Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 8687, Samuel Hancock, Ga. N.C. S.C.
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(3 - 1776)
SERVICE  |  NUMBER

Ga.  | Hancock, Samuel | S. 8687

N. C.
S. C.

carded

CONTENTS
\
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P. C. Saunders  Oct. 1758

[opposite page]

North Carolina 23247
Samuel Hancock
of [Mounton?] in the State of N. Car
who was a pr  In & [Cain] the ----commanded by captain --- of the [Reg] commanded 
by Col Eaton in the N.C.
time for: 10 mo: 20 days

NC, GA and SC Nov. 9. [1902?]
Records completed
-----------
Inscribed on the Roll of N. Carolina
the rate of 37 Dollars 76 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
----------
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 day of Dec
and [such] Col H. Morgan
Morgan's Store - N.C.
-------
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833  | 94.40
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar 34 18.88
$113.28
Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Nath Rice -- Clerk,
Book [6] Vol. [?}42 Page 58
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State of North Carolina
Montagomery County 

On this 19th day of August AD 1833
Personally appeared before me one Harry Morgan one of the acting justices approved to keep the peace and a member to hold to hold the court offers & quarter sessions for the county aforesaid.  Samuel Hancock a resident of the county and state aforesaid. Who of age will be seventy five, come the 18th day of next September as shown by the records kept of his age by his parents and the said  Samuel Hancock, who being first duly sworn, according to Lord, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the acts of congress passed June the 7th 1832.


That he first entered into the service of the
United State, (In the Revolution), a Drafted Militiaman under the command of Captain Bonner, for a three months Tour, In an expedition against the Cherokee Indians, in the upper part of the State of Georgia; and that he was drafted, in the town of Augusta in the State of Georgia, from hence he was marched to the upper part of Georgia to a place called Clark Fourt, where he served out the Ballance of this tour. Reads his discharge and returned back to Augusta, where he remained until the coming fall when he then removed back to
the State of North Carolina, Franklin County
the former place of his nativity, & the residence of his parents, where he made a crop in the year 1778. Which brings to his recollection, that he served this Indian tour in the spring season 1777. But has lost or mislaid his discharge for this service, so
that he cannot lay his hand on it now

The said Samuel Hancock, doth further continue
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his Declaration, for a pentions, for another five month tour, In the service of United States

Entered the service, a substitute, in the place of William Gray Smith, In October 1778
Franklin County N Carolina, under the command
of Captain William Allen who march, from thence with his company, to Elizabeth town, Bladen County N.C. where he joined the main regiment, under the command of Colonel Thomas Eaton, what Adjutant was by the
name of Joseph Taylor, from thence we was
march to Charles Town S. Carolina, and from
thence we was marched to Augusta Ga. and
from thence we march to Brier Creek Ga.

Where we was met by the Enemy, and was defeated and dispersed in every direction, so that he the said Samuel Hancock, was unable to fall in again with his officers, and there by was fourst [forced] to leave this cappany [company] with out his Discharge; But he is confident that his Term of Service in this campaign, had expired within two days. as the Battle at Brier Creek [took] place on the third day of March 1779, and his term of service being up on the 5th day. all conspired in its being the more unnecessary for him the said
Samuel Hancock in that perilous situation, in a country so full of the enemy. that he made the best of way, until he fell in with other American
Troop, in & about Eight miles, off the battle ground at Brier Creek, he fell in with them on the Banks of the Savannah River while in the act of Chasing said river to the South Carolina side where he remained with them for a few days, And Received a permit by them to return home
to Franklin County N. Carolina and which he attempted and came on as far as ninety six, in S. Carolina
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[Note: a large X is across the majority of the page]
Where he stopped to refresh him self for a few days and finding that there was a company of Light Horse raising in that neighbourhood to be under the command of Colonel Pickens a gentleman whom he became acquainted with in his first tour, against the Indians, at Clarks fourt.

And there finding an old friend of his, a
certain James Merry, who means good Enough
to furnish him with a horse, Bridle & Saddle
and with arms, (He then Volunteered under the said Col Pickens for another three months Tour
which served as follows, the day of the month
When he Entered this service, he does not recollect,
But at any rate he believes it to have commenced about the 1st April 1779. So that he believes that he was released about or before the 15th day of the following July. March from ninety Six, down near [stons], where he served
within a day or two of his full time,
When he was sent with an Express by
his Commanding officer, back to ninety six for more men, But before he got out of
Hearing of the Guns, the engagement commenced which resulted in favour of the Americans, and & they all returned home, and there being no longer a necessity for a reinforcement by that Express, therefore he did not return again to the Army; and was again left without a discharge for this service

The said Samuel Hancock, further continues his Declaration, for a further pension which he rendered in
for three months more service which he rendered, the United States, during the Revolution
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[Note: entire page has a X across it]

He Entered this Term of Service, under a draft
in Franklin County N. Carolina, under the command of Captain James Richards, February 1st 1781. and was march to the High Rock fourt for Haw River, N.C. Where the men was inspected conserning of their infermities, about the 12th March 1781. where he was Judged unable to march and was sent Back home where he remained not exceeding of ten days, when again prepared himself, and was about to return to the Army, (haven gotten well)
but in this time he received
orders, (Being him self a mechanic) from and
Birdsong, who kept a shop of artificials at
Harrisburg Granite N.C. and made utensils
for the use of the army and where he went
and there marked out the Ballance of his time in that shop and for which service he never rec'd a single cent. But for this service received no other discharge except that of Birdsong certificates certifying that he had worked out the balance of his tour.
and that he has either lost or mislaid so that he
cannot come at it.
and so far as respects Both the name of Regiments or that
of the Made of officers who commanded them
Campaigns
he the applicant, feels himself at a great Loss to point them out correctly and he hopes to be excused from this Exaction on the part of the 
War Department: knowing of his information, together with the length of time, which have
intervened between this and the period of
the Revolution, and also he knows his memory
to be much impaired thereby he wishes that
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To make Statements to which he is not right confident of
And he the said Samuel Hancock, hereby relinquishes Every claim whatever a pension or an annuity, Except the present, and he declares his name is not on the pension
Roll of any Agency in any State, or Territory within the United States
And the said Samuel Hancock, doth further
make Oath, that he is too infirm to attend any
of the Court within his county, to make
his Declaration, therefore he makes it before
single Justice of the peace


Sworn to and subscribed the day and
year aforesaid
[signed] Samuel Hancock
Witness [signed]H Morgan Esq

State of North Carolina
Montgomery County
This day came the above mentioned Samuel Hancock the above named applicant for a pension.and upon his oath
already taken before me and Hardy Morgan, one of the acting Justice of the peace for the County aforesaid
and amends his Declaration by swearing
that he does not at present know of any other way
to prove his above alledged service, but by his
own oath, with the exception of the above mentioned
five month Tour, served up to the Battle of Brice Creek
which service he can, & i will prove by his Brother John Hancock who was in the same campaign
---
And further this deponant sayeth not
Sworn to, and subscribed the day & year first above written.
[signed]Samuel Hancock

Attest
[signed] W. Morgan Esq
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And in pursuance to the Rule laid down by the 
War Department, I the said Hardy Morgan
do propounds & put fourth the following interrogatories to present applicant
[illegible]

Question 1st:  Where & in what year were you born.
Answer: In the State of Virgina, and Brought to N. Carolina Franklin County when yong, where he staid until he was in his 17th year, when he removed to the State of Georgia, (Augusta) with his uncle, and was an apprentice, in Carpenter trade where he remained for two years or there
abouts and served his first 3 month tour
under Capt Bonner in an expedition against
the Indians at the time of the destruction
of their Tugolo towns.

Question 2nd: Have you any record of your age
and if so where is it
Answer: I have, and has got it home, attached to an old Bible

Question 3rd: 
Where were you living when called into service
Where have you lived since the Revolution
war, and where do you now live
Answer: When called into service I lived in the town of Augusta, Ga. and since that time I
Removed Back to Franklin County N.C.
Where I entered the service a substitute for
five month tour, which ended at Brice creek
in the State of Georgia, and from thence on
my return home to N.C. I came to Ninety
Six, South Carolina. Where I entered the service
again for my 3rd tour (viz) three months
in the Horse, (a Volunteer) and at the End
of which service I returned home to Franklin
N.C. and from thence I again entered the ┃
service, Drafted, for a three months tour
Being my 4th & last tour, in the Revolution
March from Franklin to the High Rock
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Fourt on Haw River, where I was permitted to
return home again, a few days before the
Battle at Guilford Court House, By Green & [Watt] and from thence I return home sick for a few days, and recovered, and was then ordered
to Harrisburg, & worked at the Ballance of ┃
my time in a military shop, there,
all this Four was served in N. Carolina
and in which state, I have remained a citizen of
ever since; Removing from Franklin
to the County of Montgomery in  State of N.C. in the year 1792, where I have ever since
Remained citizens, and is one at this time

Question 4th 
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 first called into service Drafted for
three months against the Indians
2nd I substituted for five months in the place
of William Gray Smith. 3rd I volunteer
for a three months tour in the Horse
4th and lastly I was drafted for other three months, which I served punctually as
Set fourth in his Declaration; and making
in all 14 months
Question 5th
State the names of some of the Regular
Officers, who were with the troops, where
you served, such continental & militia
Regiments as you can recollect & the general
circumstances
of your services.
Answer
Captain Bourder, the Captain I served under
in the Expedition against the Indians in
my first tour from Augusta (Ga) other
names not recollected, with the exceptions
of Col Clark, & Col Pickins a man that I became more acquainted with at the time that I
served a volunteer in the Horse from
S.C. and Col Thomas Eaton,
commanded over the Regiment, at the time
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I served my 5 month tour as a substitute for William
Gray Smith & Joseph Taylor was Eaton Adjutant,
my Last, Four, when discharged, or permitted to return home sick from the High Rock Fourt on Haw River my captains name was James Richards, the names of other officers in this campaign, not recollected at present, and as to the circumstances of my services Rendered. I believe that I have already set them
fourth in this preceding declaration, as to the
Grade & name of Regiments I have no recollection But I do very clearly Remember that General Ash commanded the army that I served my 5 month tour in, and so was General Briant on at the same time

Question 6th 
Did you ever receive a discharge
from the service, and if so, by whom was it
given, and what has become of it.
Answer, none as I can recollect of - But believes
that I have fully accounted for this in my
preceding declaration

Question 7th 
State the names of persons to whom you
are known in your present neighbourhood,
and can testify as to your character for veracity
their belief of your services as a soldier of the
Revolution
Answer, 
Brother John Hancock, William Harris
Edmond Deberry, Richard & Benjamin
Bells, Charles & Hardy Morgan, William
& Ebenezer Hearnes; and Littleton Harris Esq

Be it understood that all the
are above, including both questions & answer
by the same both already taken, to be
considered a part of the preceding declaration,
as sworn to, before me Hardy Morgan
the day & date first above written
[signed] Samuel Morgan
Witness [signed] H. Morgan
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Saml. Hancock 
No. Ca.

Pri
[illegible]
8 month 14 2[illegible]
2,20 6ao 11 10
e H 37 76

Nam
(Sy[illegible])
Col. H. Morgan 
Morgan  South
Montgomery Co.
N.C.
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War Department
Pension office, May 10. 1833
Sir: 
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed before a pension can be allowed. The notes and regulations will show what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
---------
A Statement showing the service of Samuel Hancrek.
Categories across top: 
Period when the service was rendered. Years | Months| Days
Rank of the Claimant
Names and rank of the  officers under whom he served
Age at present and place of abode when he entered the service
Proof by which declarion is supported
[Entry 1] Drafted spring 1777 | 3  months | private | Capt Bonner | Augusta | By the claimants own oath

[Entry 2] Substitute Oct 1778 | 5 months | O Sergt   | Col T Easton | 74 years

[Entry 3] 1779 Vol | | Light Horse | Col Pickens Franklin Co | Traditionary Witness(to whit) the HonEdmund Deberry, 

[Entry 4] 1Feb 1787 Draft | 3 months] Charles Morgan [[illegible] taken sick and returned home and stayed a few days then finished his tour in a Military shop at Harriburg in Granville Co N.C. | Franklin Co N.C.  |  Charles Morgan, Willian Hearn, Nile Harris, Joel Hearn, Shadraki, Stewart, the Rev John Hancock and William Harris

I am, respectfully,
your obiedient servant
J.L Edwards,
Commissioner of Pensions
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2 REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832. 
The following regulations have been adopted: 
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers,” all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service. 
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law: 
1. The Regular Troops. 
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers. 
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service. 
4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record. 

DECLARATION. 
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832. 
[In italics “State, Territory, or District of County of } ss.] 
On this, [blank space] day of [blank space] personally appeared (a) before [blank space] A. B. a resident (b) of [blanks space] in the county of [blank space] and State, Territory or District of (c)[blank space] years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) [blank space], with [blank space] and served in the [blanks space] (e) regiment of the [blank space] line, under the following named officers: 

[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [A hand icon points to the following sentence] This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.] 

[In bold, “He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of [blank space] 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B.]

[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. 

I [blank space] of the Court of [blank space] do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of [blank space] for a pension. 

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this [blank space] day of [blank space] &c.

If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out 

Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz: 

(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the [blank space] and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank space], who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank space] years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. 

Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid. 
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the [blank space] and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank space] and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 

I, [blank space] Clerk of the Court of [blank space] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [blank space] for a pension. 

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this [blank space] day of [blank space] &c. 

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction. 

If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
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3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principalmeans of corroborating 
 the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.

The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?
And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6
To a soldier: Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
To an Officer: Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what office, has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from
their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.
If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the
enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to [persue] and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.

[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
{b}The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
{c}The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
{d}The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
{e}Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the
loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his
recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:--For---year----months, and
days, I served as a  ----- . For -----months and --- days, I served as a----- ; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement;
the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil
pursuit.
{f}The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
{g}The opinion of the Court is always required.
{h}The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
{i}The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains
the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Proof of Service.
{j}In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses. who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as
the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note {j} applies to continental troops only.

{k}This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
{l} If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
{m}The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
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Department if the Interior
Official Business

Chief Clerk
Commissioner of Pensions
Present
Page 16

8687
Invalid
[illegible]
File no 8687
Samuel Hancock
Priv Rev War
June 7 1832
Index Vol A sL Page 161
Arrangement of 1870
Page 17

Morgans Store Montgomery Co MC November 28 1833. 
Sir, having received by the arrival of the last mail to this place, your communications dated, Department of War, Pension office, October 17th 1833 with the papers, in the cases of Samuel Hancock enclosed, and having read and observed the contents of the said communications. I find that the said Samuel Hancock will find no difficulty by the present accompanying Declaration of his, to obtain a pension for eight months services as a private in the revolution.
 But so far as respects, that part of his service rendered in his three months tour. in the Light Horse Commenced at 96 S.C. under Col. Pickers, and 1779 he is willing to abandon, upon the grounds that unavoidable circumstances intervenes, betwixt him and justice in this case; having no living witness within his knowledge, and the loss of memory having failed him upon the names of all the officers in that campaign with the exception of the name of Col Pickens. 
The said Samuel Hancock being now personally present before me, authorizes me to say to you and the department, that he is perfectly reconciled to the amendment made to his declarations by striking out all that paragraphs of his declaration which states, to his three months tour in the light horse 1779 Also, to amend the said declaration by striking out the tour of three months served in making utensils for the army, at Harrisburg N. C. 1787. 
Now take the declaration of the said Samuel Hancock as amended and it will read for eight months, what the department deams willing to
Page 18

Admit by the letter of Mr Crump which accompanies Backs the papers of the said Samuel Hancock
The department will please be so good as to forward to Samuel Hancock through me a permition for the said Samuel Hancocks to draw his pentions for the 8 months services as a private in the Revolution 
and in so doing you will very much Oblige your obedient servant
Hardy Morgan [illegible] 
At Morgans Store [illegible]
Geofferson Crump
Department of War
Pention office

If the thing should remain unsatisfactory to the department other information will be thankfully received by H. Morgan Esq
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R. C. Saunders 
Mid Hill N.C.
Oct. 6, 1838

Asking for arrears of Pension for the heirs Samuel Hancock 

Respectfully referred to the Hon. Secretary of the Interior
War Dept.
Oct. 12, 1838

Respectfully referred to Commr. of Pensions
Dept. Int. Moses Kelly
Oct. 13/58 [illegible]

Rec'd 13 Oct 58
M. Rhett
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North Carolina Montgomery County Oct. 6th 1858 
Mr. Secretary of War

Dear Sir I drop you line at the request of one of the heirs of Samuel Hancock who was a soldier in the Revolution war and was a pensioner and and drew up to his death has been dead some 20 year he was born and raised in Montgomery county North Carolina he has three daughters in the county who are very poor and if there should be any arranges for Pentioners or any thing under the act paper in June please examine your office and send me word. 
Yours truly
P C Saunders

My address is 
Wind Hill Montgomery 
County 
NC

I am told the old papers were sent to Washington some few years back by Mr Maddox of Randolph Co
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State of North Carolina Montgomery County 

On this 3rd day of September AD 1833 personally appeared before me Hardy Morgan one of the acting justices of the peace in and for said County The Rev John Hancock a resident of the county and state aforesaid and made oath upon the Holy Evangelist of Almighty God. That he is, and was personally knowing to Samuel Hancock. Substituting of himself in the place of William Gray Smith for a five month tour in the Revolutionary war and that the said Samuel Hancock entered the service for said tour about the 1st October 1778 and was enrolled in the company of Captain Wm Allen in Franklin County N. Carolina who marked him with the rest of his company to Elizabethtown N. Carolina where he the theresaid John Hancock was one of the soldiers under said Allen, and at said Elizabethtown we rendevous and joined the main army under the command General Aash and Col Thom. Eaton and was marched from thence to Brier Creek in the state of Georgia. By the way of [illegibleCherau] S.C and Charlestown S. C. and Augusta Ga to the Battle at said Brier Creek which took place about the 3 or 4th of March 1779 To the best of his recollection. At which time the said Samuel Hancock's term of service was within 2 or 3 days of being out and the said John Hancock also swears that the said Samuel Hancock did faithfully serve his country from his commencement in said Franklin said N.C.
Page 22

upto the said Battle at the said Brier creek Ga where the American army was defeated and of the said John Hancock was taken prisoner by the Enemy, and was absent from any further knowledge of the said Samuel Hancock for upward of the two next years. And further this depoant sayeth not. Sworn to and subscribed before me the said Hardy Morgan at office, the day and year firs above written. 
Rev. Johnk Hancock
Witness Hardy Morgan
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State of North Carolina
Montgomery County

To all to whom it may consern
We the undersigned do hereby certify that we have for upwards of the last Twenty years personally acquainted both with the private and public character of Samuel Hancock of this county and state aforesaid and whoes name and signature appears to the accompanying declarations, and that we do concur in the Beliefs, that he is both an upright and an Honest man and that true faith and credit are to be paid to his oath. 
And form Traditionary circumstances We do concur in the beliefs that he has been a Revolutionary Soldier and has served as he has herein stated in his declarations
Given under our hand  [illegible] this 3rd day of September A D 1833
Joel Hearne 
Shadrick Stewart 
Edmund Deberry  Charles Morgan 
William Hearne 
Willis Harris
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State of N. Carolina
Montgomery County

We John Hancock, a clergyman in the county and state aforesaid and William Harris (residing in the same) do hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Samuel Hancock who has subscribed and sworn to the above declarations, that we believe him to be of the age he has sworn to in his declaration, and that he is believed upon his oath. Also he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we do both concur in that opinion and furthermore we believe that the said Samuel Hancock is a very ailing and an infirm man, and that we do not believe him able to attend the courts of his county owing to his infirmities. 

Sworn to and subscribed this 3rd day of September AD 1833

Witness
H Morgan Jr
Rev. John Hancock
William Harris
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State of North Carolina
Montgomery County

And I the said Hardy Morgan the residing Justice of the peace in this case do hereby give and release that it is his opinion after a full investigation of the case now pending before him that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states. And moreover he doth hereby certify that it is his opinion that the said Samuel Hancock, the present applicant, is too infurm to attend the courts of his county, by reason of an [illegible ulcerated?] face, & a severe [illegible]... is [illegible-both combining] in the [illegible destruction] of the [illegible-poor] old man, whos residence is about 14 miles from the court house of his county, which makes it very inconvenient.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal at office this 3rd day of September AD 1833

H Morgan Jr (seal)
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state of north Carolina Montgomery county 
I John B Martin Clerk of the court of pleas and quarters sessions of the county aforesaid do hereby certify that Hardy Morgan whose signature appears to the foregoing affidavits is and was at the time of signing the same as acting justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid duly appointed and [illegible] [illegible] that due faith and credit are due his official acts as such and that his signature is genuine and in his own proper hand writing. 

In testimony where of I have here unto set my hand and affix the seal of said county of office this 6th day of September 1833 J B Martin
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Morgans Store Montgomery Co, N.C. September 10th 1833
W.J.L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions
Dear sir, you will hereby readily perceive that I act in this case, the agent of the within named Samuel Hancock and if his papers should yet prove deficient, you will please be  good enough reply me in writing, and point out your objections, if any should occur. And in so doing you will not only be doing justice to this old soldier, but you will also at the same time be  confering a highly accepted favour upon yours Truly.

Hardy Morgan

P.S.
You will direct your communications to the post office at Morgans Store Montgomery Co, N. Carolina
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H.M.