Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 84, Robert Holmes, N.C. Penn.
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE
N.C.
Penn
Holmes, Robert
Marjory
NUMBER
W.84
Born in Ireland
CONTENTS
Page 2

7280
West Tennessee
Robert Holmes
..of Vermijo in the State of W Tenn
who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Cochran of the Regt commanded by Bob Alexander in the Penn. &  N.C. for 16 months and 21 days

Inscribed on the Roll of West Tennessee at the rate of 55 Dollars 64 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 25th day of March 1833 and sent to John H Turner, Gallatin Tennessee.

Arrears to the 4th of March                       $111.28
Semi-ant allowance ending 4 September   27.82
                                                                     $139.10

{Revolutionary Claim,
  Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Daniel Boyd Clerk, Book (E), Vol. 7 Page 82

7163

Order to pay 10 Oct 1837.
Letter to [illegible] do do
Page 3

Reported to Agent, see letter
Let to Agent A Fergusson Oct 24 '43

Payable to Albert G Holmes, 
Thomas Holmes, Elizabeth McCracken
and Nancy Alexander,
children of Robert and Marjory Holmes
a Fergusson May 22/54
To Same July 31/54
To Same Aug 7/54
To Same October 29 1856
To same May 27/57
Same Sept 26 1857

(Next Page)
West Tennessee 7558
Marjory Holmes decd
widow of Robert Holmes
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832
and who died on the 24th February 1838
of Macon Co in the State of Tennessee
who was a Private in the company 
commanded by Captain Cochran
regt. commanded by Col. Alexander
the Penn & N.C., line for 16 mon. and 21 day

Inscribed on the Roll of Nashville
at the rate of 55 Dollars 64
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.  Payable to children, see endorsement.
Widow died 30th April 1861.

Certificate of Pension issued the 24th day of
August 1843 and sent to A. Fergusson,
Carthage, Ten.

Whole amount due . . . . $278.20
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk
Book A Vol. 2. Page 207
Page 4

Robert Holmes
Tennessee
No 7163_
from 1775 private
16 months & 21 days
private
55, 66/100
Jms N Turner
Gallatin Tenn
Page 5

BRIEF in the case of Robert Holmes
of Sumner County in the State of Tennessee
(Act 7th June, 1832.)

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge?      Court

2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?

3. How old is he?    83 years.

4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

Period.
Volunteered
In 1775
    1777
    1780
    1781

Duration of Service.
Years,        Months,        Days.
                         3                "
    "                   -                 21
    "                   10               "
                         3                "

Rank.
As a Private
       "
       "
       "

Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.
Gen. Smallwood
Capt Cochran
Same officers
Earl Rutherford
Col Alexander (?)
Capt (?) Comfy
Same officers

5. In what battles was he engaged?
Brandywine & Camden

6. Where did he reside when he entered the service?
Pennsylvania

7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?
Traditionary

8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication?  and if so, in what respect?

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned. 

Examining Clerk.
Page 6

THE PSALMS OF DAVID

IN METRE:

Newly Translated, and diligently Compared with the Original TEXT, and former Translations.

More plain, smooth, and agreeable to the TEXT, than any heretofore. 

Allowed by the Authority of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of the KIRK OF SCOTLAND, and appointed to be sun in Congregations and Families. 

(SEAL)

EDINBURGH;
Printed by the SSIGNS of ALEXANDER KINCAID, His Majesty's Printer.
MDCCLXXXV.
Page 7

Robert and Margery was married October the 10th 1761
Nathaniel July the 10th 1762
Harrison was Born the October
the twentieth [illegible] 1781
Marey was Born April the 10/1786
Elizabeth October 22th/1788
Margery February the 20th 1799
Robert March the 7th 1793 (?)
James July the 14th 1794
Thomas October the 10 1796
Nathaniel Holmes
James was Born April the 5 1799
Agnes Holmes was Born the 7th day of November 1801
Robert Holmes was Born December the 25th 175(?)
Page 8

State of Tennessee}
Sumner County.      }
Evidence in the case of Marjory Holmes for Pension.  September term 1839 of the County Court for said County.

Be it remembered that this the 2nd day of September 1839 personally appeared in this court the same being a Court of Record Albert G Holmes and Elijah Butler and made oath in due of Law that the annexed Leaf is from the family Bible of Robert Holmes deceased the Late husband of Margery Holmes and that we are well acquainted with the hand writing of said Robert Holmes deceased and that we believe that said writing on said annexed Leaf is the hand writing of the said Robert Holmes deceased and that the same contains the original Record of the Register of the date of the marriage of the said Robert Holmes deceased and the said Margery Holmes the widow of the said Robert Holmes deceased and the dates of the birth of their children and that said Leaf had been taken from the Bible of said Robert Holmes [illegible] by as since his death for the purpose of forwarding to the Pension office of the State, upon the application of said Margery Holmes for the Pension due her on account of the services of her deceased husband and the said Robert as evidence of the true form of their marriage.
Albert G Holmes
Elijah Butler
Sworn to in this court before me Thomas Donoho Clerk
Page 9

State of Tennessee }
Sumner County       }

I Thomas Donoho Clerk of the County Court for said county do hereby certify that the foregoing certificate of Albert G Holmes and Elijah Butler was read in open court subscribed and sworn in open court before me and that the annesed Leaf is the same referred to in the other affidavit in testimony where I have hereto set my hand and affixed my seal of office as officer in Gallatin this 3rd day of September 1839_

Signature_
Thomas Donoho
Clerk of Sumner County Court
Page 10

The forgoing certificate is intended as
in additional proof in the case of Margery
Holms widow of Robt Holems Decd whose
declaration has been on file in the Pension
office some time & suspended for further
proof as to the period of the marriage
The Court of pensions will please to
gave her case as early an examination
as convenient, and Let the Result be known
either to the old Lady herself or to the
undersigned at Gallatin Tennessee
Respectfully
W. M. Blackmore
Page 11

State of Tennessee } SS
Sumner County }       On this sixth day of August 1838 personally appeared in open court before the County Court for Sumner County and
State of Tennessee Margery Holms aged Eighty ___________years who after being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath makes the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed 4th July 1836. That she is the widow of Robert Holms who was a private soldier in the Revolutionary army of the United States as a malitia man & served about fifteen months as this declarant is informed and believes for a particular discription of her said husbands sons refference is here made to a declaration made by him in his life time upon which he drew a pension which is now on file in the war office of this U States She further declares she was married to the said Robert Holms on the tenth day of October in the year Seventeen hundred
and Eighty that her husband the aforesaid Robert Holmes and on the twenty fifth of Febry Eighteen hundred and thirty eight and that she has remained a widow ever since that passed as will more fully appear by refference to the proof herto annexed.  She further states that she has no record or positive proof of her marriage except the annex certificate of Mrs. Pearce Henry which is
Page 12

here refered to upon that point
Sworn to and subscribed to her in open
Court the day and date above writen
Test Thos. Donoho 
of Sumner County Court
Margery Holms x her mark

State of Tennessee }
Sum. County }
Jas G Webb & Geo A Baskeville herby certify that we are well accquainted with the late Robt Holms and believe he [illegible] at the time stated in the above declaration and that the said Margery Holmes was his lawful wife and has remained a widow ever since the period of his death
Sworn & subscribe in open Court this 5 August
1838-
Jas G Webb
Geo. A. Baskerville
Thos. Donoho Clerk of Sumner County Court

State of Tennessee }
Sumner County } I Thomas Donoho Clerk of the County Court of said Sumner County  do hereby Certify that the above and forgoing contains the original proceedings had in said Court in the matter of the application of 
Mary Holms widow of Robert Holms dcd for a pension [seal] 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office at office this
9th day of August A.D. 18.8
Thos Donoho Clerk
of Sumner County Court
Page 13

7163
Robert Holmes
Page 14

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832
State of Tennessee }
Sumner County}
On this 20th day of August 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Justices of the County Court of Sumner now sitting Robert Homes a resident in said County and State aged eighty three years having been born in Ireland in January 5th 1748. landed in Philadelphia June 1771-lived in Pennsylvania in the Forks of the Brandywine until 1777 who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That about the last of May 1775 applicant volunteered under Capt Cochran for a tour of 3 months- Marched first to Wilmington on the Delaware, from thence up to Philadelphia in boat there remained five or six days stationed in the Court House - then up the Delaware to Trenton remained there one day & night & drew our rations, then marched to Princeton in New Jersey there remained a short time -
We then marched to Brunswick - then to Woodbridge then to Amboy on North River. We were then ordered to the New Blazing Star where we remained until our time expired. Whilst station at the last mention
place we exchanged fire frequently with the Hessians who lay stationed on the oposite [opposite] side of the river
After the expiration of our time we were discharged
in 1777
Applicant again volunteered in 1777 under Capt Cochran and was attached to Genl Smallwoods brigade or division, and was in the battle of Brandywine ---
served at this time about three weeks
After having moved, in the latter part of the year 1777 to Rowan County State of North Carolina applicant Voluntered in the month of May 1780 under Capt.  He was listed 1st Lieutenant in said Company which office he held where he was [illegible] Samuel Reid was attached to Col Alexanders regiment and Genl Rutherfords Brigade marched to Ramsours Mills and defeated 500 then marched  
down near Camden then to Rugelys Mills
Page 15

We then took our march for Camden there about half the way between the mills and Camden armies Gates and Cornwallis met.-- Gates was defeated. In which defeat D Calb was killed, Genl Rutherford and Maj Gibson were taken prisoners with many others- applicant was amongst the number- applicant with other prisoners was marched
to Camden - Saw the wounds on Genl Rutherfords head which he had received from Tarltons Dragoons We were then marched to Charlston. Each day 150 were marched off until the 900 prisoners were all marched off. The first 150 were released by Marion on the high hills of Santee applicant was marched 5th day. After staying short time at Charlston we prisoners were marched down & put aboard the prison ships 3 in number the Concord, The Two Sisters & the Fidelity when applicant remained about four months. About New years day applicant with all that survive the attack of the small pox whilst on the ships, was landed and was put in the Barracks, where he remained until the latter part of
February, when he with 3 men from Virginia
Thomas Lee Toply Nash & Thomas Riley, made
their escape and arrived at home the last of March a few days before Cornwallis marched to Salisbury Genl Rutherford having been exchanged applicant again volunteered under Capt Reed attached to the first regiment of Genl Rutherfords brigade was marched down
to Wilmington, where some British were stationed with whom we had several
skirmishes, and who after hearing of Cornwallis surrender evacuated the place leaving
it to be possessed by us. After the expiration of our tour of service 3 months, we returned home bringing in as a much salt as the waggons of Genl Rutherford
Brigade could hall. The above is all of the service recollected performed by applicant. He does not know of any person living whose testimony he can procure by whom he can prove his service
Page 16

Applicant lived in Rowan County North Carolina until 1806 when he moved to Sumner County State of Tennessee whose he has lived since.
Applicant has no Documentary evidence by which he can establish his claim. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present; and declares that his name is not on the Pension Rolls of the Agency of any State
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid in open Court
Robert Holmes
Test  A H Douglass Clerk
We James Charlton and John H. Turner residing
in the County of Sumner State of Tennessee hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Robert Holmes, who has subscribed and sworn
to the above Declaration that we believe him to be eighty three years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion
Sworn to in Open Court
James Charlton Jno. H Turner 
Augt 20th 1832
A H Douglass Clerk
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary
Soldier and served as he states. And the Court
further certifies that it appears to them, that James Charlton and Jno. H. Turner who have signed the preceding certificate are residents of Sumner County and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Page 17

I A. H. Douglass, Clerk of the County Court of 
Sumner, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains
the original proceedings of the said Court in the mat
ter of the application of Robert Holmes for a Pension
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand
and seal of Office.  This 25th day of August
A.D. 1839
A.H. Douglass   Clerk
Page 18

State of Tennessee
Macon County

At a Court begun and held for the County and State aforesaid at the Courthouse in Lafayette on Monday the 5th day of September 1853 present the worshipful Wilson G Adams, Washington White, and Sampson Davis (?).  Personally appeared in open court being a court of record Albert G Holmes a resident of the County aforesaid aged forty nine years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the acts of Congress passed on the 7th day of June 1832 allowing pensions to officers and soldiers who were engaged in the war of the Revolution and also the act of Congress passed on the 7th day of July 1835 and the various acts and amendments to the above named acts allowing pensions and arrears of pensions that should have been allowed to the said officers and soldiers and their widows during their lifetime and to which their children acquired a right to after their death.  Declarant states that he the said Albert G Holmes, Thomas Holmes, Elizabeth McCracken, and Nancey Alexander are the children of said lawful heirs of the said Robert Holmes and Margery Holmes deceased that their father Robert Holmes was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of about $55.00 dollars per annum and drew his pension at Nashville Tennessee.  That their mother Marjory Holmes was then placed on the pension list after the death of their father and died on or about the 30th day of April 1841 and that the above rate of pension was paid to the heirs above stated.  Declarant states that at the time his_
Page 19

father in his lifetime made application for a pension he went with him to Gallatin where court was in session for the County of Sumner and Declarant distinctly recollected that a young man in Mr. Farmers office drew up his father's declaration and was transcribed by Mr. Turner that his father alleged his service to have been as Lieutenant.  That the same was done in a great hurry amidst the (?) and bustle of the court there in session, but not having these papers to refer to cannot say whether the same was inserted or not.  Declarant states that when his father was placed on the pension list he was greatly dissatisfied as he expected the pay of Lieutenant for at least one years service in the revolution less months of which was in captivity hereinafter mentioned another portion of his time as a Captain of horse another part of his service and orderly Sergeant.  And would have made another effort to obtain his full pension had not his agent John M. Turner died.  His father was also prevented from answering his application on account of the distance and remote situation he lived from court at Gallatin and being old and infirm and unable to travel.  Declarant will now state the services of his father in the War of the Revolution often told him long before the pension laws were in existence and was a favorite conversation with him to his children since his early recollection and which Declarant fully believes to be there.  Declarant states that his father enlisted in the Service of the United States as a volunteer in the month of May 1780 and elected a first Lieutenant in the Company commanded by Captain Samuel Read or Reid when it was first (?) and organized was attached to Col Alexander's Regiment and General Rutherford's brigade and served until the battle of Camden or Gates defeat on the 16th August following where he was taken prisoner_
Page 20

and carried to Charleston.  Declarant states that his father often told him the circumstances and disasters of this defeat.  That during the engagement the militia and volunteers most of them were driven off the field of battle.  That he was separated from his Company and attached himself to Barron Dekalb's regulars and fought until he was taken prisoner by the two British Dragoons.  That after he was carried to Charleston, he was placed aboard a prison ship and there kept a considerable time until the prisoners of the regular army there in the barracks in Charleston were about to mutinize and burn the city when they were put on board the prison ships in place of the volunteers and the volunteers including his father were handled to the barracks.  Declarant states that his father continued a prisoner until about ten months at which time his father and three others made their escape by digging under both the inward and outward stockade with old worn out spades and where they got out at the waters edge in the night time the tide was up and they had to wait until it fell before they could travel during which time they got the watch word of the relief guard "All is well" so close were they to the Sentinel.  They pursued their course through the pine forest traveling in the night time and hiding in the day until they met with some friends who gave their provisions and directions to find Morrison.  These men or friends were by the name of (?).  They came to General Marion who treated them kindly and gave them provisions to last them home.  Declarant states that to the best of his recollection his father was about twelve months in this tour as (?), ten months of which was or at least from the battle of Camden above states until May 1781 was a prison of war for which he claims the full pay of Lieutenant.  Declarant further states that his father stayed at home but about two weeks when he entered the service again but cannot state the Captain's name_
Page 21

name but he distinctly recollects his father saying either in this or some other tour of service to have been as orderly Sergeant.  This father returned home after servicing about three months.  His father returned home during the summer of 1781.  The war was then raging in North Carolina and the British army after the battle of Guilford had taken the route to Virginia.  His father then raised a company of horse was Captain of the company marched to Virginia but did not arrive at Little Fork before the surrender but got very near the place when he received orders to return to North Carolina.  His company was ordered to guard some salt wagoners on their march to North Carolina which was an article much in demand.  He was out a three months tour this time being in all about eighteen months.  These services as before stated his father often told him about long before the pension laws was even heard of and Declarant fully believes to be true.  The (?) considered the Declarant prays the the whole matter be taken up by the commissioner of Pensions and such arrears of pension granted as in justice belong to the heirs and as the heirs live in different states remade from each other.  Declarant prays that the pensions allowed be made payable to the lawful administrator of Margory Holmes deceased and as in duty bound they will even pray.  Declarant further states that his father lived in Iredell County North Carolina during the war of the revolution and moved form that state after the Revolution about the year 1808 to Sumner County Tennessee where he lived until his death.  

Sworn to in open court
Albert G Holmes
(Signature unreadable) Clerk
Page 22

No 8645
Margaret Holmes
Tennessee
Act 7th July '38

Admitted 
16 mo 21 days
Private
$55.66

Jan 21. 43
A Fergusson
Carthage Tennessee
Page 23

State of Tennessee }
Macon County         }

Court of Monthly Pensions.  January term 1843
On this day to whit the 2nd of January, aforesaid personally appeared Albert G. Holmes, a decedent of the county aforesaid in open court who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838.  That he and the children herein after named are the children of Robert and Margory Holmes who was a pensioner of the United States and died on the 24th day of February 1838 and that his widow the said Margory Holmes remained his widow after his death until the last day of April 1841 when she departed this life leaving the following named persons as her legal heirs and representatives to wit Albert G Holmes, Thomas Holmes, Elizabeth McCracken, and Nancey Henderson and thus during her widowhood she made application for a pension under the act of July 4th 1836 that she the said Margory Holmes was married to the said Robert Holmes about the 10th October 1781 agreeable to the family records kept by the said Robert and Margory Holmes.  That they only know of the marriage by the record and other (?) having a knowledge of the fact. 
They further declare that the said Margory Holmes remained a widow until her death which took place on 30th April 1841 as above stated.  They further declare that the above named heirs are the only legal heirs of the said Margory and Robert Holmes.

Sworn to and subscribed in open court the day and year first above mentioned. 

Thomas A Williams
of Macon County Court

Albert G Holmes
Page 24

State of Tennessee }
Macon County.        }

Court of Monthly Pensions
January term 1843

On Motion it is ordered to be certified as the opinion of this court from the testimony before them and their own knowledge of the facts contained in this foregoing affidavit or declaration of Albert G Holmes that Robert Holmes (?) was a pensioner of the United States and that he left a widow whose name was Margory Holmes and that she on her death of 30th of April 1841 leaving the children states in the further declaration as her only legal heirs and it is further ordered to be certified that this case concur and believes the state mentions in said declaration to be true and that Albert G Holmes who has made the within statements is a man well known to a part of the (?) of this court and that full credit is due to his statements. 

In testimony whereof the chairman of said court has hereunto set his hand and seal this second day of January 1843

Taylor G Gilliam
Chairman

State of Tennessee }
Macon County.        }

I Thomas A Williams Clerk of the County court of Macon County do hereby certify that the foregoing affidavit of Albert G Holmes and the above proceedings of the county court were had in open court on the day and year the same properly to bear date and the (?) in 11(?) 14 the line were made in court.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and private seal there being no seal of office yet provided by the court of which I am clerk this 5th day of January 1843.  

Seal

Thomas A Williams
Clerk
of Macon County Court 

*See clerk's certificate on next page
Page 25

State of Tennessee }
Macon County.        }

I Thomas A Williams clerk of the county court of said Macon County hereby certify that (?) in 11th and 14 lines in the opinion of the court were made before the court and before signed by the chairman.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my private seal there being as yet no seal of office this 5th day of January 1843.

Seal

Thomas A Williams
Clerk
of Macon County Court
Page 26

August 8, 1938
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/MCS
Robert Holmes, W. 84
Mrs. M. Holmes DeRouen
Erath, Box 96
Louisiana
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your request for information relative to Robert Holmes, a Revolutionary War soldier who lived in North Carolina.
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, W.84, based on the military service of the only Robert
Holmes of North Carolina that is found in the Revolutionary War records of this office.
Robert Holmes was born January 5, 1748, in Ireland (exact place not given) and he landed in Philadelphia in June, 1771, and lived in
Pennsylvania on the forks of the Brandywine until 1777. The names of his parents were not given.
He enlisted about the last of May, 1775, and served three months as private in Captain Cochran's Pennsylvania company. He enlisted in 1777 and served about three weeks in Captain Cochran's Pennsylvania company and was in the battle of Brandywine. Late in 1777 he moved to Rowan County, North Carolina, and in May, 1780, he was elected first
lieutenant and entered the service in Captain Samuel Reed's company in Colonel Alexander's North Carolina regiment; during the battle of Camden on August 16, 1780, he was taken prisoner, was marched to Charleston and
placed on one of the British prison ships, Concord, Two Sisters ["and" is struck through] or Fidelity, was confined there about four months when about New Years Day
all who survived the attack of smallpox were landed and placed in Barracks and about the last of February he made his escape and reached home about the last of March, 1781. He soon after enlisted and served three months in Captain Reed's North Carolina company and was in several skirmishes
with the British. It was stated that about the time of the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown he served a few days under Captain Henry.
Page 27

Robert Holmes lived in Rowan County, North Carolina, until 1806 when he moved to Sumner County, Tennessee.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 20, 1832, at which time he was living in Sumner County, Tennessee.
He died February 23, 24, or 25, 1838.
He married October 10, 1781, Marjory (name also appears as Margrey) the daughter of Thomas Bell.
As the widow of Robert Holmes, Marjory Holmes applied for pension August 6, 1838, while living in Sumner County, Tennessee. The claim was allowed.
In August, 1838, she stated she was eighty years of age, in November, 1838, she stated she was seventy-seven years of age. In 1839 she was living in Williamson County,  Tennessee, at the home of Thomas McCracken.
Marjory Holmes died April 30, 1841, in Macon County, Tennessee.
 The following names of the children of Robert and Marjory Holmes appear:
Nathaniel born  July 18, 1782.
Hanon " October 22, 1784.
"Marey " "April 10, 1786
Elizabeth " October 22, 1788.
"Margrey" " February 20, "1799". 
Robert " March 7, 1791 or 1793. 
James " July 14, 1794.
Thomas " October 10, 1796.
" Nathanel Holems Juner" "April 5, 1799. 
Agnes " November 4 or 7, 1801. 
Robert " December 25, year illegible. 
The following children of Robert and Marjory Holmes survived their mother: Albert G. Holmes who was living in Macon County, Tennessee, in 1853 aged forty-nine years, Thomas Holmes, Elizabeth McCracken and Nancy Alexander. It was stated that the widow, Marjory Holmes, was survived also by the heirs of Robert Holmes and Marjory Henderson "
There are no further data relative to soldier's family,
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 28

1938 Aug. 8 hist to 
Mrs. M. Holmes DeRouen
1939. Oct. 6  Mrs. M.H. deRouen
into no further date WNC  MCS

84
Revy WIDOW, &C
File No.  84
Marjory Holmes
Widow
Robert Holmes
Priv. Pa. Line
Act:  July. 7/1838
Index:--Vol. A,   Page 340
[Arrangement of 1870]
Page 29

Carthage Tennessee
27th May 1842
Sir
The administrar of the estate of Mrs Marjory Holmes Widow of Robert Holmes deceased a Pensioner of the United States has placed in my hands the business of establishing her claim to a Pension. The business heretofore was in the hands of Mr Blackamore of Gallatin
Sumner County. The administrator is also
a son of the old Lady. You will please
inform me without delay what proof is
wanting to establish the claim. Also if
the fact be so that the heirs will have to file
a new declaration Her son informs me
that you intimated a Pension under act
of 7 July 1838 could be allowed without
any further trouble if so inform me
of it or inclose the certificate. The death of the old Lady having taken place within the last year the difference of Pension would not be much more under the act of 4th July 1836 than
it would be under act of 1838 you will therefore do as you think best in Matter
Respectfully
A Fergusson
James L Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 30

Margaret Holmes
Tennessee
Act 4 July 1836.
Suspended
See let. 13 Sept 1838
W. M. Blackman
do 19 March 1839
do. 16 Nov 1839
do 18 July 1840
let. A. Fergusson June
1842, to same 30 Nov. 42
Act 4 July 1836
Page 31

Robert Holmes, W. Ten Act 7 JUne 1832 to what time paid
Pen. Office
Sept 13, 1838
Decd 23d Feb 1838 [illegible] period
Page 32

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
Robert Holmes which require further proof or explanation.
1. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? [blank]
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes
V. Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amout of pension he is entitled?
yes
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?
yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?
yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?
yes
Page 33

2
XI.  Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to 
their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolu-
tionary service?
no
XII.  If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtain
ing it?
no
XIII.  If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of a least one
living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
yes
XIV.  +If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who
administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility?
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under
his seal of office?

XV.  Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age,
as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?

XVI.  ++Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?  yes
XVII.  Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily?  And,
if not, which of them is not so answered?  2by not answered

EXPLANATORY NOTES.
QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how
long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A.B. who, being
duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he
cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recol-
lection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:  For ______
year__________months and ___________days, I served as a ________________.  For_________________months
and ____________ days, I served as a _______________; and for such service I claim a pension.
Page 34

3
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service.  The use of the phrase about three to four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in the affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and the line to which he belonged.  The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or the other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass under the seal of the office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached tho the certificate.
Page 35

No 8645

Certificate to issue
to
Albert G. Holmes
Thomas Holmes
Elizabeth McCraken
&
Nancy Alexander
Children of Robert
and Marjory Holmes
Admitted
16 mo. 21 days
Private
______________
$55.64
______________
A. Fergusson
Carthage
Tennessee
Page 36

Brief in the case
of Marjory Holmes and 
Robert Holmes filed
17th October 1836
Page 37

Pension Office
October 16th 1856
To the Commissioner of Pensions
Sir In the case of the heirs of Robert
and Marjory Holmes deceased who were pensioners
your attention is respectfully called to the following 
errors.
Robert Holmes made his declaration under
Act 7th June 1832 in which he distinctly states
three months and twenty one days       3 months
in Pennsylvania 20 tour                    21 day
In North Carolina having 
moved there in 1777 volunteered
and served as 1st Lieutenant Capt. Reeds
Company Col Alexander Regiment was
taken prisoner at Gates defeat while in 
Service as Lieutenant carried to Charleston
Made his escape and reached home last of March
following Say as Lieutenant but was
not exchanged until some time after
alledges three month afterward    3 mo
                                                      16th 21
Pensioned as private for $55.66 he declared at the 
time that he has no documentary evidence in support
Page 38

of his claim consequently in the absence of a companion or documentary evidence he lost the pay of a lieutenant and only received the pay of a private from 4th March 1831 to 24th February 1838 when he should have received the pay of a lieutenant
[illegible] of pension a [illegible] is claim for the pay of a lieutenant for 11 XX months deducting from payments at the rate of $55.66 from the 4th March 1831 to the 24th day of February 1838
A new decalaration of Albert G  Holmes son and heir at law is on file in which he distinctly states the manner in which his father's declaration was imperfectly drwan up and states the service of his father as [illegible] without having any knowledge afterstance from any other source  This declaration is dated 5th September 1853 and alleges other services of his father as captain gives the details of the service with particularity
The complete certificate of [illegible] bears date 20th July 1854 nearly one year afterwards and shows payments to a large amount and fully identifies the service alleged by the son and the heir but his son does not allege the service we
Page 39

Pennsylvania only the service in North Carolina
which he estamates at 18 months 10 month in captivity
at Charlestown and two months previous in all 12 months as
Lieutenant.  Three months as orderly Sergeant; three months 
as Capt of horse in all 18 months as above stated
HIs father alledges 3 months and twenty one
days but as he has received a pension for that
service and the widow also nothing is claimed for this
Service  ^unless the rules of the Department Justifed the same\
An increase therefore is claimed for the pay of 
orderly Sergeant Lieutenant and Captain and
the record of Payments fully Justify the allowance
when this case was up two years ago before
Mr. Waldo he was about to leave for home and
had not time to correct the many errors in the
examiners report  See my bill of exceptions im
perfectly made out.  Respectfully
A Fergusson
Page 40

Pension Office
July 31st 1834,

Sir.
I have carefully examined the payments
certified by the Comptroller of North Carolina,
filed as evidence to sustain an application
for increase of pension in the case of Robert
Holmes, who was a pensioner of the United States
under the Act of June 7th 1832, at $55.64¢.
These payments were evidently not made to the
party in right of whose services this claim
is asserted. The greater portion of them purport
to have been made for services as Captain.
Neither he nor his widow claim any such 
service in their declarations; "but what is still
more and entirely decisive of the point, is, that
the services for which these payments were
made, were performed, some of them, two years
Page 41

before the father of claimants removed into
the state of North Carolina," and nearly all
the remainder after he unquestionably left
the army for the last time. In this certificate
there is a payment to "Robert Holmes",
for services in 1775. The claimants father
claimed and was allowed for service, in Pa:
in this very year, and for other small tours
in the two following years. He swears he did
not remove from Pa to North Carolina till
the fall of 1777; again, he states in his
declaration that he entered the army in
N.C. in May, 1780, and served till the death
of DeKalb, (16th August 1780). when he was 
made prisoner and escaped in "the latter part
of February 1781." and in the following March
re-entered the army for three months, at the
expiration of which time (June 1781), he "returned
home"; and this he swears is all the service he
Page 42

performed in N.C.  Now the payments
show that a large portion of the service of 
"Capt. Robert Holmes" and his company, was
allowed for in the Spring of 1782, and the 
balance "subsequently to that time",  It is
evident, therefore, that the "Capt. Robert Holmes",
who received the payments certified, and the 
pensioner of that name on our rolls, and
whose stipend is sought to be increased,
were different persons.  This claim is con-
sequently rejected. 
I am Respectfully 
Your Obt. Svt.
LP Waldo
Commissioner

A Fergusson Esqr
Present
Page 43

Brief in the
case of the heirs of 
Marjory Holmes
deceased widow of 
Robert Holmes
filed July 29th 
1854
Page 44

Washington City
July 28th 1854

Sir
In the case of Marjory Holmes widow of
Robert Holmes both of whom were Pensioners
on the Nashville Tennessee Agency The widow
succeeding under act of 7th July 1838 to the same late
of pension her husband drew and now renewed by her
children heirs of herself and said Robert Holmes
I herewith file the facts in this brief to wit
Marjory Holmes was placed on the roll at the rate 
of $55..64 and after her death her son Albert G
Holmes drew her pension as administrator of her estate
and distributed the same among her heirs
Albert G Holmes was a man of some business
habits and about the year 1850 informed me
that his father had always expressed disatisfaction
at the small pension he received That he was an 
officer served first as A Sergeant then as 
Lieutenant afterwards as Captain and
engaged me to make application for the amount
I drew up his Declaration as he states to me
and sent it on here about May last
See my letter of request asking delay until
the records of North Carolina could be examined
to see what evidence they could afford
The comptrollers certificate is herewith
filed marked Exhibit "A" and prayed to
Page 45

to be taken as part of the evidence in this case as
fully establishing the Claim This record shows large
payments made to Robert Holmes as Captain and it is
remarkable that the payments made to him as Captain agree
with the Statements of his son Albert G Holmes. He 
states the service as Captain previous to the surrender of
Cornwallis in 1781 and the payments were made for this
same service in year following 1782 Neither Albert G
Holmes nor myself knew any thing about the record or
what they would show. Nor was I known to anything
about it until the 20th instant at Raleigh the date of
the certificate herewith filed. The payments other than
for Captain will cover his services as Lieutenant and 
private

I have just looked into his original Declaration
and find that he alledges [alleges]service in Pensylvania [Pennsylvania] before
he moved to North Carolina and he dwell particularly
on his entitlement and service as Lieutenant and
his being taken prisoner at Camden and taken to
Charleston He fully identifies himself with his
sons Declaration made twenty years before
I think we are fully justified in asking a 
full pension for all the services alledged [alleged] as
private Sergeant Lieutenant and Captain
and I think you will readly [readily]see that his
original Declaration has been badly drawn
up and does not minutely discribe [describe] his
services particularly as Captain but I
rely upon the new Declaration and the
Page 46

Comptrollers certificate as fully justifying this
particular service as Captain. I wish a thorough
examination of the case and as the prayer
of the new Declaration insists upon such
allowance as to Justice belongs I hope the
payments in the Comptrollers certificate will
be calculated and all that is due the heirs
allowed them When the pension certificate 
is issued please let it be made payable to
the "lawful Administrator of Marjory Holmes
"deceased,, to be by him distributted [distributed] among
the heirs
Respectfully
A Fergusson

L P Waldo Esqr
Commissioner of
Pensions
Washington City
Page 47

Carthage Tennessee
11th October 1843

Sir

The Pension certificate of Mrs Marjory Holmes
deceased widow of Robert Holmes has been duly
received some time since and on application to the
agent for paying Pensions at Nashville Mr Joel
M Smith he informed me that no claim of that
name had been reported to him directing him to
pay the same and therefore he could not pay it until directed. You will therefore be kind enough
to direct him to pay the claim on the producing
the proper vouchers. I have no doubt its non 
payment was an oversight in the hurry of the
business of your office Please attend to it
without delay
With great Respect yours &c
A Fergusson

James L Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 48

May 22 1854
Filed agreably [agreeably] to the
request of the agent
to await further
proof -
Page 49

Carthage Tennessee
11th May 1854

Sir
Inclosed please find the Declaration of
Albert G Holmes son and heir of Robert and
Marjory Holmes deceased in order to obtain the
arrears of pension that should have been paid to
his father and mother in their lifetime

They were pensioners and from the small
amount allowed and paid it appears that great
injustice was done them. I attended to the case
of the mother but was not apprised satisfactorily
that the father was an officer until a later
date which came to my knowledge by the heirs
informing me of the facts

Be please to file this Declaration with the
original papers in the case and as the evidence
on file in the pension office may show some
light on the subject of which I hope will
be satisfactory I wish the same to be examined
all to gather but before you do this I will
endeavour [endeavor] to ascertain what other proof from
the records of South or North Carolina will
afford & I wish the case to be suspended until
called up and further investigate
Respectfully A Fergusson
L P Waldo Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 50

A. Fergusson
Carthage Tenn.
Aug 19. 1857
sp case

appeals from the
decision of
Commr. of Pensions in case of
R. Holmes' heirs or wid
Marjory - Ten [illegible] 1838

Respectfully referred to
the Commissioner of Pensions
for his Report
Dept Int
Sept. 23/57
Moses Kelly
Chf. Clk.

Rec'd 12 Sep: '54
Mr. Rhett
Page 51

Carthage Tennessee
19th August 1857
Sir
In the case of the children and heirs of Marjory Holmes Widow of Robert Holmes of Sumner County Tennessee for arrears or increase of Pension due them I ask and pray an appeal for them in their behalf and for their benifit [benefit], and for errors in the decision of the Pension Office respectfully to call your attention to a full and careful examination of the papers in the whole case that [illegible] may be done. Although the grounds taken founded on proof, have been urged in various letters on file, yet perhaps a recapitulation of the prominent facts may be here proper as well as some of the causes of error Robert Holmes made his Declaration under act
7th June 1832 and alledged that he served in Pensylvania two tours of service. Then moved to North Carolina in the year 1778 or about that time. That he entered the service as a volunteer under Captain Reid about the first of May 1780 and was elected the Lieutenant of said Company and served in that capacity until the battle of Camden or Gates defeat in South Carolina at which place he was taken prisoner and detained as such at Charleston until March or April 1781 a period of at least ten or perhaps eleven months when he with three others made their escape. Now all this time he held the office of Lieutenant for Captivity is equal to service and has so been decided over and over again in all cases of the kind, and also whatever grade of office held that grade is not changed by being Captive or
Page 52

or taken prisoner while in the line of his duty. I therefore am fully Justified this position and the grounds are well taken. But there is another view of this original declaration as I conceive eaqually [equally] important to
a fair adjudication of this case to which I here call your attention.
At the period of the passage of the act of 1832 Captain Holmes was in the decline of life, a period of 55 years had passed since he
was in service and if he was old enough in 1775 in Pennsylvania to serve inference is he was a very old man and could not recolect [recollect] his services with accuracy. Indeed at that day no one knew much about the pension laws. A form was sent out by the Pension Office without the requirements of technical rules. Magistrates and any person that could write made out the declarations for these old men without fee or reward and read over to them in a hurry they not understanding half what they ought to state and thus applicant was carried before the court asked a few questions and the oath administered to him. The court and bystanders all knowing from reputation and tradition that he was reputed
and always had been, to be a soldier of the Revolution no doubt existed as to the truth of his statements. And here let me say, that it was fully believed in that day that records of the
Service existed in the Pension office and that any omission or mistake would be corrected, Besides there were no record in the West
or South in these cases to resort to nor would have been expedient in that day and time to require it. General Jackson's administration
then existed who together with his Cabinate [Cabinet] knew too well the Character of the Soldiers of the Revolution as well as the
mode of doing Justice to the applicant in a Sumary [summary] way
It appears also from the New Declaration of his son duly sworn to whose character for truth is duly certified and can be at
Page 53

all times supported by all who knew him that he went with his father to Gallatin the County seat of Summer to make his declaration in open Court That a young clerk wrote out his
declaration, that he was qualified to the same and never knew that he was to receive the small pension allowed him until his certificate came to hand at which he complained frequently and after of the injustice done him up to his death but did not know that he could obtain redress. I will however here admit
that in the absence of documentary evidence showing the grade of Lieutenant the commissioner of Pensions Mr Edwards was in
the habit of allowing no higher payment than the pay of a private unless documentary evidence was produced, nor was at that time any rolls of the Militia or records of payments
to officers or men suposed [supposed] to exist and if they were the labour [labor] was not to be undertaken by any one and in fact was not
resorted to in Tennessee. What I have stated I am fully sustained in the case as well as I recolect [recollect] not having the papers before me. So much then as a help of the old mans case the ballance [balance] I refer to the papers and letters on file for a more accurate history of the case up to the time of his escape at Charleston Now I submit the question here to you. If a prisoner escape will not his captivity
still continue by construction until regularly excharged  if so Captain Holmes was in Captivity until we find him again service. I now come to the later part of his declaration which
seems to me to show very plainly that his draftsman was tired of his occupation or that the old mans memory had failed for he states that he was out again as a volunteer and the grade of Captain is not mentioned yet he served three months or was allowed for three months in the summer of 1781 and fall of
Page 54

that year. But it must be recolected that [illegible]  did not [illegible] in North Carolina with all of Cornwallis but continued against the strong forces of the Tories until 1783 and perhaps afterwards under authority of the
existing Goverment. It will not be expected of me to Speak definately about the Comptrollers certificate of payments to Robert Holmes as Private Sergeant  Lieutenant and Captain
as I have never kept any memorandum of them or the papers on file and they are not before me. But I will here state my recolection The Comptroller of North Carolina was
applied to by me in person and the certificate obtained long after the new Declaration filed by the heirs. I drew up the Declaration not knowing what proof could be obtained
from the Comptrollers office nor did the heirs know or any one else for them or me. The date of the New Declaration will show how long a period the same was made out and
filed before the date of the certificate of the Comptroller and there was no knowledge of mine or them giving any light upon the matter of his services and this I am ready to show
by proof as well as the papers on file. Yet it is one of those Remarkable occurences in the eliciting of truth that Will after happen in a Just claim and so happens in this case That the narrative of the son who took care of his father in his old age and who always was hearing his father relate his services substantially corresponds with the payments in the Comptrollers certificate obtained by me months afterwards. And I am ready to make
affidavit if required that I had no idea whatever  he was was
Page 55

on file in the Comptrollers office.  It is true when the son revealed
to me the true facts of the case which I will explain when I come
to that part of the case and it was determined upon that an 
application for arrears of Pension Should be presented I told
him from the general information I had had in other cases
that if he served in the manner he stated I was almost
sure the evidence could be found in Raleigh North
Carolina.  There was no evidence before me of the payments when I 
drew up the declaration of the son, And I here frankly state that
he was for months trying to reconcile the periods of service as
Sergeant which he persisted in as having been performed by his
father before he was Captain of a Company.  Besides the payments if
I recolect well we awarded to "Captain Holmes and Company of 
this however I am not certain.  One thing satisfys me that the
payments made to Captain Holmes corresponds substantially 
with the declarations of the son and that too without his
having any previous knowledge of them.  I now come to relate how
the application was gotten up.  It is true that I made out 
the Declaration of Marjory Holmes the widow under act of
7th July 1838 I was not aware that any complaint was 
ever made by the father in his lifetime of injustice done him
They lived some forty miles from me. The son Albert G. Holmes
saw me at court in Macon County and employed me
for his mother and the only thing that I recolect that gave
me any difficulty was whether she ought to make out her
declaration under act of 4th July 1836 or 7th July 1838
For if I recolect well her marriage took place in 1780 perhaps 1781 at
Page 56

least the papers on file will show; and I recolect well that the impression was very strong on my mind from what the son told me that his father had served a good part of his revolutionary
service after the marriage. But I told the son and his Mother when I drew up her declaration, that as her husband had drawn his Pension past the year 1836 before his death there would be no advantage in making the
declaration under act of 4th July 1836 as she could only draw back to his death, and thus it was determined upon to make the application under act of 7th July 1838. I here refer again for the correctness of these statements to the date of the Marriage and the date of his death. If the foregoing last fact are shown by the papers on file She was shortly entitled to a pension under act of 4th July 1836 and was entirely free from the objections of the Pension Office." That the husband " having survived the act of 1832 and she died before the passage of the Joint Resolution of 16th August 1842, therefore the increase for that period during her life after her husbands death is rejected,
I have no memorandum or recolection of the allegations in the widows case. If there were any thing more than simply to alledge that she was the widow of Robert Holmes the Pensioner I do not recolect it. I here positively over that the knowledge of the ground for increase of Pension never came to my knowledge until about a year previous to the date of the Declaration in behalf of the heirs, and that this information came from the son by accident. I happened to be travelling and stayed with him all night when among other things he related to me the great injustice done his father in small pension allowed alledging at the same
Page 57

time that his father had served as Captain as well as Lieutenant
in the war of the Revolution and that he had always complain
ed most bitterly of the injustice done him in the small pension allowed
him.  I asked him why he had not told me of this when his mother
made application, his answer was that I had told him she could
only draw the amount his father drew and had no idea whatever
but what they were forever barred by the decision of the Pension
office to him wholly nor did either of know what his father stated in his declaration unknown.  I examined him then closely and
obtained from the facts stated in his (Albert G. Holmes the son)
declaration which I am fully satisfied from the character of 
the man is true.  I have thus given a correct account of the reasons
why application for increase of the widow was not made  I knew 
nothing of the claim previous to my being employed by the son for his
mother and this I am ready to make affidavit if required. I now come to the
objections raised by the Pension Office which I consider enormous and
without foundation agreeable to the facts in the case.  In a letter of 
the commissioner of Pensions under date of 7th August 1854
embodying a lenthy argument against the allowances claimed.
He sets out after some preliminary statements to reject the claims
of the heirs to an increase during the widowhood of the mother on the 
ground that her husband survived the act of 7th June 1832 and that
she died before the Joint Resolution of the 16th August 1842.  I cannot
see how he comes to this conclusion when it was the practice of the 
Pension Office to grant Pensions commencing at the date of 
the husbands death to continue five years from that period as was
the case in granting her a Pension during her widowhood to the
children.  Besides it seems to me that his decision cutting of
the Pension on account of the husbands surviving the act of 1832
has been rescinded or repealed  by resolutions or not of since past
Page 58

but if I am mistaken in this (for I have not the laws nor decisions before me) & I am certain that the pension office had no facts before them to determine as they now have whether she was entitled under act of 4th July 1836 or the act of 7th July 1838 when they allowed the widows claim to the children; nor was it ever known so far as my experience extends that the pension office would extend information to an applicant for a higher rate of pension under a different act when a less pension was claimed. Suppose for instance that no pension had ever been allowed to the father or mother, would not the claim by the children be valid upon application as an original claim for the amount that was due the father and afterwards the mother and would not the pension office under such application have required of the claimants the evidences of service from the army rolls or documents of the Revolution in the same manner as have been furnished in the present case? This seems to me conclusive that such evidence would certainly be required. If the object is to argue evidence and then reject it by placing a construction upon it wholly unwarranted why require it at all. But it is proper here to enter more fully upon the claim of Robert Holmes as Captain. I take it for certain that the original declaration of Robert Holmes gives but a very imperfect history of his services. The draftsman dwells upon his services in Pennsylvania and particularly about the battle of Camden and death of DeKalb and his being taken prisoner and carried to Charlestown and his escape and as if three of his own patron break off abruptly by stating that he volunteered again under Captain Read and as the rule was required by the Pension Office the old man is caused to say that this is all the service and this last word is bestowed upon by the Pension Office as a full plea in bar of any
Page 59

any further claim although proven by the record to be filed now Sir can you for one moment hesitate which to rely upon the original declaration or the comptroller certified that there was a Robert Holmes there is no doubt for the payment show that fact. That there was but one of that name appears from the fact that no evidence to the contrary appears either as an applicant before the Pension Office from my place claiming the same service nor now never will be. And the old man in his dotage and a young and inexperienced clerk is to make out a full expose of services and dates of sixty years Standing from memory against a standing record and required that they should agree to a certainty I do not think however the examiner was verry correct as to history or records when he states that the battle of Camden happened on the 16th October 1780 when if I recolect history says it took place on the 16th August of that year and not October. This however is not matereal only to show that it is in perfect keeping with superficial argument throughout of the letter of 7th of August 1854 I take it for granted that Robert Holmes could not be escaped or preclude himself by a failure on his part to alledge the full amount of services at the time of his making his declaration. I believe it is a rule of law that in adjusting amounts and signing them by the parties that if there is omissions or errors lagerity will open the settlement and adjust the same even if notes have been passed and I believe this rule extend in law as well as lagerity.  It is here
Page 60

There must be grounds for opening settlements closed by parties interested but when there is plain and palpable proof as well as circumstances there can be no rule or precedent to withold the proper correction and this is the practice of all the courts having jurisdiction of the same. In this case the proof is full and satisfactory. The father is disatisfied with settlement and the receipt given or extorted from him by the Government as soon as he discovers he does not get the amount of money he expected. The Government or Pension Office is a party to the settlement and in great power "cannot do no wrong" and the old man is weak and powerless and knows no means of redress. Thus the parties do not stand in capacity to adjust their difficiency age and imbecility prevents further action considering that something is better than nothing as thousands of these poor old relicks of the Revolution have often said. Robert Holmes neither knew how to take an appeal or amend his declaration or any one within his reach. He lived 25 or thirty miles from the courthouse. His son had to accompany him there when he did go and he was too ignorant of his rights or of the business he was engaged into to take the proper steps for relief. The Pension Office was to him like an individual who lived in parts unknown and hence he never asserted his claim. I consider then that this is sufficient for opening the case. When the application for increase is made the records of payments show the injustice of the settlement. The payments extend fully to the amount of the sons declaration for increase. Now how is this to be accounted. In the first place nothing is more certain that that all the payments mentioned in the comptrollers certificate were made to one and the same Robert Holmes running up from private or Sergeant as we may say to the grade of Lieutenant and Captain. And we must take
Page 61

this record as we find it and allow the full evidence it shows. For there can be no mistake in a record for it speaks for itself not like parole or circumstantial evidence. It is verry plain to my mind upon comparison of the allegations and facts in the case. That Robert Holmes served first as he states as Lieutenant Then on release from captivity in Charleston he served a short tower as private and sergeant (for there was short tours served in those days). Then gathered his company of men and served three months as a Captain and not as a private. If he served as a private under Captain Reed as he alledges after his captivity can you hesitate in believing for a moment that his first appearance would be as a private and then a sergeant. But as we do not care to dwell so much upon a claim of this kind as to show how the history of the whole service must have taken place I come again to his services as Captain. The Comptrollers certification show payments made to Captain Holmes and payments made to Captain Holmes and company in the agregate. Can there be any dificulty in adjusting the account or amount of services? I take it for certain that there cannot. The payments made to Captain Holmes were made after the Revolution terminated and he is styled as Captain the large payment therefore is made out to him by the clerk, and was no doubt for his long services as Lieutenant; and his payments made to him & company made out for the time he actually served as stated for the grade of Captain or they might have been divided or mixed for there is no evidence for what kind of service the payments were made except in the one instance which was the last of his services as Captain & Company. Nor is there as far as I recolect any instruction made that any of the smaller payments was for services as private or sergeant. This shows plainly that the claim by the heirs reaches all he payments as they are only made out in a sumary manner
Page 62

The record therefore sustains the allegations of the heirs and fully sustains their claim. I now come to the notice of another part of the letter of the Pension Office of the 7th August 1854. He says "That it is under these circumstances that the attorney of claimants now file a new declaration &c &c. Here the examiner again enters his plea in bar from a technical construction of the allegations in the old mans declaration and and that of his widow not admitting that any of the payments were made to the Pensioner. He pretends that "independently of the old mans declaration and his widows &c &c" to give a lenthy argument but takes care to draw his facts and arguments entirely from the verry papers he wishes to leave out s being independent of them and shows  plainly that he is determined to place a construction by argument not justified by the record, and a mistortement of the facts of the case - a clear suppresion of any admission of claim for services as Lieutenant. - abrogating the most clear and palpable expressions of the Pensioners original declaration - And then producing such parts as he chooses to suport a resistance of the claim. Now Mr Commissioner or Examiner (if you please) cannot take a part of the old mans declaration as evidence and reject the ballances. If his words left on record are evidence against him they must be admitted in their full strenth and extent in his favour. This is so plain a rule that no sensible man would be willing to controvert. To show the injustice of the report above refered to the Commissioner does not ever admit the posibility of a claim for Lieutenant although he considers the old mans declaration as true and most sacred yet he avoids the allegation that he served as Lieutenant. Now if there was ever a more outrageous attempt to force injustice in a claim then I confess I am wholly ignorant of what is right to say in one part of the old mans declaration he is telling the truth a verry clever old man you say that you served as a private and I believe you - but pray dont say you served as Lieutenant or that you was prisoner at Charleston ten months that is all false I do not believe because that would entitle you to a large increase and therefore you
Page 63

must not have it. The original declaration is harped upon from beginning to end. The record of payments is by no means palatable in the words of the Pension Office. The Commissioner takes upon himself to determine the services of Captain Holmes in the latter part of the ear of 1781 but says in another place he must have been in service in 1782 as his payments were then made. It is strange how he could come to this conclusion from anything in the papers on file. There is nothing to justify the period when the services were performed other than the imperfect declaration of the old man and the payments mentioned in the comptrollers certificate and it is not matereal when they were performed so that they were under authority of the Government. In many cases I have had before the Pension Office the payments have overun the allegations. It is easy to account why memory should fail to keep pace with a record.
If the sons declaration does not show as much service as the record of payment it goes to his credit and ought to be allowed. In giving these views of the case much has been said no doubt wholly uneccessary which could not be avoided on account that the papers were not before me. I will therefore close by the notice of the last conclusion the Pension Office comes to in their  report of 7th August 1854 "That if there was not two men of that name the Pensioner Robert Holmes ought not to be on the Pension list at all" I supose he is satisfied by this conclusion that there was certainly but one Robert Holmes and if he is so certain that Robert Holmes stated all his services correctly then he ought at least to have allowed the claim for Lieutenant according to the most rigid rules of his report. The report therefore
Page 64

and decisions in this case are as I conceive without any foundation in law and ought in justice to be reversed.
Claimants therefore insist that they are entitled to increase of Pension taking into account all the payments shown by the Comptrollers certificate and that in this case of increase they claim from 4th March 1831 to the death of Captain Holmes the father and from his death during the lifetime of the mother or widow at such rates as full pay of Lieutenant for ten or eleven months as the computation of time when he entered the service under Captain Read until he was finally released from captivity and they further claim the full pay of Captain and Sergeant to the extent of the allegations of the heirs and the corroborative payments as shown by the Comptrollers certificate, and this ask for the sake that Justice may be done in their behalf.
With this view of the case I submit the remarks I have made believing at the same time that they might have been much shorter by a more experienced attorney and hope your decision will be the allowance of the claim. With due respect to those who have had charge of the case as well as to yourself personally, and the honourable office you fill I subscribe myself yours truly
A. Ferguson 

Honble J Thomson
Secretary of the Interior
Washington City D.C.
Page 65

Carthage Tennessee
9th April 1857

Sir
Your letter of 29th October 1856 is now before me and should have been answered sooner but for other engagements. By an examination of the contents of that letter I find errors committed and a disregard to facts that fully justify my calling your attention to a revision of your decision and in the event that a more favourable decision cannot be had the claimants may take such a course in future as the merits of the case will justify. You state in your letter "That you see nothing in the papers of her husband to justify the presumption that he made his declaration under such circumstances as confused his mind" and you say he was singularly particular. Now you take great care to avoid the fact stated by the husband in his declaration for he distinctly states that he was the Lieutenant of a company and was taken prisoner at the battle of Gates defeat near Camden and remained a prisoner for eleven months which is the foundation in part of this claim; imprisonment being always considered as actual service. Now you take one part of the husbands declaration for the small pension allowed and you say nothing about the other part of his declaration. Now if you take any part of the husbands declaration as testimony you must take the whole you cannot pervert the rules of evidence to avoid a just claim without a violation of all rules of law and justice, and you ought at least to have noticed it. The husband in his original declaration states his grade of office
Page 66

& that of Lieutenant and you say he is "singularly particular" and you are "singularly particular" to pass over this most sigular and particular part of the husbands declaration on file in your office sworn to in his lifetime more than twenty five years ago on which you build your objections. It is strange sir that the Pension Office undertaking to execute a publish law of the United States should commit such error. But it is stranger still that your examiners should overlook or rather suppress facts upon record and offer for your signature such a decision as contained in your letter of the 29th October 1836 without even the trouble to give an explanation of one of the most important parts of the original declaration so much relied upon by you. I speak from recolection for I have kept no copy of the husbands declaration if I am correct and this can be easily seen why these claimants have just cause of complaint. I am not aware that the law nor any of your rules justify what is contained in your letter of the 29th October 1856. I cannot believe Sir that there is any mystery about the suspension of this and other claims I have had charge of for the last fifteen years while other agents have been more successful. But when there is plainly seen that a disregard to law and to rules are continually resorted to bluff off every claim, to pay no attention to their merits or the evidence that suport them claimants have a right to expose the errors committed and (illegible) language has to be used the fault cannot
Page 67

3 
be theirs-- They are pursuing their rights. It is there with due deference that I use toward the Pension Office and its officers for whom I have always entertained the highest respect, the language in correcting their mistakes. You say he gave dates of his entry into service and dates at retiring. Your rules compelled him to do this or you would not allow any thing, you did not allow him or require of him record evidence which you now demand as indispensible in the heirs. You make no allowance for the declining years of the old man to continue his narrative or the misstatement of the draftsman and
his inexperience all of which is accounted for in the papers on which this claim is founded. At the date of the old mans declaration forms were furnished for claimants to pursue
their rights no record evidence was then required unless they had it in their possession. The Southern and Western States were settled
after the Revolution and no advantage of reference to the Army rolls or documentary evidence of the Revolution could be had, and
unskilful [unskillful] drafts men were called upon to make out a State of facts and dates of long standing from the imperfect memory of old and decayed men scarcely able to recollect anything only that they had served. In that day also no agent or attorney thought of charging a fee for drawing up a declaration with 
the technicallites [technicalities] of the rules of pleading under these circumstances (as almost one half the original papers in almost every case will show from the within states) great injustice were done to the old soldiers. In many cases not more than half the Service
were stated or set forth and this is plainly shown by
Page 68

4
a comparison with the records and other documentary evidences now resorted to. Is it not strange that at this late day when almost all the Revolutionary officers are dead and the
soldiers also, that the Pension Office should require a technical corroboration of facts between the statements of old men in declining years and a record that never changed and which they have never seen.
You require a reference now in each case to the Comptrollers office to see what evidence the records of the army of the Revolution afford and when in this case of Robert Holmes the Documentary evidence fully and
substantially agree with the old mans declaration your examiner reject the claim. It is here he works under your directions and instructions and perhaps I ought to direct my remarks to you alone. Again when under your rules and instructions in the case the record shows more service than the old man gave in
his original Declaration and when it is shown by the record that he served as Captain of a company I am required to show that he is the same man. I answer that the declaration
of the son who accompanied his father to Gallatin to draw up his original Declaration describes with greatest particularity the grades his father served in as related by his
father. The son was not in his dotage like his father but heard the truth over and over a hundred perhaps and more before he ever thought of a Pension and had no hesitation to make oath to the facts as stated by his father. Now this was all done as the papers will show without any knowledge of what the records would state. Never were facts was substantially
agreeing with a record. When the record is found, months perhaps a year afterwards for I do not recollect the time the declaration and statements of the son are fully sustained. But I shall be told no doubt that there was another
Page 69

5th
was another Robert Holmes.  Now if there was any other Robert
Holmes he has never made his appearance at the Pension Office
asking a Pension nor any one in his right and if there
had been the vigilence of the Pension Office it seems to me
would have detailed it and informed me thereof.  Again if 
there never has been any one applying in the name  of 
Robert Holmes under the service he discribes it is not be
presumed at this late day after 25 years since the law was
passed under which he claims and under which a small 
part of the Pension was granted first to him and then
to his widow, that there ever will be when all the 
relicks of the Revolution have with a few exceptions
passed into eternity.  Claimants rely upon the record as fur
-nished by the Comptroller of North Carolina as a full
and substantial evidence of the Justice of their claim;
no part of the proceeding or evidence show or betray that
any testamony was obtained from the records besides the
character of the son. Albert G. Holmes is too well 
known and established to doubt his statements; and
I can get fifty men to testify in favour of his good
character and standing.  The Claimants also demand that
if any other coroborative facts are required by the Pension 
Office that the same be made know to them not by men 
of the Revolution for they are now all dead. - Not by
Page 70

6
testamony impossible to obtain but such as in all probability will show from the best information of those who could have no interest whatever in the claim are willing to give their oppinion and belief. Claimants have produced the best proof that can be had and this meets the rules established by the Pension Office. That when one kind of evidence cannot be obtained then the next best must be shown. Claimants have shown the best evidence of their claim being the record of services of the father and it is plainly shown that this evidence could not be procured at the commencement of the proceedings in establishing the claim of the father. But old records and documents are it is said "dangerous things" They speak for themselves; and although they are dangerous, yet they are the most certain and important guides to Justice. Claimants are the children of the father, Robert Holmes who performed the Revolutionary service. The Pension Office has witheld the money that ought in Justice to be paid to the father. The Pension Office in the first instance was at fault by not giving to Robert Holmes the proper credits for services rendered which it was in their power to do. Robert Holmes makes out his account from memory of transactions of fifty years previous when he is old and lost sight of ever getting any compensation whatever. Or rather he gets some inexperienced youth to make it out for him. The Pension
Page 71

7
Office looks over in hast the old mans account and says in their decision it is true old man you claim to be a Lieutenant for eleven months but we have not time to look over our records and although the laws say that you shall have credit for it and although we say by our rules and prosols printed and sent to you for your
guidance and information, that we will abide by the account that you render, and although the United States in Congress assembled has by their laws placed the money at our disposal yet we the Administrative Officers think proper and so decree to disregard the laws and our own rules and we will withold a large portion of the money we owe you for we think it is too much and you can live on much less.  The old man complains at the receiving of a part of his
account and claims more but does not know how to proceed and disease and death overtake him and So the matter rests until so many cases of the kind are discovered in after years where great injustices have been brought to light and admitted then it is that these claimants reestablishing their fathers services and being the Pension Office are willing to correct willables in other cases after their claim. They are met by the Pension Office saying now show us the records of your fathers services. The records showing the service of Robert Holmes in the war of the Revolution at their request is produced but still this is not "Satisfactory" says the Pension
Page 72

office has the old man actually state more services or services of a higher grade in his original declaration we will allow it for we are in the habit of increasing the pensions in such cases. The original declaration on file shows that the father claimed to be a Lieutenant and never received any allowance then for in any pension whatever and thus the case stands to this day unadjusted. Claimants rely upon the foregoing narrative as a fair illustration of the facts in the case and drawn from the proof on file and demand that their claim be allowed to the full extent of the record furnished by them from the Comptrollers Office and as set forth and alledged in the sons declaration by an increase of of the Pension as Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain, and that the same be adjusted by the office having change of the same. It is hoped the Pension Office will have no objections to calling their attention again to a reinvestigation of the case; and it is further hoped that should this case and the facts in this communication meet the attention of the Secretary of the Interior he will duly appreciate the grounds taken, as he is from the South and must where it must be known to him that claimants have scarcely any advantage in our early day to affect them in making out Pension claims. Be pleased to give your attention to the case as soon as convenient. And with a full conviction that you ought to allow the claim & I submit the case to your favorable decision
Respectfully
A. Fergusson

George C Whiting Esqr
Commissioner of Pension Washington City
Page 73

Carthage Tennessee
9th January 1843

Sir
In conformity with the requisitions contained in your letter of the 30th November 1842 in the case of Marjory Holmes decd widow of Robert Holmes. Please find enclosed the declaration of her son Albert G Holmes sworn to before the Macon County Court. Macon County is a new county stricken off of part of Summer and South counties and includes where Robert Holmes of Summer formerly lived. I think you will find the proceedings suficient and I am in hopes you will allow the Pension agreeable to your letter above aluded to. The clerk of Macon county Thomas Williams and the Chairman Taylor G Gilliam are both known to our representative in Congress William B Campbell to whom reference can be had if necessary. Please send on the Pension certificate as soon as convenient
Respectfully
A Fergusson

James L Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 74

Carthage Tennessee
6th March 1843

Sir
About two months ago I sent you the declaration of Albert G Holmes son and administrator of the estate of his mother Marjory Holmes deceased the case being a plain one where the heirs make application for the pension due their ancestors. I expected an answer before this time but as yet have not. The declaration in all respects was made in conformity with your instructions in your letter of the 30th November last. If you require that a power of attorney shall be necessary to entitle myself as the agent of the administrator to secure the Pension certificate for him I can have one procured and sent to you but he told me to set for him and he would pay Mr Blackamore the fees that he charged his mother and that he would not do anything further in this matter. Congress having adjourned you will be kind enough to inform me what extentions or alterations (if any) were made during the last session in the Pension laws with any regulations you may have adopted in allowing proof &c.
Respectfully
A. Fergusson

James L Edwards Eqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 75

Apl 29. 1840
Margery Holmes
Claim for Pension
Tenn: 
retd. Case
Margery Holmes.

[vertical writing]
The Honl J
               C.
Page 76

Gallatin Tennessee
April 18th 1840

Dear Sir - I herewith return to your office all the papers in case of Margery Holms for a pension which has been suspended for further proof with an aditional affidavit of the old lady explaing the sumery contradiction between her statement & the statement for her deseased husband Robt Holms which I would hope will be satisfactory to the department.
I am verry respectfully your obt st
W M Blackmore

To the Hon J L Edwards
Comr of Pensions
Page 77

Magery Holmes
Deposition

[written vertically]
Amended affidavit
of Margery Holmes
Page 78

State of Tennessee Williamson County  This twenty seventh day of December eighteen hundred and thirty nine
I have this day proceeded to take the deposition of Marjery Holmes (illegible) of Robert Holmes decstd at the house of Thomas McCracken in the county and state aforesaid.

Marjery Holmes is after being sworn on the holy Evangelist to speak the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth concerning the matters and things herein stated deposes and says as follows.
That she was marryed to Robert Holmes on the tenth day of October seventeen hundred and eighty one and a few days thereafter said Robert Holmes with some others having heard of Cornwallis being blocked up at York Town left home for the purpose of assisting in his defeat and shorty after returned as peace was made about the same time, the precise number of days he was out is not recollected though she well recollects that said Robert Holmes returned with the other troops from the neighbourhood under the command of Capt Henry and further she deposes not.
Marjery Holmes X her mark

I certify that the foregoing deposition is in my hand writing that I am in no wise
Page 79

related to the partys that the same was taken before me on the day and at the place as stated above this twenty seventh day of December AD. eighteen hundred and thirty nine
Jos. Burnett
Justice of the Peace
for Williamson County State of Tennessee

The State of Tennessee SS
I Lemuel B McConnico clerk of the county of Williamson County in the State of Tennessee do certify that Joseph Burnett whose signature appears to the foregoing certificate is now and was at the making thereof an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Williamson aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn and that full faith and credit are due his official acts and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said court at office this 30th day of December 1839
L B McConnico
Page 80

Carthage Tennessee
7th November 1842

Sir
In answer to your letter of the 16th June last in the case of Marjory Holmes I have to state that a Pension will be accepted by the heirs under act of July 7th 1838 reserving the right to prosecute for any aditional Pension the children might be entitled to under Act 4th July 1836 posl can be had. I do not see any reason why you should not as in other cases issue the certificate (provided the proof is already suficient) and let the heirs identify themselves as usual before a court of record before recovering such pension.
From what they informed me and particularly the administrator the proof was made out sufficient for a Pension under act July 1838 if so you can send on the certificate under that act without subjecting the heirs to any other expense. But if a new declaration be indespensable you will so signify and also the proof (if any) that may be required. From your letter I discover the only objection is to allowing a Pension under act of 4th July 1836 as the service after the marriage to wit on 10th Octo 1781 is not satisfactory. At the date of your letter the decision of the attorney General
Page 81

prevented the granting a Pension under act
7th July 1838 that decision having been reversed
places the claim as though the decision had never been made.  Please let me know your decision and if the case be so that you can allow the claim under the last mentioned act you will
send on the certificate as before mentioned
and if not let me know the steps now to 
be taken by the heirs
Respectfully 
A. Fergusson

James L. Edwards Exqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 82




Letter from Pension
office
Page 83

War Department
Pension Office 
March 19 1839

Sir,
The amended declaration of Mrs Margery Holmes, widow of Robert Holmes, decd. and the affidavit of Margaret Henry, have been examined and filed with suspended cases. It would appear that in October 1781, the alleged period of her marriage, her husband was out on a tour of service. He either served but a few days on that tour, instead of 3 months as alleged; or there is some error as to the period of the marriage. The original family record, referred to in the claimant's amended declaration should be sent to this office as required in note within the enclosed printed sheet. 
I am respectfully your obt servt
J L Edwards

W. M. Blackmore, Esqr
Gallatin, Tennessee
Page 84

Union Bank of Tennessee
Nashville 27 Septr. 1837

J. L. Edwards Eqr.
Dear Sir
At the request of Mr. Robert Holmes a revolutionary pensioner under the act of the 7th June 1832 and to whom there is one years pension due up to the 4 Instant I herewith transmit you his pension & Identity for your examination & sanction of his being hard. Please to return his claim to him at Gilham Post Office Sumner County Tennessee with your instructions and much oblige Sir
Yr obt. Servt
John M Bap PoA
By S. Cantrell
Page 85

Widows amended declaration - Marriage Cert 1787
Page 86

State of Tennessee Sumner County SS - Amended declaration in order to obtain the benefit of third section of the act of Congress of the 4th July 1836 and joint resolution of July 7 1838 -

On this fifth day of November AD 1838 personally appeared before the County Court of Sum County it being a court of record Margery Holmes a resident citizen of said County of Sumner aged about 77 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following amended declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836 & joint resolution of July the 7th 1838. That she finds from an examination of the family register kept by her said deceased husband Robt Holmes that she was mistaken in her former declaration in the period of her marriage with the said Robt Holmes she having stated in that declaration from memory that she was married in October 1780 - when in fact said register shows that they were married on the 10th day of October in the year 1781 - which she states is the true period of their marriage - which is also established by the annexed affidavit of Margaret Henry hereto attached and made a part of this amended declaration. She also refers the Deptment to her original declaration which she states is correct in every respect except the corrections here made. She also refers to the affidavit of Albert G Holmes hereto annexed
Margery Holmes X her mark

 Sworn to in open Court 5th November 1838
Thos. Donoho Clerk
Page 87

State of Tennessee Sumner County 
I Albert G Holmes do sware that I have examined the Register made in the family bible of Robert Holmes deseased and that the date of the marriage of the said Robert Holmes and the said Margery Holmes is there registered in the hand writing of the said Robert Holmes and said marriage according to said register took place on the 10th day of October 1781 - and which I have no doubt is the true time when said marriage took place. Sworn to in open Court
Albert G. Holmes 
Thos. Donoho Clerk
6th November 1838

State of Tennessee Sumner County
I Thomas Donoho clerk of the County Court for Sumner County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original papers and proceedings had in said Court in the matter of Margery Holmes amended declaration for a pension and I do further certify that C G Browning whos name appears to the amended certificate of Margaret Henry is and was at the date of the same an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County of Sumner duly commissioned and qualified as such and that his official acts as such are entitled to full faith & credit. In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at office in Gallatin the 6th day of October 1838
Thos. Donoho Clerk
of Sumner County Court
Page 88

State of Tennessee   }
Sumner County        }  This day personally appeared before me
C.G.. Browning an acting Justice of the peace for said
Margaret Henry and made oath in due form of 
law that the following statement is true to the 
best of her knowledge & belief.
I was acquainted with Robert Holmes and 
Margery Holmes during the revolutionary war and was
present on three successive sabbaths when they were
published, and was also at their wedding, which
was the 10th of October 1781 they were married by Robt
King Esqr.                                                her  
Sworn to and subscribed   }      Margaret  X   Henry               
before me the 3rd day of  }                   mark
November 1838                }
C. G. Browning 
Justice of peace
She also made oath at the same time that from
age and boddily affliction she is rendered incapable
to make her personal appearances before the court
sworn to and subscribed   }                    her
the 3rd day of November  }       Margaret X  Henry 
1838  C. G. Browning J.P.                        mark
State of Tennessee     }
Sumner County          }  I C.G. Browning do certify 
that I am well acquainted with Margaret
Henry who has subscribed the foregoing affadav
its and that she is a woman of unblemished
character and that her statements are entitled
to full faith and credit.  C.G. Browning  JP
Sumner County
Page 89

[left side of page]
Tours of Service
1st tour from last of May 
1775 to last of Aug
or ends of theses months
2 tour three weeks
3 service volunteers
in the month of May 
1780     Months
                3
                "  21
              10
      _____   3 _______
              16 21
Serve as Captain
alledged by the son and
shown by the record

[right side of page]
Exceptions to the
report filed
3d August 1854
A. Fergusson
The within exceptions was
never answered so far as any
thing has come to my knowledge
and the facts herein set forth
are respectfully submitted for
a review of the whole case
as well as the Brief in 
this case filed on this day 
October 17th 1856
A. Fergusson
atto
Page 90


Washington City July August 3d 1854
Exception to the report in the case of Albert G Holmes son and heir at law of Robert    &                                                       Margery Holmes deceased application for increase of Pension
1st line  last on first page and lives above commencing at But is still more decisive of the point is that the services for which payments were made were performed two years before
the father of Claimant moved into North Carolina,
Answer  there is no payments in Comptrollers certificate or elsewhere that shows payments to Robert Holmes before the year 1777 the latter part of which year he swears he in his original declaration he moved from Pennsylvania to North Carolina
2nd line 4th on 2 page you say "In this certificate there is a payment to Robert Holmes for services in 1775 The claimants father claimed and was allowed for services  for this very year and the two " following years,
Answer  there is no payment dated in 1775 then is Entry 7775 at the bottom of
Certificate which I suppose was mistaken for
the date
You state that the Robert Holmes in his first
declaration says he entered the Services in
May 1780 and served until (16 August 1780)
when he was made prisoner
Answer This is not all that Robert Holmes
swears "he goes further he says he volunteered
in the month of May 1780 under Capt
Samuel Reed & was elected 1st Lieutenant in
said Company which office he held when
he was taken prisoner was attached to
" Col Alexanders Regiment General Ruthford
" Brigade
what we here complain of is
Page 91

that  the testimony is wholly (illegible) and the
office of lieutenant not state at all
We therefore  think these exceptions are well taken
Again
You object because a large portion of these
payments were made to him as Captain in
1782 subsequent to the service. The sons
Declaration alleges positively that his father
informed him often in his lifetime of this
term of service as Captain in the fall of the
year 1781 There was no records before the
Son nor did he nor myself know what the
word would show but fortunately this
service detailed by the son is complatly
Verified by the Record and we are ready to
show further if required that this same
Capt Robert Holmes who is alleged by
the Sons Declaration Served as orderly
Sergeant Lieutenant and Captain
We Respectfully ask a decision upon
all the above point and what further
evidence of identity is necessary and what
kind of evidence will be admissable
Respectfully
A Fergusson
We further show from the original declaration of the father that he served in Pennsylvania in two term about 4 months 
as Lieutenant from May 1780 to
the last March 1781 about
11 months
again in  1781
under Capt Reed 3 months 
____-
18 month
Pension allowed and paid for this sever $55.66
not enough to cover the amount as private claim
Page 92

the difference between the pay of a private and Lieutenant
for about                                                   11 month
The payment shown by the comptroller certificate
are as follows            no 8 page 21  S  30    S16   S6
                                       "     "    58       13      15    0
Auditor of Mayan district  No   1922    30      16    6
                                  "               3213      4       0     0
                                                   5070    70     20    0
                                                                            specie
                                                        S    148    07    12
We say this shows his pay as
Lieutenant and as orderly Sergeant as alledged in the
new Declaration
The ballance being for pay of Services as Captain
his claim all the benefits thereof as the payments
clearly show that the service must have been performed
before the application for payment could be made
Respectrully 
A Fergusson
LP Waldo Esqr 
Commissioner G
Page 93

State of North Carolina
Comptroller's Office
J. William J. Clarke Comptroller of public accounts in and for the State aforesaid do hereby certify that it appears of record in said Office among the payments made by said State to sundry persons for Military services in the Revolutionary war, as follows to
wit
Robert Holmes
Book No 8. Page 21 $ 30.16. 6. Specie & serve
" 19 " 58 to 13. 15. do Specie
Indent or army certificate issued by the Auditors of Morgan District No. 1922 issued 5th Augt 1783 $30. S.D. See
Ditto No. 3213 March 6th 1784 4 S. Specie
Ditto No. 5070 Octr 18th 1784 70. S. Specie
-Vol. A Entry 7077 allowed Capt Robt Holmes for Militia services of himself & Company 26. 2. Specie
Ditto to Dillo Entry 7079 $25, 118, Specie
Ditto to Ditto 7263 $43. 15. Specie
Ditto to Ditto 7274 $324, 1726.
Ditto to Ditto  7276 $14, 17.26 Specie
Ditto to Ditto Specie 7277258.- Specie
The above allowances were made to Captain
and Company in the Spring of 1782
-Ditto to Ditto Entry 7133 $114. S19. same as above
Ditto to Ditto Entry $7805, 8 Specie
-Allowed subsequently to the above
same vol. Entry 7775 Robert Holmes $7.13. Specie
In testimony whereof I hereunto subscribed
my name and affixed the seal of said Office
this July 20th 1854.
Wm J. Clarke, Compt
Page 94

Claim of Albert G Holmes &c
Page 95

State of Tennessee Macon County September term 1853
On this 5th day of September in the year 1853 present the worshipful Wilson Y Adams Sampson S Davis & Wm White Esqr, satisfactory evidence has this day been exhibited to said court holden at Lafayette in and for the county and state aforesaid from the records of said court heretofore exhibited on the 4th day of December 1843. That Marjory Holmes was a Pensioner of the United States at the rate of fifty five dollars and sixty four cents per annum was a resident of the county of Macon formerly Sumner County in the state of Tennessee and died in the county of Macon and state of Tennessee on the 30th day of April in the year 1841. That she left the following named children as her legal heirs and representatives to wit Albert G Holmes Thomas Holmes Elizabeth McCracken and Nancy Alexander and that they were her only legal heirs. And now at this day to wit the 5th day of September 1853 first aforesaid by the oath of James A Turner and Albert G Holmes residents of the county of Macon who are well known to the court and men entitled to full credit. Satisfactory evidence is here exhibited in open court that the said Albert G Holmes Thomas Holmes Elizabeth McCracken and Nancy Alexander are still alive and the only legal heirs of her the said Marjory Holmes deceased. It is therefore ordered by the court that the clerk certify the same as the proceedings and facts known to this court 
Wilson Y Adams Chairman 
of Macon County Court
Page 96

State of Tennessee Macon County
I Jefferson B Short clerk of the County Court of said Macon County do hereby certify that the foregoing proceedings were had in open court being a court of record and general jurisdiction and that the declaration of Albert G Holmes was duly sworn to as aforesaid and the record and evidence signed by Wilson Y Adams Chairman of said court was duly executed and signed by me on the day and year the same purports to bear date. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at office this 30th day of September 1853
J. B. Short clerk
Page 97

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 7th July 1838.
Marjory Holmes, deceased widow late of Tennessee widow of Robert Holmes, who was a Private in the Revolution, and died the 24th February 1838, was entitled to receive a pension at the rate of $55:66 per annum; and having died on the 30th April 1841, the amount due, at the above mentioned rate, from the 4th March 1836 to 4th March 1841, is payable to Albert G. Holmes, Thomas Holmes, Elizabeth McCracken and Nancy Alexander, children of Robert & Marjory Holmes, deceased. 

Given at the War Office of the United States, this 24th day of August one thousand eight hundred and forty=three
Secretary of War, 
Commissioner of Pensions.

Examined and Countersigned.
Page 98

20 August 1830 - Robert Holmes - 83 years old. lived in Pensylvania until 1777, volunteered, about the last of May 1775, under Captain Cockran for 3 month - volunteered again in 1777 under Captain Cockran, in Genl. Smallwood's Brigade served 3 weeks - In the latter part of the year 1777 he moved to Rowan Co NC, In May 1780 he volunteered under Captain Samuel Reid & was elected 1st Lieutenant of his company, was taken prisoner at Gates' defeat (Aug 16 1780) continued a prisoner about 4 months, - made his escape about the latter part of February, & then about the early March (1781) - Again volunteered under Captain Reid, served 3 months, returned home, The above is all the service he recollects to have performed. 

Widow said he performed some service after marriage, but is (illegible) any such service as that now claimed, neither did Albert G Holmes who was a witness for her & who afterwards (illegible) the arrears due her.
Page 99

(checkmark) 3715
Mrs. Marjory Holmes
Tennessee
Page 100

J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pension
Washington City D.C.

(written vertically left margin)
Tenn. Aug 17
4 July 1836
3715.

(circular stamp)
GALLATIN TEN. 
AUG 8

(stamp)
FREE
Page 101

Gallatin August the 7th 1838

Dear Sir
Inclosed is the application of Mrs Holmes for a pension come since the death of her husband in Febry. last. She requests that you would forward any communication you may wish to make in relation therto. To the unassigned or the clerk of the County Court of said county directed to Gallatin Tennessee.
Very respectfully
Your obt. st.
W. M. Blackmore

To J L Edwards Esqr
Page 102

State of Tennessee Sumner County 
Be it known that before me Elisha Oglesby a justice of the peace in & for the county aforesaid personally appeared Margaret Henry & made oath in due form of law that she was personally acquainted with Robert Holmes & Margery Holmes before the close of the Revolutionary War, that she was present when the banner of matrimony was published by the minister on three different Sabath days I was present when the company met to see them married the minister that was to marry them was called off on  some business they went to a magistrate to get him to marry them I did not go with the company to the magistrate but I was present at Thos Bells the father of Mrs Holmes when they started & when they returned from the magistrate. The company said they were married by Robt King Esqr they lived together as husband & wife from that time which was before the expiration of Robt Holmes servases as a Revolutionary soldier
Margaret Henry X her mark

Sworn to & subscribed before me this 6 day of August 1838
Elisha Oglesby justice of the peace

State of Tennessee Sumner County
Be it known that before me Elisha Oglesby a Justice of the Peace in & for the County aforesaid personally appeared Margaret Henry & made oath in due form of law that she is unable from old age & bodily affliction to make her personal appearance before the court without endangering her life This 6th day of August 1838. Sworn to before me 
Elisha Oglesby
J. P for Sumner County
Page 103

State of Tennessee Sumner County 
I Thomas Donoho clerk of the county court of said Sumner county do hereby certify that Elisha Oglesby Esquire is a magistrate as above and that the foregoing certificate purporting to be his as genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this six day of August 1838
Thos Donoho clerk 
of Sumner County Court
Page 104

Claim for a Pension
Nov19
Tenn
Addl decd
Margery Holmes 
4 July No 3715

J L Edwards 
Com of Pensions
Washington City D. C.

FREE
Page 105

Gallatin Octobr. 1838

Sir Inclosed is the amended declaration of Margery Holmes for a pension which I hope may be satisfactory
Respectfully
W. M. Blackmore
Page 106

Erath LA
July 19 / 38
Bureau of Pensions
Washington D. C. 

Kindly give me the records of Robert Holmes Iredell County, North Carolina, 1790. Also Robert Holmes of Rowan County, North Carolina 1790. For a long time I have been searching for my great grandfather, Robert Holmes. He Came to this country at the age of 19 years. He was Irish, and was from Great Britain. 
Any information will be highly appreciated Thanking you 
I'm yours very truly
Mrs. M. Holmes De Rouen
Box 96, Erath, Louisiana.
Page 107

Erath, LA 
Sept. 25 /39
Revolutionary War Department
Washington D. C.

Please give me any information concerning Robert Holmes of Great Britian. Thank you
Yours very truly
Mrs. Martha Holmes de Rouen

Lock Box 196
Erath, Louisiana

(circular stamp)
Received Sep 29 1939
Mail Sub-Div Reader No. 2 VETS ADM
Page 108

October 6, 1939

Mrs. Martha Holmes de Rouen
Lock Box 196
Erath, Louisiana

Robert Holmes
W. 84
 BA-J / MMHF : MLB

Dear Madam: 

Reference is made to your letter addressed to the Revolutionary War Department, this city, in which you request the record of Robert Holmes of Great Britain. 

Revolutionary War data furnished by the Veterans Administration are obtained from claims for pension and bounty land which have been made to the United States based upon service in that war. 

There is only one such claim on file based upon service in the Revolutionary War of a Robert Holmes of Great Britain, which is numbered W. 84. All the papers in that claim were examined August 8, 1938, and the data found therein were furnished you on that date. This office has no further information in regard to that soldier. 

Very truly yours

A. D. Hiller
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.