Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 14,250, Thomas Forbes, Md. Also Served In 1794
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SERVICE   NUMBER
Md.   Forbes, Thomas   P14,250
Catharine
Also served in 1794
CONTENTS [blank]
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[illegible] Court of Common Pleas for the 
[County of] Alleghenny in the State of Pennsylvania
[illegible] personally appeared Mrs. Catharine Forbes (Widow of Thomas Forbes) of this [illegible] who on her solemn Oath duly administered makes the following Declaration to wit
From memory and reliable information that I have obtained from childhood I will state what I believe to be facts
I was born in Lancaster Pa on the 23rd of December 1770  My Father's name was Charles Seltzer  He was a Forage Master and was out in Service in the Continental Army when I was born  My Father had a brother with him in the Army who was kiled at the Battle of Trenton
When I was a little Girl Thomas Forbes was a young Man  I remember seeing him in Hagerstown  He was then a Recruiting Sargent belonging to Captain Lewis' Company a man names Whistler was a Lieutenant in that Company
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He came from the County Kildare Ireland  He came by advice and aid of an Unkle that he might come to America and join the Amy where his (another) Unkle was [inserted next 2 words] (General Forbes) an Officer
He landed in Baltimore and came soon to Hagerstown where he enlisted
He served about six or seven years in the Revolutionary Army about three years in the Indian War under General Wayne and some time at Harpers Ferry where they built some houses  He was Discharged after the war was over at Baltimore and soon after came to Hagerstown Maryland where our acquaintance was renewed and there we were married by Reverend Kurtz  I remember that my Husband said he procured a Licence
I think it must be near seventy years since we were married  My Husband related to me many circumstances regarding his Services in the Revolution and in the Indian War  I herd a great deal also from many of his acquaintances who had been
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in the Service in both the Wars with him
Many years since and up to some time after my Husbands death which hapened on the 3rd of June 1820 I had many Papers which were said to be good evidence of his Services in both the Wars all which papers were given to Captain William Morrow who said he expected to obtain a handsome Pention for me  Capt Morrow told me he had my Claim passed in one house of Congress but owing to some quibble raised by a Member in the Congress it did not pass the other House
Capt Morrow died soon after  
I learned that the Papers were lost I never received either Papers or Pention
Some years after that time some of my friends procured some more Papers and Evidences of my Husbands Services in the Wars which were placed in the hands of Samuel Kingston Esq. I learned that Mr. Kingston and the Papers were Consumed in the great Fire that hapened in Pittsburgh on 10 of Apl 1845
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some time after that Major John Willock made an attempt to do something for me and did procure a Land Warrant for one hundred and Sixty Acres of Land from which I realised some little over one hundred dollars which is all that I ever received from the US
I feel confident that my Husband never received any Pention or any Land
I had Eight children all of whom are dead except my Daughter Nancy who is now near Sixty years old in feeble health and has a Husband who is permanently an invalede [invalid] unable to support himself much less to contribute to my support 
My Husband was in bad health some [next 3 words inserted] more than seven years before his death
Several of the Phisitions [physicians] who attended him told me that the wounds Exposure and privations he was Subjected to whilst he was in the Army broke his Constitution and was the means of Shortening his life
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I have resided in and near this place since 1806  I am now within a few months of ninety years old and entirely destitute of money   Have no relatives or connections who have means to spare on whom I can rely for support
Have not the means to employ an Attorney to present my Claim 
I am the Widdow of the Said Thomas Forbes never had any other Husband
I have a silver cup in my possission [possession] that was presented to my Husband in or about the year 1809 by an Army  Companion named Thomas Bodley of Lexington Ky which cup I have had in my possission since my husband brought it home in 1809  The following inscription is engraved on the cup "Thomas Bodley to Thomas Forbes Remember Waynes Victory Augt 20th 1794
This Cup was sent to Washington City & returned to me  All the other evidences I had I gave to Captain Morrow and Mr. Kingston none of which were ever
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returned to me
Doctors Brunot [next name inserted] Bedford Stephenson Agnew Mowry & Several others Attended my Husband during his long sickness none of them charged a dollar for their Services   The last time my Husband Enlisted was also in Hagerstown Md.
Bentley was a Lieutenant in the last Company my Husband was in they went then from Hagerstown to Harpersferry where I herd they Built some Houses or a Fort 
My Husband was at Hagerstown acting as Recruiting Sargent at the time that there was what they called a Sham Funeral [next 3 words inserted] of General Washington  There was a large Procession of Citizens with white scarfs All the soldiers turned [next word inserted] out many of them had long black Scarfs hanging to their arms  I think the last Regiment my Husband was in was Discharged at Baltimore Md.
her 
Catharine X Forbes
mark

Witness: John Coyle
James May
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Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
County of Allegheny, ss
[seal] Be it remembered that, on this the sixteenth day of October A.D. 1860 personally comes Catharine Forbes, and in open Court, before the President and his Associates, Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Allegheny aforesaid, she first having been duly sworn, saith that, the foregoing declaration to which she has subscribed her name by making her mark is just and true to the best and utmost of her knowledge, recollection and belief. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of Said Court at Pittsburgh, in the County aforesaid the day and Year above written
D. Armstrong 
Pro[thonotary]
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1 [circled]
I was born about six miles from Hagerstown Maryland  I am about eighty four or eighty five years old  My Father's name was William Burk he was also born near Hagerstown  In reference to Thomas Forbes I can say that I know nothing but from heresay do not know that I ever seen him.
I have a clear recollection of hearing my Father Mother and many persons who were said to be Soldiers in the Revolution & in Waynes Army speak of Thomas Forbes   From what I herd, from my Father and many others in my young days I have good reason to believe that Thomas Forbes was a Recruiting Sargent stationed at Hagerstown  That he Enlisted in the Revolutionary Army in Hagerstown some short time before or about the time I was born  That he Served some years in that Army and that he was a Soldier in the Indian War
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2.
I many times herd of my Father being in the Revolutionary Army at the time that I was born of his serving some time in the Revolutionary Army and of his being some time in the Indian War under General Wayne
I herd he was longer in the Revolutionary than he was in the Indian War
I have a clear recollection of my Father and others who had been out in the Wars many times speaking of Thomas Forbes being in both the Wars  He was spoken of as a smart young man A good soldier  A relative of General Forbes  A recruiting Sargent at Hagerstown  An intimate friend and fellow Soldier in both Wars with my Father  I remember my Father came home one evening a little after dark and told my mother that he had that day seen "Tom Forbes" and that "Tom had taken to himself a wife"  That was about the time the Indian War was over some time after the war was over my Father & family moved out
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3
to what was then called the "back woods"
I remember that we had a difficulty to find a road for the Wagon  The men cut down trees to open a road in some places
We met or seen several Trains of Packhorses laden with Iron Nails Salt and Merchandise  Taverns and houses were scarce on the road we lodged several nights in Cabins Slept on our own beds on the floors recollect there was much difficulty and danger from narrow and bad roads
Our family made a home about three miles from Washington Pa on the Philadelphia Road some years after we stoped there my Father Started from home to go to our old home where he expected to collect some money  He took sick at Sliding [Sideling] hill and died there suddenly  Some years after that and after I was married my Mother Self and family came to live in Pittsburgh Pa we were some time in Pittsburgh before we met Mrs Forbes (Widow of the said Thomas Forbes) My Mother and Mrs Forbes
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became intimate and friendly
Then again I herd a great deal about Thomas Forbes and my Father being friends and fellow Soldiers in both the Revolution and the Indian War  
herd many persons talk with my Mother Mrs Forbes and others regarding services of my Father & Thomas Forbes in the Revolution and in Waynes Army herd a great deal said about Forbes' being wounded being a good Soldier &c
I have not seen Mrs Forbes for many years and until a few days since have not herd her spoken of  My memory is much better as to what I herd and seen many years since than of what I herd or seen a few years since
My memory is very clear as to my hearing my Father and many others in and near Hagerstown when I was a child speaking of Thomas Forbes being a Recruiting Sargent in Hagerstown about the time that I was born
His being an intimate friend and fellow soldier with my Father in both the Wars of his being a good soldier and reliable companion his being a near relative of General Forbes  I remember hearing them speak of a Mr Woods whose home was near Fort Pitt being a Comrade with them
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I herd hundreds of talks about My Father and Thomas Forbes being in the War together but did not pretend to change my memory nor did not expect to be called on in reference to those matters
I have not seen Mrs Forbes for twenty years past
I remember that my Father told my Mother about meeting Tom Forbes in Hagerstown and talked with him some time  Father spoke of Preacher Kurts performing the marriage seremony
My Father talked about the matter whilst he was eating his supper   I thought he explained, the matter ['I thought' crossed out] partly to apologise for staying later than usual from home
I think Mr Forbes died before we became acquainted with Mrs Forbes in Pittsburgh  I remember several Saturday evenings Several of my Fathers Army acquaintances came to our house and sat up late at night telling about the incidents of the Wars
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and had social parties  I herd much talk about Thomas Forbes in these parties but do not recollect of ever seeing him at our house
The men that came to the Saturday evening parties were neighbours that lived within a few miles say two or three miles from our house some nearby  There were many of our neighbours who had been out in the Revolutionary Army
I many nights sat listening to the soldiers [inserted next word] telling of the Revolution telling of their hardships privations and suffering at different times and places  I often went to sleep listening to them when I was a child  My mother died in Pittsburgh about twenty six years ago She was in her eighty ninth year when she died. do not know my Fathers age when he died but know that my Father was considerably older than my Mother
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my Father from the way he talked of Thomas Forbes must have been several years older than Forbes
One thing that makes me remember my Father talking about Tom Forbes' wedding was a remark that my Mother made when Father told her that Tom was married
She said I suppose they were married by a "buckle beggar" My Father said no there was no buckle beggar about it - they were married by Preacher Kurtz  I remember that Preacher Kurtz was a German Preacher   It must be about sixty years since I seen Preacher Kurtz
Sworn and Subscribed
her
Elizabeth X Valentine
mark

This 13 day of Oct AD 1860
M M Brion [drawn seal/circle]
Alderman
Attest
James May
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1
Statement of Mr. John Little of Pittsburgh Pa

I was born in Washington County Pa in the year 1792 (March 17)
Some of our family live in the same county near the same place yet
I came to Pittsburgh in 1810 with a Mr. Benjamin Brown as an apprentis [next 3 words inserted] to printing business. Brown Published the Newspaper "Commonwealth"
Soon after I came to Pittsburgh I became acquainted with "old Captain Forbes the Fisherman" who then kept a Tavern in Ferry Street his wife seemed to be some ten or fifteen years younger than her husband  I was frequently in Mr Forbes' Tavern and was acquainted with many of the Boarders and frequenters of House  I herd a great many times of Thomas Forbes being a soldier in the Revolutionary Army and in Waynes Army
I recollect hearing him speaking of the circumstance of his Joining Waynes Army after he had served out his time in the Revolution or of being transfered from one to the other  He interested his friends frequently by telling of incidents that hapened in both the Wars more especially incidents that hapened in the Indian Wars  I recollect very clearly hearing my Father speak of Thomas Forbes being in Waynes Army at the same time that my Father was in it but that they were stationed at different points  It was the current report and generally believed that Thomas Forbes
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was a soldier in the Revolutionary Army as well as in Waynes Army  He was a very resolute and active [inserted word] man for his age when I first became acquainted [inserted next 2 words] with him and seemed to be a man of great perseverance  He used to run Boats on the River  He told me he had a Fishing privilege rented from Col. Oharra at the Point at Fifty dollars a year  I think Mr Forbes died about the year 1820  He was a large Man  He must have been sixty or more years old when he died  I have not seen Mrs Forbes for the past eighteen years, did not know that she was living until a few days since when I herd She was living with her Daughter at the Corner of Water & Ferry Street in this City
I learned a few minutes since that the Deposition of old Mrs. [name inserted] Elizabeth Vallintine was taken in relation to Mr Forbes
I can say that I have been acquainted with Mrs Elizabeth Vallentine since about the year 1796 or 1797 When she with some others of the Family (I recollect more particularly her Brother who was older than her) who used to be at our House  My Relatives Jackson & Daggs rented a place from my Father which was about three miles from Washington Pa near what was called the Philadelphia Road  I hundreds of times herd the Bells of the Trains of Pack Horses which were headed with Salt Iron Nails Nail Iron & Merchandise  I recollect hearing of Mr Burk dieing Suddenly away from Home  I was well acquainted with Charles
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Vallentine who married Elisabeth Burk
I believe Mrs Vallentine is a Correct and honest old Lady  I have always understood old Mrs Forbes to be a very honest and very good old Lady
The Burk Family and the Vallintine Family lived near and in Washington Pa for many years
I was well acquainted with Captain William Morrow who was a Recruiting officer [inserted next 2 words] in Pgh  I often seen him at Forbes' House which was called the "Wayne House" Forbes had a particular liking for General Wayne. Showed his partiality by his frequently talking strongly in his favour. I recollect distinctly hearing Captain Wm Morrow talking about doing all that was in his power to procure a Pention for Mr Forbes  I remember hearing Capt M Saying that Thomas Forbes was honestly and justly - entitled to a pention  This was before the death of Mr Forbes
Since the death of Thomas Forbes I have seen or known very little about the Forbes Family   I remember that old Mr Forbes was much afflicted with Sores and Rheumatism for some years before he died  Recollect that Doctors Mowry & Holmes attended or visited Mr Forbes the last years of his life  Herd them talking of wounds Forbes received whilst he was in the Service
John Little
Sworn and Subscribed this 18th day of Oct AD 1860
M M Brion  [hand drawn seal]
Alderman
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Mr. John Little who makes this statement is a respected old Gentleman Has been a Printer and connected with Newspapers Editor Proprietor and otherwise for many years  his memory seems to be very good  His testimony [next 3 words underlined] may be retaken if necessary
J M [likely James May]

[shield shaped date stamp] 
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
OCT 27 18[illegible remainder]
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[crossed out: ACT OF JULY 14, 1862.]
Catherine Forbes 
widow of Thomas Forbes

Consolidated Sept 6 1882
with same widow
rej'd files 14,250
['Died at' is crossed out]

J,N, Prior

REJECTED 

Received.... 187 [blank]
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[crossed out: Acts of July 14, 1862 and March 3, 1873.] am
14250
L.Wt #20825-160-50-

Catharine Forbes
widow of
Thomas Forbes.

REJECTED

[form blank]
ed:__,18 .
arged: ___, 18 .
cation filed:___, 18 .
s: ___
nlisted: ___
ney: ___
___Recognized.  ___ Contract.
___Cert. of Dis.  Searched for ___, 18 .
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Statement of Mrs. Mary Toms
Sister of Catharine Forbes

I was born in Hagerstown Md.
I do not know my age am several years younger than my sister Catharine
I have known Thomas Forbes from my childhood to the time of his death
I remember that I saw Thomas Forbes in Hagerstown some time before he was married to my sister  He was then a Sergent in the Army he had Regimentals on he was a large and very fine looking officer  He visited my Fathers house often  My Mother done washing for Thomas Forbes and Several of the Officers  I often herd her speak of Thomas Forbes visiting our house some years before my Ssister Catharine was old enough to be married
She often spoke of the circumstance of Thomas Forbes admiring my Sister Catharine when she was a child and of his saying then that if he lived he would return to Hagerstown after the War was over and Marry that Girl  I have a clear recollection of Thomas Forbes from about two years before his marriage I remember that my Father & Mother were not pleased with the marriage  They said he was too old for Catharine
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I listened often to talks that my Father Thomas Forbes and others had about the Revolution about St. Claires defeat and the Indian Wars with General Wayne  I was a small girl when my sister Catharine was married  I was a favourite with my brother in law Thomas Forbes  lived with them nursed some of their Children and had opportunity to hear and learn a great deal about the history of Thomas Forbes his events in the Wars & I often seen the scars of wounds he said he received whilst he was in the Wars  he had an awful scar on his shouder
I helped to wait on him in his sickness
I know that he suffered shockingly from sores and pains for Several years before his death  Listening to the Statements (on oath) of my Sister Catharine Capt John Woods Capt E.T. Pratt & John Little has brought many things back to my memory that I had not thought of for many years
There are many facts related in those statements that I know to be true and from my knowledge  of the facts and the parties I have good reason to believe and do believe that those statements are all concienciously [conscientiously] made
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From what I learned I am convinced that Thomas Forbes came from Ireland when he was a young Man with the intention of joining the Revolutionary Army with his Unkle Genl Forbes  That he Enlisted at Hagerstown  was a Recruiting Sergent there  That he served several years in the Revolutionary Army and was in the Army under St. Claire and under Genl. Wayne after all that came to Hagerstown   was a sergent there when I first seen him  He went from Hagerstown to Harpersferry was there a year or so  was discharged came to Hagerstown and Married my Sister Catharine
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Pittsburgh Nov 14th 1860
Geo C Whitney Esq
US Pention Agent
Washington City D.C
Sir
Herewith you have the Declaration of Catharine Forbes Widow of Thomas Forbes dec'd with the Depositions of Mrs Elizabeth Valentine an honest old Lady 
John LIttle Esq a respectable old Newspaper Editor 
John McIlwain Esq. do do [ditto] Police Officer in City Employ 
Capt. E F Pratt now Clerk of the City Council Col. Thomas McKown a respectable Citizen 
Col. Wm. Diehl a well known old office holder
Valentine Short Esq a respectable Hotel keeper Manchester 
Mrs. Sarah Faulkner an honest old blind Lady do [ditto]
Mr. David Irwin a respectable Farmer lives near Pgh [Pittsburgh]. 
Ms. Alexander McClintock a respectable old Gentleman lives near Pgh. 
Col. R.C. Thompson respectable and well known lives above Pgh
Henry Earle Esq an Alderman of the City of Pgh.
George Watson Esq one of the [next word underlined] oldest Justices of the Peace of Pittsbg.
Captain John Woods one of the oldest and most reliable men in the Country has resided near Pittsburgh about sixty five years
George Gardner & Spencer Miller are couloured men of excellent good character and had good opportunity to learn the character of Thomas Forbes
Col. Wm Small an old and respected man lives near Lawrenceville
Mr. George Lighthill very much respected lived all his life oppost [opposite?} Pittsburgh where he now resides
Mr. John McGinnis a respectable Farmer living ten miles above Pittsburgh on the Monongahela
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I have a personal acquaintance with every one of the Deponents  The statements were all made to me  I took pains to find the deponents. Interogated them and procured the information and can say that I have good reason to believe that every one of he deponents were schrupulous [scrupulous] and conciancious [conscientious] in their statements
not one of them seemed to be influenced by any kind of improper influence
so far as I am concerned I have [next 3 words underlined] no sordid interest in the matter
Feeling convinced that I am doing an act of kindness for a Poor Honest Old Lady in procuring vouchers for a [next word underlined] just Claim I do feel anxious that Justice may be awarded [next word underlined] soon
I am known by the President Secretary Black Senator Bigler as well as by Members of Congress from this District
I have resided in this City many years my home now is Port Byron Ills
yours respectfully
James May
I wrote the foregoing and attached it to the Documents that I sent but took it off and put another on instead  There may be some information in this to lead to proofs if the other papers are lost
J.M.
[shield shaped date stamp] DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR OCT 27 18[illegible year] PENSION OFFICE
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1 [encircled]
In the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Allegheny in the State of Pennsylvania Personally appeared Mrs. Catharine Forbes and on her solemn Oath duly administered makes the following Declaration. To wit
I was born in Lancaster Pa on 23rd December 1770 My Fathers name was Charles Seltzer he was a Forage Master in the Continental Army when I was born. He had a Brother who was in the Continental Army with him who was killed in the Battle of Trenton
I was married to Thomas Forbes in Hagerstown Md somewhere about Seventy years since  Reverend Schmoken ['Kurtz' is crossed out] performed the Ceremony
My husband procured a Licence which will shew our Marriage
I first seen Thomas Forbes in Hagerstown Md when I was a child say about eighty years since which was about the time he enlisted in the Revolutionary Army
He remained some time in Hagerstown as a Recruiting Sargent
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He was absent from Hagerstown several years nearly all of which time I have good reason to believe he was in the service of the United States I believe he served some seven years in the Revolutionary Army and that he served also about three years in the Indian War under General Wayne  I had some years ago the many Papers to shew his services in the Revolution and in the Indian War which were given to a Captain Wm Morrow who took them to Washington City some short time after my husbands death with the view of procuring a Pention for me. Capt Morrow died soon after.  I never received either the Pention or Vouchers, some years after that some other evidences and papers were procured and put into the hands of Samuel Kingston Esq - In the fire of the 10th of Apl. 1845 in Pittsburgh I learned that Mr. Kingston and my papers were
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consumed. Some time after that Major John Willock made an attempt and did procure for me a Land Warrant for one hundred and sixty acres of Land from which I realised some little more than one hundred dollars which is all I have ever received. From memory of what I learned I can say I believe my husband was born in the County Kildare Ireland  That he was a Nephew of Genl Forbes  He landed in Baltimore when he was a young man  Soon after landing he came to Hagerstown and Enlisted  soon after his enlistment he was put in Service as a Recruiting Sargent and held that position a considerable portion of the time in the Revolution
I have good reason to believe that he performed arduous duties in the Revolution and that he underwent great heartship exposure and suffered severely from wounds he received whilst he was in the
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Indian War under Genl. Wayne
I know that several Phisicians who attended him the last years of his life told me that his constitution was broken and the period of his exhistance much shortened by the wounds he received and the exposure he was subjected to in the US Service  My husband died on the 3rd June 1820  I remained a widdow  I had eight children all of whom are dead but my daughter Nancy with whom I now live
My husband was some tin or eleven years older than me
My husband never that I know of either applyed for or received any pention  I understood that my husband was discharged at Baltimore and again enlisted at Hagerstown Md ['Harpersferry' is crossed out]
I believe he Served three terms in the Army viz one tirm in the Revolution which was about six or seven years  One in the Indian War of three
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years and one term of one year at Harpersferry where they built some houses  I understood that he served in all Eleven years in the Army  Three years of which he was in the Indian War  I herd much from himself and from his army acquaintances of his Services privations and Sufferings in the Revolution and in the Indian War  I hope my friends may procure testimony and vouchers to entitle me to [inserted] obtain some Pention  I have neither phisical strength or means to procure any kind of assistance
I have resided in Pittsburgh and on the Monongahela a few miles above Pittsburgh Since 1806   I hope several respectable Citizens who are well known and who [inserted] have known me for many years will vouch for me and hope too that some of them will take some interest to have my case attended to at Washington City
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[shield shaped date stamp] DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR OCT 27 18[illegible] PENSION OFFICE

The foregoing was written by me as dictated by Mrs Catharine Forbes Widow of Thomas Forbes with the purpose of her swearing to it and of having it sent to the War Department [next 2 words underlined] as the base of her Claim for Pention Back pay or whatever might be awarded to her
Afterwards I made a copy on "legal cap" with I think some change in the phraseology but the substance about the same as herein stated  The name of the clergyman I changed  The old Lady thought it was Kurtz whereas I found on investigation that it was [name underlined] Schmoken  I learned that Clergy of each of the [next word underlined] two names were at Hagerstown [next 3 words underlined] in early days  In my exertions to procure reliable information in the process I was surprised at the extraordinary memory and accuracy of the old Lady Her integrity is of [next 3 words underlined] a high order and her memory as to events hapening 50.60.70 & 80 years back was wonderful   I have confidence in the simple statement of the old Lady but if I had none I was convinced of her Honesty by [next 3 words underlined] many good witnesses on oath
James May
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Pittsburgh Oct 19 1860
Hon Wm Wilkins
My old friend
Herewith you have some Testimony That I have good reason to believe is true according to the knowledge memory and belief of the Deponants
I have been instrumental in having that Testimony collected Probated &c
No one of the deponants seemed to have any sinister motive or interest. nearly every one of them seemed to have lost sight of the old lady for many years. I tryed to induce several Lawyers to attend to the business for this [next 3 words underlined] poor old Lady none of whom seemed inclined to work [next 3 words underlined] without cash Fee which the old Lady [next 3 words underlined] could not furnish  I have tryed in my humble way to scrape up [next word underlined] Facts That I feel confident makes an [next word underlined] Equitable claim to a Pention for Mrs Catharine Forbes [next 9 words underlined] If widdows of Revolutionary Soldiers are entitled to Pentions  I procured a great deal of
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information from deponents that is not sworn to as I did not deem it proper to make long documents  This is a case you as well as myself [next 3 words underlined] will feel bound to lend your influence without charge
This worthy old Lady with the past four Score and ten winters on her head has a strong claim to consideration of her old acquaintances who can [next 3 words underlined] conveniently and properly without expense render her [next word underlined] essential service by inducing the Department at Washington City to [next 3 words underlined] hasten proper act and administer Justice in the case [next word underlined] promptly without the imposition of Tax of Lawyer Fees  I hope [next 3 words underlined] your prompt action in this case will make up for my awquardness and want of tecnical form  Mrs. Forbes has [next 3 words underlined] very few Seniors Therefore should command prompt attention from her Juniors
Your sincere friend
James May

This is a rough copy of a letter I addressed to my venerable friend Hon William Wilkins
I went to Homewood to see him and submitted the papers to him  He whist [whilst] suffering severe pain being then quite sick wrote a strong letter in favour of the Claim of Mrs Forbes siting forth his personal knowledge of Said Thomas or Said Sargent Thomas Forbes  He said to me that he had no doubt of the Department awarding the claim  He said he was aware of some Revolutionary widdows claims being awarded on [word underlined] less Testimony than I had submitted to him
I thought the opinion of that old statesman good
J. May
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Copy [underlined]
Pittsburgh Oct 29th 1860
To Hon'bles
Morehead & McKnight
or the Representative who may have the goodness to advocate the Claim of [underlined next 4 words] Old Mrs Catharine Forbes
I can state that I have been an humble instrument in hunting up procuring  writing and having Probated the Testimony in the case  My residence is now Port Byron Ills  I have no sordid interest in this Case and am personally acquainted with each and every one of the Deponants  I tryed to extract from them such [underlined word] facts as would be useful in the procurement of a Pention for this [underlined next 3 words] very old Lady but [underlined next 3 words] certainly did not try to procure anything but [underlined word] facts  I spoke to several Lawyers with the hope that some one of them would have the charity to attend to the case  The Lawyers declined to work without [next 3 words underlined] Fees in advance  The old Lady had no money  I had known her as a good honest old lady from my childhood  believed she told the truth  I commenced by making enquiry of several old Citizens from whom I hoped to procure information to enable a Lawyer to prosecute the old ladys claim not finding a Lawyer disposed [inserted next 2 words] to act under the (old Ladies indigent) circumstances
I concluded to try my hand at the 

[shield shaped date stamp illegible]
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matter in my humble way
I can say that I have procured a large amount of information from various [word underlined] old persons whose Testimony [underlined next 3 words] I did not and could not conveniently procure in legal shape which would make [underlined next 3 words] very strong proof of Thomas Forbes Services in the Revolution and in the Indian War. The Testimony produced seems to be clear that the said Thomas Forbes was a Brave and efficient Man in the Service in the Revolutionary and in the Indian War  That he was wounded  That his wounds and the exposure & privations he Suffered [next 3 words inserted] in the service rendered him an invalide and a very onerous charge on his poor wife for the last seven years of his life when she was then [next 3 words underlined] old and poor with a Family dependant on her for support  The proof is clear that she has been unfortunate in loosing her vouchers and failing to have her [word underlined] honest claim prosecuted  She now comes with what I know to [next 3 words underlined] be good Testimony to proove her husbands Services in the revolution & in the Indian War and good proof of [next 3 words underlined] her own excellent character with the frosts of [next 2 words underlined] ninety winters on her head all which it may be hoped will command due and [underlined word] prompt consideration
Yours respectfully
James May
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No. 15,521
Catharine Forbes
widow of Thomas
Penna

B.L. 15460
160 acres
Wt. James May Nov 26/60
Hon J K Morehead [illegible]
Let. to Hon J K Morehead
Nov 4. 1862.
C
Same. Feb 14. 18[?]2
Act July 7, 1838
Page 38

Sept 9/62
Pension office
refers to pension of 
Catherine Forbes - 

[shield shaped date stamp] 
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
OCT 27 18[?]
PENSION OFFICE
Page 39

Pension Office,
Sept 9. 1862.

Sir:
Your letter of the 5th inst., relative to the claim of the widow of Thomas Forbes, has been rec'd.
I made a search for the papers, to examine them according to request, but could find no such case filed, or entered upon the HalfPay Pension Register.
If Claimant will furnish more data, I shall make another search.
Would like to know the name of the agent or person who
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[embossed seal upper right corner]
forwarded the papers; whether the widow ever married again, & if so, to whom?
The condition of the case, if it ever reached this office, shall be made known to you upon the receipt of the desired information. 
I have the honor to be very respectfully,
Wm Helmick
Acting Commissioner

Hon J.K. Moorhead
Pittsburgh, Pa. [numbers crossed out]

(cix)  5/498 -
Page 41

Elizabeth  Sept the 17th 1862

Dear Sir
here is a letter from the pention office and if you can give them any more information for goodness sake do for we are in destitute circumstances I was sold out in that house where you saw us last and I was nine months without A home we were scaterd [scattered] to and fro we are here doing the best we can that is very poor
I wish you to write to J H Moorehead giving him all the information that you can and write to me also Mother is well but very weak we are in good health thank god
Capt James May
yours & Nancy Hinckerley
N B please answer immediateley
Page 42

Pittsburgh Oct 6/60

I was born at Hamilton Hall Miflen Township Pa in 1794 Have lived there in Pittsburgh and the neighbourhood all my life
My Father George Thompson was a Captain of the Minute Men at Fort Pitt and was otherwise in the US Service  My Grandfather Genl. Wm Thompson was an officer in the Revolutionary Army
From what I have herd in my young days I have good reason to believe that Thomas Forbes was in the Revolutionary Army
I herd him spoken of as a brave Man and a good Soldier 
I have good reason [next 2 words inserted] to believe from what I have herd that Thomas Forbes was a brave and efficient Soldier also under General Wayne
The extended acquaintance I had with Officers and Soldiers of the Revolution and of Waynes Army from 1806 up to the time of the
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death of Thomas Forbes which was about the year 1820 [inserted word] allong with the acquaintance I had with Thomas Forbes gave me good opportunity to acquire considerable information on the Subject and from what I can now call to mind I feel safe in saying or swearing that I am well convinced that Thomas Forbes Served some years in the Revolutionary Army and some years also in the Indian War under Genl Wayne
Robert C. Thompson

Robert C Thompsons Residence is some ten miles above Pittsburgh on the Monongahela River 
The Testimony he gave which was attested and sent to the Department was much fuller than this
The Testimony of any of those who are living [underlined word] can be procured and if necessary [underlined 2 words] should be
 J M

[shield shaped date stamp] DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR OCT 27 18[?] PENSION OFFICE
Page 44

Aug 1860
Geo Watson Esq on 7th St States
I became acquainted with Thomas Forbes in 1806 became more intimate with him in 1809 & 1810 He piloted a Flat Boat to New Orleans I went to NO in a Flat Boat in Company with him
I often heard by general report circumstances relative to his being in Waynes Army and of his being in the Army
I understood that he was a relative of General Forbes who was a "revolutionary" Officer  He was an Old man when I was a Boy  I was intimate with him for many years  It was the generally expressed opinion of the people acquainted with him that he was a relative of General Forbes and that he had served many years in the US Army  It is my impression from what I learned in my young days That Thomas Forbes was in Service in the Revolutionary Army and continued to Serve in the Army under Genl Wayne for some years after
Dr M H Denny says he can [illegible] an that his recollection is about as stated by G W Esq
Page 45

Pittsburgh  July 22nd 1860
Mr Thomas Dixon
States in reference to Mr Thomas Forbes dec'd
I became acquainted with Thomas Forbes dec'd in 18-- [circled 1811] (I was then about nineteen years old)
He was then an Old Man his wife was an old woman but Mr Forbes was considerably older looking than his wife
It was the general report that Mr Forbes had served Several years in the Revolutionary Army and continued in the Army under Genl Wayne  It was the general opinion of the people who were acquainted with the Family that Thomas Forbes was a Revolutionary Soldier and that he had been an Officer (a Sargent) in the U S Army
The above is correct according to my recollection
his 
Thomas X Dixon
mark

Thomas Dixon Esq is one of the most respectable old Gentlemen in Allegheny County  He will swear to the above when called on 
I think I procured a Sworn Statement from Alderman Geo Watson & sent it to the War Dept. Dr Wm M Denny was a neighbour and had good opty to know the general reports from 1806 of Forbes being a Revolutionary soldier  
James May
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Pittsburgh Oct 22nd 1860
Statement of Henry Earle Esq an Alderman of the City of Pittsburgh Pa.

I was born in Pittsburgh Pa on the 16th June 1803
I knew Thomas Forbes and his wife from my childhood up to the time of Mr Forbes death which was about the year 1820  Say from the time I was about six years old
Some years of the time I was absent from Pittsburgh My knowledge of Mr Forbes was pretty much hearsay
I remember that he was a large and fine looking Man when I first knew him  He kept a Tavern on Ferry Street think it was called the Anthony Wayne House  He had a Fishing Establishment at the Point  He was an old man when I was a child
Thomas Forbes and his wife were considered truthful and very well disposed people  It was the general current report and belief amongst the people when I was a child and Boy that Thomas Forbes was a Revolutionary Soldier and had also Served in the Indian War 

[shield shaped date stamp] DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR OCT 27 18[?] PENSION OFFICE
Page 47

I know that my Father and Thomas Forbes were intimate and Social Friends from my early recollection up to the time of Mr Forbes death
I remember that Mr Forbes was in bad health for some years before his death
I remember that my Father tryed to obtain a Pention   That he got Samuel Ewalt Peter Parchmont and another old Revolutioner named Duncan to vouch for his being in Service and entitled to a Pention the Papers were lost and he failed to procure a pention  Hon Richard Biddle Procured a Pention for my Mother some years after my Fathers death  It is many years since I seen or herd much about the Forbes Family and never pretended to change my memory with any thing relative to Mr Forbes  I have known Mrs Forbes since my childhood as a very good industrious well disposed plane truthful honest old Lady

I have seen the Declaration of Mrs Catharine Forbes and statements made by Capt John Wood Capt E F Pratt which has brought many things back to my recollection from what I learned in my youth and from what I know I have good reason to believe that those statements are correct and true
[upside down]
This statement was dictated by Alderman Henry Earle of Pittsburgh Pa  One about the same in substance was made and attested by him and sent to the Commissioner of Pentions
James May
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This statement was dictated by Alderman Henry Earle of Pittsburgh Pa One about the same in substance was made and attested by him and sent to the Commissioner of Pentions
James May

[upside down]
Biddle Procured a Pention for my Mother some years after my Fathers death It is many years since I seen or herd much about the Forbes Family and never pretended to change my memory with any thing relative to Mr Forbes I have known Mrs Forbes since my childhood as a very good industrious well disposed plane truthful honest old Lady

I have seen the Declaration of Mrs Catharine Forbes and statements made by Capt John Wood Capt E F Pratt which has brought many things back to my recollection from what I learned in my youth and from what I know I have good reason to believe that those statements are correct and true
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I was born in Pittsburgh Pa. in 1803 have resided in this place all my life  I was acquainted with Thomas Forbes & his wife since my Childhood
Mr. Forbes made many visits to my Fathers house whist I was a Child and up to the time of my Fathers death which hapened in 1813  I very often [inserted next word] herd them (my Father & Mr Forbes) talk of incedents that hapened when they were in the Revolutionary War and of incedents that hapened when they were in the US Service under Genl Wayne
I herd my Father speak of coming out to the West in company with Thomas Forbes about the year 1790  My Father often Spoke of Thomas Forbes being a fellow soldier with him in the Revolution as well as in Waynes Army
I went with my Father on many
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occasions to see Mr. Forbes at his Fishing Ground at the "Point" when they had many talks about their services in the Revolution & in Waynes Army and about their travels from Lancaster, Pa. to Fort Pitt (they came West after their service in the Revolution
I herd my Father speak of Thomas Forbes' procuring some kind of Certificate or Papers refering to his Services in the Army as a "Seventy Sixer"  I am under the impression from what I learned from my Father that Thomas Forbes was in some Battle in the Revolution allong with my Father
I often herd my Father Speak of Thomas Forbes as a very Brave efficient and good Soldier but found some fault as to his Profanity and inattention to Religion
They were very social friends and seemed to enjoy each others Company  I think Mr Forbes died about
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the year 1820  I have frequently seen Mrs. Forbes since the death of her husband but have not seen her for the past thirty years never was much acquainted with her  I have frequently herd my Father Speak of Thomas Forbes having been wounded whilst he was in the Service
I have often herd my Father Speak of David Irwin as being in the Service in both the Revolution & Indian War with 'Forbes & himself'  I remember my Father spoke more friendly of Forbes then of David Irwin  I recollect my Father speaking of Peter Parchmont & Samuel Ewalt being in the Service with them  My Fathers name was John 
John McIlwain
I remember that my Father spoke of Thomas Forbes having enlisted in the Revolutionary Army at Hagerstown Maryland
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Sworn and Subscribed 
this 11th day of Oct AD 1860
M M Brion  [hand drawn seal] 
Alderman

[shield shaped date stamp] DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 
OCT 27 18[illegible]
PENSION OFFICE

Pittsburgh Oct 19th 1860
I remember distintly to hear old Mr Short who came often to our house when I was a child Speak of my Father and Thomas Forbes being in the Battle with him at St Claire [illegible] of my Father [illegible] when he was disperately wounded in that Battle 
John McIlwain

John McIlwain is a respectable citizen of Pittsburgh Pa He makes another statement incorporating this and I think some further details which was verified and sent to the War Department
James May
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Sworn and Subscribed this
11th day of Oct AD 1860
M M Brion [hand drawn seal]
Alderman

[upper right, shield shaped date stamp] DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR OCT 27 18[illegible] PENSION OFFICE

Pittsburgh Oct 6th 1860
I was born where I now live on Squirrel hill  I was sixty years old on this 25th of Sept last  I never was acquainted with Thomas Forbes but I have seen the old Lady (Widow of Thos Forbes)  I have not seen her for the past thirty five years consiquently I may say I know nothing about Thomas Forbes or his Widow except from heresay
My Father was born in the County Tyrone Ireland  He emigrated to this Country in 1772  He made his home in Westmoreland County first say for 9 or 10 Months when His Mother with him came to Fort Pitt (now Pittsburgh) my Father lived in and near this place the ballance of his life (He was some 13 or 14 [inserted next 2 words] or 15 years old when he came to Pittsburgh (My Grand Father Irwin died on the ship when on their way to this Country) My Father joined the Revolutionary Army when he was a
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Young Man  He was in Service through the Revolution and served some time in the Army under Genl Wayne  I think he was a Spy a portion of the time  All that I can say on the subject is heresay.  I have on many occasions herd my Father speak of Thomas Forbes as being a Soldier in the Revolutionary Army  
He related many circumstances relative to Thomas' Services in the Revolution and often herd him speak of Thomas Forbes as a very brave fearless and efficient Soldier  I have reason to believe that Thomas Forbes and my Father was in the Revolutionary Army together and have reason to believe that they were intimate and friendly fellow Soldiers in the Revolution  My Father was in Waynes Army also  He talked of Thomas Forbes as a Seventy Sixer in contra distinction from the Indian War Soldiers
I will swear to this statement when called on
David Irwin

[sideways in left margin] Mr. David Irwin is a respectable Father in Allegheny County Pa.  He made a statement more full than this which he verified on Oath which I sent to War Department.  James May
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[top, in left margin] Mr. David Irwin is a respectable Father in Allegheny County Pa.  He made a statement more full than this which he verified on Oath which I sent to War Department.  James May

[sideways] Young Man  He was in Service through the Revolution and served some time in the Army under Genl Wayne  I think he was a Spy a portion of the time  All that I can say on the subject is heresay.  I have on many occasions herd my Father speak of Thomas Forbes as being a Soldier in the Revolutionary Army  
He related many circumstances relative to Thomas' Services in the Revolution and often herd him speak of Thomas Forbes as a very brave fearless and efficient Soldier  I have reason to believe that Thomas Forbes and my Father was in the Revolutionary Army together and have reason to believe that they were intimate and friendly fellow Soldiers in the Revolution  My Father was in Waynes Army also  He talked of Thomas Forbes as a Seventy Sixer in contra distinction from the Indian War Soldiers
I will swear to this statement when called on
David Irwin
Page 56

Dec 14/60
A.W. Lewis
Hagerstown, Md.

Forbes Matter -
Page 57

Hagerstown Dec 14 1860
Mr James May
Dr. Sir
Your letter of the 7th inst has been received and contents noted  I myself had no personale acquaintance with Mrs. Forbes but heard my Father Capt. W Lewis frequently speak of Forbes as being a Sergant in his comp[any?] 
I call on Capt. Geo Schryock of this place and He told me that he remembered Forbes very well a Seargent to recrute soldiers for the Indian War the said Capt Scryock remembers that family of Seltzer also appears to have a fair recollection of Cath Seltzer
I also went to the Church records of the Lutheran Church of Hagerstown and find the following record that Thomas Forbes & Catharine Seltzer were married in Hagerstown in June 1800 by the Rev. Schmoken who was the paster of the said Church at the time - Now if these items of information should be of any use to you you can send on such papers for Capt. Schryock to sign as will enable the said Widdow to recover the pension money that is now due her
Yours respectfuly
A.W Lewis
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I sent to Hon. Geo C. Whitney Commissioner of Pensions of Washington City DC (in Summer of 1860) the following Documents
The Declaration of Mrs. Catherine Forbes Widow of Sergeant Thomas Forbes with which I sent the attestation (?) of 
Mrs. Valentine
Mr. John Little
Capt. John Woods
Mrs. Sarah Faulkner
Capt. E. J. Pratt
Major Thomas McKown
John McVivain Esq.
Mr. George Gardener
Herman George Watson
Henry Earle
and several others along with which was sent a very good voucher written by our venerable friend Hon. William Wilkins who was in his youthful days well acquainted with Thomas Forbes. The old Judge said he thought the Department would award a handsome amount on the Papers submitted. He said there was no doubt of it of any affinity, he would attend to it.
2 M
Page 59

Before Sunday those papers I submitted them to several prominent Gentlemen and several that had years of experience in procuring Pensions and some who were in the employment of the US Gov. all of whom assured me that the voucher was under the circumstances very satisfactory and they thought it ample
Page 60

Please drop a line to the old Lady at Elizabeth Pa care of Mrs. Nancy Kinkerley. Give them what encouragement you can and do all you can for them
Page 61

Rock Island Oct 20th, 1862
Hon. J. K. Moorhead
MC

Dear Sir
Herewith I send you some papers referring to claim of old Mrs. Forbes for Pension & Back Pay. 
I spoke to you and to Hon. Robt McKnight on the subject in 1860.
The papers I now send are some copies and some rough memoranda. 
The original papers in the case were sent to Washington many years since by a Captain Morrow, who lost them.
Another set of vouchers was gathered up by Major John Willock and some of her neighbors who had some knowledge of the merit of the claim. Those papers were placed in the hands of Samuel Kingston Esq. In the great fire of the 10th Apt 1845, Mr. Kingston and the papers were consumed. Some time after that Major John Willock & Capt. John B. Guthrie hunted up some vouchers and made another trial. They procured a Land Warrant for the old Lady for which it seems she realized some eighty or ninety dollars which is all that I can learn. She was obtained
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I am now fifty eight years old.
When I was about seven years old I was a school fellow of one of Mr. Forbes children and had some knowledge of the Family from that time onwards.
Among what I know and from the information I have obtained I am clearly and fully convinced that said Thomas Forbes was a brave and efficient soldier and non Commissioned officer in the U.S. Army from his boyhood. That he was in some service engagements in the Indian War under Genl. Wayne and was severely wounded. That he suffered many years from the effects of those wounds. I know that this old Lady had several years of toil privation and embarrassment in nursing and care of the old Gentleman.
He was old fifty years age and she was then called old Mrs. Forbes. With the proofs that have been furnished the applicant an honest and excellent good woman with unblemished record. The widow of a faithful and efficient old soldier who suffered a series of years from the effects of wounds received in Battle of his country. His widow now in abject woman with the proof of more than ninety winters on
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her head can receive no support on account of some contemptable technicality which technicality could easily be swept away if the old Lady had some prince.
The Papers I sent you should be enough to lead to vouchers that will provide from the Department something handsome for the old Lady and the remnant of her Family. If there is anything that I can do to facilitate the collection of the amount due in this case let me know and I will do anything that I can with propriety do I have no interest and have no motive but to have justice done to a deserving old Lady. I do hope you can and will obtain something handsome in this case.
Yours respectfully
James May
now of Rock Island Ills.

PS
I do think there is real merit enough in this Good Old Lady's case to warrant a strong appeal to the authorities to give this case a liberal consideration that will procure prompt action as the time left to do justice to the poor old Lady may be short. If she survives to the opening of Congress if all else fails do ask for something that you have.
J.M.
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Pittsburgh Oct 24, 1862
Hon Joseph Bennett
Commissioner of Pensions

Dear Sir
Herewith find a letter from your Dept in reference to the claim of Catherine Forbes for a pension as widow of Thomas Forbes.
I included a mass of papers principally copies of originals. Most are alleged to be on file in your office. These papers very [illegible] name light when the case, and enable you to find the original papers and give them an examination.
The old lady is the widow of Thomas Forbes is in great destitution and a small pittance would be of great value to her.
Respectfully yours
J. Moorhead
Page 65

Pittsburgh Sept 5, 1861
Hon W. Helmick

Dear Sir
I ask that the claim of the widow of Thomas Forbes (now ninety two years of age) for a pension for services in the War of 1812 & 15 and the Indian War in which he was wounded, was filed in the pension office in May 1861, will you please have the papers examined & let me know wherein they are deficient if at all. 
Respectfully yours
J. K. Moorhead

Resubmitted unanswered
Page 66

Dec 24/60
A. W. Lewis
Hagerstown
Md
Forbes matter
Page 67

Hagerstown Dec 24, 1860
Mr. James May

Dear Sir
Yours of the 19th is In hand.
My father acted as a Sergeant under Capt. W. Heyse and I can not (?) say of any other company being enlisted from here for the Revolutionary War. Inwith see from the date that Mrs. Forbes states her husband came from Ireland was the same year that the Revolutioanry War came to a close. Capt. W. Heyes Company was served here July 1776 and was attached to the Germain Battalion commanded Col Hoosecker. If he should have been in that company (?) his name in roll of that company at the War Department Washington. My father never recalled any company but for the Indian War.
Yours Respectfully
A. W. Lewis

Capt. A. W. Lewis I have no doubt will do all that he can dot have the marriage certificate procured if possible and sent to him.
J. M.
Page 68

Sept 14 62
Mrs. Forbes
Widow
Thom Forbes

Nancy Kinkerley
Answered lett
Sept 24, ‘62
Page 69

Eliabeth Penn Sept the 17th, 1862

Honored Sir
I am the daughter of Widow Forbes and write for her as she is in the 90 second year and cannot attend to any business as far as writing is concerned.
My Mother never married my Father died in 1820
The letters that were sent on were gotten up by Capt. James May of Davenport Town. I believe all the information that could be had was sent there. They were examined once by George V. Lawrence and he said the wanted proof that my Mother was the wife of the said Thomas Forbes. There was a letter sent from Hagerstown by Wayne Lewis taken from the church book to prove that
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I think the papers were sent on in May. I will write to the Capt and ascertain from him we have not heard of him since he left the City. There is a letter from Judge Wilkins and I think Judge Shalon they were both well acquainted with my Father. Now sir if you can do anything to relieve the poor old widow and myself you should be rewarded.
Judge Wilkins said if he was there when them papers came there would be no difficulty in getting the pension.
Yours with Due respect
Nancy Kinckerley
Page 71

Statement of Mr. Alexander McClinton an old citizen of Pittsburgh Pa.
Made Oct 25, 1860

I was born in Chester County Pa in 1779.
I came to Pittsburgh to live in 1810 was well acquainted with Thomas Forbes and his Wife from 1810 up to the time of Mr. Forbes’ death. I kept a tavern on the corner of Water & Liberty Street which Thoas Forms kept often Anthony Wayne House on Terry between 1st & 2nd Streets.
I was frequently in Mr. Forbes’ house and he was frequently in my house.
It is many years since I have seen or known anything about the Forbes family
I have read the Sworn Statements made by Mrs. Catherine Forbes, Mrs. Elizabeth Valentine, Captain John Woods, Capt. E. F. Pratt & George Gardner all which has brought back to my recollection many things that were forgotten, but which are now clear to my mind. From the knowledge I had of Mr. & Mrs. Forbes with what I learned and heard from old soldiers of the Revolution and what I know of the general character for truth of Mrs. Forbes, Capt. John Woods, Capt. E. F. Pratt and George Gardner, I can say I have good reason to believe and do believe that their statements are honest and truthful statements. There is much in these
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Statements that I know to be true. Indeed there is so much in them that I know to be true, that I am well convinced that the Statements are in the main true.
My Father was in the Revolutionary Army under General Washington at the time that I was born. I have listened to many tales of old soldiers at Forbes’ and elsewhere.

I made this manuscript statement from the dictation of Mr. Alexander McClinton with the understanding that he was to put his affidavit to it. There was no officer near [illegible] which he made it (a short distance from Allegheny City) Where I seen time again he made a full statement [illegible] which with the Sworn Statements mentioned were sent to the War Department at Washington City D. C.
James May
Page 73

Statement of John Little, who is a respectable old Newspaper Editor more than fifty years a resident in Pittsburgh.
I was born in Washington, Washington County Pa  on 17th March 1792. I came to Pittsburgh on 3rd January 1810. I was then an apprentice to Benjamin Brown Esq Editor & Proprietor of the Newspaper “Comm[illegible]”.
Soon after I came to Pittsburgh I became acquainted with “Sergeant Thomas Forbes” and his family. Sergeant T was then an old man was a Pilot on the River and was keeper or proprietor of the Anthony Wayne Tavern on Ferry Street. His wife who seemed to be some ten or fifteen  years younger than her husband attended to their house. The Wayne House was a place of resort for many old officers & soldiers of the Revolution of the Indian War and of many respectable citizens.
My father was in the Revolutionary Army served some time in the Indian War and was in the Whiskey Insurrection. I had several uncles and relatives who were in the Revolution and in the Indian War. Consequently, I took some interest in listening to reminiscences of the Wars. I very frequently listened to old men who had been in service in the Revolution and in the Indian Wars. From what I learned from these old Gentlemen with what I
Page 74

Learned from my Father who often spoke of Thomas Forbes being in the Revolution and in the Indian War when he (my Father) was in the same service was stationed at different prints. I have reason to believe and do believe that the said Thomas Forbes was a sergeant in the Revolutionary War. That he served some years also in the Indian War. I have seen statements made on oath by Mrs. Catherine Forbes, Captain John Woods, Captain E. F. Pratt, Mr. Alexander McClintock and Mr. George Gardner (a Coloured Man) These statements have refreshed my memory in many matters. I have a personal knowledge and clear recollection of much that is contained in those statements.
From my knowledge of many facts as well as from the Confidence I have in the parties I have good reason to believe and do believe that all the said statements are convincing and truthfully made. I have seen the statement made on oath by Mrs. Elizabeth Valentine. I can say that I have known the Burk Family since 1797. The Family lives on a Farm belonging to my Father Unckle on the Philadelphia Road about three miles from Washington Pa. I heard they came originally from Hagerstown
Page 75

I remember hearing of Old Mr. Burke dying suddenly away from home. Several circumstances stated by Mrs. Valentine I know to be true her character I believe was always good for honesty and truth.
I believe her statement is an honest one. The intercourse I had with the Forbes Family from 1810 to the time of Mr. Forbes’ death made me familiar with a great many circumstances to convince me that Thomas Forbes was a Sergeant and an efficient soldier in the Revolutionary Army was in serve at St. Claires Defeat and was in service under Genl. Wayne.
I know that he suffered shockingly from sores and pains said to be caused by wounds me received whilst was in the service of the U.S. I know that the old Lady has been a very industrive well disposed woman and always sustained an excellent character for truth honesty and general good conduct.
M. McBrick (Seal) John Little
Alderman and ex officer  Justice of the Peace

This deposition is instead of one that was given on 2nd of Oct.
Page 76

Pittsburgh Oct 4th 1860
I am now in my seventy second year was born at Woods’ Run 3 miles below Pittsburgh where I have resided all my life until about six years since when I moved to Megs County Ohio (Ravine Ohio) [illegible]
I became acquainted with Thomas Forbes and his wife in Pittsburgh in 1806. I knew them well up to the time of Mr. Forbes’ death which was about the year 1820. I was on board Boats in Company with Boats that Mr. Forbes was on, running from Pittsburgh to Louisville. Say two things and knew Mr. Forbes as Pilot or Captain of Keel Boats on the River [illegible].
In 1812 I think he took a US Government Boat to New Orleans. He was apparently an old man when I first seen him.
Mr. Forbes on many occasions talked to myself and others about incidents that happened to him while he was in the Army. I seen marks or scars apparently of severe wounds he received whilst in the service of the U.S. I was in General Fannihill’s Office where my Father & Thomas Forbes received from General Fannihill a Certificate of Services and honorable discharge in and from the U.S. Army. I recalled that Old Peter Parchment Capt. Samuel Ewall was a [illegible] for there was some other man in the office whose names I do not now recollect.
The were called Seventy Sixers
Page 77

Mr. Forbes was older than my Father I think the Certificates were given to my Father & Mr. Forbes in the year 1809.
I often heard my Father speak of “Old Tom” Thomas Forbes being in the Revolutionary Army and was in the Indian Wars under General Wayne.
My Father received a Printing up to the time of his death and after his decease the [illegible] of the amount was paid to my Mother during her life.
My Father died in 1819 my Mother died in 1843.
I was well acquainted with Thomas Forbes & his wife. I presume Mr. F was some ten or twelve years older than his wife. I went to Town with my Father the day he procured his Certificate and seen the Certificate handed to Thomas Forbes by General Fannihill.
There were three or four Certificates or discharges given by Beneral Fannihill at that time which I was in the office.

City of Pittsburgh ss
Before me an Alderman in hand for Suice City personally appeared a Capt. John Wood, who being duly sworn doth depose and say that the above statement is true to the best of his knowledge and belief. 
Sworn and Subscribed this 4th day of Oct A.D. 1810. John Woods, Esq.
M. McBrick (Seal)
Alderman
Page 78

Statement of Vallentine Short of Manchester
I was born near Charties Creek in 1793. My Father’s name was Martin Short. He was born in the City of Dublin Ireland. He came to this Country when he was young.
He was pressed into the service in the Revolutionary Army when he was only eighteen years old. Do not recollect where he was when he went into the Revolutionary Army but am under the impression it was at or about Hagerstown Maryland. Do not recollect how long my Father said he was in the Revolutionary Army, but remember that he spoke of being the Army and being an eye witness to General Cornwallis giving up his sword to General George Washington. I think my Father said that he and all the Militia were discharged about that time and that the Regulars were retained. I head many incidents related by my Father regarding his Services in the Revolution as well as of his services in the Indian Wars. He was pressed into service in the Indian War some years after he was married.
He was very severely wounded at the Battle of St. Claires defeat. That wound made a prominent mark on his forehead which was prominent the day he died. I think my Father was between 87 & 88 years old when he died. He died in 1840.
I did not pay much attention to reminiscences of the old man and did not change my memory therefore I do not pretend to know much about these matters
Page 79

I was acquainted with Thomas Forbes but cannot call to mind any knowledge regarding his Services in the Army.
I remember him as a Fisherman and as keeping a Tavern on Ferry Street. His Fishing Ground at the Point. He was a large man I remember that he was afflicted the last years of his life with running sores. I was in his house one day when his wife was dressing his sores on his shoulder which was the mark a severe cut. I would think he had been a splendid looking Man. His Wife was apparently a good bit younger than him. 
Forbes was severely afflicted with sores for some years before he died. He died some where about the year 1820.
My memory is not very good on these subjects. My sister Mrs. Sarah Faulkner is several years older than me was a great deal with my Father and should know a great deal more than I do of incidents related by my Father and his old acquaintances.
My sister Srah has been blind the past eight years but her memory seems to good and unimpaired. 
Witness James May
V. Short

Sworn and subscribed before me this Thirtieth day of October A. D. 1860.
B. C. Caughey
Burgess
Borough of Manchester
Pennsylvania
Page 80

Statement of Mrs. Sarah Faulkner a Daughter of Martin Short who was a soldier under General St. Claire in the U.S. Army and was also in the Revolutionary Army. 
I was born near Chartiers Creek a few miles from Pittsburgh Pa.
I do not know my age exactly but believe I was about five years old when my Father was pressed into service in the Army. I remember the distress in the family was very great when Daddy was taken away from us. Mommy had no one to help her and had four little children then.
I remember the time and many things that happened about that time. I suppose that hearing these things talked about so much afterwards kept me in the remembrance.
I remember when my Father came home he was in a bad way with two defeats. He was wounded in the forehead and in the shoulder. He suffered
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Severely from his wounds for some time after he came home. The wound on the forehead was a very severe one and was painful to him for years. He could not after that do much work or expose himself in the hot sun. 
I heard him relate many circumstances connected with his service in the wars but did not change my memory with them and I had no idea of ever being questioned about such things and now they are nearly all gone out of my mind.
I was very well acquainted with Thomas Forbes and his wife.
I must have been acquainted with Mr. Forbes since I was a slip of a girl. I was more acquainted with Mrs. Forbes than I was with him.
I remember very well that I heard Daddy talk about Tom Forbes very often. I know they were great friends and very sociable as long as they lived
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Near each other. Mr. Forbes used to come often to see Daddy. I remember very well that Daddy often spoke of the very great kindness that was shown to him by Tom Forbes and another man whose name I cannot ind. They paid very great attention to him at the time that he was wounded in the Battle of St. Claires defeat. When he was not able to help himself they caried him to a place to be taken care of and attended to him. He said Forbes got a slight wound in the leg at the same time but that it did not hurt him much or hinder him from acting the part of a good friend. Tom Forbes came often to see Daddy when he worked at Ohaus Glass works when I was a girl before I was married I many and many a time listened to them talking about things that happened when they were out in the war.
I remember that there used to be several old soldiers who used to be together
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And talk about what happened in the war.
It is many years since I seen or heard of Mr. or Mrs. Forbes. I think it must be about forty years since Mr. Forbes died. I have not seen Mrs. Forbes for twenty years. I have been blind in the past eight years. I remember to hear Daddy speak about Tom Forbes being a messmate with him. I took it that they both eat together when they were in the Army. I know from the way they talked together and from what I learned from my Father when I was young that him and Forbes were very intimate friends and fellow soldiers.
I know that Henry Shafer was one of the old soldiers that had many talks with Forbes & my Father. I recollect that old John Woods was another
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Intimate friend with them and was an old soldier. I remember hearing them speaking about David Twin of Squirrel Hill being an intimate friend and old croner an old soldier but I never was acquainted with David Twin.
Daddy died well on to twenty years ago. He was very old, said to be nearly a hundred years old when he died. My Father got a Pention a short time before he died.
Sarah Faulkner
X her mark

Witness
James May
Wm. B. Ross

Alleghany County ss:
Personally appeared before me the subscribed a Justice of the Peace in and for said County the above named Sarah Faulkner who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that the above and foregoing statement is correct and true to the best of her knowledge and belief. Sworn and subscribed this 17th day of October A.D. 1860
Sarah Faulkner
X her mark
Wm. B. Ross J.P.
Page 85

Pittsburgh Oct 22nd, 1860
Statement Capt. E. F. Pratt

I was born in Boston Mass on 22nd April 1787
I came to Pittsburgh to live in the year 1811 about which time I became acquainted with Thomas Forbes & his wife. Mr. Forbes was then an old man and his wife an oldish Lady apparently say ten or twelve years younger than her husband. I regarded them as very well disposed people.
I went out as a Volunteer in Capt. Butler’s Company (The Pittsburgh Blues) in 1812. After I returned to Pittsburgh say from 1814 up to the time of Mr. Forbes’ decease I was well acquainted with Mr. and Mrs. Forbes.
Mr. Forbes was a man of education of extraordinary mental and physical prowess and was blessed with an astonishing memory. He was a companionable social man. His house was a place of resort for many old Revolutioners as well as soldiers with later dates. My experience in the War of 1812 made me feel an interest in listening to reminiscences of old
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Old soldiers. Mr. Forbes house was called the “Anthony Wayne House” it was on Ferry between 1st and 2nd street.
I spent many evenings in the house. I listened to many reminiscences of the Revolution and of the Indian War related by old soldiers who had been in the service. I remember on some occasions disputes would arise between old soldiers as to time circumstances names &c referring to the Revolution and the Indian War. The old men would call on old “Tom Forbes” to decide the dispute
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And efficient soldier in the Indian War. The reminiscences of the Indian War was then fresh in the memory of many and Thomas Forbes was then known as a brave energetic and efficient old soldier. Even his looks indicated the brave soldier I know that he was spoken of by many of the old soldier as a man of extraordinary courage and efficiency in the Army. From all that I have learned regarding Thomas Forbes from intercourse with his friends and acquaintances from 1811 to 1820 about which later date he died.
I can say that I have good reason to believe that he entered the Revolutionary Army when a young man held the office of Sergeant and was honorably discharged. That he was some years in service in the Indian War.
From information I obtained with what I know of the man I have good reason to believe that he was one of the best soldiers in the Army. From what I have learned and know of the old Lady I can say I have great reason to believe that she has been all his life and is now truthful honest
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Industrious and well disposed.
I remember that Thomas Forbes had a Silver Cup with an inscription in reference to Wayne’s Victory in 1794. Mr. Forbes seemed to regard that as a sacred memento of the Donon who was a favorite fellow soldier in the War with him. I seen and rank out of that cup in 1812. I note Captain William Morrow in Mr. Forbes’ house. I heard him speaking of Mr. Forbes being entitled to a pension. Captain Morrow seemed to be a friend of Mr. Forbes. 
Mr. Forbes was for some years before his death shockingly afflicted with recurring sores. His wife had a heavy burden on her by his long sickness with several children to support and with all the old Lady sustained a high character for truth honesty and [illegible].
E. F. Pratt

Sworn and Subscribed this 1st day of Nov AD 1860
M. McBrick (Seal)
Alderman and ex officer
Justice of the Peace
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I am I think about seventy years old. I was well acquainted with Thomas Forbes from about the year 1806 up to the time of his death which was I think about forty years ago. I have not seen or known anything about Mrs. Forbes for more than twenty five years.
I have just heard a statement made by Mr. May that I was said to be (?) by Captain E. F. Pratt which is the first I have known or heard of the Forbes Family for many years. This statement has brought many things back to my memory.
I have now a clear recollection of many things sated by Captain Pratt.
That Mr. Forbes was a splendid looking and powerful man every way I know is true. I spent a great deal of time in the Anthony Wayne Tavern kept by Mr. Forbes on Ferry Street. I often seen old Revolutionaries in the house and had (?) of talks about the Revolution and about the Indian Wars. It was the general talk and belief that Mr. Forbes was
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An Officer a Sergeant in the Revolution and a great soldier in the Indian War. I know that Mr. Forbes had a wonderful memory. He was considered a very brave and fearless man and a very good honest man.
I remember that he had a silver cup that had something on it about Wayne’s Victory. I seen that cup in or about the year 1816. I seen Mr. Forbes showing it to his friends frequently. I seen Captain Wm. Morrow & Capt. Pratt in the house frequently.
I know that Mr. Forbes was shockingly afflicted with sores and pains for some years before his death. In fact from being so much in the house, and having so much chance to learn the circumstances related by Capt. Pratt, I can say I have good reason to believe that Capt. E. F. Pratt’s statement is all true. Mrs. Forbes was always considered an extraordinary well disposed industrious honest and truthful woman.

George Gardner
X his mark

Witness
James May
John Irwin, Alderman

Sworn and Subscribed before me this 24th day of October AD 1860
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Pittsburgh Oct 25th 1860
Statement of Major Thomas McKown who is an old citizen of Pittsburgh.

I was born in Pittsburgh on 21st Nov 1795. I became acquainted or should say seen Sergeant Forbes in Pittsburgh in the year 1806. He was a large and fine patty looking old man who had the appearance of a Military Man I seen and hear a good deal of Mr. Forbes from 1806 to 1810 but did not know much of him from that time. I have just seen a statement made by Capt. E. F. Pratt which has brought many things back to my memory.
From what I know with the confidence I have in Capt. Pratt and the opportunity that I know he had to acquire reliable information I can say I have good reason to believe that Capt. Pratt has made a very proper and true statement.
I have seen a statement of George Gardner in reference to Mr. & Mrs. Forbes. I have known George Gardner well since 1805. I know that George was a great deal of his time near and about Thomas Forbes Tavern on Ferry Street and from my knowledge of George Gardner’s character for truth with my knowledge of the Forbes family I have good
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Reason to believe that George Garner’s statement is correct.
Sworn and Subscribed this 25th day of April AD 1860
Thomas McKown

M. McBrick (seal)
Alderman
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Statement of John McIlwain Esq a well known respectable citizen of Pittsburgh Pa given Oct 31st 1860 have resided here all my life.
I have been acquainted with Thomas Forbes and his wife since my childhood.
Mr. Forbes made many visits to my father’s house whilst I was a child and up to the time of my Father’s death which happened in 1813. I very often heard my Father and Mr. Forbes talk of incidents that happened whilst they were in the Revolutionary War and of incidents that happened when they were in the Indian War.
I often heard my Father speak of coming out to the back woods in Company with Thomas Forbes about the year 1790. He said they traveled together from Lancaster Pa to Fort Pitt. My Father’s name was John. 
My father made many visits to Mr. Forbes fishing ground at the Print when I accompanied him and there I heard a great deal from my Father of a Mr. Forbes and many others who were said to be of a Revolution about many circumstance connected with the Revolution and with the Indian. I distinctly remember to hear old Mr. Short who often visited our house when I was a child speak of my Father and Thomas Forbes speak of my Father and a Thomas Forbes being in the Battle of St. Claire’s defeat and rendering him very great assistance when he was
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Very severely and dangerously wounded in that Battle.
I heard my Father speak of his friend Thomas Forbes procuring some kind of Certificate of his services in the Revolutionary Army or as a “seventy sixer”.
I am under the impression from the conversations of my Father that Thomas Forbes and him were in some battle in the Revolution together I heard my Father speak very frequently of Thomas Forbes being a very brave and efficient soldier, an excellent man and reliable companion. I remember that my Father spoke in very kind terms of Mr. Forbes and said he never found any fault to Thomas Forbes except that he would swear. They were very social friends and seemed to enjoy each others company. I think Mr. Forbes died about forty years since I have not seen Mrs. Forbes for about thirty years.
I remember that my Father spoke David Irwin of Squirrel Hill
John Woods of Woods Run
Samuel Erwalth, Peter Parchment } who lived near Pittsburgh
And many others then in this neighborhood as being companions in the Revolution with Forbes and himself. I have read the Declaration of Mrs. Catherine Forbes and statements made by Capt. E. F. Pratt, Col McKown & Col. Dichl, much that is in those statements I know to be true and have good reason to believe that they are consciously made.
Isaac McIlwain

Sworn and subscribed before me this 31 day of Oct 1860
Geo. Wilson
Mger
Page 95

Alleghany County
City of Pittsburgh

Personally appeared before the subscribed an Alderman and ex officer a Justice of the Peace in said County and City, George Watson of lawful age and a resident of said City, who being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith that to the best of his knowledge he is now seventy five years of age; and further saith he was acquainted with Thomas Forbes about the year AD 1808. From that time until his death, when deposed first knew Thomas Forbes he was then an old man past the prime of life. As to his military services, the deponent knows nothing further than common reputation which was that he served in General Wayne’s campaign against the Indians, so many years has deposed since my acquaintance of the deceased, that it is not within my power of memory to recollect any justicalan connection with Thomas Forbes concerning the service other than the Revolutionary war on his services, in General Fray’s army but my impressions are that he served in the revolutionary war and under General Wayne; I am lent to this conclusion both from his age, and general reputation, during my acquaintance with Tomas Forbes he followed the occupation of fishing in our rivers and Piloting Boats down the Ohio, and Mississippi rivers to New Orleans

Over=
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Catherine the widow of Thomas Forbes resides in Pittsburgh and has so resided for many years since the decease of her husband, and is in very poor circumstances is aged and infirm and without any visible means for her support. Her general character for truth is good as deponent verily believes.
Sworn to and subscribed before me the scribe this 12th day of May AD 1860
M. McBrick
Alderman and ex officer

Geo. Watson
Justice of the Peace
Page 97

Statement of David Irwin who is the son of an old Revolutioner (?) Oct 6, 60

I was born where I now live on Squirrel Hill 4 miles from Pittsburgh. I was sixty years old on 25th day of Sept last.
I never was acquainted with Thomas Forbes but have seen the old Lady widow of the said Thomas Forbes. I have not seen her for the past thirty five years. Consequently I may say I know nothing about Thomas Forbes or his widow except from heresay. My Father was born in Ireland. He emigrated to this country in 1772. He came with his mother to Fort Pitt about the year 1773. He made his home in and near Pittsburgh the balance of his life. My Father joined the Revolutionary Army when he was a young man. He was in service through the Revolution and served some time in the Indian War under Genl Wayne think he was a portion of the time a spy. All that I can say about Thomas Forbes is heresay.
I have on many occasions heard my father speak of Thomas Forbes as being a soldier in the Revolutionary Army. From the
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Many conversations I have from my Father on the subject. I have good reason to believe and do believe that the said Thomas Forbes was a fellow soldier in the Revolutionary Army with my Father. From my Father’s language when he spoke of Thomas Forbes I have reason to believe that he was a brave, fearless and efficient soldier.
I have good reason to believe that my Father and the said Thomas Forbes were intimate and friendly fellow soldiers in the Revolutionary Army and were both also in the Indian War. My Father often talked of his old friend Thomas Forbes as a “Seventy Sixer”. I have heard my Father speak frequently of Mass Martin Short, Peter Parchment & Samuel Edward as companions with him in the Revolution.
From what I learned in my young days from my Father and others with the knowledge have of Capt. E. F. Pratt after seeing his statement I can say I have good reason to believe and do believe that Capt. E. F. Pratt has made a correct statement.
David Irwin
Sworn and Subscribed this 3rd day of May AD 1840
M. McBrick (Seal)
Alderman and ex officer Justice of the Peace
Page 99

Statement of Mr. Alexander Middintock an old Citizen of Pittsburgh Pa.

I was born in Chester County Pa in AD 1779 my Father was in service in the Revolutionary Army at the time what I was born at least that is what I learned and have reason to believe.
I came to Pittsburgh to live in 1810. I was well acquainted with Thomas Forbes and his wife from 1810 until the time of Mr. Forbes’ death which was about 1820. I kept Tavern on Water Street whilst Forbes kept the Anthony Wayne Tavern on Ferry Street. 
We made many friendly assists to each others houses. I had good opportunity to hear and know a great deal about Thomas Forbes. It is many years since I seen or heard much about the Forbes family.
I have listened carefully to the reading of Sworn Statements made by Mrs. Catherine Forbes by Captain John Woods and by Capt. E. F. Pratt. In those statements have brought many things back clearly to my memory, much that is in those statements regarding the character of Mrs. Forbes. The general report on a belief illegible] Forbes been a Revolutionary Soldier a sargeant Boats Man to I know to be true. From my acquaintance with
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Forbes. His wife has a house his association on the knowledge. I have of the chance of Mrs. Forbes Capt John Woods and Capt E. F. Pratt for truth I have good reason to believe and do believe that their statements in reference to Thomas Forbes as an old soldier is proper and correct and have reason to believe that their statements are all correct and true. 

City of Alleghany ss
Personally appeared before me Subscribes an Alderman in and for said city, Alexander McClintock of New County of State of Pennsylvania who being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith that in fact, set forth is as above inscribed [illegible] are true and correct. And to the best of their knowledge and belief.
Sworn and Subscribed to this 30th day of Oct 1860
James Miller, Ald
Page 101

Statement of Mr. Wm Small near Lawrenceville, Alleghany City Pa

I was born on Ferry Street Pittsburgh Pa. I am now I believe between seventy four and seventy five years old.

I became acquainted with Thomas Forbes and his wife about the year 1806. Mr. Forbes was then an old man and his wife an oldish woman say some ten years younger than her husband.
They had then a family several children. Mr. Forbes was a large man. The last years of his life he had a fishing establishment at the Point and kept a Tavern (Wayne House) in Ferry Street. I heard many talk by Forbes himself and many others in reference to Thomas Forbes being a soldier in the Revolutionary Army and of his being a soldier also in the Indian War I frequently heard of his having served two or three terms and being many years in the Army
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I heard many old persons (some of whom were old soldiers) speak of Thomas Forbes being an efficient soldier in the Revolution, as well as in Wayne's Army.
It was the general report and belief in my young days say from 1816 up to the time of Mr. Forbes' death which must have been about the year 1820 that Thomas Forbes was a Revolutionary soldier. The fact of his being a soldier in Wayne's Army was a common report that seemed to be well known in my young days. His house was a place of resort for many of his old Army acquaintances where I heard many incidents related in reference to the Revolution as well as the Indian Wars. I was young then and did not change my memory with them. It is many years since I seen or knew anything about the Forbes Family did not until a few weeks since know where the old Lady lived. I know that Mr. Forbes was in bad health some years before he died. He was afflicted with recurring sores said to be partly the result of wounds he received while he was in the Army
Page 103

It has been so long since I had any intercourse with the Forbes Family that many circumstances that might be important as testimony has entirely escaped my memory. 
I knew Mr. Forbes when he was a New Orleans Pilot. He came several times in the stage from Philadelphia & from Baltimore whilst I was a stage driver. He was then a splendid looking man I seen and knew old Charles Seltzer and his wife who were said to be the Father & Mother of Mrs. Forbes. They were very old people. It was their general report that Thomas Forbes was a sergeant everybody almost knowed that fact. In my young days I knew John Woods David Irwin Samuel Ewalt and some other old men who like Thomas Forbes were all called "Seventy Sixers" but cannot recollect much particularly about those old circumstances.
Mrs. Forbes was a plane woman but was always considered honest truthful and humane. She was a good woman anything she would tell you, you might depend on it being exactly as she would tell it. The Father and Mother of Mrs.
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Forbes died many years since
Lawrenceville Oct-22-1860
Wm Small
James May
Borough of Lawrenceville
Alleghany County ss
Before me one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared above named Wm Small and doth depose and say that the within instrument of writing is true and correct, to the best of his knowledge.
Sworn and subscribed to before me at Lawrenceville this 25th day of October, 1860
William Jancey
Justice of the Peace (seal)
Page 105

Statement of Mr. George Lighthill of Alleghany City Pa

I was born in Pittsburgh then called Fort Pitt. I was seventy six years old on the 19th of March last. I have lived in and near Pittsburgh all my life.
I was well acquainted with Thomas Forbes and his wife. I did not become intimate or friendly with them until after Mr. Forbes commenced fishing at the Point which was about 1814. I know he had Piloted Boats down the Rover some years before I became intimate with him. He was a very stout smart resolute and courageous man. 
He was very jovial and active sociable man some years after I became acquainted with him he was very much afflicted by recurring sores which must have been very painful. 
He told me he attributed the affliction to the wounds he received when he was in Wayne's Army where he was wounded by an Indian with a poison Tomahawk. I twice seen a mark of a severe wound he had on his left shoulder. The mark was between four & five inches long. I heard many times and from many of the old soldiers about Thomas Forbes being a brave and efficient soldier. I think what I heard about his services in the Army was in reference to the Indian War.
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I heard many times conversations of many of his old fellow soldiers talking about events in the war &c but I never changed my memory or paid much attention to them. A great number of Forbes' soldier acquaintances resided to visit the point and have talks with him. I heard many of them saying they had been out in the Army with him and that he was or had been out in the Army with them. Many of them spoke of him as a very good and brave soldier.
George Lighthill
x his mark

Witness
James May
Wm B. Ross

Alleghany County ss
Personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Mr. George Lighthill who being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith that above and foregoing statement is correct and true according to the best of his knowledge and belief sworn and subscribed this seventeenth day of October AD 1860
George Lighthill
x his mark
Wm. B. Ross JP
Page 107

Statement of Spencer Miller a reputable colored man made Oct 29, 60
I came to Pittsburgh in 1812 I was then about fifteen years old. 
I lived for several years in the neighborhood of Mr. Thomas Forbes, Anthony Wayne Tavern. I lived some time at Mr. Daniel Betzhoover's where one of Mr. Forbes daughters lived. The Betzhoover family were from Hagerstown Maryland where it was said the Forbes family came from. It is many years since I head or knew anything about the Forbes Family. I have listened carefully to the reading of statements made by Mrs. Catherine Forbes, Capt. John Woods, Capt. E. F. Pratt & George Gardner.
Their statements contain many facts that I have knowledge of. They brough to my recollection many facts that I have not thought of for many years. I can say I have considerable opportunity to know a great deal about Mr. & Mrs. Forbes and the facts as to the House being a place of resort for old Revolutioners, Boat Captains, and respectable citizens and of the general report of Mr. Forbes being a sergeant in the Revolution. Theirs is so much in the said statements that I know to be true
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and from my personal knowledge of the character for truth and honesty of all the parties who made the statement have good reason to believe and do believe those statements are all honestly true. I know what old Mrs. Forbes was always considered an honest good woman since I first seen her. I know that Capt. Woods Pratt & Wm Morrow frequented the Wayne House. I know what old Mr. David Brown and  many other old Revolutioners used to be sociable with Thomas Forbes.
I know that George Gardner used to be a great deal about the House and had good opportunity to learn a great deal. I know that George Gardner was and is considered one of the most intelligent coloured men in this town and  man of excellent moral character.
I know that Mr. Forbes was severely afflicted with sores and sickness for several years before his death. He had to abandon his fishing business at the Point on account of his sickness.
Spencer Miller
x his mark

Witness
James May

Sworn and subscribed this 31st day of Oct AD 1860
M Mc.Brick (Seal)
Alderman
Page 109

Statement made by Col. R. C. Thompson who is an old resident in and near Pittsburgh made the 29th Oct 1860.
I was born at Hamilton Hall 12 miles above Pittsburgh in 1794. Have resided in Pittsburgh and near all my life. 
My father George Thompson was a Captain of a Company of Minute Men at Fort Pitt in time of the Revolution. My grandfather Wm. Thompson was a General in the Revolutionary army. 
I became acquainted with Thomas Forbes and his wife in AD 1806. Forbes kept the Anthony Wayne House in Ferry Street. I was very often in the house. I knew that it was a place of resort for Revolutionary Soldiers as well as for many respectable citizens. Mr. Forbes was mentally and physically an extraordinary man and was blessed with an excellent memory. I have been many times entertained in the Wayne house listening to reminiscences of Revolutionary Soldiers. It was the general report and belief in my young days that Thomas Forbes was a sergeant in the Revolutionary Army and had also been in service in the Indian War. I have just seen a declaration made by old Mrs. Forbes and have seen depositions of Capt. John Woods, Maj Thomas
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McKown and George Gardner which has refreshed my memory in many particulars. From what I know myself with what I know of all the parties making said propositions with the opportunity I know they had to acquire information.
I have very good reason to believe and do believe that those statements are all conscientiously and properly made after careful examination I cannot see anything in any of those statements that I consider improper.
Sworn and Subscribed this 30th day of Oct AD 1861
M McBrick (seal)
Alderman
Robert C. Thompson
Page 111

Pittsburgh Oct 28 1860
Statement of Henry Earl Esq an Alderman of the City Pittsburgh

I was born in Pittsburgh on 19th June 1803. I have been acquainted with Thomas Forbes and his wife since I was say six years old up to the time of Mr. Forbes death which was about 1820. They kept a tavern in Ferry Street. Mr. Forbes had a fishing place at the Point. I think the Tavern was called "Anthony Wayne House" Mr. & Mrs. Forbes were large and fine looking persons. Their character for truth and honesty was I believe very good. My Father was in the Revolutionary Army. He made an attempt to procure a Pention. Samuel Ewall, Peter Parchment and another old Revolutioner named Dunean were vouchers for my Father's services in the Revolution. Father's papers were lost. He failed to procure a Pention. Through the intemperance of Hon. Richard Biddle my Mother procured a Pention on account of my Father's service in the Revolutionary Army.
I know that my Father and said Thomas Forbes were very intimate and social friends  from my early recollection up to the time of Mr. Forbes' death
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It was the general report and belief that said Thomas Forbes was a soldier or a Sergeant in the Revolutionary Army and that he had also been in service in the Indian war under General Wayne. 
It is many years since I have known or heard anything in reference to Thomas Forbes except what I have heard within a few days.
The statement I see made by Mrs. Catherine Forbes, Mrs. Elizabeth Valentine, Captain John Woods, Capt. E. F. Pratt and a coloured man named George Gardner has brought many things to my memory that I know to be fact, and from my knowledge of the character of all these persons I have good reason to believe they were they were conscious and correct in the statements they have made.
Henry Earle
Sworn ad Subscribed this 30th day of Oct AD 1860
M McBrick (seal)
Alderman
Page 113

Statement of Col. William Dichl and old native of Pittsburgh Pa

I was born in Pittsburgh on corner of Fern and 2nd Streets in October 1783.
I became acquainted with Thomas Forbes and his family in the year 1806 and have been with acquainted with the family up to the present time. I was a near neighbor to the Forbes Family from 1806 up to several years after the death of Thomas Forbes.
I have had but little intercourse with any of the family for several years past and had lost the recollection of Mr. Forbes.
I have listened attentively to statements made regarding said Thomas Forbes, his service in the Revolutionary War and in the Indian war. The character of himself & his wife, the Tavern they kept together and can say that I had a good opportunity to learn a great deal about the life and character of Capt. John Woods, Capt E. F. Pratt, Maj. Thomas McKown, Col. Wm Small & George Gardner. I can say that their statements have brought back clearly to my memory many things that I know to be facts. There is so much in these statements that I know
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to be true and I am well aware of the fact that all the said deponents had good opportunity to learn what they have stated. I have good reason to believe and do believe that their statements are conscious and true. I promise there are very few persons living who were so long near neighbors to the Family in Pittsburgh as I myself since hearing those several statements read I can say that nearly all the facts stated by each one of the deponents is clearly brought back to my memory what is stated as the general report and belief is also brought back to my recollection indeed the statements all seem to me to be remarkable for truthfulness and very clearly correlate what I learned from old Revolutioners and others from 1806 onwards to be facts I was acquainted with Mr. & Mrs. Seltzer the Father & Mother of Mrs. Forbes. It was the correct report and belief that Mr. Seltzer was a soldier or George Master in the Continental Army. They lived to be very old and died many years since.
Col. Wm. Diehl
Sworn & subscribed before me a Justice of the Peace in and for Alleghany County Pennsylvania October 29, 1860

Leonard S. Johns
Page 115

Statement of John McGinns an old neighbor.
I was born in Baltimore Md about the year 1778. I became acquainted with Thomas Forbes in Pittsburgh about the year 1806 or a year or two later. Seen him very often from 1800 to the time of his death. Our family lived near neighbors to Forbes' residence for some years. Thomas Forbes was a noted character was an old man when I was a boy. He was called Capt. or Sergeant Forbes. He kept the Anthony Wayne Tavern on Ferry Street. He I believe was regarded as a good citizen and a man of energy and talent, I have not heard or known much about Thomas Forbes of his Family for many years.
I have seen the statements made under oath by Mrs. Forbes by Capt. John Woods and by Capt. e. F. Pratt. From what I know of the statements with the confidence I have in those parties, I can say I have good reason to believe that they have made conscientious and proper statements. The character of old Mrs. Catherine Forbes for truth honesty and general good conduct has I believe always been very good. I have been many years well acquainted with Capt. John Woods and Capt. E. F. Pratt and have confidence in their knowledge on the subject as well as in their integrity.
John McGinnis
Sworn and Subscribed this 12th day of Nov AD 1860
M McBrick
Alderman and ex officer, Justice of the Peace
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(1)

Pittsburgh Oct 29th 1860
Hon Wm. Wilkins

Dear Sir
I am nearly through my humble efforts in attempting to procure Testimony to establish for Old Mrs. Catherine Forbes a proper claim to a Pention from the US Government on account of the services of her Husband Thomas Forbes in the Revolutionary Army as well as in the Indian War. Several Lawyers that I solicited to act in this matter refused as the poor old Lady had no money to pay in advance. Therefore I undertook the task and procured the Testimony herewith submitted. I have not examined the Pention Laws neither did I get much legal advice on the subject. So far as the Testimony is concerned, notwithstanding its informality and awkwardness, I can assure you that I tried to extract truth and nothing but truth. I have a personal acquaintance with every one of the deponents and feel well assured that they were conscientious in the statements they made. They all seemed to be entirely free from any kind of improper inference. This is the first attempt I ever made int he Petnion line on account of my acquaintence from childhood of the Old Lady the confidence I had in her honesty and learning that she was
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destitute of means to employ a Lawyer I undertook to hunt up some testimony hoping I would find a humane Lawyer to prosecute the claim. I have not happened on one yet when my worthy old friend Captain John Woods gave me his Deposition he said he hoped you would vouch for him.
When old Mrs. Forbes made her Declaration in the case she said she hoped you would as an old acquaintance render some assistance. Col. W. Diehl referred to you as a voucher. So you see I am in duty bound to annoy you in this case.
The Testimony herewith submitted I hope is ample to command from the Department all that any Widow of a Revolutionary Soldier or non commissioned officer can claim. The poor Old Lady cannot in human probability long enjoy worldly immunity from any source but whatever is due to her by Law she should receive by the Government legally over her Pention that she should have need years past let her have the consolation on her death bed to have something to her only living child or some of her grandchildren who are now in indigent circumstances. If you deem it proper to write a few lines that may tend to induce early and proper action in this case, you will in my humble opinion perform a just and meritorious interpran
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I have taken some pains to procure a reliable kind of testimony.
I can assure you that several of those deponents have related many circumstances to me since they gave their depositions, that would make it more clear that Thomas Forbes was an efficient soldier in the Revolution. I can assure you that there were several old persons who related many circumstances that would be strong testimony in the case but there was inconvenience in procuring Justice of the Peace. 
If necessary I can now procure more testimony. I do hope what we have here presented with is few lines from you will induce the office of the Department at Washington City to do justice promptly to the old Lady by awarding to her all that the Law in her case would award with the interference of a sharp Lawyer. I feel ambitious to have justice promptly done in this case and have good reason to believe and do believe the claim is an honest one. I have labored to have the justice of the case developed.
I have certainly no solid motive in the case. The claim of the honest poor woman with the press of ninety winters on her head commanded my voluntary interference. I hope when you see the justice of her claim so well proven you will lend your influence.
Yours truly
James May
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In reference to the military services of the within named Thomas Forbes, usually called "Sergeant Forbes", I cannot speak of any actual personal knowledge. I well knew him and his wife from an early period of my life. She services him, and is very old, and of good reputation. In his character I had confidence.
"Sergeant Forbes" certainly had the reputation of being "an old soldier". His measures, conversation and appearance stamp true that character upon him. Although I was not on the campaign with St. Claire, or Wayne, yet I have no doubt that Forbes was on the campaign and in the victorious battle of the latter. The confidence in his "revolutionary services", (?) in my mind rest entirely upon report and reputation.
I personally know most of the persons whose names are affixed to statements accompanying this paper - they are worthy of confidence.
Wm. Wilkins
Honeywood, Nov 2nd 1860
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State of Pennsylvania
Alleghany County ss

I Daniel Armstrong Prothonorary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Alleghany in the State of Pennsylvania the same being a Court of Law and Record do by these presents certify that M. McBride, John Irwin and Leonard S. Johns Aldermen of the City of Pittsburgh and George Wilson Mayor of said City, R. C. Caughey, Burgess of the Borough of Manchester, W. B. Ross, Justice of the Peace, William Tancey Justice of the Peace, and James Miller Alderman of the City of Alleghany before whom the foregoing Declaration Statements and Affidavits were taken and who here thereunto in their own proper handwriting Subscribed their names was as that time and now an Alderman. Justice of the Peace. Mayor and Burgess as (?) stated, acting in and for the said County, Commissioned and sworn and authorized by law to take acknowledgements, administer oaths to all whose acts as such due faith and credit and of right ought to be given throughout the United States and elsewhere.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court as Pittsburgh in the said County this 14th day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty and of the Sovereignty and Independence of the United States of America the sixty fifth.
D. Armstrong
Pro
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George C. Whiting
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Sir
Herewith you have the Declaration of Mrs. Catherine Forbes (widow of Sergeant Thomas Forbes dec'd) in references to the services of her husband in the Revolution and in the Indian War. You have also seen the Depositions I respectable and well known citizens all of whom reside in or near this City except Capt. John Woods whose residence now is in Ravine Ohio.
The Deponents (except Mrs. Forbes) are all free from sordid influences. They are nearly all old persons of high character.
I resided in this City from my childhood (1807) to 1855. I am known by the President by Secretary Black Senator Bighton & others at Washington.
I have no sordid influence or intent in this matter. Mrs. Catherine Forbes was an old Lady when I first seen her say in 1810, she has sustained a good character for truthfulness industry and good character since I first seen her her Poverty Honesty and (?) then age induced me to take an active part for her. I tried to procure honest Testimony in this case and none other. I hope this matter will receive prompt attention and that Justice will be done to this very old Lady that she may have some relief before her long life is ended and if she is entitled to an amount to assist her only Child or her Grand Children let her have this pleasure of awarding.
Yours Respectfully
James May
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N.B.
Elizabeth Valentine is an honest old Lady of good common sense and wonderful memory. John Little is a respectable old Gentleman who was Editor of several Newspapers in this City and in Barton Pa.
Capt. John Woods is a highly respectable and intelligent old Gentleman.
Col. Diehl Col. McKown Capt. E. F. Pratt Col. R. C. Thompson & Mr. George Lighthill were all in the service in 1812 and had good opportunity to learn regarding Sergeant Forbes services in same War.
Valentine (?) his sister Mrs. Sarah Faulkner, David Irwin, John McGinnes & Col. Wm Small all had good opportunity to acquire information from their Fathers and others who were in the Service in the Revolution and in the Indian Wars with the said Sergeant Forbes. George Watson Esq. is now I believe the oldest Justice of the Peace in Pittsburgh. Henry Earle Esq is now one of the Aldermen of the City. Alexander McClintock is one of the most respectable citizens of this County and was in the position to acquire reliable information.
George Gardner and Spencer Miller are reliable and much respected coloured men. All these facts can be shown to the Pention Agent here. It seemed at first almost impossible to procure testimony to sustain the old Lady's declaration, but I believ I have found and herewith furnish enough.
I see and know now that much more can be obtained if required.
J M
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N.B. No 2
My venerable friend Hon Wm. Wilkins was suffering severely from Neuralgia whilst he was writing the lines he put on the back of my letter to him. 
He said he considered the Testimony submitted to him ample to claim the Revolutionary Pention. He said if he was at the head of the Department he would award it. He cited to me some cases where handsome amounts were awarded where the Testimony was not so clear as in this case.
J. M.