Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 4914, for George Swingle, Maryland
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(3-1776)
SERVICE NUMBER
Md. Swingle, George S.4914
Carded
CONTENTS
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[Missing parts of paper]
[Illegible]
on the Roll of Kentucky
are of 28 Dollars 33 cents per annum,
mmence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pensions issued the 11 day of Oct 1833 and Joseph Robb Clarksburg
Arrears to teh 4th of Sept   30.82
Semi-anl. allowance ending 1March 14.16
$64.98
Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.
[Illegible] by Dan Boyd. Clerk,
Vol. 7 Page 28

18. June 1838.
17 July [Illegible]
let: 25 July 38 J.N.
Savage
Letter to J. H Savage 20. Aug 1838
Paid at the Leasing under the Act of thee 6. April 1838. from 4 Sept 1836 to 4 Sep 1837. Agent notified 20. Aug 1838
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No 24.995
George Swingle Jr. 
Lewis County
Kentucky
from 1776 private
[Illegible]
28.33/100
14 16
       5
50.82

Joseph RobbClk
Lewis Co
Kenty
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WAR DEPARTMENT, 
Pension Office 
June 6th 1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7th, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, You will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: } ). You will, when  you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, Greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim. 
A Statement, showing the service of George Swingle [Illegible insert] [Illegible]
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REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service. Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law: 
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration. which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION, 
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of County of }ss.
On this day of personally appeared (a) before
A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years., who being first duly sworn, according to the law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order  to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d), with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.] 
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of A.B.  Sworn to and subscribed the days and year aforesaid. [And then will follow the certificate of the Court] And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.  In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge of commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction. 
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so State in his declaration,(l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts., which can be useful in the investigation of his claim and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
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alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one fo teh principal means of cooroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reisde, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to teh nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record fo your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?  And if a substituted, for whom? 
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. To a Soldier{ Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
To an Oficer { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconveniece to him, two respectable persons - one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.  If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party.  And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the suject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge of Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he reisdes.  If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not 
conforming to the rule.  
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the periods of periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the anme of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had.  Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled.  In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared beofre me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A.B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:  For ------ year ----- months, and ------ days, I served as a -------.  For ------months and ------ days, I served as a ------; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant  served, and the particular rank he held as teh law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service.  The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.  Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, & c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service.  This form of a declaration is highly objectionable.  It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term o fengagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h]The Clerk must give her certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his serviceby two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as wellas the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
If the notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule is note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to teh interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Departmen, with the declaration.
John N Artson
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State of Kentucky
 county of Lewis
On this 9th day of April 1833
personally appeared in open Court before Judge Roser, the Court of Lewis County now sitting George Swingle born in December 11th 1757 In Lancester county their of Pennsylvania now in his 76 year of age, and now resident of the above State and county, who being duly sworn according Law. doth on this oath Oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the get of Congress passed June 7th 1832
This Declaration
that I volunteered in the flying boms Company, Paise'or in the State of Maryland to serve six months as a private soldier in Col. Griffith, Col, Shryoelli and Maj. Mantz Rigiment in Capt. Clapsadelle' Company, in June 1776, Wich was Raised near Nagentown Washington County, M.D., and found my own Rifle accourtements and  ammunition, and marched to Philadelphia some time in June 1776, where we joined the above named Rigiment, From there we marched to Amboy New Jersey, from there to Fort Lee on North River. 16 miles above New York [Illegible] FortWashington, here we remained until Gen. Washington and Green arrived with the main army from the white plains, a short time after there arrival, three British ships came up North River between Fort Washington and Lee, we fired on them from both sides of the river and should have  taken one of the ships had not our boat grounded by too many getting on board the English seeing this got out their boats and towed them out of our reach, we sustained no injury except one Lieutenant of the Artilery, who was killed by our own cannon, in a few days after a scouting party brought in 5 or 7 Hassion soldiers, I was directed by Gen. Washington to enform the prisoners that they might go to Pennsylvania among their country men or return to their own army, they chose the latter
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And I enformed Gen. Washington of the result, he accordingly sent a quarter of Beef and five  loaves of bread for the prisoners, and with orders to me to have them conveyed a cross the river on the same side the English army was laying, which orders I obeyed, about the middle of November; as well as my memory serves the whole British force made an attack on Fort Washington, the American force was about 3,000 strong, Commanded by Col. McCaw, the firing commenced about day brake and about 10 o'clock Col. Swope of our like with his regiment when made prisoners, and between 11am 12 o'clock (+ same day) that the Americans retired into the fort, we kept up a constant fire from Fort Lee with cannon and mortar, until a flag came out of the fort, when Gen, Washington ordered firing to cease. In about 2 hours our men marched out of the Fort and formed a line and grounded arms and in a few minets after marched into the Fort again.  and on the following morning they where marched off to wards New York, on the third evening we were ordered into Fort Lee to defend it , but shortly after received counter orders to evacuate  the same with the least possiblemen even (not) permitted to return to our tents for clothing or blanket we marched all that night for Hackensack bridge wich we crossed about sun rise and cut down the bridge, proseded onto second river crossed and cut down that bridge  also and there we mett with Gen. Smallwood and his rigiment thence we pushed for Brunswick Bridge cross and cut it down.  there received a few shot from the English on our rear and killed one of our men, made cross our retreat to Trenton, crossed the Delaware River, from thince we marched to Philadelphia, our term of service being expired, we were discharged in the State house yard some time in Decem 1776.
After my return home to Washington County M.D. I read a letter from Govenor Simlec of Maryland enclosing
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A Captains Commision requesting me to take command of a company in the second regiment Maryland Militia commanded by Col. Swarenger, which I complied with the date of the commision I do not recollect.
In June 1779, to the best of my recollection Col. Moses Rawling was guarding 400 scotch prisoners  taken on the deck at Fort Fredrick Washington Co. M.D. Col.Rawling with his Rigiment being ordered to Pittsburg,  I was ordered to his relief with a a company of Draftend Molition out off the second regiment by Col. Thomas Sprigg, County Lieutenant of Washington County, M.D.  to take charge of the prisoners and Fort at the Exsperation of 2 months being the time of Serves of the M.D. Militia, I was relieved by Capt. John Leitner out the first rigiment M.D. Militia, some time after this I recieved a second letter from Governor Simlee enclosing a Maj Commision to serve in the second rigiment M.d Malitia Commanded by Col. Swearenger in wich capasity I served untill the close of the war, dates of the above commission not recollected.
to the best of my recollection in 1780 I received information that their was a rigiment of Tories raising in Washington and Frederick Countys M.d. the best means to get true information on their proseidings was to get in with a friend of mine to enlist with them by the name of M. Weidman which he accomplished. said Weidman gave me information that Burgoynes prisoners which when at Klemarl BarrockVa when to be removed to Lancaster Pennsylvania, and were to cross the Potomac River at Williamsport M.d there being at that time 400 stand of arms at that place, the Torie plan was to make them selves masters of the arms and then rescue the prisoners.  I sent for Capt. Ott. and his company of minet men to meet me there, to receive the prisoners and he did so and conveyed them to Hagertown M.d.
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I some time after arrested one hundred and ten of the Tories and had them confined in Hagertown jail, Col. Sprigg called a court Marshall of which i was a member and on trial they Declared on oath that they Enlisted in Col Ritchey. Sherman and Maj Blacher Rigiment that their orders was as soon as Lord Cornwallis got within one day and nights ride of Williamsport, that the Tories where to hang Col. Sprigg, Shorpock, and myself and each of the Tories to provide the best horse he could get and push for the English armry.  And the sentice of the court on them was to bannish, Greaves Andrews and others   he United States the balance gennerally were fined different sums of money, and when acquited Col. Ritchey, Sherman and Maj Blacher being citizens of Frederick County, M.d when their Tried found Guilty and Gung.
All my papers boath Malitiary and private I lost in removing from the state of Maryland  to the state of Tennessee.  I had put them in my saddlebags with some other things which made them so full that they could not be rode on with ease and I put them in the waggon and wher lost
The [Illegible] says for her that about 26 or 27 years ago he came from Tennessee where he had lived a [Illegible] a dozen year to Kentucky and this for fifteen or 16 year pass he has lived with upper first of Ky. most in Leceri County where he now lives being were [Illegible] with the Judge of that Court and the the for elect member of Congress Henry Daniel and with the present Conseedats, James Crawford and Amos Davis [Illegible] to John Chamlun lately a member of Congress from Kentucky.  Increed he was acquainted with [Illegible] previous himself when he lived in Tennessee, over with his [one of] Joseph Andres preaching who married Col. Cock's daughter.  I lived there at Lacemina, on French Brood (He knowing High L. White of Know vicar) And he once again that he served six months at least as a private soldier and Two months as a Captain in the war of the Revolution. And that his name is not upon any pension roll of that united State or anywhere else He [Illegible] his services be any one living that he knows of.  
Geo Swingle
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George Swingle son of George Swingle who has made application for a pension _ states that he is about 53 years of age and has record his father say eversince his earliest recollections that he served in the war of the revolution _ and he has read his declaration this day made and over wrote is for him. And has no doubt of its truth _ that he did service in the war of the revolution he is as sure as he can be of any fact of which he had not [Illegible] _ eye witness _ [Illegible]is well acquainted with the Judge of this court [Illegible] of the [Illegible] Bar to whom her refers for evidence of his character 
[Illegibe[ Geor. Swingle JR
Pleasant M. Savage aged a bout 44 years duly pension says that for 17 or 18 years past he has been well acquainted with George Swingle who has made application for a pension and has heard him say that he was a soldier of the revolution for at least that length of time _ and indeed he is as certain of the truth of said Swingles statement that he served with revolutionary war as he is of any fact he was not an eye witness to.  He really believes it _ this deponent is acquainted with Judge William P. Doser of the Levin Court and all the members of the Bar and refers to them for hereso this veracity.
B.M.Savage
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The Commonwealth of Kentucky
Lewis County & Circuit of Lewis Set.
At a circuit Court continued and held for Lewis County at the Court House in the Law of Clarksburg  on Tuesday the 9th day of April 1833. Before the Honorable William P. Roper. Circuit Judge.
George Swingle saw this day produced in open court his declaration made in pursuance of the act of Congress passed on the seventh day of June 1832 And made oath to the same in open court Accompanied by the affidavits of George Swingle Junior and Pleaseant M. Savage who also made oath to the same in open court _ And the said George Swingle Sen. also introduced Chamey B. Shepard, and William Watkins.  Citizens of Lewis County who on oath in open court testified as to teh good standing moral character for of said George Swingle for truth and veracity_ And the court is of opinion after teh Investigation of the matter and putting the Interrogations proceided by the war department that the said George Swingle, Sen.r was a Revolutionary Soldier, and as he states in his declaration _ And it further (appears) to teh satisfactor of the Court, that George Swingle Jun.r and Pleasant M. Savage who have signed the certificates or affidavits annexed to said Declaration and the Statements made by the said Shepard and citizens of Lewis County _ And are creditable persons_ and that their statements are Entitled to credit _ All of which is ordered to be certified.
J. Joseph Robb, Clerk of the Court for the County and Circuit of Lewis Co hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of George Swingle Sen.r for a pension _ In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of office for said Court at Clarksburg the 17th day of April 1833, and in the 41st year of the Commonwealth _. Joseph Robb, Clerk
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George Swingle for his amended declaration, states, that he served as a volunteer private soldier in Capt. Clapsaddle's company for a term of at least six months that (the) nature of his service was as detailed in the body of this declaration that he ser.d a until disharge which was given by Capt. Clapsaddle which he lost in removing to Tennessee as before stated.  He further states that he rec.d a Capts. Commission in the Militia in the 2.d regiment commanded by Col. Swarringer, Washington Co. Md. Claimant was commissioned by Governor Simlee; and in this year 1779 served as Captain a term of two months in guarding prisoners at Fort Frederick Washington Co. Md. The company commanded by him were militia, drafted for this purpose. The detail of (his) service as capt. are given in the body of his declaration to which reference is being made. Clamant further states that he was by Gov. Simlee, commissioned Major in the 2nd Regiment Md. Militia ; that he may in actual service in the field at least fifteen days as major,  in receiving, guarding, and marching Burgoynes prisoners from Williams post Md to Hagerstown, [Illegible crossed out] and in capturing and bringing to justice the Tories, who designed rescuing said Prisoners,  see a more fully detailed in the body of claimants declaration, for the particulars of which reference is there made.  Claimant thinks
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his services as major were rendered in 1780., but in this particular he may be mistaken he lost his commission in removing to Tennessee as stated in his former dictations he does not know  that he can prove his services as Capt, and Maj by any living witness.
Claimant further states that he was born in Lancaster Co. Pennsylvania in the year 1757. Dec. 11th ; that he has no record of his age, but that his father had one, which he has often seen  and perfectly well recollects and from that he desires this information; said record is in Tennessee.  Subscribed an sworn in open court on the 16th day of Sept. 1833.
Geo Swingle
[Illegible}
Joseph Robb Clerk

We Thomas Waring a clergyman, residing in Lewis Co. and Frederick R. Singleton Esqr. residing in the same, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with George Swingle Senr. who has subscribed and swornto the above declaration, that we believe him to be 76 years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution.

(Side margin:)
George Swingle
Declaration
Swingle George Senior
Declaration, Record, [Illegible]
For a Pension made the 
Act of June 1832
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and that we concur in that opinion subscribed and sworn to the 9th day of September.
Thomas Waving
Frederick R. Singleton
before [Illegible] W. B. Parks a justice of the peace for said county. The reason of this certificate's being made before a justice of the peace, was because Mr. Waving was about to leave the state upon a journey and could not be at court and no other clergyman knows the same ^facts.
By the Court. M. B. Parker
1st. Where and in what year were you born?
Claimant was born in Lancaster Co. Pennsylvania, in the year 1757. Dec. 11th
2nd. Have you a record of your age, and if so where is it?
No.
3rd.  Where ^were you living when called into the service?  Where have you lived since the Revolutionary war and where do you now live?
Claimant was living in Washington Co.Md. when called into the service; since the Revolutionary war , he lived in Washington Co. Md. about 15 years in Tenneessee Jefferson Co. 10 or 12 years, and the residu of the time he has lived in Montgomery and Lewis Cy. Ky. in the latter of which he now lives.
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4th. How were you called into the service; were you drafted; did you volunteer , or were you a substitute? and if a substitute, for whom?
Claimant volunteered in the 1st instance as a private soldier, [Illegible] into service as Capt. by Col. Thomas Sprigg; Lieyt. Col. of Washington Co. Md. He acted as a volunteer when he performed his services as major. 
5th. "State the names of some of the Regular Officers too."
Claimant states that he was acquainted with Otto H. Williams adjustant Genl.. Col. Moses Ranling, Col. Henry Shryock, Capt. Reed, and Capt. Dawnohill, and also Capt. Philip Graylile.
6th. Did you ever receive a discharge, commission too.
Claimant was duly discharged, discharge was given by Capt. Clapsaddle; he also secd. two commission a Capts. and Majors commissions which were signed by Governor Simlee and together with his discharge, lost in removing to Tennessee.
7th. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood too.
Claimant is known to Chauney B. Shepherd. Col. Archibald  Fizzle, Pete Savage, John Simpson, David Dayson
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and others who will testify to his character for truth
and veracity, and the tradition of his services as a Revolutionary soldier

Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for Lewis Co. Ky.  George Swingle Sen.r who being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reasn of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the  precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: for six months, served as a private soldier; for two months as a captain; and for fifteen days as a major, and for such service I claim a pension.
George Swingle 
Subscribed and sworn to and this the 16th day of Sept. A.D. 1833 before
WB Parker a Justice of the peace in and for the Cty. of Lewis W.B. Parker
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogations presented by the war department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier , and served
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as he states and the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Thomas Waving who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the county of Lewis, and that Frederick R. Singleton who has also signed the same, is a resident in said Co. of main, and is a credible person, and that thir witness is entitled to credit. 
A Copy Teste Joseph Robb clk Lewis Cty. Court

I,  Joseph Robb clerk of the county court of Lewis Co. do hereby certify, that the foregoing ^amended declaration too, contains the original proceeding of said court, in the matter of the application of George Swingle Senr. for a pension.  I further certify that Mr. B Parker Esqr. before whom claimant deposed to the length of time he served in the Revolutionary war, is a justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid, and that all his official acts are entitled to credit as such.
I [Illegible]when of I have [Illegible] set my hand and seal of office the 16th day of September the year 1833 [Illegible] of the court in [Illegible] of Kentucky the 42'd.
Joseph Robb. clerk
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January 18, 1910. 
Hon, William B. McKinley,
House of Representatives
My dear Mr. McKinley:
In reply to your letter dated the 15th and received  the 17th instant, I have the honor to advise you that George Swingle, senior, was allowed pension, Sur. File No. 4,914, on his application executed April 17, 1833, at which time he was a resident of Lewis County, Kentucky.
It appears that he was born December 11, 1757, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and resided in Washington County, Maryland, when he volunteered in June, 1776, as a Private in Captain Clapsadle's company, Colonel Griffith's regiment of the Maryland Flying Camp, was in the evacuation of Fort Lee, and served until December, 1776, when he was discharged at the State House, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Appointed June 22, 1778, Captain of Colonel Charles Swearingen's Second regiment, Maryland Militia.
Guarded the Scotch prisoners at Fort Frederick, two months. Promoted, November 31, 1780, Major in the same regiment. In 1781 he intercepted the plans of the Tories to capture the American arms at Williamport, Maryland, and release the British prisoners
Page 20

who were to cross the Potomac at that place, en route to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and sent said prisoners with the additional 111 captured Tories, to Hagerstown, Maryland; fifteen days. 
In 1833 his son George, fifty three years of age, testified in the case. Soldier resided in Greenup County, Kentucky, in 1838, and died November 15, 1840.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Page 21

Treasury Department, 
Second Comptroller's office
August 6. 1835
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," George Swingle, Senior a Pensioner on the rRoll of the Kentucky Agency at the rate of twenty eight Dollars and thirty three Cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832 has been paid at this Department from the 4th of Sept. 1836 to the 4th of Sept. 1837
Respectfully, yours,
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller
To the Commissioner of Pension
Present.
Page 22

Greenup ch 24
July 24
Mr. J. R. Poinsett
Secretary war
Washington D.C.

(Upside down) Pension office
Page 23

Greenupsburgh July 23 1838
Dear Sir
I have been requested by George Swingle Jr to ask of the department that the agency for paying his pension may be changed from Lexington to the Maysville Cincinnatti or Chilicothe.  Old age has rendered him unable to travel, so for of the amount would justiry and opportunitie, of sending by pensions aging them and so seldom that it is almost impossible to get it without sacrifising one half to pay some  person to go for him.At either of the other places he could get it without great [Illegible].  He has been compelled to forward his papers to the department, the only person that he had an opportunity of sending by saving [Illegible]when  Such soon often his appointment.  Time having laid its wafering hands upon him it is nothing but justier that it [Illegible] unchanged if the department can do it.
I am Yours Respectfully, J.H. Savage
Page 24

Land offices, Annapolis, 23rd July, 1838,
Sir, 
The papers of George Swingley, or Swingle, have been carefully examined, _ By a record of the militia officers of this State in the revolution, George Swingley appears to have been appointed a Captain in the 2nd Battilion of Militia in Washington County, on the 22nd June 1778, and on 21st November 1780, was promoted to the rank of Major, _ Whether he was in service any length of time or not, the rolls do not show, _ he belonged to the Select Militia, the rolls of which are very imperfect, and afford no evidence of his having performed continuous service, _ the declaration is herewith returned;
very respectfully ,
yr obd ser
G. G. Brewer
J. L. Edwards, Esqr.
Page 25

State fo Maryland Washington County [Illegible]
Be it remembered that on this tenth day of March on thousand eight hundred and thirty eight before the subscriber a justice of the peace of the state of Maryland in and for the body of Washington County personally appeared Henry Cyester of said county who makes oath on the Holy Evangely of almighty God that he this deponent is upwards of eighty years of age and was a volunteer in the Maryland Militia under Captain Ott for nine months during the revolutionary war.  This deponent was ordered to Fort Frederick on the Potomac River in Washington County to guard a large number of Prisoners who were then confined there, that he found George Swingley of said county commanding at Fort Frederick as "Major", that he was called major and acted as such, whilst this deponent was there _ this deponent cannot recollect what year it was that he saw Major Swingle at Fort Frederick, nor can he recollect where the prisoners were captured _ but thinks it was toward the close of the war _ that some time after the war the said Major George Swingle removed to Baltimore and some time afterwards removed to teh west, and settled in Kentucky _ this deponent had served the best part of four years in the militia before he volunteered under Captain Ott _ but cannot recollect what regiment either he or Major Swingle belonged to_
Sworn before J. Hauseler
Page 26

I hereby certify that Henry Cyester the deponent in the within affidavit taken before and certified by me this day is a worthy, honest, credible and highly reputable citizen of Washington County and all his statements in said affidavit are entittled to the highest credit and implicit belief. witness my hand this tenth day of March 1838.  J.Kausler
Washington County to wit;
I hereby certify that the name of J. Kausler, which is signed to the aforegoing affidavids [affidavits] of Pete Feigley and Henry Ceyster and also signed to the certificates of declaration is the hand writing and ptoper signature of J. Kausler Esqr. who. at the time of so signing the same and administering the said affidavids [affidavits] was and still is a Justice of the Peace of the State of Maryland in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified and to all his acts as such full faith and credit is due as well in  courts of justice as thruout.
In Testimony whereof I here unto subscribe my name and affix the seal of my office the tenth day of March in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and thirty eight.
C.H.Williams clk
Washington County Court
Md.
Page 27

State of Maryland Washington County to wit
Be it remembered that on this tenth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight before the subscriber a justice of the peace  of the State of Maryland for the body of Washington County personally appeared Peter Figely senr. [senior] and makes oath on the Holy Evangely of Almighty God that he this deponent, is upwards of eighty three years of age and served as a private in the revolutionary war in the regular service attached to the "Flying Camp", that this deponent was under the command of Colonel Henry Shryock that he this deponent was then well acquainted with George Swingle who was a major in the Maryland Militia, but this deponent cannot recollect what regiment he belonged to that this deponant in the year 1776 (as he believes) with the Flying Camp was marched from "White Plains" ^(after the battle) to "Fort Lee" and at Fort Lee this deponent found the said George Swingle who was called Major, and acted as this deponent believes in that capacity, that from Fort Lee a portion of the army was marched to Philadelphia that the said George Swingle came to Philadelphia at that time and also this deponent, who was then discharged, after which the said George Swingle remained in the army and this deponent did not again see him in actual service, and cannot tell how long he served.  this deponent afterwards served in the Maryland Militia and was marched to New Jersey but did not meet with Major George Swingle  _ after the war Major Swingle removed to Baltimore as he believes.
Sworn before J. Kausler
Page 28

I hereby certify that Peter Figely the deponent in the annexed affidavit taken before me this day, is an honest, credible and highly respectable citizen of Washington County and all his statements therein are entitled to the highest credit and belief _ witness my hand this tenth day of March 1838_
J. Kausler
Page 29

S1346. June 13.183[8]
Pension Office
MrEvan, Mra
I believe [crossed out]
Page 30

Greenupsburgh, June 5 1838
Dear Sit
Enclosed is the certificate of Identity made out according to the regulations of the Department of George Swingle Senr. [Senior].  He is having failed to draw his pension within the time to limited by the department, the papers under the regulation have to be sent to the war department.  He had regularly appointed an attorney to draw his pension; but he having taken sick and and continuing in bad health the time lapsed before the papers were presented to this agent of pensions at Lexington. Also this declaration and accompaning papers claiming an official pension.  I have the honor to be your ott Seal.
J.C. Savage
P.S. Forward his papers to Portsmouth Ohio
can Mr. P Savage
Page 31

Greenup. C.H.Ky.  Free
June 3
Hone J R Poinsett
Sece: of War
Washington D.C.
Page 32

[Ripped paper] Kentucky
[County of Greenup]
[Illegible] this 4th day of June personally appeared in open court before the court of Greenup County now sitting George Swingle Senr [Senior] a resident of Greenup county in the state of Kentucky aged eighty one years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaraiont in order to obtain the benefit of the act of congress passed June 7th 1832.  I some time in the beginning of the year seventeen hundredand seventy eight (my being very old and my memory failing do no recollect the month) received a letter from Govenor Simlee then governor of the state of Maryland in which was a captains commission signed by him Governor Simlee for me with his request that I would accept it and serve as a Captain in the second Regiment of Maryland militia commanded by Col. Charles Sivaringain and James Malling, which commission I accepted and served as such in the before mentioned regiment. One of our Frigates captured a British Transport with four hundred Scotch highland soldiers to reinforce the British army.  The Governor sent them to Fort Frederick in Washington County Maryland.  Col. Moses Rollins Regiment [ Illegible] were taken prisoners at the battle [Illegible] Fort Washington and held as prisonsers
Page 33

in the city of New York having [missing, ripped corner] by the battle and by sickness [Illegible]
in New York were in Washington [missing] Maryland recruiting when the prisoners were sent to Fort Frederick which prisiners [prisoners] he was ordered to guard having under his command Captains Donnehier & Reed.  This was in 1778. It was as I can recollect in May or June of th esame year Col. Rollin was ordered to Pittsburgh with his Regiment.  Col. Thomas Sprigg then the highest Military officer in Washington County Maryland ordered a company of Militia to be drafted, and ordered me to take command of the company.  He attached to my command John Geiger Lieutenant and ordered me to march to Fort Frederick release Col. Moses Rollins, take command of the Fort and guard the prisoners, which I did for two months the term of Militia service in the state of Maryland.  At the expiration of two months I was released by Capt John Leidner of the first Rigement of Maryland Militia.
As well as  I can recollect some time in 1779 I received another letter from Governor Simlee with a Major Commission enclosed for me with teh Governors request to except it and serve as [Illedgible]
Page 34

[Missing, ripped paper] did in the second Regiment , [Illegible] Maryland Militia commanded by [Illegible] Swarengain and Walling.  Then i [Illegibl] had no commissioner  Major is for me and at Battalion, muster before I was commissioned the deals generally applyed to me to muster the men which I did.
In 1781 Gen. Cornwallis was marching through North & South Carolina towards Virginia.  Burgoynes Prisoners taken by Genr. [General] Gates were at the albamar baracks when orders were issued for them to be marched to Lancaster in the state of Pensylvania. [Pennsylvania]. They had to cross the Potomac at Williams Port Washington County Maryland.  Genr. Cornwallis being then on this march towards Virginia emboldened the Torys in Washington and Frederick countys to raise a regiment to be commanded by Col. Richey, Shuman & Blackers. From the Torys conduct I suspected there was something of the kind in contimplation [contemplation] but could get no certain information of it untill I applied to a friend Matthias Weidman to enlist among them and ascertain there object which he did and through him I received the first information that Burgoynes Prisoners were on there march to Lancaster and would cross the
Page 35

Potomac at Williams Port the [missing ripped paper]
Williams Port 400 stands of a [illegible]
The Torys had a meeting and determined that if the prisoners would join them rescue them make themselves masters of the arms and force their way to Cornwalis. The prisoners were in a few days march of Williams Port.  I sent to Hagerstown for least Adam Orr to meet me at Williams Por with his company to take Burgoynes Prisoners to Hagerstown which he did.  The Torys had made the proposition to the prisoners but they would not agree to it.  I then found it expedient to have as many of the Torys taken as possible, accordingly 111 were captured and taken to Hagerstown.  Col. Thomas Sprigg the highest military officer in the county called a court Marshall [Martial] to try them of which I was a member.  Col. Richey + Shuman and Bleeker were tried found guilty and hung.  As well as I recollect six more banished.  8 or 10 fined different sums of money the rest being considered by the court indiscreet young men were acquitted...  At this and receiving Burgoynes prisoners I served fifteen days as Major for which 15 days and two months as captain I claim a pension.
Page 36

[Missing ripped paper] relinquishes every claim, whatever [Illegible] or annuity (as an officer) except the present [Illegible] declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state except on that of the agency of the state of Kentucky as a private.  George Swingle SR
We A H Irizzell jun. and James H. Savage residing in Greenup County certify that we are well acquainted with George Swingle Senr. [senior] who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration and we believe him to be 81 years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resided before he removed to this county (having only been in this county two months or there abouts) to have been a soldier of the Revolution; and that we fully concur in that opinion.
AH Irizell
J. H. Savage
Where and in what year were you born
ans. I was born in 1757 in Lancaster County Pennsylvania
Have you any record of your age and if so where is it
ans. my age was recorded in my Fathers bible which is now in the posession of my elder brother in the state of Tennessee
Page 37

where were you living [missing paper] into service
ans. In the state of Maryland in Washington county
Where have you lived since the Revolutionary war and where do you now live
ans.  Part of the time in Tennessee the [Illegible] in Kentucky and I now live in Kentucky in Greenup County.
How were you called into service
ans. As a captain of a company that were drafted.
Did you ever receive a commission
ans I did which commission I have lost
Page 38

State of Kentucky,
Greenup County  Sct.  June term 1838.
George Swingle Senr. [Senior] a soldier of the Revolution, this day produced in open court a declaration to obtain a pension under the Act of Congress of the 7th June 1832 which declaration was sworn to and subscribed by said George Swingle Sen. in open court.  And Alfred H. Frigell and James H. Savage Citizens of Greenup County came personally into open court Subscribed and Sworn to their certificate annexed to said declaration.  And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interogatories subscribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he stated, and the court further certifies that it appears to them that Alfred H. Freggil and James H. Savage are citizens of Greenup County and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I William Corum clerk of the County Court of Greenup County, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of George Swingle Sen. for a pension.  
In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and seal of office this fourth day of June in the year one thousand and eight hundred thirty eight.
William Corum clerk
Greenup County Court
Page 39

4914.
Invalid
File No. 4914
George Swingle Sen.
Pvt. Rev. War
Act: June 7 / 32
Index: - Vol. M, Page 305
[ Arrangement of 1870. ]
Page 40

July 
23/97Geo S. Savage
Winchester, Ky.
Oct. 19'97 Statement
to Jno P Savage
Sioux Cty, Pa
Dec. 16/97 - To Hon Geo. D.
Perkins, House of Repo -
1910 Jan. 18 Hist. to Hon. WM B. McKinley
Page 41

L. W. B.
I. 4914.
This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services. Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as are now in the possession of the Government are on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States. A. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
December 16th, 1897.
Sir:
Replying to your request for information concerning George Swingle, Son., a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you are advised that he made an application for pension on April 9th, 1833, at which time he was 76 years of age and residing in Lewis County, Ky., and his pension was allowed for eight months ands fifteen days' actual service as a private, captain and major in the Maryland troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time he served under Capt. Clapsaddle and Col. Griffith. He enlisted in Washington County, Maryland.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Hon. George D. Perkins,
House of Representatives.
Page 42

O. W. & N.
L. W. B.
I. 4914.
This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such a Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services. Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as are now in the possession of the Government are on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States.
O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
BUREAU OF PENSIONS, 
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
October 19th, 1897.
Sir:
Replying to your request for a copy of the papers on file in the pension claim of George Swingle, Sen., a soldier of the Revolutionary war, you are advised that there is no appropriation be Congress for carrying on work of this character, and owing to a pressure of other and more important work, this Bureau must decline to comply with such requests.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner. 
Mr. John P. Savage, 
Sioux City, Iowa. 
Toy Block.
Page 43

L. W. B.
I. 4914.
July 23rd, 1897.
Sir:
Replying to your request for information concerning George Swingle, Sen., a soldier of the Revolutionary war, you are advised that he made an application for pension on April 9th, 1833, at which time he was 76 years of age and residing in Lewis County, Ky., and his pension was allowed for eight months and fifteen days' actual service as a private Captain and Major in the Maryland troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time he served under Capt. Clapsaddle and Col. Griffith. He enlisted in Washington County, Maryland. 
There is no appropriation of money by Congress for carrying on work of this character and owing to a pressure of other and more important work this Bureau must decline to comply with your request for a copy of the papers on file in the claim of the above named soldier. 
Very respectfully, 
Commissioner.
Mr. George S. Savage, 
Winchester, Ky.
Page 44

WM. B. Skinley
19th ILL. DISTRICT
House of Representatives H. S.
Washington, D.C. Jan. 15, 1910.

The Honorable, 
The Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
My dear Sir;
I will be greatly pleased if you will advise me whether your office has any record of the services of George Swingle who served as a private in Captain Clapsaddler's Company of Colonel Griffith's, Colonel Shryock's and Major Mantz's Regiment of Washington County, Maryland, Troops, and as a captain in the 2d Regiment of Maryland  Militia, commanded by Colonel Swearengen. I am referred to you by the War Department.  Should your office have any record of this soldier, I respectfully request that you send me a complete transcript of his military services. 
Yours very truly,
WB McKinley
Page 45

RECORD DIVISION JAN 17 1910
CONGRESSIONAL JAN 17 1910
U. S. BUREAU OF PENSIONS
RECORD DIVISION JAN 17 1910
Page 46

American Bible Society, 
Superintendent's Office,
District Kentucky and Tennessee,
Winchester, Ky. July 13th 1897.
Department of the Interior Bureau of Pensions - Washington, D.C. 
Gentlemen,
Geo' Swingle Sen. [Senior] entered the revolutionary service from the Maryand Militia, as a private.  He was promoted to a Major-ship, during the Revolutionary War.  He moved from Maryand to Tennessee, where his house, and all his papers were burned.  He moved from Tennessee to Lewis Co. Kentucky, where he received a pension, as a private.  He was able to prove, from some testimony he got from Maryland, that he was a private but could not prove that he was a Major, hence he drew pension, as a private.  In "The Year Book, of the Kentucky Society 1896", of Sons of Veterans of Revolution, I find "Geo' Swingle age 83, Franklin Co Ky, of page 148, and on page 179, Lewixs Co Ky John Swingle Sen. private, Maryland Militia
The latter name is wrong, there was no John Swingle Sen, Please send me copies
Page 47

of all the Documentary evidence you have,m bearing upon this case, and very much oblige an aged Son of the American Revolution and grandson of Geo' Swingle Sen, who removed from Lewis Co Ky, to Franklin Co Ky, where he died.
Very Respectfully,
Geo' S. Savage

U.S. Pension Office
JUL 15 1897

OLD WAR & NAVY FILES
JUL 17 1897
Page 48


DR. J. P. SAVAGE,
TOY BLOCK.
[stamp] OLD WAR [illegible]
OCT 16 1897
FILES
SIOUX CITY, IA. Oct 13/97.
Hon. H. Clay Evans
Commissioner Pensions
Washington D.C.
Sir:-

Will you please send me a copy of the papers
on file in the claim of George Swingle, [illegible] a soldier of the Revolutionary war, who made an application for pension on April 9th 1833, and whose pension was allowed for eight months and fifteen days, actual service as a private, Captain and Major in the Maryland troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time he served under Capt. Clapsaddle, and Col. Griffith. I will gladly pay any reasonable expense connected therewith.
Very respectfully
Jno. P. Savage M.D.,
Member Ex. Board, Pensions,
Sioux City, Iowa
[stamp] US PENSION OFFICE
OCT 16 1897