalfant has no claim under the above act. Three Indias, only where husbands were in service after their marriage are provided for under that law. As per affidavit in her  the declaration states that her husband left the service in 1778 and that her marriage and not before  took place until 1780. She would be able therefore to establish these facts. She could not be allowed a pension under that act.
And in order to entitle her to a pension under the act of 7 July 1838, she must file a declaration in conformity with the indorse printed instructions, produce satisfactory evidence that her husband rendered not less than 6 mo actual service and also that they were then establish their marriage at an ascertainment date prior to 1794 by record or documentary proof if such can be procured or by the testimony of two or more credible witnesses who were acquainted with the parties at the time it took place—

We cannot find the name of James Cotton on the Rolls of the New Jersey Line, nor do we know that there was such an officer or captain in command of a company of Troops belonging to that State
19 Nov 1846
Seymour Burns Esq Morgantown Va

To the Comm. of Pensions Morgantown Du Sept 25 1849
Hon Sir
Enclose are the vouchers on which Akers Galfaur claims a pension as the widow of James Cotton deceased who served in the Revolutionary War, If the Commission of pensions shall find that her claim does not within the act of 4 July 1836 place it under the act of 3 March 1839 and 1848
Very Respectfully
Yr Obedt Servt
Seymour Barnes Atty for Claimant

Pension Office
Octo 4 1864
Sir
In the case of Achsa Chalfant dec d widow of James Cotton of Va. a certificate of declaration, in proper form must be made by her children, and a certificate of court must be furnished showing the date of his death and her death and what children are now alive including all her children by her first and last husband. The court must show upon what testi- mony it bases its certificate, giving the names and resi- dences of the witnesses, and certifying their credibility. An administrator must be appointed and the amount of his official Bond certified to this office. But this will be a useless expense, unless Cotton's services can be proven, there is not a particle of evidence in this office that he ever served a day,
J. A. Coffin Esq. Present

Washington October 2 d 1854.
Sir:
I herewith transmit paper, received by me by this (October 2 d 1854) morning's mail in the Revolutionary pension case of Acash Chalfant formerly the widow of James Cotton, who formerly by mistake made an Application under the Act of July 4. 1836, — as follows, viz:
1. Declaration of her son William Cotton under the Act of July 7. 1838.
2. Family Record of James Cotton her former husband and Affidavits of William Cotton and James Cotton annexed proving that the Family Record is the "Genuine Original Family Record of James Cotton formerly the husband of Acash Chalfant" — and also proving that "the annexed Family Record is the handwriting of the said James Cotton" proves which Family Record proves that Elizabeth Cotton William Cotton Mary Cotton, James Cotton Richard Cotton and Robert H. Cotton — that Six of the children of James & Acash Cotton were born prior to January 1 st 1794.

3 d
Affidavit of Moses Roberts showing that James Cotton was reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resided to have been a soldier of the revolution.
If there is the least informality in any of the papers enclosed, I most earnestly solicit in consideration of the present very advanced age of these children and the therefore great difficulty of their doing anything William Cotton being 73 and James Cotton 66 years that it may be Magnanimously overlooked.
I am
Very Respectfully
Your obed Servt
Isaac N. Coffin.
Honble Loren P Waldo Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.