Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 8,311, Martin Deer, Va.
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Service
Va.
Deer Martin
NUMBER
18311
carded
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[scan is too dark; illegible at the top]

Inscribed on the Roll of [illegible]
at the rate of 23 Dollars 22 Cents per
annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831

Arrears to the 4th of Sept [illegible]
Semi-anl allowance ending [illegible]
[rest is illegible]
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Reported
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[number 1 in a circle]
Virginia Madison County  To Wit;
On this 24th day of April 1846 personally 
appeared in open court before the court 
of Said County, Martin Deer, a resident of 
the county aforesaid, aged 89 years next 
October, who being first duly sworn according 
to law doth on his oath make the following 
declaration in order to obtain the benefit 
of the act of congress passed June the 7th 
1832. 
That he entered the Service of the 
United States under the following named 
officers and served as here in stated, amounting 
to  nine months in the Virginia 
Militia being three tours of three months 
each. That his first tour began last September 
1776 and that he returned home after 
the Christmas of that year, and was at the time 
of serving said tour in his twentieth year, 
his birthday being in October about the beginning 
of his first tour.  That said company 
was called out by one Captain Frank 
Miller.  Then living on Robinson River 
in Culpepper then now Madison.  That one 
James Thomas was Lieutenant and Charls [sic]
Gadson was Ensign of said company 
under Captain Miller.  That he was drafted 
in said tour and performed the same on 
his own account. That he was then a resident 
of his present neighborhood there in 
Culpepper County and has ever since resided 
in the same.  That his company was 
as before said called out the last of September 
1776 and marched from Culpepper courthouse 
to the lower country, passing over orange
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2
[black mark over the start of this line] and Essex County, that
[black mark over the start of this line]rching down was stationed 
for some time at Port Royell [Royal] in 
Carolina County and thence on to Essex 
where his company remained for some 
considerable time does not recollect how 
long but thinks it was over three weeks 
from Essex his company went to Richmond 
then a small place where they remained 
a short time, and then marched on 
to a place called "[illegible] Hills" below Richmond; 
that there he found a great many soldiers 
camped and were from various counties 
in the State; that he formed no acquaintances 
with any of them and therefore cannot 
give the names of any of the officers in 
command that two other companies were 
marched from Culpepper at the same time and 
were with his own company during the whole 
term Said two companies were under Captain 
Rice and Girtley he thinks; that at 
Stobbin Hills his company remained for 
four weeks as near as he can say, and were 
then marched to Williamsburg, then the capital 
of Virginia, and there remained till the 
tour expired and he came home; that he 
does not recollect at this distant day 
the precise time of his stay at Williamsburg 
but whilst there made frequent marches 
towards the Bay in search of the enemy there 
burning the property of the citizens near 
the shore; that of this term he is positive and 
remembers Joseph Snyder, Moses Phillips and 
Michael Snyder, Thomas Putison, Henry Chiles 
were with him under Miller and [illegible] to
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-gether and he thinks returned home also together; That one James Patrick was quartermaster of said company under Miller; That nothing of a remarkable character occurred during said tour; was in no battle and saw none of the British forces; That his company had no colonel attached to it but was under the command of one in the lower country whose name cannot call to mind. That as before said he reached home after the Christmas of 1776, he thinks it was the first week in January 1777
-illegible- four days coming home. 
That he remained at home in Culpepper County till the spring of 1779 when his tour again came round and he served another tour of three months from his native county Culpepper.  He was there going on twenty two years of age and a man full grown; That Captain James Smith raised said company, and Samuel Grove was Lieutenant of the same and Charles Gooding was Ensign and he thinks James Patrick was again quarter master for said company; That his company marched from Barnett's Ford in Culpepper County the fifteenth of January 1779; and went direct to Williamsburg and there took up 
head quarters and were stationed there with a great many other soldiers during all said tour except a visit to Norfolk and over to Jamestown; That after his company had been at Williamsburg upwards of a month they were marched to Norfolk and returned in ten or twelve days to Williamsburg and afterwards made a short trip to Jamestown where they remained only a few days, and returned back to head quarters at Williamsburg and
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4
there remained until the tour expired; that he understood
the Soldier was stationed there to guard
the Seat of government from the enemy and that
nothing of a remarkable character occurred
during there Stay at Williamsburg, men were frequently
whiped [whipped]for disorderly conduct but he saw
no one shot by command that at Williamsburg
there must have been between two and three
thousand enlisted men at various times
during Said tour; that he remembers Captain
Ward Company from orange was with
his own during said tour and our either
Company from Culpepper under Captain
Bohannon; that in going to Williamsburg his
company marched through orange. Louissa
Hanover New Kent and Charls City counties
but they did not tarry long in either of
them and marched direct to Williamsburg;
that John Miller John Deer Ambrose
Weaver Lewis Graves Henry Peters
Benjamin Hackell were Privates under
Captain Smith and were from his neighborhood
in the said county of Culpepper all
of whom he knew before this tour to Williamsburg; 
that his company was not associated
with any potion of the regular army during
his first or this his second tour that if the
regulars were at Williamsburg he had no knowledge
of the fact because it was said at
the time the forces out was composed of militia
from Virginia entirely; that his company
were discharged at Williamsburg verbally
and he together with John Deer Ambrose
Weaver and Lewis Graves came on home together
reached home to the best of his recollection
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5
between the middle of April & first of May 1779
that of this tour he is also very positive and 
cannot be mistaken in it the particulars of which
he has given to the best of his memory, that
he received no written discharged from either
his first or second tour; that verbal discharges
was thought sufficient and he knows
of no one in service ever appling [applying]for a 
written discharge; that he remained at
his home in Culpeper County Virginia till
the Spring of 1781 when he was again drafted
and served and other tour in the militia
of three months duration; that during the same
his company was at the Battle of Petersburg 
between the British and the Americans
that he was in that Battle and the fighting 
was very hard and was attached to General
Muhlenburg [Muhlenberg] Brigade in rear of it; that
Said company was called out by Captain
Mark Finks of Culpepper County whose
discendents [descendants]Still resides in Madison Culpeper
and orange Counties that said Captain was
considered very brave man and displayed
his courage at the afore Said Battle of 
Petersburg; that of Said company and William
Dickens was Lieutenant and Served
as Such during the Said term that he was
acquainted with Said Lieutenant both before
and after this term; that said company marched
from Culpeper County to Louisa C.H.
about the middle of march 1781 he was 
there in his 24th year; at Louisa C. House
his company remained a week or so for
other companys then marched to "Moblins
Hills" at which place he was stationed
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6
at head quarters till a day or two before the Battle of Petersburg whether his company had been ordered that after the Battle of Petersburg his company returned to Chesterfield Ct. House and then marched on homeward passing through Henrico eastern  potion of Louisa county and were discharged in Louisa County up to which his company had retreated to avoid the persuit [sic] of the enemy; that he saw General Lafayette troops during said tour his company was at Williamsburg and at Richmond and various places on James River whilst Stationed at "Mobbins Hills" that Major Welsh from Culpeper County was a officer in Said Company but he has forgotten the name of the Ensign; he distinctly recollected his neighbors Moses Hart George Clarke Larkin Clarke John Deer Nick Yager Samuel Smith John Rowzee Andrew Deer George Lamon well privates with him under Finks and were from his neighbourhood all of whom are now dead that in going to the lower country his company first camped at a place called Broad Water then went on to "Cabin points" thence on to "Mobbins Hills" that these were two other companys [sic] from Culpeper during Said tour and were with his own nearby the whole of it, they were under the command of Captain Fisher Rice and Captain Rucker that of said third tour is positive and reached home the 24th or 25th of June 1781 and never afterwards entered the army during his stay in the lower country was attached with other militia companies the names of which he cannot recollect, he never was a Substitute for
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7
any one having served all three of his tours
for himself and never hired a substitute
to take his place because he had no family
to leave behind him that afterwards he married
and has ever since lived in his present
neighbourhood then Culpeper now Madison
County.
That he would have applied for his pension
before could he have found any person
willing to under take it for him that he is
of a desindent [descendant] of a German family that settled
early in Culpeper County and has for
many years been confined at home so as
to exclude himself from Society and he doubts
not had he been able to have gone from
home he might have induced some one of
his neighbours to have made his application
years ago. He was however not much in
need and though but little about it for
he fought at the time for love of country
and not for any pecuniary reward.
He hereby relinquishes every claim to
a pension or annuity except the present and
declares his name is not on the pension
rolls of the agency in the United States
Martin Deer
Sworn to and subscribed 
the day and year aforesaid in open court
Teste
Belfield Cave clk:

We Abraham Tinsley and John Rowzee
residing in the neighbourhood of Martin Deer
do hereby certify we are well acquainted
with him who has Sworn to and Subscribed
the above declaration that we believe him to be
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8
89 years of age from the fact that he is reputed to be the oldest man in the county that he is we know reputed and believed in his neighbourhood
to have been a soldier of the revolution and we concur in that opinion Witness our hands and Seal this 24th of April 1846
Abraham Tinsley
 John Rowzee 

Sworn and Subscribed the day and year afore said Teste. Belfield Cave Clk:
And the Said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary Soldier and served as he states And the court further certifys [sic] it appears to them that Abraham Tinsley who has signed the precedent certificate is a clergyman resident in applicants neighbourhood and that John Rowzee who has also assigned the same is a like resident of Said neighbourhood & is a creditable person and their statement is intitled [sic] to full credit. 
Teste
Belfield Cave Clk: of said Ct:
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9
Virginia Madison County To Wit.
At a court held for Said County this [illegible]
day of April 1846 personally appeared in open 
court Mr Martin Deer and made oath
the annexed leaf containing the register of
his age is all the record he has and that
he was born in October 1757 according to
the first entry on the Said leaf which
entry is correct. Being the 4th entry to
wit "Martin Deer born in October the year
1757" 
Martin Deer
Sworn to and Subscribed in open court
Teste.
Belfield Cave Clk: of sd. Ct:
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Jary Deer was Born
Domini Martch [March]
Paga Deer was Born
day anno Domini 1793

Janey Deer was Born June 15th 
Domini 1795

Nancy Deer was Born [illegible]
December the [illegible]

Absolom Deer was Born [illegible]
October the 15th
1800

Feilden Deer was Born [illegible]
year 1809 September [illegible]
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Zackary was [illegible]

Zackary & Fanney Deer
[illegible] of NY 1817---
Zackary was Born in 
[illegible] Novemr 20-1818 -

[illegible]tin Deer was born in 
[illegible] in the year 1757

[illegible]tine Deer and Susannah
was married in the 
21 of June
1789
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10

Blank - B Cave clk:
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11

Questions and Answers taken in open court th
24th April 1846

1. Where and in what year was you born
Answer. I was born on the Robinson River in 
Culpeper County in October 1757 near the old
Dutch church built before the revolution and
is yet standing in that part of Culpeper county
Since taken off now called Madison.

2. Have you any record of your age and if so
where is it?
Answer yes I have and the same is herewith annexed
being all the register I have had.

3. Where were you living when called into Service
where have you live since the revolutionary war & 
where do you now live
Answer at the time of my Services I lived on the
Robinson River then in Culpeper County and have
ever since continued to reside in the same neighbourhood
where I was born & raised

4. How were you called into Service were you 
drafted did you volunteer or were you a Substitute
and if a Substitute for whom
Answer I was a drafted Soldier all three of 
my tours and was never a Substitute for any
one

5 State the names of some of the regular officers
who were with the troops where you Served
such continental and militia regiments as 
you can recollect and the general circumstances
of your service
Answer claiming my two first tours we were not
associated with any of the regulars but were
with other militia companys the names of which
he has forgotten except two from Culpeper-
as mentioned in his declaration that during
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his third tour his company was with the
regulars at Battle of Petersburg. He refers to
his declaration for the particulars of his Service
which he hopes will be satisfactory to the
department

6. Did you ever receive a discharge from the
Service and if so by whom was it given
and what has become of it
Answer no I never received a written discharge
from either my first second nor third tour
if I ever called for one I have forgotten it

7. State the name so persons to whom you are
known in your present neighbourhood and
who can testify as to your character and
their belief of Services as a Soldier of the
revolution
Answer I have lived ever since my infancy
in my present neighbourhood and all
my neighbours without any exception can
Speak of my charactor. [character] I refer the department
however to the court for their opinion.
Martin Deer 
Sworn and Subscribed the day and year afore 
said Teste
Belfield Cave Clk: of Sd. Ct:

And the court being refered [referred]to do [illegible]
that the applicant is a man of high respectability
and unquestionable verasity [veracity] and
that they 
believe him to be reputed as being a revolutionary
Soldier but do not know it of their own [illegible] and that they have [illegible]
entire confidence in any Statement he may
make
Teste
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State of Virginia
County of Madison } S.S.

Be it known that on this the 25th day of December 1854, before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid personally appeared Sarah Deer, Fielding Deer, and Frances Skinner residents of the County & State aforesaid, and made oath according to law that they are the legal heirs of Martin Deer who was a soldier in the Revolution and who has heretofore made application for the benefit of the Pension act of the ____
That they are directly interested as claimants in said Pension, and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as our agent may use in prosecuting said claim.
Countermanding and revoking all Powers of Attorney and authority heretofore given, we hereby constitute and appoint Francis H Hill of Madison County Virginia our true and lawful attorney to prosecute the claim of Martin Deer for any amount of Revolutionary pension or increase of Pension that may be due and we hereby authorise [sic] our said Attorney to examine all papers, or documents in relating to said claim on file in the department at Washington City or elsewhere to file additional evidence or arguments and to receive for our inclusive benefits the certificate which may be issued for said claim, to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the pensions herein aforesaid, and to do all things that we might or could do were we personally present. Hereby certifying and
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confirming all that our said Attorney and
Agent, shall. lawfully do on the premises
Sarah x^her mark^Deer
Fielding Deer
Francis x^her mark^ Skinner
Sworn to, subscribed and acknowledged before
me the day and year above written and I hereby
certify that I believe the said Sarah Deer,
Fielding Deer and Frances Skinner be directly interested
in said claim as set forth, and to be
the identical parties therein alleged
Burwell Melone J.P.

Virginia: In Madison County Court. November 23rd 1854.
Ordered that it be certified that Martin Deer who was
a soldier and pensioner of the United States, left no widow, but
left the following children, Absolom Deer, Fielding Deer, Sarah
Deer, Fanny Skinner formerly Deer, Nancy Loyd formerly
Deer and Peggy Blee; all which was proved to the court.
I Belfield Cave Clerk of said court certify that the above order
is truly copied - And I further certify that satisfactory evidence
has been exhibited before me that Sarah Deer, Fielding
Deer and Frances Skinner the parties who have sworn to and
acknowledged the foregoing declaration and power attorney
are the children of the reputed soldier aforesaid. I further certify
that Burwell Melone Esq. before whom the proceeding affidavit
and power of attorney were made and acknowledged
was at the time of so doing, a Justice of the peace in and
for said county, and that the signature purporting to be his
I believe to be genuine. In testimony whereof I have
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[scan is too dark; illegible]
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[stamp in upper left corner; illegible]

hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal
of Office this 29th day of December 1854
Belfield Cave Clk
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[illegible] Barckett Esqr of the
[illegible] the within Power
of attorney [illegible] Decb 29th 1854
FH. Hill
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Madison Hill
July 8

Hon. John S. Barbour
Culpeper Co. Ho.
Culpeper County
Virginia
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Madison Co. Ho. July 8, 1847
Dear Sir
Your letter of the 2nd Inst enclosing a form for my affidavit in relation to Martin Deer's application for a Pension was handed me last
evening by Mr. Jas Field -
In reply I enclose my statement herein and take occasion to say that sometime in 1846, I gave an affidavit in this case, I think to a Mr Payne which may be now on file at the Department - Mr Deer is a very honest man, but little informed about such matters as this -
We are well, Mrs Banks unites with me in tendering our thanks for your kind invitation to visit you & she and Mr Finks regret that they  have not on this visited you -
Our respects to your Lady yourself & family -
I am with high regards
Very truly your obt sevt &c
Robert A Banks
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Madison Co. Ho. Madison County Virginia
July 8th. 1847

I have known Mr Martin Deer of the county above named for about twenty
years (20). He is a very old man of fair & truthful character & conduct & much respected by those who know him - He is in my opinion old enough to have been a a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and from circumstances & information of others (not my own knowledge) I entertain the opinion that he did serve as such in the militia.
I know that the said Martin Deer applied to me some six or eight years ago to aid  him in procuring a pension from the United States government to which he then asserted a claim - I have since learned that he had employed some agent to attend to it for him.
The oath of said Martin Deer is in my opinion entitled to full credit and his general character for veracity and integrity support this opinion
Robert A Banks
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State of Virginia}
Madison County} S.S.

The within statement in writing subscribed by Col. Robert A Banks was this day sworn to by him before me a justice of the peace for the county & in the state aforesaid
Given under my hand this 8th day July 1847
Wm Finks J.P.

Catalpa July 13th 1847
William Finks who has subscribed the above affidavit is an aged & respectable Justice of the peace for Madison County. I am familiar with his hand writing & believe his signature to be genuine. He was for some years a member of the house of burgesses under the old constitution of Virga. I saw him in the service while the Convention of Virga. in 1829 was in session. Col Robt A Banks (the affiant) was many years a member of the House of Delegates under the present Constitution of Va (from 1838 to 1847 inclusive.) He is a gentleman of intelligence & integrity & has character as good as any man's,  familiar
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with business, was prominent in the legislature
of Va. or a leading member & is reputed to be the
wealthiest man in Madison County. He is also
a Magistrate of his County
J. S. Barbour
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Pension Office,
July 12th 1847

Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 1st inst. I have to
state that the claim of Martin Deer, cannot be
admitted consistently with the regulating upon the
proof now before the Department If it can be
shown by the record of Culpeper County that in
1776 Frank Miller, James Thomas and Charles Gadson; 
in 1779 that James Smith, Samuel Grove and
Charles Gooding and in 1781 that Mark Fink and
William Dickinson were commissioned Officers
in the Militia of that county, as Deer claimed
to have served under those Officers at the dates
above specified, that fact may serve to strengthen
his application. He should show also by the testimony
of respectable and leading men that he was
recognized in his neighborhood as a Revolutionary
soldier, and that he retaining his mental faculties
sufficiently to enable him to give a correct narrative
of circumstances transpiring more than half a century
ago
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I have the honor to be
Very respectfully
Your Ob. serv.
J. L. Edwards

Hon. J. S. Barbour,
Culpeper Ct House
Virginia
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I do hereby certify that I am well acquainted
with Martin deer of (this) Madison
County in the state of Virginia & have
known him for about Twenty years.
he is a very old, very plain & 
very honest man - He retains his
mental powers very well for a man
of his age - It is generally believed
that he was a soldier in the War of the
Revolution - I also was well acquainted
with Mark Fink who died some
12 or 15 years ago in this county & who
I always understood was a Captain
in the Militia service in the Revolution
from Culpeper County Virginia
Said Fink was said to have been
a brave man & was a very upright
one in all his relations -
Given under my hand
this 23rd July 1847 in the County & 
state above named
Robert A Banks
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Catalpa July 13th 1847 
Sir.  
At the instance of my [?] & respectable friend Mr. James G. Field I send you this letter & its enclosures.
I do not know the facts set out in the declaration of Mr. Martin Deer nor do I know him except by the late representation to me of others.  Nor do I know what old [?] Joseph Carpenter or any other witness has sworn to of his services in the Revolutionary War.  No one can find testimony better worth credence than Mr. Carpenter - of his other witnesses I know nothing.  Mr. Deer sent me word that he was one of the voters in Culpepper County in Feb'y 1789 between my Grandfather James Barbour & French Strother - and that he inherited his father's real estate under the laws of primogeniture two or three years before he passed that vote.
Joseph Field & Col. Banks have testified strongly to Mr Deer's character - but this statement of the old man presented to me a test which I applied to try his veracity to this extent.  The laws of primogeniture ceased to exist in Virginia on the 1st day of January 1787, by the [?] of 1785 which took effect the 1st Jan. 1787.  It is hardly probable that the old man was [?] enough to know this, & his statement of his father's death 2 or 3 years before July 1789 and his inheritance under the laws of that era which gave him the right of suffrage (by being a freeholder) is to this extent true.
In Feby 1789 the contest was between Mr. Madison &  Col. Monroe for the first Congress under the present constitution. Mr. Madison was ostracized by what was then called the anti federal party.  French Strother had succeeded James Barbour the elder in the County Representative on the voluntary retirement of the latter many years before 1789.  But on the occasion of this election, these two (Jas. Barbour and Strother) had a fair and full trial of their strength in the popular esteem.  The one exerting all his power to secure
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to the Confederacy the Services & return of Mr Madison, the other to give effect to the arrangements at Richmond in 1788 mentioned by Mr. Madison in his published letter of that era to Edmund Randolph, the object of which was to drive Mr. Madison from all further [?].  I have heard Mr. Madison myself speak of this & of the fact that Culpepper (under my Grandfathers lead) came to his rescue and I have heard him also say that hearing of the Dutch [?] from the mountains of what is now Madison County cou'd not speak english & cou'd not distinctly call his name or Mr. Monroes. Mr James Heasbrugh Sen'r now alive remembers that hearing of the voters in Feby 1789, pronounced on the polls the name of Colo Barbour others that of Mr. Strother, each of those standing at the polls & the vote was put down accordingly for Madison if the voter pronounced my Grandfathers name or for Monroe if he called Strothers,
I remember Mr Madison telling me that the weather was so cold at that time & for a space of several days before it, that at the Dutch Church (& returning from it) he got his ear frost bitten, (Mr Madison of your city). (or doubtless heard him mention the same, though he was not married for several years after) and Mr M. also said that the election day was one so cold a snowy, that the snow in my grandfathers Cocked hat, as he stood at the polls remained unmelted through the day.  Mrs. Madison can probably confirm this to you.  When old Deer sent me word (by Mr. Bosten) that he gave his vote in the Contest of that year. Feb'y 1789 between "Barbour & Strother," I knew at once to what he alluded and to try it further I requested James Field to ask him if it was a cold & snowy day.  Now on looking at the original polls between Madison & Monroe in the first column is the name of "Martin Deer" recorded for Madison--That poll I send you, but it must be returned me for it belongs to the Clerks office.
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of his County. The notes on it I made in 1836 when I proposed my eulogy on Mr Madison published in the N. Intel'r of the first week in August 1836 & you will see there that I allude to the election of Feb'y ‘89.  Joel Early & French Strother were the delegates to the Convention that ratified the Constitution in 1788 - & the delegates also to the Genl Assembly in that same year. 
From all that I can learn Mr. Deer must have served three tours of duty. Arnolds invasion commenced 1st Jany 1781. In March April & May it was followed by that of Phillips & Leslie.  Phillips died at Petersburg in May I think 1781. Then came on Cornwallis & Tarlton-My belief is that the Militia tour of duly was never less than 3 months until after the May Session of 1781 at that Session it was reduced of to "2 months only unless the relief ordered shall not arrive in time from any unavoidable [marked out: circumstances] accident".  See 10th Vol: Hen: Statutes at large 420.  And my strong and conscientious belief is that this old man Deer was really & [blot] all truth a Soldier in the militia - that he served upwards of seven months before he returned and I believe too that he was with my father in the March [marked out: from] with the British prisoners from York Town after the surrender of Cornwallis to Washington. He mentioned to others one or two [?] that I have heard my father relate. He is a [???} as Judge Field & Colo R.A. Banks [?] me & he could not concoct a tale which dovetails itself in with other proven facts, unless he was an artful & cunning knave. and such a character as that is utterly at war with the evidence supplied you. Having now performed my duty to others & being no agent in it, I have in conclusion to ask you that if you pass his claim will you enclose the certification to the Honble Richard H. Field near Rixeyville Culpeper County Va. ?James G. Field
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his nephew a young man of promise teaching a school and reading Law at the same time in the neighborhood & in the county of Madison  this  young man & not Payne is Deems agent, - Judge Field [?] send the certificate rightly & safely.
I am very Resp fully ( in greatest haste) 
Yrs
J. S. Barbour

Colo. J. L . Edwards
Com sioner of Pensions

Old Capt Griffin a [?] remembers in April 1787 a militia-man named Deer & he thinks Simeon Deer.  There never was but one Simeon Deer in this or Madison County & he was not over forty in 1823.  John Covington his advisor says he was not 40-  Simeon Deer & John Covington both attended the Congressional Election of 1823 & both voted on my polls.  a copy is sent.  That Simeon Deer could not have been in the revolution.  Yet there was one Deer  says Griffin-. . Martin Deer & Capt Griffin live now as then 35 miles apart.
The polls of 1789 I will have you to return--They belong to the Clerks office.
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[?] Session
answers are in
smaller writing
appended to a  [?]
[?]
He [?] 
Fields was known
to have a [?]
6 Feby James
Thomas

J.S.B.
July 22d '47
Page 36

Major Philip Lightfoot
Culpeper CH

compiled to
Alfred M Barbour}
Page 37

a [?] and this letter will do in Reply
J. S. B.
Page 38

Catalpa July 15th. 1847
Dear Sir
I have been enquired of in Washington, to know whether the following persons were militia officers in Culpeper in the years 1776 1779 & 1781

in '76
unknown to me.  Frank Miller
[illegible]   James Thomas and      } Company officers
Name unknown Charles Gadson.

In 1779
unknown- James Smith
do  Samuel Grove and } Commissioned  officers in '79
do Charles Gooding

In 1781
no knowledge of [?] of service  Mark Finks and } commissioned officers in 87
unknown. William Dickenson

Although you could not have known any of these persons in the times named above, I have thought it probable you may have known them personally or by tradition in a later period. if so will you say so & what you have heard of them? The only name  among them I recognize is that of Mark Finks. 
Very Resp'ly yrs
J.S. Barbour

N. B. 
Our young friend James G. Field has some interest in these enquiries. 
J. S. B.
Major P. Lightford
Page 39

on official business
FREE
July 1747 (?)
[illegible] Martin Deer
mail

Colo. J.L. Edwards
[illegible] of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Page 40

Catalpa July 15th 1849
Sir.
When I wrote you yesterday I believed that Capt Griffin & Capt Covington's affidavits were [?] and [?]. The one proving that in [?] Simeon Deer served in Mark Fink's Company in 1781, or was drafted out of that company in '81. The other that he was Sheriff in Culpeper for twenty years & not Simeon Deer who voted for Congress in April 1827 was the only man of that Christian name in Culpeper & that he was too young to have been in the revolution.
I now learn that these affidavits were not taken & sent you.  That Capt Griffin is willing to swear that a man named Deer served in '81 a tour of duty--That John Covington many years acting Sheriff & was a magistrate of Culpeper will swear to the other facts above named & he was in his Capacity of Sheriff of Culpeper adviser of Simeon Deer.  I know him well & his age also--Covington is the Son in law of old Capt Griffin & thinks that it was Martin Deer that his father in law knew of not Simeon.  I have asked Mr. James Field this morning to take Griffins affidavit as the old man remembers [?] to be right & of course it is not proper to leave it a [?] as to the Christian name his [?] is not
`
Page 41

in doubt. I have this morning rec'd. your letter this I will send Mr. Field - I doubt whether my records of Culpeper for 1776 will shew the officers of that date.

From July 1775 to the months of July 1776, it is not possible that the records should have any memorandum of such appointments. the committee of liberty made all such appointments during the Interregnum from July 1775 to the adoption of the constitution of Virginia, which occurred the 29th June 1776 and that Constitution when adopted by express provision retained all the Militia officers then in service & vacancies were to be supplied by the Gov't & Council  or recommendations by the County Court. I have no doubt that the archives at Richmond must contain a roster of all the militia officers & I will advise applications to be made there and Capt Phil Slaughter, who left the army in 1779 & in 1780 or thereabouts became deputy Sherriff of Culpeper can he called on to [illegible] [illegible]  persons were in the militia service be officers.
I have no interest or wish in the matter but that justice be done this old man and unless he shews himself entitled in fairness & truth to the pension he seeks it of course will not be allowed him. And I think, that your last letter places the demand for proof on [?] that unless he or Mr. Field for him supplies the evidence now called for that he ought not
Page 42

to expect success.
With all Respect yrs
I. S. Barbour 

It is quite probable that I may be in Washington in a very few days. But this is contingent on information expected to be received & apprising me of its necessity.

J. S. B. 


Colo J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 43

Catalpa July 22'd 1847
D. Sir
Soon after the receipt of your letter I set [?] on foot to [??] Fink of the declaration [?] in your office on behalf of Martin Deer. 
The interest I have felt in it, is [?] the result of a being treated honestly & fairly he is clearly entitled the provisions of the pension act and the [?] had served [?] he had served one tour of three months & 2 of two months each & that one of the latter tours was ten days over the two months  [?] commission of his declaration [?] the British prisoners from York Town to Winchester in Virg'a.  I had learned from old Capt Griffin enough to satisfy me of that fact and that he was entitled to the [?] provision of the Act of Congress of June 7th 1832.  This record of [?] affords me proof [?] to sustain the declaration of Mr. Deer.  [?] W. Lewis (a linesman) says that Samuel Graves not Grene was a militia officer that Martin Finks (not Fink [?] there is a family of the name of Finks) was a militia officer & that William Dickins (not Dickinson) was his Lieu't.--It is also known that Jacob Thomas was his officer in the militia at sometime of the Revolutionary struggle but at what time is not known even by Tradition.  I addressed a letter to my res
Page 44

[res]pected [?] Major P. Lightfoot I am open I put your letter & I inclose the  Major Lightfoot was past 21 years [?] in the [?] & horse[?].  At 26 years of age he, to the [?] of the Culpeper Clks office in {/} of Colo John Jameson (of B [?]) and this was in 1794.  Madison County had that year been cut-off [?] but Major LIghtfoot was well acquainted with  [?] to [?] it the whole County.  He knows none of the parties married in your life of [?] and this fact casts its shade for suspicion with me, and the whole pretension of the old name.
Still his character is so good & his respected [?] be on sworn testimony to his favour, that I w'd reluctantly yield to the belief that he is guilty of  [?] perjury. His [?] is [?] affair.  I have [?] - my distrust.  This [?] to Madison County & I have requested Colo. R. G. Banks to
Page 45

as I am is I receive a [illegible]
 [illegible] it; I will be in  [illegible]
I wrote him   [illegible] & have no  [illegible]
Page 46

Martin Deer

Hon. J.S Barbor
Page 47

Virginia to Wit
Culpeper County

This will certify that Captain William Lewis now in his eighty fifth year & who was in the militia service during the war of the revolution & for which he is a pensioner of the listed states, made oath before me a justice of the peace in the state of Virginia & for the county of Culpeper, that he well knew the late Captain Mark Fink & the late Williams Dickins (both now dead & the daid Dickins died a great many many years ago) that the said Fink & the said Dickins were officers in the miloitia for Culpeper County the year that Cornwallis was captured at Yorktown & both beofore & since, but how long he does not know, but he well remember them as officers the said Dickins being his (illegible). And I further certify that the said Capt WIlliams Lewis is a citizen of fair character and has been through life, and now bears the reputation of being an upright man of respectability and integrity and that every way he deserves credence as a witness.
Given under my hand and seal in my character aforesaid, this 4th day of August 1819.

James M Broadus
Justice of the Peace
Page 48

Caspa Aug 10th 1847 refer title to the delament relating to the claim of Old Deer I have by ever misfiving of the declare filed and the proposition to make a few the before Judge field, like the presence of any one, may bring forth the whole truth of his presension & holy that he served upwards of five months from January 1781, to the capture of Cornwallis & the same of the York town presence to Winchester in October late in November 1781, I believe from circumstances and I have willing to satisfy my mind of his service, at another time. That he is truthful & honest, I am persuaded by the testimony of wroth person who tify to this effect and the minute accord, with which --- the old then recounts to me (through another, the incidents --- of the election in Feby 1789, with the exception of a Misnomer or to the parties contest for the office of Court though according to the contest between the leaders in that election he is a Strength of mind & memory which Justices an appeal to his unbiased statement fairly to be retaken, by an intelligent Judge in the absence of all extraneous agency, might twist the evidence to the of in this present for eviserating the real truth you can find that the old man is lead entitled to his claim. I shall be pleased with his scrip for a part of his take sent me in his appeal to me
Page 49

for hereditary obligation to his interest, gives the a feeling to his wishes and on the other hand of his worthles & fraudulently aged for service by the these fraudulent as the act of the actor in it ought to be exposed & punished Old Daniel Cole came to see the yesterday because of a difficulty into which he is drawn by a certin Coleman Point. He says that Phinchas recd all the pension here allowed her down to March 1846 & that recently his (Cole's) Hugh Colo. John Thom formerly State Senate for whose D Crams is acquainted for they served of the same time in the Give herby of 6th) has made enquiry for the pension informed due since March 1846 & was and it is suspended in parent, for some cause which late does not under standal Cole is a very correct old man, and it will be had for him to suffer on acct of any dereliction of Paine I promised him to write you in enquiry about it; and advised him to get from Cole for the letter setting forth the difficulty. In these matter, I have no personal interest other than one, resulting from feelings of humanity, food will, to an old man who has claims on them (in his behalf, that I Mark respect with all respects as usual J. S. Barbour Col J. L. Edwards Commr of Pensions Wash
Page 50

The Secretary of War has not yet answerd my letter to which I have taken the liberty of calling his care and after through you and visit the City of Washington Shortly after I fear for him. The third Monday in any or quarterly County Court I wish to be in that Court Mr McLanes decision in other case, settle a principle, aline makes it the duty of the department, now charged with the terious executor of the subsisting duties enjoined by the act of July 5 1832 to the claims I have recent aged in it attention. Being wholly without influence enter personal or political, I shall nevertheless plant myself on this principle, with a confidence in the Justice of the head of the department, which will bear anddetermine  by the right of the case, although uncertained which are often by the "preces Armate. armed prayer to effica is in hastening injustice & error this question does not had such and J.B -
Page 51

Sir. Cateapa May. 19th. 1847.
I had confided largely in the expedition? of a letter from the Secretary of War. The last mail visit he with a further disappointment, which I may know for war is a defeat of all hope that I may hear at all from him. This is the [illegible] [illegible] because it conflicts with the kind sentiments [illegible]
[illegible] in [illegible] for that officer, as well
as his [illegible] to [illegible] ago, [illegible] for [illegible] write me in a short time. The distribution of [illegible]
have cause for complaint that they will [illegible]
is certain, but to what tribunal they will carry that complaint for reach I am not advised - I am sorry to have given you so frequent trials about it & will not [illegible] future [illegible] of that kind.
In a former [illegible] from you, I was requested to [illegible] for the records of the Court
in this County pf [illegible] of the appointment
of certain [illegible] a militia officer in '76-79,
+ '81. as those records were last, I thought it [illegible] that the Executor archive in Richmond might furnish the information + [illegible] the [illegible]of the [illegible] for [illegible]
last night + now enclose it you. This information was needed for the case of Martin Deer, whose claim I feel an interest in, + have ever since
Page 52

the result of your second letter on his service endeavoured to satisfy my own mind whether his claim is really a good one & ought to pass.  But as yet I am entirely at a loss for the evidence to settle my own reservation of his service beyond five months.  If I could see him & examine him I should know better.
I understand that Judge Field cannot under any circumstances go to his home (over 30 miles off) for the Judges Court in Fluvanna opens next Monday and as his nephew has some interest in its success I am persuaded that the Judge w'd on that account refuse any official opinion in it.
I rec'd from James G. Field by last night's mail the enclosed letter. He has set on the track of some evidence & when he [?] it, I will decide for myself how far it is right for me to help them.  Young Field is a poor & pious young man of great purity of character & conduct, and I have every wish to assist him, besides good wishes for the old man himself.
With best Respects Yrs
J. S. Barbour

Colo Edwards
Commisr of Pensions
Page 53

In Deers case I will advise Mr James Field to get an intelligent magistrate to go to his house & take down a new Declaration, fully setting out in the old mans words his new statement.
My kinsman George Smith Esq. resides not many miles off and is a magistrate of the County.  He was raised a Lawyer very early made a magistrate was lately high Sheriff.  He is the great Grandson of my great Grandfather the nephew of Robert Taylor Esq (once in Congress & afterwards in the Bounty Land office,) and a man every way reliable.  Such a declaration could be examined with such proofs as he may collect or [?] & then an opinion could be made out,  J. S. B.
Page 54

Martin Va
Aug 18

Paid

Jno S. Barbour Esq
[illegible]
Near Culpeper Hv. Va
Page 55

Madison CT House August 17th 1847?

Dear Sir,
 I received a letter from you this evening dated the 2nd July. The letter you handed my father I expect I have also received. I undersatnd that these are two old revolutionary pensioners living upon the Roberson River about twenty five miles from my aunt. I expected to go to see them on (illegible) day next, and whatever evidence I should be able to collect I will either send you by some one from Madison Court or bring it a few days after myself.

Respectfully
J G Field
Page 56

Doctor G. W. Crump
[?] Bureau
Washington

Relating to 
official business
Page 57

[?] Smith
Will you send my [?] to the
Commissioner?
J. S. B.
Page 58

The documents which I had sent you [?] Deers claim were rec'd by the last mail.
I have received no reply to my request [?] the Secretary of War [?] eight weeks ago.
I did have his verbal consent to reply to Clifford's argument--and his verbal promise to decide the question himself.  I have been too [?] between the words of men in [?] &  [?] to subject myself to any
Page 59

future hazard, on this head. When I have it in writing, then the language will bear interpretation by _______ with in its vernacular use.
the copy of official practices, who hold both the key and the --- lock, and took it as they will, must write down an official ____ like _____, who
(Note: the remainder is quite illegible)
which dower and and
has hind requeth to be in
and his pension
Herman
office Presdale
directed to him
has always and
confidence courtesy & Kindrick
of
If I know when you
will for the return he
Vizt I will make my
fall apply in the place he
or them shall
had said & to be
no interest, will it case
Justify your giving
Page 60

Should the Secretary delay writing me
beyond the Mail of Tomerson I will again
jog him by a more  probing  appeal to his duty. Next Monday in County Court I must be here then but I will visit the City
my day after it in the 1st of October.
 There other engagements with _____my time.
I shall send the parties in
to the Senate but the Secretary said
to this act, by doing him justice, before his 
 confirmation he now be there, and the
Coy of the att General.
with friendly respect yours truly
J S Barboour



to
Dr. Geo. W. Crump
-
Pension Bureau
J.B.
---

In your visit to Virginia Can't you
take this in on your way? There is a stop
to lunch, and the same provide
your Cavalry or vehicle
JSB
Page 61

[stamp]
RICHOMD Va
AUG 17

John S. Barbour [Esq.]

Culpeper
Page 62

Executive Department
Richmond August 16 1847

Dear sir,
I regret that this department does not supply the information required on your letter of the 13th. There is no record of militia appointments nor any register of militia officers until some time after the close of the Revolutionary War.

It appears that in 1838 July Brooke was allowed Land Bounty for his services as a Deputy quarter master to Harrison Bryan of artillery from February 1781 to 3 Novr 1783 being to the mo of [illegible] @ received warrants upon the allowance for 2666 2/3 acres

Very respectfully [illegible]

Wm. H Richardson

John S. Barbour Esq
Page 63

[illegible] Nov r. 23rd 1847
Inspired to give you any further trouble [illegible] the case of other [illegible] floor a [illegible] office of the war of the Revolution.  His [illegible] unfair, the {illegible] [illegible] of his
Page 64

of obtaining the aid of _____ Magistrate of Character & intelligence and the place of the Justice & knowing Geo Smith it occurred to me that better selection could not be had have of it (I have, why then the
his indenture was to Robt Banks (for same
year_____   in the good for by then was hoping him
in the spring & have it too b_____s. He said he
felt very kindly to the old man & would do anything he could for him and if ye requested it, beware
the labor of riding to his age (at true or fallen
the least proposed to him any question you
_____ instruct him took at the same here work
that he was one of the Court of _______before
and he made his declaration, that military examined him according to the former prescribed by you that he stood the examination will that he had other questions to him, under your
direction & that in answer _______ law that he was entitled to his pension and that
you have this opinion officially certified & also
factored in____ ______ additional ________
and he has his final certificate made on the Clerk to the declarator of Colo Bank further said that he was promised to a rigid interrogatory of
_____________ house Benja Huffman who at he same 
at the _____________ was not. Deer passed to the satisfaction of the whole Court & Huffman was 
rejected notwithstanding this he will you
Page 65

examine him & go to his house for the purpose provided you sent him particular enquiries to make
or his answers precisely as given. The old man is unable to leave his house or bed or chair.  if he is to have the pittance it should come at once
or it will be too late.  I think there is no question that the old man served three tours-- one three & two of
two months each. If he erred in States them all at 3
South the law where is stronger than any here many
connect him prior to the May ____of 1781 the same
tour of duly I believe was then at late 
July 10th, He states at large page 420, the length of the tours as I am told & believe was confined to 2 _______. The old leave so that his deposition was taken by other persons who s____ on his testimony and a narrative of his times is on file with you in his testimony in this Count. He then _____
 one to the case of Robt Mark Fink or that of his widow or family & that of ____ ____s, & some
other.  this my informant forgets.  He sends me
word that he finds it hard that there are others paying
in his evidence, for services identical with his own
& that he is denied.. That his memory of several
trials related to the election in Feby 1789 between
Madison & then & in that I had both the record & trade of that event to____his  ___ ___
. He hoped this is my facts and really believe in the
pension in every way entitled to him.
He brought up by the fact, that his friend James G. Field very recently appointed Clark to pay honor
and being about to leave the country called to or
to take
Page 66

heave of my family last Saturday before he goes to the Army. And took the opportunity to have .
in these communication & to his ___________
___ ____ taint of death bed and ___
Yours Very Respectably
                               J S Barbour


Col J L Edward
Commissioner of Pensions


If you obtain for the service hereinto,
which I think is _____ Send his certificate to Judge Field, Rixey Ville, Culpepper County or to my ____ James Corbain Barbour Cochise Co or to George A. Smith Esq. of Madison County
Post office Orange County Va. Either of these will see that he gets it and ____ _____ ____
Payne the agent ___ is reasonable. If you send it to Payne _____ ___
                     J.S. B.


I am _____ of this moment by ___ and all the form of your debt, all the requirements & took of an notary have he will the benefit of these rules &____under the ______to others?
No ____ his character is _____ or more strongly proved to____
                             J.S.B.
Page 67

Madison CH
July 9                           Paid

John S. Barbour 
Esq.
Culpeper Ct. Hs.
Virginia
Page 68

[?] putting this letter in the office  I have [?] other [?] who promises to send you other affidavit by Saturday evening's mail.
[?]
Page 69

Madison Ct. Ho. July 7th '47

Dear Sir
I called on old Mr. Deer yesterday morning.  He remembers perfectly giving the vote of which we were speaking and that it was upon a snow stormy day.  There can be no doubt about the old gentleman being old enough to have served in the war, for he will have completed his ninetieth year in October next.  Making him about twenty three or four when in service.  His father was Martin and I suppose this man was the oldest son as he has inherited the entire [illegible] of his father.  According tot he law you showed me Mr. Deer must have served a tour of three months for he commenced one on the first of April 1781.  Mr. Deer says that he know a man by the name of Simeon Deer after the close of the war, but if such a man was in service he knew it not.  I came to the Ct. house this evening for the purpose of delivering your letter to Col. Banks but he is in the country
Page 70

attending to his harvest.  I have left the letter at the post office with one from myself requesting the Col. to send you his affidavit as soon as possible.
My respects to your family
Your obt. Sevt
J.G. Field

Notes by me
I requested Mr. Field to inquire of the old man what sort of weather prevailed on the election day in Feb'y 1781.  That part of this letter is his reply to that inquiry & [?] to the [?] to [?] too many [?] I [?] to be doubted. 
J. S Barbour
July 17th 1847

2  Old Capt Griffen says he knew a man named Deer in Capt Finks company [?] but his name was Simeon Deer
He has no doubt confounded the name of Simeon with Martin--for Simeon Deer
Page 71

the only man of that name known here voted in any polls for Congress ag't Mr Thomas Marshall in April 1823 & was then apparently about 40 years old.  He could not have been in the war of the Revolution a copy that poll of 1823 is before me - I remember that Simeon Deer well.
J. S. B.
The [?] of the poll in 1823 was sent me by the clerk that I might know how to send my Documents from Congress-- Simeon Deer is the 7th voter for me.  Then I am sure he did not exceed 40 years.  John Covington who was his advisor (for he is now dead) says he could not have been 40 at that May. No other Simeon Deer was ever known here.
Capt Z. Griffin is too old to go to Martin Deer & Deer wholly incapable to ride to Griffin, else they might compare notes & [?] recognize each other.
J. S. B.

Omit.
Page 72

Sir                       Catalpa July 1st 1847
Some recent occurrences give me as much trouble as if I was again in public life. Circumstances that forbid my refusing such aid as is necessary to obtain Justice. I had intended to enquire of my neighbour Capt. A. P. Hill who is a native of that part of the Culpeper [marked out: called] now Madison County as to the applicant, Martin Deer, but he was away in the State of Ohio until a few days past & since his return I have not had an opportunity of consulting him.  Judge Field of this County is also a native of Madison & gives the enclosed certificate. He has no doubt that Martin Deer was a soldier as he says.
I presume that his case will pass if he produces the best evidence which that case admits of & if [?] evidence be reasonably satisfactory in its proof. The delay to apply until his comrades are dead, is a circumstance well calculated to excite suspicion -- But that suspicion resulting from this circumstances, may I presume, be dispelled by evidence that will show it to be unjust. What that evidence should be it is difficult for me to conjecture.
The rules of office will best answer this question. I suppose that general good character may repel in part such suspicion, and the good character of the witnesses who corroborate the statement of the appellant must be worthy of consideration. If the applicant act as himself set forth the particular facts of his
Page 73


service with dates & incidents of known occurrence the history of the times, then this narrative & its coincidence with the Truth is a strong circumstance in his favor. 
But if the Narrative was not made artlessly by the old man, & was prepared by the artifice of another, who has dovetailed events known to the artificer into the declaration that it might then be made to assume a plausible aspect of truth & fairness - why then it is prove them worthless. This I suppose will easily be detected by you scanning these papers of which I know nothing, but that I now send to you.
If he was one of the voters of 1789 who came down under my Grandfathers lead to support Mr. Madison, against the formidable [?] in the State of Virginia headed by Patrick Henry in the Legislature (of Dec'r 1788,) to drive Mr Madison from all public life - why then, that fact recommend him Strongly to my respect, & if it be so,  it can be proved.  I had the polls in my house (in 1836 when preparing my eulogy on Mr Madison, published in the N. Intelligencer early in Aug 1836) and they are doubtless in the Clerks office of Culpeper - although the Clerk says he can't find them & I have looked over my papers in vain to find them -  I think I returned the polls to the Court Ho. - I will have further search made here & at the Clerks office for them  - 
one thing I believe is this:  from the representation made me, I do not
Page 74

think that the old man or James G. Field, (who is the nephew of Judge Field & a worthy jury man) w'd attempt any fraud but is [?] for any worthy consideration as any one. And old Mr. Joseph Carpenter I well know & concur with Judge Fields opinion as to him.
with all Respect & in great haste
Yrs
 J.S.Barbour

Colo J L Edwards
Com of Pensions
Page 75

Pension Office,
March 19, 1847

Sir,

For the reasons why your claim has not been admitted, you are referred to the accompanying copy of a letter addressed to William B. Yager Esq. on the 20th of July, 1846. Since the date of that letter the affidavits of John Gibson, Joseph Carpenter and Benjamin Hoffman have been offered on proof of your service, but, as their own claims have not been admitted, they are not competent witnesses in your case, and you cannot receive the benefit of the pension laws unless your service is established by the Records of Virginia, or the testimony of comrades who are in the receipt of pensions.

Very Respectfully,
Your Obt. servant,
JL Edwards

Mr. Martin Deer,
Madison C. H 
Va.
Page 76

I am well acquainted with a man, who resides in Madison County Virginia by the name of Joseph Carpenter.  He is an old man of considerable property and great compatibility & whose veracity & integrity cannot be questioned.  He is no doubt the person of that name within referred to.  I am also well acquainted with a man by the name of [?] Huffman of Madison County, but whether he is yet living or not I do not know.  I am under the impression that he at one time moved from Madison & do not remember to have heard of his returning. He was a man without property of [?] value. was by trade a wagon maker. Which he followed for a support.  He was reputed to be an honest upright man.  He is I think a much younger man than Joseph Carpenter, but I should suppose was of a sufficient age to be able to testify to the revolutionary service of Martin Deer I think from Missouri he is the man of that name within referred to.  I cannot at present bring to my mind the [?] of any man by the name of John Gibson, whom I would suppose to be the John Gibson within referred to.
Martin Deer is a very old man residing in Madison County in a small Farm adjoining that of my sister Bertia.  I have not seen him for many years & have no personal recollection of him or his appearance.  He had passed out of my mind for many years until I after I [?] the within letter.  I know too little about him to speak of his reputation either pro or Con. My impression is that he was always a very modest unassuming humble man attending to his own matters who [?] on a small scale & [?] a [?] man in his farm.
Richard H Field
16th June 1847
Page 77

John S. Barbour Esq.
Catalpa
Page 78

Nectarine Hill  June 9th 1847

Dear Sir
Mr. Martin Deer an old revolutionist who lives near me is quite anxious to employ you to get him if you can a pension.  I was at the court house about two or three weeks ago to see you on this business but you have left for Washington.  Old Mr. Deer says he entered the service in April 1781, that he was at Yorktown where Cornwallis surrendered.  He went under the command of Capt. Funks of this county.  He remembers a good many of his fellow soldiers but knows not that any of them live.  He says he knew your father while in the army.  Mr. Deer employed a Mr. Payne to attend to his claims who has given it no attention scarcely at all;  and if report be true a  greater rascal lives not.  I enclose to you some papers from the pension office relative to this matter.  If you will undertake this claim Mr. Deer says he is willing to reward you a liberal fee.  He wishes to know what the terms will be if you engage on it.  Mr. Edwin Borton will be in Culpeper until Monday.  I wish you would
Page 79

let me know your determination by him that I may communicate the same to Mr Deer.
Most respectfully Yours
J G. Field

J.S.Barbour

Mem made this 1st July 1847
I rec'd this letter from Mr. James G. Field while [?] Circuit Court was in session & replied to it as follows (in substance); that I w'd [?] render the old [?] any aid in my power without compensation especially as he was a soldier under or with my father.  My father was a Brg in 1781 & then entered the service in the Culpeper militia. He was with Lafayette & Wayne in the Summer of 1781 was in the battles near Wmsburg & James Town. [?] battle was called "Hot Water" my father was [?] the Siege of York & was with the prisoners taken there & marched to Winchester. I think old Capt Griffin was a boy & a soldier at the same time & he is yet alive. & I referred Mr. Field to him for evidence--Griffin is alone & his name is [?] and is a [?].  I am also told that Deer asserts that he voted in Feby 1789 in the prior [?] in Culpeper as he says "[?] old James Barbour & French Strother"  In this he
Page 80

must allude to the [?] struggle in Culpeper between Madison & Monroe
in which my Grandfather (old James Barbour0 & French Strother, had a trial of their [?] with the [?] in that election, which was known as the battle between Colo Barbour & Mr. French Strother--in  which (Contrary
to the Election just before it,)  my Grandfather carried the election for Madison over Monroe to the 1st Congress--if Deer voted in that election the polls yet extant will show the fact and although this fact is immaterial to the pension issue, it will show how far his statement of the general occurrence may be relied on either to prove or disprove both his veracity & recollection as to others.
 J. S Barber
July 1st 1847
I have no knowledge of Martin Deer I will enquire of A.P. Hill esq
& learn what he says J.S.B.
Page 81

Mar 1 47

Madison C.H. Va.
Feby 26

Col Edwards
Commis'er of Pensions
Washington City
D/C/

Col. Niles 
Martin Deer
Va.
Page 82

Madison Cty Va. Feb 25th 1847

To the Commis'r of Pensions

Dr. Sir
About a year ago Martin Deer of the Cty of Madison and State of Va. placed in the hands of Coleman Payne the proper vouchers for the recovery of a pension due the sd. Martin Deer.  From the loss of confidence in the sd. Payne Mr. Deer is anxious to be informed whether any papers have been filed setting forth his revolutionary services or whether any money has been recovered for his benefit.  If the money has been recovered or the papers have not been filed he wishes to know to what agent at Washington he can forward the proper vouchers for the recovery of his pension.  Mr. Deer served in the revolution - is a very old gentlemen.  Your attention to the request will much oblige an old patriot of the revollution
Written by a friend at the request of Martin Deer of the Cty. of Madison State of Va.
Direct the letter to Madison Ct. House Va. c/o Martin Deer
Page 83

I, Martin Deer, certify I [?] soldier of the revolution and have applied for a pension. I [?] John Gibson [???] was with [?] two first [?] his father [?] whom I also knew.  John Gibson [?] three months with [?] in the
winter of 1776 under Capt. Miller from Culpepper County which I distinctly remember and we were together at Morbin Hills Port Royale, Williamsburg and other places in the lower country during our stay under Capt. Miller Moses Philips, Mike Snyder. Henry Chiles and other privates at same time with us, afterwards in the the [sic] year 1779 the said John Gibson served another tour of three months with me under Capt. [?] Smith and went down the middle of January 1779. John Deer, Lewis Graves, Seth Thompson and others went with us under Capt. Smith and were at James Town Williamsburg and Norfolk and other places in the Low County. All of which I am positive and have no other witness to any [marked out: first] two first tours except John Gibson now living and hope his statement may be satisfactory.

                           Martin Deer
Page 84

Virginia Madison County to wit
This day appeared before me in Madison County Martin Deer and testified to the [?] of the above affidavit [?] certify that Mr. [?] my hand and seal this 22nd of August
Reuben T. Jones

State of Virginia Madison County to wit
I Belfield Cave Clerk of the County Court of said county certify that Reuben T Jones is a magistrate as above, and that the above signature purporting to be his is genuine.  In witness whereof I have hereto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this 27th day of August 1842. Belfield Cave Clk.
Page 85

Mr. J.L. Edwards
Washington D.C.
Page 86

Madison C. House Va. Augt. 26th 1846

Sir

I send enclosed additional evidence in Mr. Deer's case and also Gibson.  As soon as acted on please let me know.
Yours Respty
W. B. Yager

To J.L. Edwards
Page 87

FREE
J. L. Edwards
Commr of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
official business
Page 88

No. 37241
Martin Deer  S 3811
Va.
William B. Yager
July 20 1840

[illegible] Sept 16, '46
[illegible], March 19/47
Let to Hon J.S. Barbour July 12 '47

Act 7 June 1832
Page 89

Let. to Hon. J.S. Barbour
August 5th '47

Martin Deer
S.8311
Page 90

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
M1[illegible]

March 18, 1929

Dr. B.M. Deer
18 Misterton Road
Bronxville, New York.

Sir:

I advise you that photostatic copies from Revolutionary War pension claim of Martin Deer, S. 8311, have been mailed to you this day.  Ten cents the amount due you as overpay will be refunded in due time.

The Revolutionary War records of this bureau fail to afford any information in regard to Stephen Satterley, Josiah Satterley or Robert Hume or Humes.

Respectfully,

E.W. Morgan
Acting Commissioner.
Page 91

SUBMIT IN DUPLICATE I-681.    PHONE BRANCH
All inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No: 30539
Requisition for duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
WASHINGTON
CHIEF: Division of Publications Room G 137
March 9 1929.
Please furnish work specified below. 
Bureau ordering: Pension
Deliver to room NO. 5023
(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)

TITLE AND DESCRIPTION OF JOB: photostatic copies of 31  pages of from Revolutionary War pension claim of Martin Door, S 8311, Virginia Troops.

NO. of copies: 1 of each. 
For further information see Mrs.  M. M.H Finch    5033
Approved A. D. Wilkinson   Chief Clerk of Bureau
Margaret M.H. Finch  Chief of Branch

Stamp on lower left side reads:
DIVISION OF PUBLICATIONS
RECEIVED MARCH 11, 1929
DEPT. OF THE INTERIOR
Page 92

When Is sent my order  to photoroom for 31 p.  I attached one slip explaining that one side of sd's fam. records and sd's statement that the attached was his fam. res. be copied as one but instead they divided it. which made b & f.  Dr. Brook Dean had had this same order before knew how many pages there were and what info the records contained.

So I made the certificate read: 32 pages but made 31 appear in all other places to make the money matters straight.  As the enquired was getting all the info he received previously. I thought he would be satisfied. and one page extra would not matter to the bureau.
MMHF
Page 93

Note: When I sent my order to photo room for 31 p. I attached a slip explaining that one side of sd's fam. records and sd's statement that the attached was his fam. rec'd. be copied as on page, e but instead they divided it. which made 82 p.  Dr. Brook Deer had had this same order before & knew how many p.s there were & what inf. the records contained.
So I made the certificate read: 32 pages, but made 31 appear in all other places to make the money matters straight. As the inquirer was getting all the inf. he rec. previously. I thought he would be satisfied, & one page extra would not matter to the bureau.
MMHF
Page 94

M.O 110783-$5.00
FINANCE DIVISION
BOOKEEPERS DESK
MAR 2, 1929
BUREAU OF PENSIONS

Dept of Interior
Washington D.C.
Please send me a photostatic copy of the Revolutionary pension of Martin Deer of Virginia # S. 8311
I am enclosing my money order for four dollars.
Would you tell me if you have 
@Stephen Satterly
@ Josiah Satterly     of New York
@ Robert Hume or Hummes of Virginia on your rolls - 
Very Sincerely,
Dr. Brock McG Dear
18 Masterton Road
Bronxville NY

(Across the lower left hand corner)
To C.C.
Mch (March) 9. 
To Law 
Mch (March) 16
Westminster Co
Page 95

December 12, 1927

Dr. Brock McG. Dear
18 Masterton Road
Bronxville, New York

Sir:
I have to advise you that are herewith furnished photostatic copies of papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim  of Martin Dear (8.8311).
The over pay due you on this order is ten cents, which will be returned to you through the Chief 
Disbursing Office in due course of time.
Respectfully,
Winfield Scott
Commissioner.
Page 96

1681
SM IN DUPLICATE.
All inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No. 9365

Requisition for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blueprint Work.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
WASHINGTON
CHIEF, Division of Publications,
Room G 137.
Please furnish work specified below.
Deliver to Room No. 5033
-
(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE,
EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)
Title and description of jophotostatic copies of 2 pages from Rear
pension claim of Martin Deer, Virginia Troops, S. 31
No. of copies of each page shall form be kept standing?
days
For further information see M.M.H. Finch.
5033.
41
Room No.
Phone No.
A.D Wilkinson
Margaret M. H. Finch
PHONE Branch 476
Bureau ordering
PENSION
November 30, 1921.
of
Chief of Branch
NOTE: No order made ""SPECIAL"" unless statement showing necessity is written
below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering
Duplicate
Multigraph
CHIRED
Mimeograph
Folding
Assembling
Stapling
Electric typewriter
Addressograph from lists
Envelopes, size
Proof list
Labels (submit sample)
Fill in letters
sides?
A Male
██ ████
ing Facsimile signature?
one side or or
once or twice?
Facsimile signature?
OR
Once? Twice? Side? End?
Fill in addresses?
Photostat x Sizeactual
Blue Print
Remarks
Size.
Dated?
-
eas
---
┃ Cards, size
presence
Pay rolls
assesses
Corrections
---
Tabulation sheets
Official use?
Repay? yes $4.65.
Official use? Repay?
(OVER)
Page 97

Note: Routine changes of addresses may be made on this blank without formal
reference through or initiating of chiefs of branches or chief clerks of bureaus.
192
(Date)
INDICATE BY AN X IN PROPER SQUARE ACTION TO BE TAKEN.
Make new addressograph plate
Change present addressograph plate
On list
Destroy present addressograph plate
as follows:
Now reads
1
2
3
4
5
Should read
1
2
3
4
5
"""""
FOR USE OF DUPLICATING AND ADDRESSING SECTION
ADDRESSOGRAPH
erases
-
Operator
FOR USE OF DUPLICATING AND ADDRESSING SECTION
ADDRESSOGRAPH
Date of
The above change was made
192
Operator
MULTIGRAPH
Operator
Date
Type set by
Date
Remarks:
MIMEOGRAPH
Operator
Date
Cut by
Remarks:
Page 98

Smaller paper on left

15882
3 - 2233

BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division

Nov. 29, 1927
Chief Rev. and 1812 War Section
Brock McG Dear, cash in the amount of $5.00 requesting photostat copy as per letter herewith.

(cursive on the lower left diagonal)
Photos mailed & Finance (illegible) Dec. 12-27
MMHF

O.J. Randall
Chief,, Finance Division.
H.C.L.

To C.C. Nov. 30 
To Law Div
Dec 7
(ctf)

10 cents to be returned as over pay
Page 99

Brook McGeorge Dear M.D.             Cash $5.00
18 Masterton Road
Bronxville, N.Y.

Pension Bureau
Dept Interior
Washington D.C.

Thank you for your leter-

In reply to Rev. & 1812 wars section - I am enclosing (inserted) a five dollar bill for a photostatic copy of the original paper on file in the Rev Was claim for pension of Martin Deer (s, 8311). I understand there are 31 pages to be
coppied & the rate is 15 cents per page & 25 cents for certificates which I desire.
Respectfully
Brook McGeorge Dear

I hope you will accept the money as the post office & Bank are closed, i am most anxious to get the data.
Page 100

November 28, 1927

Dr. Brook McG. Dear
18Masterton Road
Bronxville, New York

Sir:
I have to advise you that photostatic copies of original papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for pension of Martin Deer(8.8311) will be furnished you under the provision of the Act of August 24, 1912, at the rate of fifteen cents a page with twenty-five  cents extra for certification if that is desired.

The number of pages to be copied is thirty-one.  the proper amount should be forwarded to this Bureau by money order, or certified check, drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Interior.

Herewith is returned your check for two dollars, dated November 17, 1927, drawn to the order of Pension Bureau, on The Gramatan National Bank of Bronxville, New York.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT
COMMISSIONER.
Page 101

15822
3-2233

BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division


Nov 22, 1927
Chief Rev and 1812 War Section Division.

I have this day received from
Brock McG Dear, M.D.
check in the amount
of $2 00, requesting
photostat copy as per letter herewith.
Check to be returned.

O. J. RANDALL
H.C.L.

returned Nov - 26 - 1927
Page 102

Brock McGeorge Dear M.d.
18 Masterton Road
Bronxville, N.Y.

Pension Bureau
Washington DC

On April 24, 1846 Martin Deer of Madison Co. Va a Rev. soldier appeared before the Court (illegible) 89 for a pension.

I am enclosing my check for a  $2 dollars for a photographic copy of his petition as it contains several names which will be of great help - to me.  
Thanking  you and hoping to hear from you soon.
I am Respectfully
Brock McGeorge Dear 

Diagonal across upper right hand corner. 
Check-$2.00 To be returned for on for exact cost of work, or for money order .
H.C.L.
Page 103

List of pages for photostats

Soldiers decl- of apr.nt-1846 - 13 pages
wh. includes fam. res-

Jos. Carpenter's affi'd.    2 pages

Benj. Hoffman's affid.      3. pages 
wh. includes his fam. res

Letter of J. G. Field of July 7 -1847 wh. gives name of soldier's father - but have a plain paper placed over unimportant poor writing below said Field's signature, so it will not be ????taken.  2 pages

Billfield Cane's affid - of Apr. 24, 1846.  1 page

James M Broaddus' statement beginning "Virginia to Wit".   1 page

Page beginning " I Martin Deer certify I am a soldier." & also the other side of that sheet
2 pages

Childrens' application for monies due etc 
3 pages

John Gibson's affid.      2 pages
Reuben T. Jones statement of Dec. 23. 1847 
1 page
Admitted Jacket.   1 page

31. p.
15
155
 31
4.65
  .25
4.90
Page 104

8311
INVALID.

File No. 8311
Martin Deer
Priv Rev War

Act: June 7th 1832
Index:-Vol. [illegible], Page 93

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 105

RD. John Gibsons

Testimony

Two first tours
Page 106

I John Gibson of Albemarle County certify: I was born and raised in  Culpeper County near Madison CH, and am a revolutionary soldier.  I served three times in the Virginia Militia two of them being for myself and the other in the place of my Father Peter Gibson. I distinctly remember my tour under Capt. Miller which commenced in September 1776, and know that Martin Deer now  of Madison was with me under Miller and served a full tour together in the low country; I cannot say that Mr. Deer recollects my being in the same company with him, but know that on our return home we spoke of the privations we underwent during the tour under Miller for it was the depth of winter before our return.  I know Martin Deer well, we were raised  about three miles apart and had been schoolmates before the war  - And I am positive  when I say respecting his being with me.  We were  at Port  Royal in Carolina, Richmond, Williamsburg and other places during the tour and were discharged by our officers in Williamsburg and returned in our homes in Culpeper in company with each other and several others.  I knew his Father before him and I suppose he knew my Fathers  family for we visited one another as neighbors.  I served another tour of three months with Mr. Deer in 1779 under Capt. James Smith in the Militia of Culpeper and went over the  ground we travelled in our former route, that tour commenced; that tour commenced the middle of  January 1779 and continued  for three months before our discharge; we were together daily and were messmates.
Page 107

mates a portion of the time under Capt Smith; were at Williamsburg, Norfolk, & James Town together and were discharged at the first named place.  All which I remember distinctly.  Mr. Deer was a fine soldier and good company.  I think unless his memory has left him he will recollect all the facts mentioned by me.  I was with him but two tours.
John Gibson Sen'r
agd 87.

Sworn to and subscribed in [marked out: said County this] in open Court this 3rd day of August 1846 by the Rev. John Gibson.
Ira Garrett Clerk C.

Virginia:
At a Court held for Albemarle County this 3rd day of August 1846.
The Court now sitting doth certify that the affiant above is the Rev'd John Gibson, personally known to the Court and is entitled to the most implicit confidence, being of spotless character.
In testimony whereof I Ian Garrett Clerk of said Court hath hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court this 14th day of August 1846 in the 71st year of the Va. Commonwealth.
Ira Garrett C
Page 108

Carpenter's
Testimony of
last tour.
Page 109

Virginia
Madison County to Wit
I Joseph Carpenter aged eighty three years next may certify under oath..I was born and raised in the neighborhood in which old Mr. Martin Deer was residing. I have known him ever since my youth . The house in which he was born is in sight of my present residence. I am a revolutionary soldier myself and served a fall tour as Volunteer in 1781 under Captain Elijah Ristley in the spring of that year. I did not enter the army after ?(illegible insert) on my return from the same once the (  illegible) was immediately raised and Martin Deer went as private and served a tour  to the lower country.  I was not with him but know that he went and returned.  I have always understood from old that Mr. Deer  was at Yorktown and Petersburg and he is reputed by everybody so far as I know to have been in the war as a soldier.  I never heard his services doubted and he is regarded by every person in my acquaintance as such. And I do not believe a more honest man ever lived.
Page 110

I say again that Martin Deer served a tour i the lower country after my return which was early in the spring 87. I know nothing of other tours performed by him but believe any statement made my him to be strictly correct for he is an honourable man and know as (illegible) the people of Madison.
Joseph Carpenter
Aged 83 next May
Virginia

Madison County to Wit
This day personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in the county aforesaid Mr. Jospeh Carpenter aged eighty three next birthday from his family registers now executed and made oath in (illegible) form of Case to this facts in the above effectively. And I certify that said Carpenter is personally known to me is a man of respectability and one of our oldest citizens given under my hand and Seal this 28 day of July 1846.

E.E. Chapman (seal)
Page 111

State of Virginia, Madison county [?]
I Belfield Cave, Clerk of the county court of said County, certify that E G. Chapman is a magistrate as above, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine. 
In testimony whereof I have hereto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name and subscribed my name this 23rd day of July 1826.
Belfield Cave clk
Page 112

(Copy)
Pension Office
July 20, 1846

Sir,
The papers in the case of Martin Deer, was for the first time presented under the act of June 7, 1832 have been examined and filed.

Claimant alleges that he served three tours in the militia of Virginia. No evidence whatever to sustain this allegation has been produced. Some of his comrades are no doubt, now living in Culpeper County by whom his service can be proved.

There is nothing in his narrative inconsistent with the militia service of that (illegible); but the length of time which he has suffered to elapse without persecuting (?) his claim (insert) while the means of establishing it by the testimony of those who served with him, were daily diminishing (illegible) it (illegible) that same satisfactory proof of his service shall be produced before a favorable decision in his case can be made. 

The reasons (illegible) for this delay are wholly insufficient. There is no
Page 113

difficulty in finding an agent to undertake any claim upon the government (illegible) unimportant it may be.

Very Respectfully,
Your (illegible) servant,
(signed) J. L Edwards



William B. Yager, Esq
Madison C.H
Page 114

Bey. Huffmane
Testimony of last tour.
Page 115

Virginia, Madison County April 24th 1846
I can state that I known Martin Deer of
this county, I think nearly thirty years; he is
now a very old man, I can say for him that
his standing in society is as good as any other
man, and I should have as much confidence
in any statement made by him, or in his
veracy, as I could have in any other man I know. I have never heard his veracity called
in question by any one.
Belfield Cave Clk. of
Madison County
To Mr J.L. Edwards
commissioner of
pensions
Washington City
Page 116

Madison ch. Virginia
April 24th 1846

Sir
I have the enclosed papers in the Deer's Case as soon as a decision is given informing me of the result by letter. Your respectfully
William B. Yagen
Madison 6th. Virg.
Page 117

Seal of VA   Paid 20
James S. Edwards
Commissioner
Washington D. C.

37241
April 27, 1846
for Martin Deer
June 7, 1832
Page 118

No 37241
Martin Deer
Va
act 7 June 1832
admd
7 mo pri
23.33 ~

Hon J. S. Barbour
Present
Act 7th June. 1832. ~

37.241.
Page 119

State of Virginia, to Wit.

At a court held for Madison County the 24th day of April 1846, being a court record.

The declaration of Martin Deer for pension under act of 1832, for three (crossed out- years) tours in the Virginia militias, was received in open court and ordered to be certified to the war department at Washington. And the court being refered to do declare that the applicant is a man of high respectability and of unquestionable venacity, and that they believe him to be reputated as a Revolutionary soldier, but do not know it of their own knowledge, and that they have perfect and entire confidence in any statement he may make.

Terte
Belfield Cave Clk:

I Belfield Cave Clerk of said court of Madison County, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Martin Deer for a pension.

In testimony whereof,, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 24th day of April the year 1846.

Belfied Cave Clk:

Containing 13 pages

B. Cave Clk:
Page 120

Hon J. S. Barbour
Page 121

State of Virginia
Madison County    To wit

This day Martin Deer aged ninety years, who was in my belief, a soldier in the war of the Revolution, personally appeared before me a justice of the peace for the county and state aforesaid, and made oath in due form according to law, that he was at three several times drafted to serve in the militia of Virginia from Culpeper County in the war of the revolution and that he served until he was discharged in each of those tours of duty for which he was re drafted; and in the (illegible) and times and places set forth in his declaration made some time ago in the County Court of Madison. If he (illegible) any (illegible) to the time of his service in that declaration mentioned he wishes it (illegible) to the true time according to the laws then existing. He went into Madison County Court when that declaration was made, and was examined by the court, and he testified to what he knew to be (illegible) and still thinks right, though he admits that the law which fixed the length of this tour of duty, must be relied on with more confidence than any  (illegible) necessary, and he desires that any error in it (if any) shall be corrected by the law regulating the length of the tour of duty- And he further made oath that he is now too old to go from home and that age and infirmity confine him to his house and home- He stated that he has a distinct recollection of having given his vote in the election in Culpeper between Madison and Monroe for the first Congress; that he gave his vote with old Col. James Barbour for Madison and that the election was on a cold and snowy day; and this fact he mentioned to Mr. James Field in the last summer.

And I further certify that the said Martin Deer is a very old man, of sound mind and memory and good character for integrity and truth and I give full faith and belief to all that he has here in stated- Given under my hand and seal as a justice of the peace for the state and county aforesaid this 23rd day of December 1847

Reuben T Jones (seal)
Page 122

State of Virginia, Madison County Wit
I Belfield Cave Clerk of the County Court
of said County, certify that Reuben T. Jones who hath given the preceding certificate, is Justice of the peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified according to the constitution and laws of Virginia, and
that the signature to said certificate purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of Office this 25th day of December in the year 1847
Belfield Cave Clerk
Page 123

Virginia
Madison County To wit
I Benjamin Hoffman a Court Testimony soldier aged Eighty years next October Certify that I served Three Tours in the Virginia Militia my last Tour was in the spring of 1781 - under Capt. Ambrus Bohanon which Continued for three months we war at Mobing Hills Williams burg Richmond and other places during said Tour, Joseph Carpenter was also out in a nother Company and so was Martin Deer, my old friend and acquatntanc Abram I have known from my infancy up. I know that said Martin Deer served a full tour in the summer of 1781 under Capt. Finks I think. I am positive as to the Tour for I saw him frequently in the lower County at ... and Several other places. I have ... a Tour or Two before this of ... I was not with him she is ... been as a soldier of the ... is doubted in my life. ... and I have always understood ... the same month and the same ... October 1757 as be seen by ... full was first there be my ... the Virginia Army ... will be seen; the words "57" ... tive as to the tour nor Deer ... take as to the officer; him ... neighbourhood not far from ... after, I never have applied ... ication I shall soon ... that I was entitled to the
Benjamin Hoffman
Aged 79 years next October.
Page 124

Virginia
Madison County To wit
I Benjamine Hoffman a revolutionary
soldier aged Eighty-nine years next October
Certify under oath I served three tours in the Virginia
Militia. My last tour was in the spring of 1781 under
Capt Ambrus. Bohannon which continued for three months
who was at Mobing Hills Williams burg Richmond and
other places during said tour. Joseph. Carpenter was
also out in a nother company and so was Martin
Deer my old friend and acquaintance whom I
have known from my infancy up. I know that said
Martin Deer served a full tour in the summer of 1781
under Capt Finks I think. I am positive as to the tour
for I saw him frequently in the lower country at
Richmond James town and several other places. I have
understood Mr. Deer served a tour or two before this of
which I know nothing for I was not with him. He is
reputed now, and always has been as a soldier of the
revolution and I never though it doubted in my life.
Mr. Deer is a very old man and I have always understood
him and my self were born in the same month and the same
year. to wit in the month of October 1757 as be seen by
my register a bove "1757" in full was put there my
self many years a you because the Originals they
had become defective as will be seen; the words "57"-
are nearly gone. I am positive as to the tour Mr. Deer
served in 81: but I may mistake as to the officer; him
and myself were raised in the neighborhood not far from
Madison house then Culpeper; I never have applied
for a pension before the application I shall soon
make for I did not know that I was entitled to the
benefit of the law
Benjamin Hoffman
ages 89 years next
October.
Page 125


●
s
●
Aug 8 and
from Jesse Batten
there
Polly
Early was born on
25 day of May 1805
_____ Every was born on 25th
day of May 1905
________Good was born March 31 1787


are nearly gone.
I am certain as to the tour in '81, but I may mistake as to the officer, him and myself was raised in the same neighborhood not far from Madison than Culpepper. I have never applied for a pension before the application I shall make for I did not know that I was entitled under the law.
                             Benjamin Hoffman
         aged 79  years
    the Lower Country
Page 126

Virginia
Madison County

This day personally appeared before me
one of Justices of the peace in the County
aforesaid, Mr. Benjamin Huffman aged 89 year next October and made oath to the truth
of the forgoing affidavit, and I certify the said Huffman is personally known to me, is a man of respectability and one of our older citizens and is believed to be a soldier of the Revolution from what I have always heard

Given under my seal this 23 day of July 1846
Elliot Blankenbiker

State of Virginia, Madison County towit.
I Belfield Cave, Clerk of the County Court
of said County certify that Elliot Blankenbiker
is a justice of the peace for said County, and that the signature above purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
affixed the seal of my office and subscribed
my name this 23rd day of July 1846
                 Belfield Cave, Clk.