Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 18969, Robert Cottle, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Kass.
Cottle, Robert Lydia
Oct. 18969.
B.L. Wt. 572-100
CONTENTS

In p. Feb 14. 1822 that he could not be reinstated sent to John Reed Esq. L. Rep.
No. Second schedule
after 1818 of Rep. us
(2,733)
Massachusetts.
Robert Gottle, private Massachusetts line - Mass 77 - 7 years
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 8 - Dollars per month, to commence on the 20. of May, 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22. of Sept. 1818, and sent to the care of George Athram, Esq; Holmes Hole, Dukes Co: M ass
  Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1818  $: 28 12    Semi-ann. all'co ending 4. March 1819.  48 -    3 mo. 16/31  $: 76 12  
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Whanacut Tisbury, Dukes County

4367.
Massachusetts Lydia Cottle widow of Robert Cottle Mass who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Colonel
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 88 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 day of March 1849 and sent to
N. Basset Taunton Mass
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 27 Vol. 2

Ex.
No 572.
Y.
Robert Coule.
Sergeant
Massachusetts.
Warrant issued under date the 3 rd February 1872, and att d to the Hon ble Isaiah L. Green, his Att. y Same day.

Hon. Mr. Reed.

I Robert Little of Westport in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts - formerly of Tisbury in the County of Dukes, aged Seventy-Six years, hereby testify that to the best of my recollection (and I say this because my memory is some what impaired) I enlisted into the war of the Revolution in the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy-five (soon after the Commencement of the War) for thru years, that I immediately entered the service, and continued in the service of the United States during the whole of the remainder of the War. - That before my term of thru years had expired I again enlisted for during the War, and continued in the service until the Close, and receiv'd a written discharge signed by Genl Washington, I was at Rocky Hill and heard Genl Washington deliver his farewell address to the army, at the Close of the war. - It is now very unlikely to me (in the absence of all Documentary evidence) that I can give a precise history of all my services during the War, and I will give only those that appear plain to my recollection, when I first enlisted I went to Boston, from thence to Ticonderoga - and was at the evacuation of Ticonderoga - From Ticonderoga I went to Still Water - and was at the taking of Burgoyne - From thence I went to West Point and was there a considerable length of Time - was frequently detached from the Main Army and placed under different officers for short skirmishes - and then return to the Main Army again, I do not wish to say that I know for a certainty the exact time that I arrived at West Point - but am very sure it was in Seventeen hundred Seventy Eight - I however do know that I was appointed corporal, previous to my arriving at West Point aforesaid - And that very soon after my arrival, as aforesaid I was appointed Sargent - and continued in that Capacity until I was discharged which I know was more than two years. (and I think more than three) At the time of my appointment as Sargent as aforesaid, (if I am not very much mistaken) I was under Capt Stutson in Colonel Bradford's Regiment - and here I will say that those officers whom I did the most service under, and which appear first to my mind were Captains. Stutson & Turner, and Colonels Bradford and Brooks. - sometime after this I went to the South over

and was at the taking of Cornwallis - during that engagement I served under Capt White - who was killed in the Battle. I underwent much fatigue & hardship during some part of the War - by laying on the ground and taking holds, which produced a swelling on my neck, that has remained with me ever since, and has rendered me unfit for hard labour, inasmuch that application was made to Congress (previous to the pension Law) for some relief on that account.
on my first application for a pension under the law of 1818. I sent my discharge to Washington to show my claim to a pension. And I suppose it is now there with the Original papers. I do not now recollect of any person living, who can testify to my services in the War aforesaid - or to my appointment as sergeant in the army as aforesaid. and really nothing can be found in the War department to prove the truth of my statement as above, I must rely on my own Character for truth and veracity to sustain my application for a sergeants pay.
Therewith send my Pension certificate, and surrender it, in case I shall be found to be entitled to one giving a sergeants pay. -
Robert Cottle.
State of Massachusetts
Bristol County - on the twenty ninth day of January in the year of our Lord One Thousand eight hundred and thirty five the above named Robert Cottle personally appeared and made oath that the above and foregoing certificate by him subscribed contains the truth in every respect according to the best of his recollection - and I do further certify that I am well acquainted with the said Cottle - and that he is of good Character - That his statement is entitled to full Credit.
Miner B. Gifford Just of Peace

Robert Little
2 Wapenfeut

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Dukes County ss: Circuit Court of Common - Pleas Nov. Term 1820.
On this sixteenth day of November year Eighteen hundred and twenty personally appeared in Open Court (being a Court of Record) and the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for said County of Dukes County Robert Cottle aged Sixty three years, resident in the Town of Tisbury in said County of Dukes County who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath declare that he served in the Revolution - army that as follows - I enlisted as a private in the Continental Army in the Massachusetts Line under Colonel Gamaliel Bassford Lieutenant Colonel Basset Cap. Thomas Turner in the year 1776. was at the taking Prisoner of Dorchester Heights - was there at the Evacuation of the British from Boston from there was marched to New York and Long Island, was at the evacuation of Long Island was then Marched to Scoundereaga - from there to Still Water under the command of General Schuler and Sinclair at Still Water General Gates took the Command, then advanced toward Saratoga - was at the taking of the British Army under General Burgoyne. at that time I was in the Regiment with Major John Brooks, was at the Storming and taking of Starkey Point, under the command of General Mance - was at a number of skirmishes in the Jerseys, was quartered at Willy Forge in the Delaware and was at the siege and Cap- ture of the Army under Lord Cornwallis at York Town Virginia. I was in Capt. White Company at the commence- ment of the siege Capt. White was killed by a shell from the British Army, some days before the surrender of Lord Cornwallis. I remained with the Army until it was disbanded and was regularly discharged in the year 1783. After having served several years in the Continental Army of the United States, I was a bout three years a common soldier about one year a Corporal about three years a Sergeant my discharge was burnt up in the War Office in Washington where I had sent it to get my Land Warrant, which Land Warrant obtained and afterwards sold it to support my family during the time I was in the Army since frequently transferred

from one Regiment to another, - And having grown old and my Mind and Body very much debilitated cannot recollect but few of the Officers Names that served under. but was not after becoming under Major John Brooks, and after he was promoted to a Colonel a long time - And the date of my original Declaration was in May the twentieth of Eighteen hundred and Eighteen, And the Number of my Pension Certificate is {2.733} And I solemnly swear that I was a Resident Citizen of the united States, on the 18 th day of March A d 1818. and that I have not since that time by gift Sale or in any Manner disposed of my Property or any part thereof with intent thereby to diminish it as to bring myself within the Provision of an Act of Congress entitled an Act to provide for cer- tain Persons engaged in the Land and Naval Service of the United States in the Revolutionary War passed on the 18 th day of March A d 1818. And that I have not nor has any Person or Persons on trust for me have any income other than what is contained in the Schedule herunto Annexed and by me subscribed
Real Estate
Dwelling house and Lot valued at a 200. One small Wood Lot valued at 90
Personal Estate
Household Kitchen Furniture & { 10 Exclusive of Bedding, valued at }  $ 390
I am infirm of Body, and unable to labour, and all the Income that I have is a few Vegetables that by the Assistance of my Wife and Daughters I raise for my Family the on the Lot of Land that my house stands on is a Lot a quarter of an Acre of Ground - And I am in- debted to sundry Persons about one hundred and fifty Dollars, which I have no means of paying without selling as much from the above Estate - My dwelling house is no income it only serves for a place to live in - My Wood Lot serves only for to Clean some Wood for to warm my Family - And I am not in a capacity to follow any Occupation - And have no knowledge of the Mechanical Arts - My Family consists of eight that partially reside with me, myself included in the Number - Their Names are as follows, Lydia my Wife

aged fifty seven years, Lydia my Daughter aged thirty twenty seven James my Son 28 Harriet 16. Anna (14) Abigail 9. Of the above Children my Daughters Lydia, Abigail, Harriet & Anna live out at Salem in Family; when ever they can get an employ and when they cannot get employ they return into my Family - my Son James is a common Sailor and has been Absent from home upwards of two years - Abigail the youngest is at Home all the time being too young to earn anything by working out - such is the state of my Family (of Children) whose  whose by their labour is not more than sufficient to clothe themselves. My Wife does all she can to help the Family and that is but little as she is not very healthy, and we have little or nothing to do with
Robert Cottle
Sworn to and declared this 16 th day of November before Jairus W. Judge of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the Southern Circuit. A.D. 1820
I Cornelius Marchant, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Washington, do hereby certify that the foregoing Draft and the Schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the Record of the said Court. And I do further certify that it is the Opinion of the said Court that the total amount of Value of the Property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule is three hundred dollars and no cents.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of the said Court on this seventeenth day of November A.D. 1820.
Seal
Cornelius Marchant Clerk
Property Appraised by the Court at $300.
Copies $1.00

N 12583 Sydia Cottle Widow of Robert Marp act 7 July 1838 Married 1784 Resided in husband died 4 Sept 1845

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Bristol County ss.
On this third day of January  February in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and fortySix, personally appeared before Oliver Prescott of NewBedford in said County, Judge of the court of Probate for said County of Bristol, Lydia Cottle a resident of NewBedford in said County of Bristol aged Eighty Two years who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress, of July 7, 1838 — That she is the Widow of Robert Cottle late of NewBedford aforesaid, deceased, who was a private in the War of the Revolution, That the said Robert Cottle resided at Tisbury in Massachusetts when he entered the Service; but whether he was draughted, or volunteered or was a substitute, she cannot now positively say; but believes that he voluntarily entered the service of his country.
She further says that the said Robert Cottle was a Pensioner of the United States under the act of Congress of March 18 1818: And she refers to the declaration made by him and the evidence therein stated, for the particulars of his rank and service in the War of the Revolution.
She further declares that she was married to the said Robert Cottle on the seventeenth day of August in the year Seventeen hundred and Eighty four, that her husband, the aforesaid Robert Cottle, died at said NewBedford, on the fourth day of September Eighteen hundred and forty five: and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.
Subsc. O. Prescott. Abner B. Gifford
Lydia her Cottle mark

Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year first before written Oliver Prescott Before me
I certify that Lydia Little the Applicant aforesaid, cannot by reason of bodily infir- mity attend the Court Feb. 3. 1846. Oliver Prescott Judge of Probate
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Wistful ss. I Anselin Bassett Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County do hereby certify that Oliver Prescott whose signature is affixed to the foregoing certificates was at the date thereof and still is Judge of said Court. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this Seventh day of February Eighteen hundred and forty six A Bassett

I Adarn Gifford of Westport in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts aged Sixty two years testify and say that I am well acquainted with Lydia Cottle, the widow of Robert Cottle late of New Bedford deceased, who was a pensioner of the United States, and died on the fourth day of September last past, that his Widow the aforesaid Lydia Cottle is now living and unmarried. Adarn Gifford
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol County S.S.
Feby. 11. 1846. Then the above named Adarn Gifford appeared and made Oath that the aforesaid deposition by him subscribed is true.
before me Abner B. Gifford Just. Peace.
I certify that I have been acquainted with Adarn Gifford, the above named affiant for upwards of thirty years and he is a credible witness
Taunton Feb. 7. 1846. A. Bassett
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
I James Spratt Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Bristol do hereby certify that Abner B. Gifford Esq. whose signature is affixed to the foregoing certificate is a Justice of the peace in and for said County of Bristol and duly qualified to administer oaths.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said Court, at Taunton, this ninth day of February in the year Eighteen hundred & forty six. J. Spratt

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Dukes County Town of Tisbury Sept 25 1845
Extracts from the Records of the Town Clerks Books of the Town of Tisbury as follows. viz. Robert Cottle to Lydia Luce August the seventeenth in the year one Thousand seven hundred & Eighty four. I Henry Bradley Town Clerk of the Town of Tisbury in the County of Dukes County and Commonwealth of Massachusetts do hereby certify that this is a true copy of the records with the exception of the date which is expressed on the records in fair legible figures as follows Augt 17 th  1784 1784
I Henry Bradley above named depose and say that I hold the Office of Town Clerk in the Town of Tisbury County and Commonwealth aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the Records of said Town Books with exceptions above named as certified by me
Henry Bradley Town Clerk of Tisbury
Dukes County S.S. Sep. 25 th 1845
Then the above named Henry Bradley appeared and made oath to the above instrument Before me Bartlett Allen Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Dukes County ss
Edgartown Sept. 25. 1845.
I Daniel Fellows, Clerk of the Judicial Courts for the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, do hereby certify that Bartlett Allen is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his signature within written I believe to be genuine.
Given under my hand and the Seal of said Court this twenty fifth Day of September Eighteen hundred and forty five.
Daniel Fellows. Clerk.

I Robert Cattle of Lawful age do testify & say That on the Eighteenth day of Decembeer in the year of Our Lord one thousand Seven hundred & Seventy nine I enlisted as a Soldier in the American Army (during the War) then under the command of his Excellency George Washington Esquire and continued serving in said Army until the Eighth  Eighteenth day of June  July in the year of Our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and Eighty three and until the Peace
I further say that I never sold my right to certain bounty lands granted to such Soldiers as enlisted during said War by Act of Congress nor did I ever receive any Warrant or Warrants for the same nor any compensation for the same
Robert Cattle
Dukes County } Commonwealth of Massachusetts On the thirty first day of Decembeer in the year of Our Lord one thousand Eight hundred & Eleven personally appeared the above named Robert Cattle & made solemn oaths to the above Declaration and signed the same
Thomas Dunham N. Public

June 28, 1940
Miss Annie E. C. Sherman 2398 Riverside Avenue Somerset Centre, Massachusetts
BA-J/AWF aw Robert Cottle W. 18969
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Robert Cottle of Massachusetts.
The data furnished herein were obtained from claim for pension, W. 18969, based upon service of Robert Cottle, in the Revolutionary War.
The date and place of birth of Robert Cottle, and names of his parents were not given.
While residing in Tisbury, Dukes County, Massachusetts, Robert Cottle enlisted in the year, 1775, served as a private in Captain Thomas Turner's company, in Colonel Gamaliel Bradford's Massachusetts regiment, marched to Dorchester Heights, was in the retreat from Long Island, in the battle of Ticonderoga, capture of Burgoyne, wintered at Valley Forge, was in several skirmishes in the "Jerseys", at the Storming of Stony Point, under Captain Stetson and General Wayne, and at the capture of Cornwallis in Yorktown, Virginia, under Captain White, and was discharged June 8, 1783, at which time he was a sergeant in Colonel John Brooks' Seventh Massachusetts regiment. He stated that he served three years as private, one year as corporal, and three years as sergeant.
After the close of the Revolution, he was a sea

farang man.
On account of his service in the Revolutionary War, Robert Cottle was allowed one hundred acres of bounty land. He was allowed, also, pension on his application executed May 30, 1818, at which time he was living in Tisbury, Massachusetts, and gave his age fifty-six years. He gave his age in 1820 sixty-three years.
Robert Cottle was living in 1835, in Westport, Bristol County, Massachusetts. He died September 4, 1845, in New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts.
Robert Cottle married August 17, 1784, in Tisbury, Massachusetts, Lydia Luce. The date and place of her birth, and names of her parents were not stated.
The widow, Lydia Cottle, was allowed pension on her application executed February 3, 1846, at which time she was aged eighty-two years, and living in New Bedford, Massachusetts.
The following data in regard to the children of Robert Cottle, and his wife, Lydia, are shown:
   Lydia  aged in 1820,  thirty years     Selia  " " "  twenty-seven years     James  " " "  twenty years     Harriet  " " "  sixteen years     Anna  " " "  fourteen years     Alvira  " " "  nine years, died between the years 1820 and 1823.    
Lot Luce was of Dukes County, Massachusetts, in 1820. William Cottle and Jabez Luce were in 1821 and 1823, Selectmen, Assessors, and Overseers of the Poor, for Tisbury, Massachusetts. William and Mary Cottle were of Dukes County, Massachusetts, in 1823. The relationship of these persons to the family of Robert Cottle and his

widow, Lydia (Luce) Cottle was not stated.
The papers on file in this claim contain no further discernible data in regard to family.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of this pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of the widow, Lydia Cottle, you should apply to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and furnish the following data:
Lydia Cottle, widow of Robert Cottle Certificate #4367 Issued March 17, 1849 Rate $88.00 per annum Commenced March 4, 1848 Act of February 2, 1848 Massachusetts Agency.
If you desire information in regard to location of the bounty land referred to herein, it is suggested that you apply to the Commissioner of the General Land Office, Interior Department, this city, and cite the following data:
Warrant #572-- 100 acres-- issued February 3, 1812.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

I Robert Cottle of Westport, Bristol County State of Massachu- -setts make the following declaration - in order to obtain the benefits of the pay of a sergeant under the Pension Law of 1832 in lieu of pay of private under the Law of 1818. - I was promoted from Corporal to sergeant at West Point and I have no means of fixing on the time to a certainty when the promotion was made & others than Gen l recolle- -ction I have tried my memory to the utmost, have dwelt much on the subject - and I cannot make it appear any thing different than what I before stated - viz that I served in the capacity of sergeant more than two years - yet if there is documentary evidence in the department or elsewhere, that goes to show that in this I was mistaken , I hope I shall not be considered as doing it wilfully or corruptly, I endeav d in my former state- -ment to be governed by the truth to the best of my recollection, I think I can now say, and do say that I verily believe as much as I can possibly be- -lieve any thing that I was promoted from Corp l to a sergeant as early as Jany 1782 - I am certain there was no vacation between Corp l & sergeant - I am certain I continued to be sergeant from the time of appointment to the time of my discharge at the close of the war which I think was in June 1783. (I unintentionally committed an error in my former statement respecting my discharge - it was sent with the papers in procuring my Land - insted of my pension) - I have no further evidence, and shall most cheerfully abide by the decision of the commissioners of Pensions believing he will do me justice. -
Robert Cottle
Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
County of Bristol. S.S. on the 17 th day of Feby. 1835. The above named
Robert Cottle personally appeared and made oath the above statement by him subscribed is true according to the best of his knowledge, information -
Abner B. Gifford Jud. of Peace

Am. J. Reed.

May 15, 1940. 2396 Riverside Ave., Somerset Centre, Mass.
Veterans Administration, Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
At the suggestion of Mr. Joseph E. Stott, Superintendent of Valley Forge Park, I am writing to you to obtain information about one Robert Cottle , who served in the Revolutionary War under General Washington, from Oct. 5, 1775 to Jan. 8, 1783.
He was recommended for a pension by General Washington, also a medal of honor for "long and faithful services."
In 1784 he married and built a home in Westport, Mass., which still stands. I am desirous of placing a plaque on the house, designating it as the home of a Revolutionary officer.
The records of the Adjutant General's office are incomplete in this particular case and I have been referred to you, as custodian of the pension records, for the necessary information.
Any help you can give me will be deeply appreciated.
Very truly yours,
Annie E. C. Sherman

MARINE-HOSPITAL SERVICE OFFICE OF MEDICAL OFFICER IN COMMAND
AUG 30 1902
Chicago, Ill
August 22, 1902
Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Sir:-
I have the honor to make inquiry about the Revolutionary record of Robert Cottle of Tisbury, Martha's Vineyard, as shown by the papers on file in your Bureau.
He served throughout the war 1775-1783 and was a pensioner as reported in the Report of the Secretary of War, 1835. In this

printed volume he is marked as "dropped from the rolls", presum- ably by death. This fact it is desired to establish, particularly the date and place of death and residence when granted a pen- sion - for historical purposes.
Yours respectfully Chas E Banks
Surgeon mds.

Oct. 15-1902 Chas. E. Banks Marine Hosp. Chicago Ills. 1940-June 25. birth to Annie E.C. Sherman
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 18969  Lydia bottle  Wid o of  Robert bottle  Rev Rev. M...
Act: Febry 2 nd  1/48
Index:—Vol. 8 , Page 151
[Arrangement of 1870.]

193
Massachusetts
Lydia Cottle
widow of Robert Cottle
who was a Corporal
in the Revolution
husband died 4 Sept. 1845.
Reported
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 88 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March  Sept , 1846 when she died
Certificate of Pension issued the 7th day of May, 1846 and sent to
A. Bassett Esq Taunton Mass
[Act of JUNE 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book R Vol. 2 Page 27.

Massachusetts Robert Cottle, priv. From 1776 to end of war.
1 o Sched: Nov. 1820 — Real Estate — $290. — Personal — 10. — Total $300. —
Debited to sundry persons was not given — $100. —
Ad. under Act Mar 1823 May 6 th 1823.
Personal property $10. — Accounts for the decrease of property & — By sale of Real Estate July 23 rd 1821 to J. Cottle Jr. for $290 (certified copy of deed within) and paid the following debts viz S. Merrill $157 — 7 3 $227 57
  amt brought over —  $22     To Mrs. Newcomb.  2  4.57    bal ce of acct.  3  3.50     $290.00  93  
a certificate from his creditors, that on the 24 th July 1821 he paid to them as above stated. —
a certificate from the Selectmen that he paid no tax & is assisted by private charity. —
aged 69 by infirm a large swelling on his neck wife's health not stated
4 Daughters, 33 - 30 - 19 & 14 yr 1 son att'den. states that there is none of his family he could look to for support.
John Reed, Esq. Rev. Dr. H. G. South Sept 21. 1823 Sent as above
Oct 1823 33 30 19 14

Rev. Mr. Colb Mass
FREE
J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
dc.

J. L. Edwards Esq. com d of Penniens Washington Dec.

Yarmouth Mass. Sept. 30. 1848
Sir,
Herewith are the applications of Lydia Cottle, Susannah Reed & Sarah Moger for a continuance of their pensions under the Act of Congress of Feb. 2. 1848.
Any communication you may be pleased to make relative thereto may be made to me —
Very Respectfully Yours & A. Bassett
J. L. Edwards Esq Com d of Pensions Washington D.C.

N 12588
Lydia Coltle Widow of Robert Mass
act 7 July 1838
Rejected husband died 4 Sept 1845
Adm act 17 June 1844 2 years Censura $88 00 pnam
pm 4 Septm 1845
A. Russell Taunton Mass

Feb. 12. 1846/120583
HUNTON FEB 2
to Lydia H. Miller
July 7. 1835.
17 5/8
PAID
91
Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Garrison Feb. 9. 1846
Sir,
Herewith is the application of the widow of Robert Little late decd for a pension — Any communication you may be pleased to make relative thereto may be made to me — Very Respectfully Nathan A. Aspell
H. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington DC.

Washington City Feb. 5 th 1835
Sir
I have this day received the papers in the case of Robert Gottle who asks additional allowance as a Pension.
I have every reason to believe Gottle an honest man. I do think his affidavit supported and sustained by highly respectable witnesses as to his character, connected with the evidence in Your own possession ought to be considered entirely satisfactory
With Respect
Yr Ob t Serv t John Reed
P.S. If any further explanation in my power to give be desired I shall be happy to afford it
N.B. I herewith enclose the papers referred to

House of Representatives Feb 21 st 1835
Sir
I have this day recd one for the communication from Robert Gottle which I beg to present for Your consideration
There certainly is in Your Office considerable evidence to sustain the claim of Gottle. He remembers his service & the capacity in which he acted but it is difficult to remember dates with exactness. I hope his further statement and affidavit may be considered satisfactory.
With Respect To the Hon. Mr. Lee John Reed

Yarmouth Mass. 1. Sept. 1823—
Sir,
The papers in the case of Robert Cottle were received from you sometime since. In transmitting the copy of the Deed to the Vineyard a Mr Cottle, the title mislaid and it was lost, which has produced considerable delay. Mr Cottle lives at the distance of none than fifty miles from me. He served during the whale war is quite a respectable man, is quite well, and very poor, and I know he needs and deserves the pension which the Government has provided. I hope if any thing further be wanting you will write me immediately —
I am, Sir, very respectfully Your obt. Servt.
John Reed
Hon. J. C. Calhoun Sec. of War

War Department,
PENSION OFFICE, Oct 21 st 1823.
SIR :
In conformity with the law of the United States, of the 1st March, 1823, authorizing the Secretary of War to restore the names of certain persons to the List of Pensioners, you are hereby notified, that your name has been this day restored to the Pension Roll of the Massachusetts Agency, and that, agreeably to the provisions of said act, your allowance, as a Pensioner, will commence from the sixth of May 1823, the day on which the evidence was closed upon which you obtained a restoration to the List.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. S. Edwards
To Mr Robert Cottle,
United States' Pensioner.
Care of John Reed Esqr, Yarmouth, Mass s

House of Representatives March 2 d 1835
Sir
I have sent You some papers asking for an increase of the Pension of Robert Gottle - I herewith enclose You his Pension Papers and request if it be in your power that You will decide the case and return the papers to me tomorrow If it can not be done I request You to send the Papers to me at Yarmouth Port Mass ts .
With Respect Your Ob d Serv t John Reed

I Joseph Thaxter of lawful age to give testimony certify & say that I have known Mr. Prober Coattle for more than Forty Years - He always sustained the character of a brave & good Soldier. at the about the latter part of the Year 1780 or the beginning of 1781 He came on his  Island to me as a Physician with a Difficulty on his Heel, I was approhensive of a Scrofula & did not like to meddle with it He returned to the Army & served till the Peace when he returned to the Island & engaged in the Seafaring business & soon had the command of a Vessel. He married & had a Family which by his industry he supported comfortably till the Difficulty on his Heel which proved to be a Canker rendered him incapable of being following the Sea - his Family have been industrious, prudent & virtuous His Son has grown to that enormous size as to disqualify him from the business of active Life I believe his Poverty is small & if sold would support him but a short time & leave his wife or Beggars. I know of no man whom I esteem more worthy of the publick Patronage. Joseph Thaxter
Dukes County ss
Eagarstown January 11 th 1822
Then the above named Joseph Thaxter personally appeared before me and made Oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration
The od the Justice of the Peace

Westport, Jan y . 28. 1835.
we the subscribers of Westport in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts - hereby certify that we live in the neighbourhood of Robert Cottler a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States. and are well acquainted with him, he is a man well esteemed in his circle of acquaintance - for correct habits - sustains a good Character for truth, of slender Constitution - having a large swelling on the side of his neck - his memory appears to be in some manner impaired, but his general state ments we think are entitled to full Credit.
To J. L. Edwards Com r of Pensions.
Abner B. Gifford Just. of Peace Stephen Howland Vot y Master Westport Me.

Robert Cottle has a very large tumour on his neck resembling a wen, it is so large as greatly to impede the motions of the head; he is constantly attended with Hypochondriasis, and he also is afflicted with a pulmonic affection nearly approaching to Phthisis Pulmonalis, so that he has not been able to do any business for the last ten years.
Silas West { Licentiate of the Mass. Med. Society.
Dukes County ss } Commonwealth of Massachusetts January. 15th A D 1822 }
Then and there personally appeared the above named Silas West and made oath to the truth of the above declaration before me
Thomas Dunham { Justice of the Peace

We the Subscribers hereby certify that Robert Cottle. is not Taxed for his Poll nor Estate on account of his ill Health, and not being in a capacity to earn any thing for the support of his Family. and We believe the above amount of three hundred Dollars, as apprized by two judicious Men, to be the full Value of his property, further the above Property of the said Robert Cottle is such that it is not any Income to him, his House serves to shelter him from the weather, and his wood land serves for him to glean some Wood from for his Fire, and that he is not able to support himself and Family without Publick or Private Assistance. —
given under our hands this first day of November yr 1820 —
W m Cottle Matthew Merry Jabez Luce
Select Men and Assessors of the Town of Tisbury —
The foregoing is a true copy of the Original Examined by me Jonathan D. Dyer

I hereby certify that I know Robert Cottle of Tisbury State of Massachusetts late a soldier in the Revolutionary Army & who now applies to the government for a pension - I know that he appears very feeble in health & has a very large  men by the side of his neck - I also certify that I am acquainted with W m bottle Matthew Merry W m Davis Select men and Overseers of the Poor of the Town of Tisbury I am also acquainted with Lett Daggett George Athearn Judge of Probate for Dukes County. Silas West Physician, John Hancock & Thomas Dun ham Justices of the Peace & they are res pectable men & their statement is in my opinion entitled to full faith & credit -
John Reed - Ref. of Mass

certificate of Selectmen

We the Subscribers hereby certify that Robert Cottle an Inhabitant of the Town of Tisbury does not Posses any Property either Real or Personal - bedding and a trifling of kitchen furniture. excepted - That he is not taxed for any Property nor for his Poll - That he is in Indigent Circumstan- -ces. That he is assisted by Private Charity. That he is infirm of Body and Capable of doing but very little Labour - That if he is not assisted by his Country that he must be by the Town very soon and in addition to his other infirmitys he has a very large swelling on the side of his neck That causes a great inconveniance to him given under our hands at Tisbury this first day of May 1823
W m Cottle } Selectmen and W m Davis } Assessors and Matthew Merry } Overseers of the Poor of Tisbury

We the undersigned hereby certify that we severally received of Robert Cottle and of James Cottle Junr both of the Town of Tisbury County of Dukes County Commonwealth of Massachusetts for account of debts due to us from the said Robert Cottle for supplies of clothing and provisions for himself and family previous to the latter part of July in the year eighteen hundred and twenty one at which time we severally received the following sums in full of all dues and demands up to July 26 th 1821 viz Lathrop Merry, one hundred & sixty seven dollars, Alexander Newcomb twenty three dollars 85 3 / 100 , William Cottle sixty dollars 85 3 / 100 in witness whereof we hereunto set our hands at Tisbury aforesaid this twenty fifth day of August in the year eighteen hundred and twenty three
Lathrop Merry
Alex r Newcomb
W m Cottle
Dukes County ss } Commonwealth of Massachusetts August 25 th } A.D. 1823 } Then and there personally appeared the above named Lathrop Merry Alexander Newcomb and William Cottle all of lawful age and made solemn oath that the above instrument by them signed is just and true in all its parts sworn to before me
Thomas Dunham } Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Dukes County in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

I Cornelius Marchant hereby certify, that Thomas Dunham Esq. is a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Sussex County duly Appointed by the Proper Authority and qualified to the said Office as the Law directs, And further that the within is the true and Proper Signature of the said Thomas Dunham
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my Name and affixed my Seal of Office this twenty sixth day of August A.D. 1823 at said Dukes County Com. of Mass.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Bristol County S.S.
On this first day of September 1848 personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, Lydia Cottle a resident of New Bedford, in the County of Bristol aged eighty four years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed on the 2 d February 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War - That she is the widow of Robert Cottle who died in 1845 and who was a resident of Tisbury, Dukes County - when he was pensioned under the Act of Congress of 1818, and who was a Corporal in the Army of the Revolution. She further says that she is the identical person who drew a pension under the Act of 17 th June 1844 on account of the Revolutionary service of her late husband aforesaid at the rate of Eighty eight dollars p r annum. She further declares that she is still a widow.
her Lydia X Cottle Mark.

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written
Before me, Benjamin D. Sisson Justice of the Peace In presence of Jonas P. Gifford
I certify that the declarant aforesaid is personally known to me and is a widow And a pensioner as she declares.
Benjamin D. Sisson Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
With it I, James Sprague, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Bristol, do hereby certify that Benjamin D. Sisson Esq. whose signature is affixed to the foregoing Certificate, is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Bristol and duly qualified to administer oaths.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court, at Taunton, this Twentieth day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty eight.
James Sprague

The Honourable. Senate and House of Representatives in Congress Assembled
The undersigned Humbly Petitions your Honourable Body to pass an act to place him on the List of United States Revolutionary Pensioners — your Petitioner was placed on the Revolutionary Pension List under the Act of Congress of March 18 th 1818 for Services in the Army of the United States during the Revolutionary War as you will Perceive by the annexed Declaration in November 19 th 1820 made in conformity to the Act of Congress of May 1 st 1820 and was forwarded to the Secretary of War and your Petit- ioner to which received an Answer from the Secretary that he was Stricken from the List of Pensioners on account of Property — your Petitioner at that time Poss- essed the Amount of Property as per annexed Schedule of $300 and owed Debts of $150 — in July last he sold the whole of his Real Estate and Paid his Just Debts which amounted to $270 leaving him but $20 — which has been spent for the Support of his Family, and is now destitute of the means of supporting himself and Family, — and your Petitioner is infirm in Body and to add to that is labouring under a difficulty of an Amazing swelling upon the side of his Neck that first made its appearance while he was in the Army, and has ever since been growing and is got to an enormous size (that he supposes to have originated in consequence of sleeping on the ground while in the Army) — that with his other infirmities prevents him from doing any labour and his Family being all Females except one Son and he is over twenty one years old, and at sea only a common sailor consequently cannot look to any one of them for assistance — therefore prays your Honours to cause him to be placed on the Pension List or to allow him some Support — as in Duty bound will ever Pray — Tisbury December 10 th 1821
Robert Cottle

We the undersigned Selectmen, Assessors and Overseers of the Poor for the Town of Tisbury certify that we are personally knowing to the sale of the within named Robert Cottle, Estate, and to the Payment of his Debts, and that the whole of his real Estate, did not sell, but for twenty dollars, more than paid his Debts, and that he is now in Indigent Circumstances, and is assisted by Private Charity, and that Source cannot be of long duration given under our hands at Tisbury this tenth day of December 1821
W m Cottle } Selectmen Matthew Merry } Assessors and W m Davis } Overseers of the Poor for the Town of Tisbury
We the Subscribers Citizens of the Town of Tisbury and of Dukes County do firmly believe the Statement of the within named Robert Cottle - and if any Man in the United States is intitled to a Pension from Government for Services in the Army during the Revolutionary War that he is - both on account of his Services to his Country, and on account of his Poverty, and we doubt not but your Honours, will on view of his situation grant some relief to this War worn Soldier - Tisbury December 11/1821
Seth Daggett George Athearn Judge of the Court of Probate Isaac West Physician John Farnsworth Justice Thomas Dunham the Notary Public Shubal Dunham

Appraisal of the Estate of Robert Colter

We the undersigned at the Request of Roberto Castillo have appraised his Estate according to our best skill and judgment - as follows
No. 6 Dwelling house & House Lott valued at — 200 One small Wood Lott — — — — — 90 Personal Estate
House-kept furniture exclusive of Bedding ————— }
Wadsworth P.O. Oct 31. 1820.
10  $300
Lot Luce John Baxter } of Springfield
Dear Boy,
attest Cornelius Marchant, Clerk of the Court Court of Common Pleas for the County of Duke County

Certificate in behalf of Robert Collett.

We the subscribers hereby certify that Robert Bottle is not taxed for his Poll nor Estate on account of his Ill Health, and not being in a capacity to earn any thing for the support of his family and we believe that above amounts of three hundred Dollars as appraised by two judicial men to be the full value of his Property. Further the above Property of the said Robert Bottle is such that it is not any income to him in his house verus to these tenants the Mother, and his Wood Land servs for him to glean some Wood from for his fire and that he is not able to support himself and family without private or Public Assistance
Given under our hands this first day of November year 1820.
W m Bottle } Selectmen & Matthew Merry } Assessee of the Salmon Lucas } Town of Dishbury
Attest C. Root
Commiss Merchants Clerk of the Inferior Court of C. Root for District Court
Copy 19 th
A. B. which full share not exact C. M.

War Department, No 2733
PENSION OFFICE,
February 24 182 .
SIR,
You are hereby informed that the Secretary of War does not, on account of the amount of your property, consider you entitled to a Pension under the Acts of the 18th March, 1818, and 1st May, 1820; and has, therefore, directed your name to be stricken from the Pension List.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. G. Edwards
To Mr. Robert Cottle
Fishbury
N. H.
care of the Hon Waller Folger
House of Reps.

Copy from the Record of Purs 40 Cents

I know all Men by these Presents, that I Robert Cottle the in the of Pisbury in the County of Dukes County Commonwealth of Massachusetts, For and in Consideration of the Sum of two hundred & ninety dollars to me in hand well and truly paid at & before the signing sealing & delivery of these presents by James Cottle Junr. of Pisbury County of Dukes County Commonwealth of Massachusetts. - The receipt whereof the said Robert Cottle do hereby acknowledge. - have granted bargained & sold, and by these presents do grant bargain & sell unto the said James Cottle Junr. a certain dwelling House and about half an Acre of Land situated in Hornes Hole, and is the House that the said Robert Cottle lives in. - bounded as follows, beginning at the Creek by the Land of the Widow Seddaka Coffin, and running Westerly as the fence stands by said Coffins Land eleven rods, and from thence Northerly on a square nine rods to a Stake I Mene, and then running Easterly to the Creek aforementioned where it two large Stones and so into the same, and Southerly to the first mentioned Widow Coffins Land, together with the said House and all the privileges and Appurtenances thereunto belonging, with the same liberty to pass and repass by Land or Water through Gates or Bars that was sold to me with the above premises by Abraham Chase. - Also a certain tract of Land, being the Southern half of the said tract known by the name of the three cornered Lot, situated in Pisbury aforesaid and at Hornes Hole, bounded as follows, beginning where they formerly stood a Gate by the road that leads from Elisha Wests formerly to Pisbury aforesaid, and to extend Northerly by said road till it comes to the road that leads from Pisbury to

to Worms Hole Harbour, and then Easterly to extend by said road till it comes to where a Gate formerly stood, and then to extend by a Road that leads from Worms Hole to Edgartown till it comes to the first mentioned bound, it being the Land I bought of Benjamin Allen in the year 1798. — I do have And I do hold the said granted and bargained House & Lot and tract of Land unto the said James Cottle Jun r , his heirs Executors Administrators or Assignes, to his only use, benefit & behoof forever. — And the said Robert Cottle do Avouch himself to be the true & Lawful owner of the said House and Lot and tract of Land and have in his full power, good right & Lawful authority to dispose of the said House and Lot & tract of Land in manner as aforesaid, And I do for my self heirs Executors & Administrators hereby covenant & Agree to warrant and defend the said above demised premises against the Lawful claims & demands of all persons that claim unto him the said James Cottle Jun r , his heirs Executors Administrators or Assignes. In Witness whereof, the said Robert Cottle have hereunto set my hand & Seal this twenty third day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & twenty one. —
Signed Sealed & Delivered in presence of us Robert Cottle (seal) W m Cottle (seal) Mary Cottle

Dukes County ss. Commonwealth of Massa- -chusetts July 23 rd A.D. 1821. - Then personally appeared the within named Robert Cottle acknowledged the within instrument to be his free act & deed before me.
Thomas Dunham Jus. of the Peace
Entered September 11 th 1821.
I hereby certify that the within is a true copy of a deed recorded in 21 st Book of records of Land evidence for Dukes County Pages 179 & 180.
Attest, Samuel Smith Reg.
I Cornelius Marchant hereby certify that Samuel Smith was chosen Register of Deeds for the County of Dukes County and truly and legally qualified for and inducted into said Office on the twenty first day of May A.D. 1821 for the term of five years, by the Justices of the Court of Sessions for said County of Dukes County: and that he has ever since held said Office. And further that the above is the true and proper signature of the said Samuel Smith. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed my Seal of Office this twenty fifth day of August A.D. 1823.
Cornelius Marchant
Clerk of the Court of Sessions for Dukes County

Copy from the Record of Pur 40 Cents

Declaration.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
County of Barnstable ss.
On this six th day of May 1823 personally appeared in open Court, before the Supreme Judicial Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being a Court of record, now holden at Barnstable, within the County of Barnstable and for the Counties of Barnstable and Dukes County and proceeding according to the course of the common law with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, having the power of fine and imprisonment, and keeping a record of their proceedings, Robert Cottle resident in Fisbury in said Dukes County aged sixty six years, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declarations in order to obtain the provision made by the acts of Congress of the 18 th of March 1818, and the 1 st of May 1820, that he the said Robert Cottle enlisted for the term of three years on the _____ day of _____ in the year 1776 in the state of Massachusetts in the company commanded by Captain Thomas Turner in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Gammaliel Bradford in the line of the state of Massachusetts on the continental establishment; that before the expiration of the three years enlisted again for during the war, and that he continued to serve in the different Corps till the year 1783 when he

was discharged from the said service in _____ in the state of New York, that his name has been placed on the pension list, and dropped therefrom on account of his property.
And in pursuance of the act of the 1 st May 1820, I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18 th day of March 1818; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary war" passed on the 18 th day of March 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
Schedule of Property now possessed.
Kitchen furniture exclusive of Bedding for my family $10.00 ten dollars.
My family consists of my wife Lydia aged sixty years, Lydia my daughter aged 33 years, Celia my daughter aged 30 years, James my son aged 23, Harriet my daughter aged 19, Anna my daughter aged 14 - My son James is at sea, a common seaman the last I heard of him he was at the Sandwich Islands in the Pacific Ocean - my daughter Lydia, Celia and Anna live out at labour when they can get work - my

daughter Harriet is with me unable to go out to work having been confined by a fever-sore on her leg - my youngest daughter Alvisa mentioned in my former schedule is dead - there is not any of my family that I can look to for support. - I am myself very infirm in body, can do but trifling, light labour, not being possessed of any mechanic art, and have a large swelling on the side of my neck, that first commenced growing when I was in the army being occasioned by sleeping on the wet grounds; and has been gradually increasing ever since. It has now got to an enormous size and is very troublesome.
Personal & Real Estate exhibited in first Schedule of November 15 th 1820.
Dwelling House and Lot valued at $ 200.00
One small Woods Lot valued at 90.00
Personal Estate
Household kitchen furniture exclusive of bedding 10.00 $ 300.00
Since November 10 th 1820 I have sold the above real estate, viz: Dwelling House and Lot and Woods Lot to pay my Debts and to subsist upon.
   Name of Person to whom sold Time of sale Amount of Money and other Property received in return     James Cottle Junr. July 23 rd An account paid Lathrop Mem d that owed him for supplies to my family. $107.00   A.D. 1821. An account paid Mrs Cottle 60.57   Beemable, J.S. Co - Co 23.50   Supreme Judicial Court, An account paid Alexander Sen d 23.50   May Term 1823. The within comb d   declaration was sworn to in open Cash to myself 38.93   Court. Francis Parker, Chief Justice. $ 290.00   A true copy, Attest. Alvin Davis, Clerk. Rob t Cottle  

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Barnstable & Dukes County, ss.
I Alvin Davis Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court, for the Counties of Barnstable & Dukes, do hereby certify, that the within oath and the schedule annexed, are truly copied from the records of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the within schedule is ten dollars.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this sixth day of May 1823.
Alvin Davis, } Clerk of the Sup: Jud: } Court for the Counties } of Barnstable and } Dukes.
Copy Robert Cottle Schedule

Robert Cottle —
L—pu M c G
not entitled

Dukes County ss. Commonwealth of Massachusetts Circuit Court Common Pleas, November Term 1820. —
On this sixteenth day of November, year Eighteen hundred and twenty, Personally appeared in open court (being a Court of Record) and the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for said County of Dukes County, Robert Cottle aged Sixty three years, resident in the Town of Tisbury in said County of Dukes County, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare, that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows. — I enlisted as a Private in the Continental Army in the Massachusetts line under Colonel Garmaliel Bradford — Lieutenant Colonel Basset, Captain Thomas Turner, in the year 1776, was at the taking possession of Dorchester Heights, was there at the evacuation of the British from Boston, from there was marched to New York and Long Island, was at the evacuation of Long Island, was then marched to Ticonderoga, from there to Still Water under the command of Generals Schuyler, and St. Clair — at Still Water General Gates took the command, then advanced towards Saratoga, was at the taking of the British Army under General Burgoyne, at that time I was in the Regiment with Major John Brooks, was at the storming and taking of Starley Point under the command of General Wayne, was at a number of Skirmishes in the Jerseys was quartered at Valley Forge in the Delaware, and was at the Siege and capture of the Army under Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown Virginia. I was in Capt White Company at the commencement of the Siege — Capt White was killed by a Shell from the British Army some days before the Surrender of Lord Cornwallis — I remained with the army until it was disbanded and I was regularly discharged in the year 1783, after having served upwards of Seven years in the Continental Army of the United States — I was about three years a common Soldier, about one year a Corporal, about three years a Sergeant, my Discharge was burnt up in the War Office in Washington where I had sent it to get my land Warrant, which land Warrant I obtained and afterwards sold it to support my family, during the time I was in the Army I was frequently turn over —

transferred from one Regiment to another, and having grown old and my mind and Body very much debilitated, cannot recollect but few of the Officers Names that I served under, but recollect of serving under Major John Brooks and after he was promoted to a Colonel a long time - and the date of my original Declaration was on May the twentieth yr. Eighteen hundred and Eighteen and the number of my Pension Certificate is (2.733) and I solemnly swear that I was a resident Citizen of the United States on the 18 th Day of March yr. 1818, and that I have not since that time by gift, sale, or in any manner disposed of my Property or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the Provision of an Act of Congress entitled an act to provide for certain Persons engaged in the land and naval service of the united States in the Revolutionary War, passed on the 18 th day of March yr. 1818, and that I have not, nor has any Person in trust for me, nor have I any income, other than what is contained in the schedule hereunto annexed and by me subscribed. —
Real Estate
Dwelling House and Lot valued at - - $200.00. One Small Wood Lot valued at - - - - - 90.00.
Personal Estate
Household Kitchen furniture exclusive of Bedding, valued at = 10.00.
$: 300.00
I am infirm of Body and unable to labour, and all the Income that I have is a few Vegetables that by the Assistance of my Wife & Daughters I raise for my family use on the lot of land that my House stands on, of about a quarter of an acre of ground, - and I am indebted to sundry Persons about one hundred & fifty Dollars which I have no means of paying without selling as much from the above estate my dwelling house is no income, it only serves for a shed to live in. my Wood Lot serves only for to glean some Wood from to warm my family, and I am not in a Capacity to follow any Occupation, and have no knowledge of the mechanical Arts. — My Family consists of Eight that partially reside with me, myself included in the number. Their names are as follows - Lydia my Wife aged 57 years. Lydia my Daughter aged 30 years. Selia aged 27. James my Son 20. Harriet 16. Anna 14. Alvira 9. — of the above Children - my Daughters, Lydia, Selia, Harriet & Anna

live out at labour in families when ever they can get employ and when they cannot get employ, they return into my family. - My Son James is a common Sailor, and has been absent from home upwards of two years - Alvira the youngest is at home all the time being too young to earn anything by working out. - Such is the state of my family of Children that all they can earn by their labor is not more than sufficient to clothe themselves - My Wife does all she can to help the family, and that is but little as she is not very healthy and we have little or nothing to do with. - - - -
Robert Cottle.
Sworn to and declared this 16 th day of November A.D. 1820 Before Jairus Ware Judge of the Circuit Court of common Pleas for the Southern Circuit. - - - -
I, Cornelius Marchant, Clerk of the Circuit Court of common Pleas in and for the County of Dukes County Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby certify that the foregoing Oath and the Schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court. and I do further certify that it is the Opinion of the said Court, that the total amount of Value of the Property exhibited in the aforesaid Sched- ule is three hundred Dollars and no Cents. - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court on this Seventeenth Day of November 1820. Cornelius Marchant Clerk
Property appraised by the Court at $300. -
The foregoing is a true Copy of the Original compared by me
Cornelius Marchant Clerk

Robert Bottle, pr. Maps the line, May 20, 1818.
Correct
Corporal July 1780
page 110 Final settlement
1 Jan 1783 - 98.60
1 Jan 1782 paid as corporal

DISTRICT OF Dukes county, ss.
On this twentieth day of May 1818, before me the subscriber, one of the Judges of the Court of Probate for the said county , personally appeared Robert Cottle aged fifty six years, resident in Tisbury in the said county , who being by me first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war:" That he, the said Robert Cottle enlisted in the Continental Service in the state of Massachusetts in the company commanded by Captain Thomas Turner  Col. M c Intosh B rig of the Continental Troops
; that he continued to serve in the said corps, or in the service of the United States until the dismemberment of the Army in 1784 , when he was discharged from service in Newburg state of New York , that he was in the battles of Ticonderoga at the capture of Burgoyne, was at the storming of Stony Point, Fort under the command of Capt. Isaiah Storer and was at the capture of Cornwallis at York Town in Virginia and that he is in reduced circumstances, and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support; and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services.
Sworn to and declared before me, the day and year aforesaid.
George Athearn Judge of the Court of Probate
I, George Athearn Judge, &c. as aforesaid, do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction, that the said Robert Cottle did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months, on the continental establishment; and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me, to the Secretary for the Department of War, pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress.
Tisbury, Dukes County May 20 1818
George Athearn Judge of Probate

Rob t bottle
Hon. Mr. Read (H.R.)
Mass. Ms
March 1879

The Rev d . Joseph Thaxter who wrote to me this letter which I now enclose dated Edgar Town Jan 14. th 1822 was for some time in the Revolutionary army - he studied Physic & has prac- tised some, but has been principal- ly engaged as a clergyman - His character is irreproachable, and no man is more honorable or correct in stating facts. I have full confidence in his statements
John Reed

Mr Robert Cattle applied to me a few days past for my disposition respecting his situation. I gave it short I feel constrained to write you on the subject for I have an old New-Englandary Soldier. He entered the Army a young lad friendless & unknown by his prowess & ability to discharge his duty he was made a Sergeant he served thro' the War was one of the bravefellows who under Gen' Wayne stormed Stone Point when he left the Army he had nothing, you know the Soldiers realized little or nothing by the final settlements they were obliged to sell them for what they would bring to clothe & feed themselves & speculations made Masters out of them. it may be said they should not have sold them "Dispositions not habit &eyer" "Hunger will break even a Stone Wall." I do not blame Comms It was the best they could do. - Mr Cattle's Constitution was much injured by his sufferings in the Army. His disposition was sympathetic his ambition to be some thing strong he took to the sea was not commanded of a vessel. He married & had a number of children most females, a promising son he left at sea & has none but see their Children.

Females to aid him. His Wm has grown to an enormous size & his Health so impaired that He is disqualified for active business - His mind is not a little affected by his situation & as it was for the Industry, Prudence & economy he may be suggested by private friends or the pub, since I gave my Deposition I have seen a near Neighbour of his who tells me that he is really poor. Had his Poverty been brought upon him by Intemperance & Extravagance I should not be so ready to plead for him - while many such receive the publick Bo- unty. It is hard unjust that he should be denied If men who served their Country thro all its Struggles & all the Passions of Life must be left to become poor & dependent I think it a Scandal to our Country. a more deserving man according to his Rank I venture to say cannot be found in the U. States I have seen in the Hampshire Gazette several long Discourses from Writers Register Baltimore The stile is laconic the Sentiments truly republican & the Information very shrewd. I presume that the same are necessary & that some will be made the Salaries of some Officers are too enormous for a republican Government they might be filled with at least as good men for much less money. Are we not following too fast the example of old & corrupt Government. I do not by this mean that publick Officers should be necessarily or excluded from their Service but cannot think it right that they should live in Luxury & lay up Independent Fortunes for their Children.
I am yet struggling under the Information of age but hold out to go thro my parochial duty accept my sincere wishes for your Prosperity temporal & eternal - Jeremiah Rootes

By His Excellency GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq; General and Commander in Chief of the Forces of the United States of America.
THESE are to CERTIFY that the Bearer hereof Robert Cottle Serjeant in the Seventh Massachusetts Regiment, having faithful- ly served the United States and being inlisted for the War only, is hereby DISCHARGED from the American Army.
GIVEN at HEAD-QUARTERS the eighth day
June 1783
G Washington
By His Excellency's Command,
J. Humboldt
REGISTERED in the Books of the Regiment,
Jon a Haskell Adjutant.
THE above Robert Cottle has been honored with the BADGE of MERIT for Six Years faithful Service.
Witnesses  Col l Coam 7 th Mass s Reg t

HEAD-QUARTERS, June 5 th 1783.
THE within CERTIFICATE shall not avail the Bearer as a Discharge, until the Ratification of the definitive Treaty of Peace; previous to which Time, and until Proclamation thereof shall be made, He is to be considered as being on Furlough.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
The within named Robert Cottle was enlisted for the war on the 18 th day of December 1779.
Bedford February 10 th 1802.
J. Wood, Lt. Col. Comd. late 7 th Mass s Reg t
Secretary of State Boston Oct. 5. 1802 These certify that Mr. Robert Cottle has received the benefit of the Proviso passed the two branches of the Legislature in March & June 1801. — Johan D. Sleeper Secy
Robert Cottle
208
Robert Cottle (Mass) B.L. 9.1. 572-100

KNOW all Men by these Presents,
That I Robert Cottle of Tisbury County of Dukes County Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Mariner and formerly a Soldier in the Service of the United States of America
have constituted, ordained and made, and in my stead and place put, and by these presents do constitute, ordain and make, and in my stead and place put Isaiah L. Green, Esquire of Barnstable County of Barnstable Commonwealth of Massachusetts
to be my true, sufficient and lawful attorney for me and in my name and stead, to recover or obtain by applying to the proper Authority of the United States all Lands, pensions, or grants whatsoever made by said authority in particular a certain tract of Land due to me as one of the Soldiers of the United States Army having myself enlisted on the Eighteenth day of December in the year of Our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and Seventy nine in the Seventh Massachusetts Regiment J. Brooks Lieutenant Commandant as per Certificate of Discharge herewith annexed to get a Warrant for said Land and to get the same located according to Law
Giving and hereby granting unto my said attorney full power and authority in and about the premises; and to use all due means, course and process in the law for the full, effectual and complete execution of the business afore described; and in my name to make and execute due acquittance and discharge; and for the premises to appear, and the person of me the constituent to represent before any governor, judges, justices, officers and ministers of the law whatsoever, in any court or courts of judicature, and there, on my behalf, to answer, defend and reply unto all actions, causes, matters and things whatsoever, relating to the premises. Also to submit any matter in dispute, respecting the premises, to arbitration or otherwise: with full power to make and substitute, for the purposes aforesaid, one or more attorneys under my said attorney and the same again at pleasure to revoke. And generally to say, do, act, transact, determine, accomplish, and finish all matters and things whatsoever, relating to the premises, as fully, amply and effectually, to all intents and purposes, as I the said constituent, if present, ought or might personally, although the matter should require more special authority than is herein comprised, I the said constituent ratifying, allowing and holding firm and valid all and whatsoever the said attorney or his substitutes shall lawfully do, or cause to be done, in and about the premises, by virtue of these presents. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this Thirty first day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Eleven
Signed, sealed, and in Presence of us,
Thomas Dunham Benjamin Allen
Robt Cottle

KNOW all Men by these Presents
The
Dukes County ss December 31st A.D. 1811
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
This day before me Thomas Dunham Notary Public personally appeared the within named Robert Little & acknowledged the within power of Attorney to be his free act & deed for the purposes therein mentioned
Thomas Dunham Notary Public
Faint, mirrored text from the reverse side of the page, likely bleed-through from the original document.

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Cotton, Benjamin GRADE Sergeant LINE New Hampshire
WARRANT NUMBER 3016 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED Oct. 30, 1789 to Ephraim True, assignee
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.