Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 32,065, Joseph Williams, N.C.
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(3-1776)
SERVICE N.C. [North Carolina]
Williams, Joseph
NUMBER S. 32,065
Born in N.C.
CONTENTS [BLANK]
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23.687
Georgia
Joseph Williams of Telfair in the State of Geo [Georgia] who was a Ensin [Ensign] & Lieut [Lieutenant] in the Compy [Company] commanded by Captain Williams of the [BLANK] commanded by [BLANK] in the N.C. [North Carolina] line for 
2 mo [months]: Ensign  20-
22 : Lieut  298.33
[crossed out: $318.33]
$313.33

Inscribed on the Roll of Georgia at the * rate of 318 Dollars 33 Cents per ann [annum] to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.

Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of Mar. 34 [1834] and sent to Hon Hohn Cople H.R. [House of Representatives]

Arrears to the 4th of March 1834   954.99
Semi-anl. [Semi-annual] allowance ending 4 Sept "   159.16
$1114.15
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Nath. Rick Clerk.
Book E  Vol. 6  Page 106
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Let. [Letter] to Miner, Apl. 27. 1835.
Joseph Williams April 21, 4[illegible]
Let to Hon D. L. Marcy Augt 18, 45 [1845]
Secry Let J. B. Williams Nov. 15/51 [1851]
Let to Pension Agent at [illegible] and [crossed out: to Joseph Williams March 14th 1845.]
do [ditto] to [illegible] Apl. 10. 1845.
do to E. H. Brown July 21. 1845.
to Secy [Secretary] of War 28 Aug -
Secy to E. F. Brown 26 Aug -
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5179
Jos: [Joseph] Williams
return
Page 78.
6.7.8.9.10.11.12.14.16
Inst: all-
See let [letter] Nov 23-
David Miller Esqr [Esquire]
Justice of Peace in the County of Telfair -
Jacksonville Geo: [Georgia]
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5179
BRIEF in the case of Joseph Williams
County of Telfair in the State of Georgia
(Act 7th June, 1832.)

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Justice of the peace
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? It does not
3. How old is he? not stated
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

Period. - March In 1779 [crossed out: not stated]
Duration of Service. - Years 2 & upwards, Months -, Days.
Rank. - 2nd Lt [Lieutenant] & then 1st Lt
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served. - Gen. Capt. [Captain] Aaron Williams

5. In what battles was he engaged? none mentioned
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? not mentioned
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? witness
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? The official character of the justice is not certified

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
[signature] T. Waugh Examining Clerk.
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Heirs of Joseph Williams claim arrears of Pension money from 4th Sepr. 1844,  to 27th Decr. 1850.
Levi S. Russell
Attorney
Savannah Georgia
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State of Georgia
Telfair County
Be it known that before me, William Rogers Justice of the Peace duly authorized to administer oaths, personally appeared David J Williams, Mary Rawlings formerly Mary Williams, Rebecca Parker formerly Rebecca Williams, Elizabeth Williams and Joseph B Williams, who being duly and severally sworn according to law, declare that they are the sons and daughters and heir at law of Joseph Williams who was Ensign & Lieutenant in the Revolutionary war against Great Britain, and who was a Pensioner of the United States at the rate of $318 33/100 per annum, and was paid at the Agency Savannah Georgia up to the 4th September 1844. Said pensioner's certificate dated 21st of March 1834, residence at the time of his death Telfair County, Georgia, previously resided in Duplin County North Carolina. Said Joseph Williams departed this life on the 27th day of December in the year 1850. That in consequence of a controversy at an election for Clerk of the Superior Courts Telfair County in said State, and by reason of said Joseph Williams Revolutionary Officer as aforesaid having been opposed individually and politically towards James McCall who was Clerk of the Superior Court of Telfair County in said State, said McCall threatened said Williams, that he would cause the Department to stop the pension from said Joseph Williams Revolutionary Officer as aforesaid. And deponents further declare, that they have reason to believe that said James Mc Call
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fraudulently connived with some person and did succeed in causing the suspension of the pension of deponents' father Joseph Williams Revolutionary officer as aforesaid. Said Joseph Williams after his pension was suspended being feeble from old age was unable to give the matter his proper attention and died at the age of 104 years or thereabout according to his statement to his children when living.
Furthermore General John Coffee who was acquainted with deponents father Joseph Williams Revolutionary Officer as aforesaid assisted in having his name inscribed on the Pension Roll at the rate of $318 33/100 per annum. And deponents further declare, that the Pension money due their late father Joseph
Williams Revolutionary Officer as aforesaid having been withheld from him through fraudulent representations. They pray that the Commissioner of Pensions will forthwith grant a certificate for the amount of Pension money due said Joseph Williams Revolutionary Officer as aforesaid up to the time of his death.
[signature] D J Williams
[signature] Mary Rawlins
[signature] Rebecca Parker
[signature] Elizabeth Williams
[signature] Joseph B Williams

Sworn to and Subscribed before me this day and year. January 5th 1858
W. L. Rogers J.P. [Justice of the Peace]
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I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons, that they are residents of the County of Telfair State of Georgia and that they are the persons that they represent themselves to be, and that I am not interested in the Claim.
January 1858.
Wm. L. Rogers J.P. [Justice of the Peace]

State of Georgia
Telfair County
I John F McRae Clerk of the Superior Court for the County of Telfair in said State, do
hereby certify that William L Rogers whose name is subscribed to the above certificate and aforegoing declaration, was at the time of the execution thereof, an acting and duly qualified Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Telfair in said State, duly authorized to administer oaths & that the signatures purporting to be his are genuine, and that full faith and credit are due to his official attestations.
In testimony whereof, I have hereto set my hand and affixed my Seal of Office at Jacksonville this 5th day of January AD. 1858.
John F. McRae C.L.R
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Clerk's Certificate who is known to the facts
State of Georgia
Telfair County
I John F McRae Clerk of the Superior Court for the County of Telfair, State of Georgia, do hereby certify that Joseph Williams now deceased and who departed this life on the 27th of December AD 1850 left no widow, that said Joseph Williams was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of $318 33/100 per annum. In the year 1844, James McCall who at that time was Clerk of the Superior Court of Telfair County in said State, publicly declared that he would cause to be stoped [stopped] the pension of Joseph Williams which said Williams was then receiving from the Government of the United States. I was at that time fully acquainted with the parties and the circumstances which caused the ill feeling between the Clerk of the Court & Joseph Williams Revolutionary Ensign & Lieutenant. By reason of Joseph Williams having voted against said James McCall and being politically opposed to him he publicly declared that he would avenge himself by stopping Williams Pension from the Government what course he pursued, I am unable to certify, but the fact comes to my knowledge through McCalls interposition Joseph Williams pension was suspended. I am well acquainted with Joseph Williams' sons and daughters who have filed the within declaration they were acknowledged by said Joseph Williams Revolutionary Officer to be
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2
his sons and daughters, and so reputed in the County of Telfair in which they now reside and the fact never disputed.
I further certify that Joseph Williams was respected as a Revolutionary Officer who served against Great Britain and the fact never questioned by any good citizen of the County in which he resided. That the proofs which were made did not admit of a doubt. And I further certify that said Joseph Williams Revolutionary Officer as aforesaid was a man that bore a good character and his integrity was more questioned by any good citizens of the County of Telfair. Also I certify that James McCall the former Clerk of the Superior Court of Telfair County in said State was a notorious drunkard and in no wise a reliable man. Furthermore am directly or indirectly interested in the claim of the heirs of Joseph Williams Revolutionary Officer as aforesaid.
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed my Seal of Office at Jacksonville in the County of Telfair State of Georgia this 5th day of January A.D. 1858.
Jn. F. McRae C.L.R.
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State of Georgia
Telfair County
I John McDearmid Ordinary for the County of Telfair State of Georgia do hereby certify that John F McRae, whose name appears to the foregoing Certificate in support of the claim of the heirs of Joseph Williams, Revolutionary officer, was at the date of the same Clerk of the Superior & Inferior Courts of Telfair County in the State of Georgia, that full faith & credit should be given to all his official acts. and I further certify that the facts certified by him, and known to me to be true, & that the signature purporting to be his is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed my Official Seal at Jacksonville this 5th day of January AD 1858
John McDearmid Ordy
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State of Georgia
Telfair County
Know all men by these presents that we David J Williams Mary Rawlings, Mary Williams, Rebecca Parker, Elizabeth Williams, and Joseph B Williams of the County of Telfair, State of Georgia, do hereby constitute and appoint Levi S Russell Esquire of the City of Savannah, State aforesaid, our true and lawful attorney for us and in our names to prosecute our claim before the Department of the Interior viz. For arrears of Pension money due our late father Joseph Williams, who was Ensign & Lieutenant in the Revolutionary war against Great Britain and who was inscribed on the pension roll at 318 33/100 dollars per annum.
And further empowering our Attorney Levi S Russell to receive from the
Commissioner of Pensions a certificate on the arrears of Pension money due said
Joseph Williams Revolutionary officer as aforesaid. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that our attorney Levi S Russell shall lawfully do in the premises
For good and sufficient reasons we do hereby revoke all former Powers of attorneys heretofore given by us.
[signature] D J Williams
[signature] Mary Rawlins
[signature] Rebecca Parker
[signature] Joseph B Williams
[signature] Elizabeth Williams

Witness on hand & seals this 5th day of January A.D. 1858.
[signature] Wm. L. Rogers J.P [Justice of the Peace]
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Appeared David J Williams, Mary Rawlings, Rebecca Parker Elizabeth Williams and Joseph B Williams who acknowledged the within Power of Attorney to be their free act and deed for the purposes therein stated.
Given under my hand this 5th day of January AD 1858
[signature] Wm. L. Rogers J.P. [Justice of the Peace]

State of Georgia
Telfair County
I John F McRae Clerk of the Superior Court for the County of Telfair in said State, do hereby certify that William L Rogers whose name is subscribed to the above certificate was at the time of the due execution thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Telfair and his signature is genuine.
In testimony I have subscribed my name and affixed my Seal of Office at Jacksonville this 5th day of January A.D.
John F. McRae C.L.K
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State of Georgia
Telfair County
Be it know that before me William L Rogers Justice of the Peace, duly authorised to administer oaths, personally appeared Alexander T. Dopson James W. Rawlins & Henry I Campbell who being duly & [illegible] sworn according to Law declare that they were well acquainted with Joseph Williams who was Ensign & Lieutenant in the Revolutionary war against Great Britain & who was a Pensioner of the United States at the rate of $318 33/100 per annum. They further state that his Pension was suspended about the year 1844, by or through the agency of one James McCall, who publicly declared that he would have it done, to be revenged for Joseph Williams, having voted against him for clerk of the Court. Said James McCall at that time was clerk of the Court of Telfair County & we believe that he procured certificates to pejudice [prejudice] the Pension Office against the said Joseph William revolutionary Pensioner as aforesaid.
We further declare that we were present at the Court when Joseph Williams made on Oath in Support of the Pension of our Goff & that the said Joseph Williams at that time was very old childish & considered Crazy & remained so up to his death, that he had not reason to know the nature of the oath, or what he
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was testifying to. We further State that said Joseph Williams was a respectible [respectable] man, & respected as a Revolutionary Officer, and that said James McCall was a man of very bad character & finally died a most notorious drunkard.
We further certify that said Joseph Williams died on the 27th day of December 1850 leaving no widow.
We further swear that we are not directly or indirectly interisted [interested] in the claim of the Heirs of Joseph Williams Revolutionary Officer as aforesaid
[signature] J. J. Campbell
[signature] Alex T Dopson
[signature] J W Rawlins

Sworn to & subscribed before me this 5th day of January 1858
[signature] Wm. L. Rogers J.P. [Justice of the Peace]

I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons, that they are residents of the County of Telfair State of Georgia & that they are the persons that they represent themselves to be & that I am not interested in the claim
January 5th 1858.
[signature] Wm. L. Rogers J.P.
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State of Georgia
Telfair County
I John F McRae Clerk of the Superior Court for Telfair County in said State do hereby certify that William L Rogers whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate & affidavit was at the time of the executing thereof an acting & duly qualified Justice of the Peace in & for the County of Telfair in said State, duly authorised to administer oaths, & that the signatures purporting to be his, are genuine, & that full faith & credit are due to his official attestations
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my Seal of Office at Jacksonville this 5th day of January AD 1858
[signature] Jna F. McRae C.L.K
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Georgia
Telfair County.
On this the 9th day of January in the year Eighteen hundred and thirty three, Personally appeared in Open Court before the Justices of the Inferior Court now sitting, Joseph Williams a resident of the County and State aforesaid aged Seventy three years, who being 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 the 7th June 1832 Viz. That he enterd [entered] the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. That he enterd the service of the United States as a volunteer (and held the rank of Ensign) about the last of March in the year 1779 as near as he can now recollect, shortly afterwards he was promoted and commissioned as first Lieutenant in the company to which he was attached, commanded by Capt. [Captain] Aaron Williams of Duplin County State of North Carolina in which County and State said declarant resided when he entered the service. Was attached to the Regiment commanded by Colo. [Colonel] Owen Kinnan and Maj. James Gillespie of Genl Kinnans Brigade; his services were confind [confined] to North & South Carolina, as far as Pedee {Pee Dee] river. That he was in no general engagement, but was in several skirmishes with British and Tories. The principal of which was
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at the Big Bridge ten miles above Wilmington, Genl. [General] Ash, Genl. Livingston and Genl. Kinnan were the principal officers; of the Continental Troops, he recollects Majr. [Major] Dougherly and Majr. Rhodes. to have been principal officers with whom he served and that his services continued without intermission or discharge from the before named period in 1779. Untill the last of May 1781, as the declarant believes, according to his best recollection and that said continual and continued service was two months as Ensign and two years as first Lieutenant, and for some more circumstantial details of which service he begs to reference to his affidavit, written in his own hand & qualified to, and appended to this paper first. He further declares that he has no documentary evidence, and that he knows of no persons living whose Testimony he can procure in order to establish his revolutionary services, except Stephen Bowens (a pensioner for revolutionary services) and John Goff, the Certificates of whom are hereunto appended.
I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declare that my name is not on the Pension roll of the agency of any state.

1st. Question by the Court - Where and in what Year were you born?
Answer - I was born on the 20th December 1760 in Duplin County North Carolina

2d. Question by Court - Have you any record of your age, if so where is it?
Answer - I have none other, than that which [illegible] my Father's church Bible in North Carolina

3d. Question by the Court - How were you called into service were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a Substit[ute] & if a substitute for whom?
Answer - I was a volunteer, and on my own account
Page 20

5th. Question by Court - State the names of those of the Regular officers who were with the troops where you served, such Continental and Militia
Regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your service?
Answer - Genl. [General] Kennan, Genl. Ash & Genl. Livingston, were Genl. officers, Col. [Colonel] Kennan of the Regiment to which I was attached. Majr. [Major] Dougherty & Majr. Rhodes of the Continental troops, the especial names of Regiments I do not recollect except the one to which I was attached viz Cold Kennans and the circumstances of my services, were principally as follows, my services were confind [confined] to North & South Carolina at far as Pedee [Pee Dee] River. Was in no general engagement, but in several skirmishes with the British & Tories, the principal of which was at Big Bridge ten miles above Wilmington

6th Question by Court. Did you ever receive a Commission, and if so by whom was it signed and what has become of it?
Answer - I did receive a commission [crossed out: and if so by whom was it signed and what has become of it] Signed by Genl. Kennan, I left it in North Carolina with many other papers at my Brothers, it has since been lost.

7th. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present Neighbourhood and who can testify to your character for veracity and good behaviour, your services as a soldier of the Revolution
Answer. William Parker, Noah Paramore, John Willcox, Edward Burke & Jeremiah Wells, and Stephen Bowen
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who can testify to my services as an Officer of the Revolution
[signature] Joseph Williams

Sworn to & subscribed the day and year above written.
[signature] Charles J Shelton J.J.C
[signature] Henry Simmons JJC
[signature] James A Rogers J.J.C.
[signature] Thos S Swain JJC

We Charles Shelton a clergyman residing in the County of Telfair and state of Georgia and John Williams a resident of the same county & state hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Joseph Williams who has subscribed & sworn to the above delaration [declaration], that we believe him to be seventy three years of age, that he is Reputed and believed in the Neighbourhood where he resides to have been an officer of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion
[signature] Charles J Shelton (Clergym
[signature] John Williams

Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year above written
[signature] Thos S Swain JJC
[signature] Henry Simmons JJC
[signature] James A Rogers J.J.C

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the Investigation of the matter & after putting the Interrogatories prescribed by the war department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary officer and served as he states, and the said Court further Certifies that it appears to them that Charles J Shelton who has signed the preceeding certificate is a Clergyman Resident as stated and that John Williams who has also
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signed the same is a resident as stated and is a creditable person and that their statements are entitled to credit
[signature] Thos S. Swain J.J.C.
[signature] Henry Simmons JJC
[signature] James A Rogers JJC
[signature] Charles J Shelton JJ.C

State of Georgia
Telfair County
Personally appeared in open Court before the Inferior Court of said County Stephen Bowen who on Oath duly administerd [administered] deposeth & saith that he was a regular soldier in the United States service in the Revolutionary War and that now in virtue of that service as a pensioner and that when in service was well acquainted with Joseph Williams (Ensign) or second Lieutenant under Captain Aaron Williams, in North [crossed out: and South] Carolina, in the Militia service against Great Britain
That himself and Joseph Williams frequently saw and conversed with each other in the years Seventeen hundred & Eighty & Eighty one (and that the foregoing applicant for a pension is the same) and that after the resignation of Lieutenant Bowen Father of deponent he the said Joseph Williams succeeded to the office of fist [first] Lieutenant and continued therein as near as said deponent can recollect & veryly [verily] believes
for the space of two years
[signature] Stephen Bowen

Sworn to & subscribed in open Court
this 7th day of Jany [illegible]
[signature] Thos S Swain J.J.C
[signature] Henry Simmons JJC
[signature] James A Rogers J.J.C
[signature] Charles J Shelton J.J.C
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State of Georgia
Telfair County
I Lucius Church Clerk of the Inferior court do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the proceedings in the matter of the application of Joseph Williams for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal there being no seal of office this 7th day of January 1833
[signature] Lucius Church Clerk I.C. [Inferior Court]

Hon J. Goff

Georgia
Telfair County
I do certify that Lucius Church is clk [clerk] of the Inferior court of Telfair County and that the above is his signature & seal.
June 13th 1833
[signature] Jno Coffee

Georgia
Telfair County
We Thomas S. Swain and James A. Rogers Justices of the Inferior Court for the county of Telfair and state of Georgia certify that we are acquainted with Stephen Bowen & John Goff who has subscribed & sworn to the within declarations, are creditable persons and that their certificates are entitled to credit
[signature] Thos. S. Swain J.J.C
James A. Rogers J.J.C
Page 24

State of North Carolina
Comptroller's Office
I, William J. Clarke, Comptroller of Public Accounts in and for the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that, it
appears of record in my office, among the payments
made by said State to sundry persons for Military
services, in the Revolutionary War, as follows, to wit:

Joseph Williams
Book W No. 1, page 23 [pound sign]13 S14 D6 specie
"  "  "  "  26 [pound sign] 21 S 14  "  Lieutenant Captain Aaron Williams's Company
"  "  "  "  28 [pound sign] 21 S 7  "  Ditto Lieut  "
"  "  "  "  "  [pound sign] 14 S 8  "
"  "  "  "  46 [pound sign] 3 S 4  "
"  No. 180  "  2 [pound sign] 2 S 3 D6  "
"  "  "  "  8 [pound sign] 2 S 9 D6  "
"  "  "  "  19 [pound sign] 19 S 14 D6  "
"  F No.2  "  46 [pound sign] 58 S 15 D6"
"  No. 23  "  90 [pound sign] 18 S 5  "
"  "  "  98 [pound sign] 9  "
" AM No 15  "  23 [pound sign] 36  "
"  "  "  56 [pound sign] 79 9D 2  "

Indent or Army Certificate No. 404 issued by auditors of Wilmington District December 22d. 1781, [pound sign] 19 S 14 D 6 specie.
Ditto No. 329 [pound sign] 2 S 9 specie
Book W, No. 2 page 59 [pound sign] 6 "

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed by name and affixed by seal of office this 19th. day of June 1852
[signature] Wm. J. Clarke Comptr. [Comptroller]
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State of Georgia
Telfair County
Before me John McDermed personally came Henry J. Campbell & Joshua Craney who being duly sworn deposeth & saith that they are citizens of said County of self in that they were well acquainted with Joseph Williams deceased who was a Revolutionary Pensioner as a Lieutenant in the Revolutionary War that the said Joseph Williams departed this life on the 28th day of December 1850, in the County of Telfair and deponents say that the said Joseph Williams at the time of his death left no widow, and the following are the only children of the said Joseph Williams viz. William H
Williams, David J. Williams, Joseph B Williams Mary Rawlins, Rebecca Parker Phobe Boney Nancy White and Elizabeth Williams and that he left none other
[signature] H. J. Campbell
[signature] Joshua Craney

Sworn to & subscribed before me this 2nd day of August 1852
H.F. Campbell
[signature] John McDermid ordinary
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State of Georgia
Telfair County
Before me John McDermid Personally came Joseph Ray who being duly sworn on oath deposeth and saith that this deponent was well acquainted with Joseph Williams late a Revolutionary Soldier and Pensioner, that the said Joseph Williams departed this life on the 28th day of December 1850. in the County of Telfair in said State, that this deponent was present at the burial of the body of said Joseph Williams and assisted in interring the same
[signature] Joseph Ray

Sworn to & subscribed before me in open Court this [crossed out: day] 2nd day of August 1852.
[signature] John McDermid ordinary

Georgia Telfair County
I John M Dermid Clerk and Judge of the Court of Ordinary of said County of Telfair do hereby certify that said Court is a Court of
Record that the foregoing affidavits were duly made before me and that my signature thereto is genuine and that the affiants are
creditable persons. Given under my hand & seal of office this 2nd day of August 1852
[signature] John McDearmid ordinary
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State of Georgia
County of Telfair
Before me John McDermid Judge and clerk of the Court of Ordinary the same being a court of Record personally came William H Williams who being duly sworn on oath deposeth and saith that deponent is the lawful administrator of the estate of Joseph Williams late of said County of Telfair deceased who was a Revolutionary Pensioner until the 4th day of March 1845, at which time his since Pension which was allowed on the 21st day of March 1834, for the sum of $318.33 cents was then suspended and further proof required, that Joseph Williams departed this life on the 28th day of [crossed out: September 1850] December 1850 that this deponent is the qualified and legal administrator of the estate of the said Jeseph Williams, that the said Joseph Williams at the time of his death had no wife and left no widow That the following persons are the lawful children of the said Joseph Williams viz. William H Williams (this deponent) David
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I. Williams aged about 57. years Joseph B Williams aged about 60 years Mary Rawlins formerly Mary Williams aged 71 years, Rebecca Parker formerly Rebecca Williams aged 69 years Phoebe Bowen formerly Phoebe Williams aged about 67 years and [crossed out: Elizabeth] Nancy White formerly [crossed out: Elizabeth] Nancy Williams aged about 65 years and Elizabeth Williams aged about 53 years. That this deponent has produced additional proof as to the services of the said Joesph Williams which this deponent hereto annexes [crossed out: and therefore]
[signature] Wm. H. Williams

Sworn to before me in open court and I do further certify that the above William H Williams is the lawful administrator of the estate of the said Joseph Williams deceased and is a creditable person this the 2nd day of August 1852. Given under my hand & seal of office
[signature] John McDearmid ordny [ordinary]
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May 8, 1933
Joseph Williams-S.32065
BA-J/AWF

Mrs. Louise P. Bosworth
1215 Fifth Avenue
New York City

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request information relative to Demion (Endymion) Baker, Jehu Baker, John Baker, Morris Baker, and Joseph Williams, soldiers of the War of the Revolution.

Revolutionary War data furnished by this office are obtained from claims made to the United States for pension and bounty land based upon the military service of soldiers in that war.

A search of the records fails to show such claims on file on account of the services of John and Morris Baker as described by you, or of any Demion (Endymion) and Jehu Baker.

You are furnished herewith the record of the only Joseph Williams of Duplin County, North Carolina, found on file in the Revolutionary War records of this office. The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim,S.32065, based upon his service in that war.

Joseph Williams was born December 20,1759 or 1760 in Duplin County, North Carolina. He was the son of Joseph Williams, the name of his mother is not shown; he had brothers-Aaron, David and Byrd.

Joseph Williams stated that while a resident of Duplin County, North Carolina, he enlisted in March, 1779 and served two months as ensign in Captain Aaron Williams' company (his brother), Colonel
Page 30

Owen Kenan's North Carolina regiment, and two years as first lieutenant under same officers, and was in several skirmishes.

The soldier, Joseph Williams, moved about 1800 from Duplin County, North Carolina to Telfair County, Georgia.

He was allowed pension on his application executed January 7, 1833, then a resident of Telfair County, Georgia. Upon a reexamination of his claim, it was decided that his pension had been allowed without sufficient proof of service, as required by the pension laws; consequently on March 14, 1845, his name was dropped from the pension rolls. [the initials "M. M. H J" are handwritten to the left of this paragraph]

He died in Telfair County, Georgia, December 27 or 28, 1850, leaving no widow; the name of his wife is not stated. In 1852 his children were as follows- William H. Williams, age not given; Mary Rawlins aged seventy-one years; Rebecca Parker aged sixty-nine years; Phebe (Phoebe) Bowen aged sixty- seven years; Nancy White aged sixty-five years; Joseph B. Williams aged sixty years; David I. or J. Williams, aged fifty-seven years; Elizabeth Williams aged fifty-three years.

John Williams was living in 1833 in Telfair County, Georgia, and James W. Rawlins in 1858 was a resident of said county; no relationship to the family shown.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 31

Whereas I Joseph Williams, of the State of Georgia, who was an Ensign and Lieutenant in the War of the Revolution was placed upon the Pension Roll on the 21st day of March 1834. to receive three hundred and eighteen dollars and thirty three cents per annum during my natural life, commencing on the 4th of March 1831; and whereas the Commissioner of Pensions has recently directed the payment of said Pension to be withheld from me by the Agent at Savannah in consequence of a discrepancy between my testimony given in favor of John Goff, and the facts set forth in my own declaration filed for the purpose of obtaining my Pension Certificate:
Therefore, I, the said Joseph Williams do upon oath make this my Declaration,
in order to be re-instated upon the Pension Roll: That I did serve two twelve months tours, one after the other, first as Ensign, and was commissioned by General Kenan, and afterwards promoted a Lieutenant and received my commission from Major James Gillispie, who afterwards died in Congress, a member of the House of Representatives from North Carolina; that after we had proceeded across Cape Fear, and made a stand for some time. Clifton Bowen, being consumptive, gave up his commission to Major Gillispie, and returned home. and some few days after, when we were about to leave that station, Major Gillispie, took from his pocket Bowens Commission, erased Bowens name and inserted mine. he then read it aloud to the Company and presented it to me, which Commission I retained during my service in the War, and have since lost or it has been destroyed. That when I first entered the service. I received a commission as Ensign, and in a short time perhaps two months, I was promoted a Lieutenant by Major Gillispie, which commission I held untill the capture of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown. I make these statements as near, as I possibly can, (being now in the eighty sixth year of
Page 32

my age.) I entered the army in the spring of (1779) under Captain Aaron Williams, and Lieutenant Clifton Bowen as an Ensign, and that during the whole time we were in the field about Twenty two months, and in Garrison, at different places, about three months; that during my service, we were at Six different stands namely, Duplin Court House, Major John Tredwell's on the Cohara [Coharie?] River, Wm.  Conner's, on Pee Dee, River, Long Bridge, Rockfish Bridge, and Major Stephen Anderson's on Black River, as nearly as I can recollect, which were about one hundred and thirty miles from home; that the company officers were Captain James Love, Capt. D. Faragood, Capt. Aaron Williams, Capt. James Ward, Capt Bryan Glisson, Lieutenant Stephen Miller, Lieut. Robert Merrit and the field officers were General John Ash, Genl. James Kenan, Genl. Linnington, Colonel Thomas Bloodworth, Col. Richard Clinton, Col. Charles Ward, Major James Gillispie, Majr. John Treadwell, Majr. Stephen Anderson. that there were embodied about Three thousand men, and they were quartered, generally in open field without intrenchment, except at Rockfish were we had an intrenchment, and subsisted on Pork and Bread, and some days nothing but Cow Peas boiled in bay pond warter [water] without salt, which caused about twenty men to desert us in one night, to the best of my recollection. The company of which I was Lieutenant was sent on by order of Genl. Kenan to Newburn after the Magazine to bring it on to Head quarters, at Long Bridge, ten miles above Wilmington.
And I do further declare upon oath, that I never intended to give my testimony in favor of John Goff, for more than six months service, and if more that six months service is stated in said testimony. I believe it was an error committed by the person who drew the papers, James N. McCall, as I think he was intoxicated at the time.
Page 33

(Signed)
[signature] Joseph Williams

Sworn to in open court, this 1st day of July 1845.
[signature] D. B. Graham J.I.C. [Justice of the Inferior Court]
[signature] Thomas Fletcher J.I.C.
[signature] S.S. Truman J.I.C

State of Georgia
Telfair County
To wit:
Jno F. McRae Clk [Clerk] of the Inferior Court of Telfair County, do hereby certify that the above Declarant, Joseph Williams, this day appeared in Open Court and made oath according to law that the foregoing Declaration is true in all its parts to the best of his Knowledge and belief.
In Testimony whereof, JC. this 1st day of July 1845
Jno F. McRae Clk I.C.

State of Georgia
Telfair County
To Wit:
I do hereby certify that I was present when James H. McCall drew an affidavit for Joseph Williams about the month of August, 1844, or Septr [September], testifying to the services of John Goff, in the Revolutionary War, and I believed and still believe that the said James H. McCall was intoxicated at the time; and I heard the said Joseph Williams say that John Goff, only served about six months, and he could not testify to any more service.
[signature] Wm. H Williams

Sworn to this 1st July 1845, before me
[signature] S. S. Truman J.I.C.
Page 34

We the undersigned do hereby certify that we have known Wm. joseph Williams for a number of years, that he is a respectable man and entitled to credit; that he has been several years receiving a Pension as an Ensign and Lieutenant in the Revolutionary War, and we believe that he is the identical person who performed the service for which he was pensioned, and hope he will be restored to the Rolls.

Citizens
[signature] C. Jn. Shelton Ord. Minister of the Church Methodist Episcopal Church South
[signature] David Ryals Ord. Minister of the Missionary Baptist Church South
[signature] Wm. Ellis Sheriff of Telfair County Ga [Georgia]
[signature] Henry J. Harbock
[signature] Mark Willcox
[signature] James A. Rogers
[signature] Mitchell G. Willcox
[signature] John Larkey
[signature] William Parker
[signature] Henry J. Campbell
[signature] Seargent S. Freeman
[signature] Henry L Wells
[signature] John M Lean
[signature] James W Rawlins
[signature] Joshiah Paine
[signature] James C. Rogers
[signature] Woodson Willcox

I, Duncan Cameron, Justice of the Peace, do hereby certify that the above are respectable citizens of this county.
Telfair County Geoa [Georgia] 2nd. July 1845
[signature] Duncan Cameron J.P.
Page 35

Georgia
Telfair County
I John F McRae, clerk of the Supr [Superior] & Infr [Inferior] Court, in and for said County do hereby certify that Duncan Cameron is an acting Justice of the Peace of said County & is entitled to credit
July 7th, 1845
[signature] John F McRae Clk S. & I.C
Page 36

Declaration of Joseph Williams
I joined the company of Captain Aaron Williams's State Troops early in the year (1779) seventeen hundred and seventy nine. This company was called out by General Kenan, from whom I received my commission as ensign at the same time, that Aaron Williams received that of captain, and Clifton Bowen, that of lieutenant, at Duplin Court House, which was the place of mustering or rendezvous.
We marched from there, crossing Cape Fear River, and continuing in the direction of Georgetown, made a stand over Downing Creek, where our lieutenant Clifton Bowen from ill health resigned his commission and I was appointed in his place. This was perhaps a month or six weeks after leaving Duplin Court House. My commission as lieutenant, I received from Major James Gillespie, and was the same commission that Bowen had had, but his name was erased from it and mine inserted in its stead. From this place we marched back to Duplin Court House and delivered a few prisoners whom we had taken, and who were called Tories, or Truce Men, to General Kenan. The next route was to Long Bridge ten miles above Wilmington and there we remained about two months. The number of men collected at this place was perhaps three thousand, who were principally volunteers and a few regulars under the command of Major Dougherty there was also a company called the French company under the command of a Captain Defarrygood, there were also a few called Dutch, all commanded by Generals Ash, Kenan and Linnington, and Majors Treadwell and Gillespie, Col. Bloodworth was also there and other officers whom I cannot remember. From this place our company with with about fifteen regulars was ordered to Newburn to remove the magazine, to Long Bridge, which was performed. While here we had a skirmish with the English, in which we lost nine or ten
Page 37

men, and retreated thence to Rock Fish Creek about thirty miles distant. There was no cessation of active service during our first term of twelve months, except when we were in garrison, which was at Long Bridge and Rock Fish Creek as above stated and one at Major Treadwell for a fortnight and once at Major Stephen Anderson's for a fortnight. Our officers were as above stated except that in my place John Goff was appointed Ensign and I believe was accepted for six months, but at what period of our service he entered I do not remember. The same men and officers, or pretty nearly the same arrived again at Duplin Court House after the expiration of our years term of service, and we were induced by the representations of General Kenan to agree to serve another tour of twelve months, the officers who commanded our company in the second term were the same as in the first except that our ensign was named William Stone, The second term of service was rather more continued than the first as I do not remember being in garrison but once, and that was for three or four weeks in the neighborhood of Mr Conner's plantation in South Carolina, upwards of a hundred miles from my place of residence. During our second term I received a furlough of fifteen days. During the time of being garrisoned at Treadwell's, was about twenty five miles from home, and about the same distance when at Anderson's while at Long Bridge about fifty two miles, and at Rock Fish Creek, ten miles from home. Major Gillespie was the greater part of his time with our company, but there were a few more companies of State Troops with whom he some time was. I remember a company of them under Capt. James Low, one under Thomas Bloodworth who had a Capt. William Wright under him. When we first left Duplin Court House, our company numbered upwards of seventy men, and when we returned, numbered upwards of one hundred. the reason was he frequently admitted
Page 38

worthy men who could not live in safety at their own homes, and who had not joined the British, for six months and sometimes even for three months. This was by the order of General Kenan. In regard to subsistence, when we came to a plantation at which judged provisions could be procured, the commissary with a few men would go and take what was thought sufficient, for such time as they thought necessary, according to the supplies that could be obtained wither they were marching; that is, if the country in which we were was wealthy and that to which we were going was poor, they would fill the cart, or wagon: and if otherwise they would act with all possible forbearance, for we were frequently a day and sometimes two days with no food. To the persons from whom the provisions were got a certificate was given, stating the articles, the quantity &c. and the holder of this, shewed it to a set of men who were called auditors who arbitrated the value, and I believe the auditors had power to draw money such as was circulating to pay the demand.
The commissary if I remember rightly was elected by the officers of the Company.

State of Georgia
Telfair County
Personally appeared before us Judges of the Inferior Court of Telfair County Joseph Williams of the State and County aforesaid who being sworn deposeth and saith that the above declaration, is the best of his recollection just and true.
Given under our hands the 2nd, day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty five (1845)
[signature] Wm R Manning JIC
[signature] Thomas Fletcher J.J.C.
[signature] S. S. Freeman J.I.C.

[signature] Joseph Williams
Page 39

The undersigned citizens of the state of Georgia take pleasure in stating that they have been acquainted with Mr Joseph Williams a number of years and feel themselves warranted in pronouncing him to be a man of veracity.
[signature] Mitchell G. Willcox J.I.C
[signature] Henry J. Campbell
[signature] Charles M. Powers
[signature] Jno F. McRae C.S.C.
[signature] S.S. Freeman
[signature] Jas Humphrys M.D.
[signature] Alex T Dopson DP
[signature] A McDuffie
[signature] James Buttler D Sheff
[signature] James W Rawlins
[signature] Woodson Willcox
[signature] Archibald Brewer
[signature] John T Minix
[signature] Duncan Cameron J.P
Page 40

Case before his county that his discharge recd [received] from Abel Kinnon has been lost or distroyed [destroyed], that he has no recolection [recollection] of what ever became of it
[signature] Joseph Williams

Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year first above mentioned before me
[signature] D. B. Graham J.I.C

I should suppose said Joseph Williams who represents himself to be of the age of 86 years from appears and that he is of that age.
[signature] D.B. Graham J.IC

State of Georgia
Telfair County ss
Be it remembered that on this 19th day of August 1846, I D.B. Grayham one of the Justices of the Inferior Court in and for said County, do hereby certify the foregoing declaration of Joseph Williams has been carefull red [carefully read] to him & I believe the statement is intitled to full faith and credit, that the old gentleman is well known to me and has always sustained an undoubted character for truth and honesty, that he is to feble [feeble], to attend in open Court with propriety. Given under my hand and (private Seal there being no seal of office) the day and year last above mentioned
[signature] D. B. Graham, J.I.C

State of Georgia
Telfair County ss
I John F McRae Clerk of the Inferior Court in and for said County do hereby certify that D. B. Graham before whom the foregoing declaration of Joseph Williams was taken and who has given the foresgoing [foregoing] certificate & before whom the annexed Power of Atty [Attorney] was acknowledged & was at the date thereof is an acting Justice of the Inferior Court in and for said County duly qualified that his Signature thereto is genuine and that due faith and credit should be given unto his official Acts. Given under my hand and private Seal9there being no Seal of Office) this 19th day of Augst. 1846
[signature] John F. McRae C.I.C.
Page 41

(as was stated) had a command of about 3000 men at the Bridge this deponent was stationed with a detachment about 2½ miles above the intrenchment at Rock Fish Creek This garrison was commanded by Genl [General] Kinnon [Kenan] & Maj [Major] James Gillaspie after driven from the Bridge below deponant [deponent] was at the Bridge before mentioned at the time the British came up with their Cannon and driven them off that Genl Kinnon & Maj Gillespie then took the portion referred to that Deponant cannot at this late day state all the places where they were stationed nor the Marches they took by reason of old age & consequently loss of memory he cannot define dates names & as acurately [accurately] as formaly [formerly] but do know that his statements have all been made honest in all evidence heretofore given. As to his character for truth honesty & Veracity he is willing to furnish the opinion of any Gentleman that ever knew him (that is living) that may be required if any such evidence further is wanted. That he had a discharge from under the hand of Genl Kinnon & he (Genl Kinnon) requested Deponant to write discharges & give the men that applied for one, that this deponent never received any pay for his service nor does not know as any of the Militia did at that time, that all of their company was mounted men. That he would respectfully ask that his pension may be continued. If the Commissioner at Washington DC Cannot Consider the Claim an honest & just one, he wishes all the objections pointed out that he may lay the
Page 42

State of of Georgia
Telfair County
Be it remembered that on this 19th day of August 1846 before me D B Graham one of the Justices of the Inferior Court in and for P.C. personally appeared Joseph Williams of the County aforesaid who is well well known to me as a creditable witness aged 86 years on the 20th of December 1845 who being first duly sworn doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 That he made his former Declaration previous to March 1834, and produced proof by Stephen Bowen of Service, that on the 21st day of March 1834 a certificate of Pension did issue to this deponant [deponent] granting him day as Ensign & Lt. [Lieutenant] (in the Revolutionary War) during his natural life at the rate of three Hundred Eighteen dollars & 33/100. That he continued to draw said Pension till 1844 that he recd [received] a letter from Comr [Commissioner] of Pensions in March 1845 Stating his Pension would be discontinued till further proof of Service, grade &c could be furnished, that he has sent down proof since then of such facts as he could procure from N. Carolina & Statement &c to Mr E.F. Brown Agent at Washington (DC) but has not yet been able to recover his pension That he knows of no person living whereby he can procure any further proof that he has and all the means he could to satisfy the Department at Washington that his circumstance affords. That he is infirm & poor that he know of no person in his vicinity that is used to drawing Declarations or making proof in such cases. That from memory
Page 43

& without any records from his former declaration or any papers whatever to strengthen his mind he will once more tell his story as plain as he can of the events of the Revolution and circumstances attending his own Services. That he was the Son of Joseph Williams Sr.  [Senior] that he was born in Duplin County (NC) [North Carolina] December 20th 1759, that he was the second son that lived to be grown in his Fathers family, their names were Aaron, Joseph, David & Byrd Williams, that he continued to live in Duplin County and was going to school (he thinks in March), 1779 when his brother Capt [captain] Aaron Williams came to the Schoolhouse to get deponant [deponent] to join his horse company that he was making up for 12 months service after being promised an Ensigns Commission, he agreed to join that they rendezvoused at Duplin Courthouse that he remained at Duplin Courthouse for a short time till we recruited 70 men or upwards that he had his ensigns commission from the hand of Gel James Kinnon, by whom it was signed. that said Company marched from Duplin Corthouse [Courthouse] through Sampson County up to Maj [Major] John Tredwell's on Cohara River, that we remained there for some time as we could get a plenty of forage for our horses, from there we marched towards S Carolina Crossed Cape Fear River and turned down the river to [illegible] so called Maj James Gillispie Marched with the company that at this [illigeble] Clifton Bowen Lieut [Lieutenant] in said Company was an old man & was consumptive he could not stand the service & he resind [resigned] & rendered up his commission to Maj Gillispie and returned home. that on [illegible] we took many long Torys some we enlisted as ordered other whowould not enlist we took to Genl [General] Kinnon at Duplin
Page 44

Cort [Court] House. That same day after A. Bowen resigned Maj [Major] Gillispie rode up to him while the Company was on parade and asked for his Commission that he puled [pulled] it out of his pocket & handed it to the Maj who then told deponant [deponent] that he must be promoted to Lieut [Lieutenant] and he took the Commission made out to said A. Bowen eraced [erased] Bowens name and inserted my own (this deponants) in its place. that said Maj Gillispie then read the Commission to the Company to inform them of his appointment as Lieut. That this deponant was about six weeks from the time said company was first made up (according to the best of his opinion and belief at this time) that we remained without an Ensign for some time till the Compy [Company] marched back to Duplin Courhouse [Courthouse] when John Goff was appointed ensign of said Company. That said company continued constantly in Service and was constant Scouting and way from their homes that they marched down Black River to a large swamp (called Colly Swamp) that was said to be a haunt for Tories that they were attackd [attacked] one evening by them from the Swamp in this term of service. Col [Colonel] Thomas Bloodworth sent an express to them that he & a Capt [Captain] Scarborough (Torey [Tory]) had agreed to meet in an old house owned by the widow Devaun in Bladensburg Co. [County] (N.C.) to hold a talk. Each to take ten men without arms. That they marched their company to the field the night before they were to [crossed out: march] meet and lay hid till the parties had met when they charged upon the house and took Scarborough & his in men prisoners, that they first took the prisoners to Capt Robert Merits in Sampson County afterwards to Genl [General] Kinnons at Duplin C.H. [Court House]
Page 45

That they continued Scouting till the year of their engagement was out. That he carried his commission in his pocket till the expiration of two years service, it had been wet many time and was compleatly [completely] worn out, that he remembers to have carried it home & put it into his desk but it was worn to rags, that he does not know as he ever saw it after nor does not know what ever became of it. That the usual way of foraging their company was by purchasing or pressing and the officer in comd [command] would usually give a receipt for the article recd [received]. That on our first return home to Duplin Courthouse after the first twelve months tour, Genl [General] Kinnon was ancious [anxious] that they should continue on for another year his brother Capt Oven Kinnon, had been killed by the Tories in a large Swamp called [illegible - Gashans?] Swamp near where they lived (and three men carried off at the same time) Genl Kinnon told them that they were there and Company them and to keep the Tories back & if they would not continue in service they would be killed at their homes by the Tories. That some of the men quit & went home & others took their places & they commenced for another tour of Service of twelve months & actually served out the same faithfully in their countries service. That this Deponant [Deponent] actually did give as aforesaid for 25 months and a positively first Lieutenant 23 months of the time and the balance as Ensign, that he has always considered he was a Leut [lieutenant] in active service 23 1/2 mos [months] & Ensign 1 1/2. [crossed out: That] That the last twelve months tour they Scouted through the County in N.C. [North Carolina] & down into S.C. [South Carolina] towards the last part of their service they joined Genl. Rutherfords Command near the bridge on the Cape Fear River ten miles above Wilmington (N.C.) Genl. Rutherford Calwell, Ash, Kinnon & Maj [Major] Daugherty of Regular army
Page 46

Executive Department
Milledgeville, Ga. Aug: 16th 1852
This is to certify that John McDermid is the commissioned and acting Ordinary in and for the County of Telfair State of Georgia.
Given under my hand and the seal of the Executive Department of the State of Georgia
[signature] Wm. Steele
Secretary Ex. Dept
Page 47

Hon [Honorable] J. W. Jackson
June 28, 1852
Page 48

419
Pension Office
June 28 1852
Sir
I herewith enclose the letter of H. Jackson Harbock and have the honor to inform you that on the 15th of Nov 1851 Joseph B Williams of Jacksonville Ga [Georgia] was informed that the last enquiry made in relation to the case of Joseph Williams a pensioner, was made by Hon [Honorable] R Toombs and that in a letter written to him dated Mch [March] 9 1846, he was informed of the reasons for the suspension of the pension in that case. There is no application before the Department for a revival of the pension.
[signature] Hon Joseph W Jackson
H of Reps [House of Representatives
Page 49

L S. Russell
July 7
Page 50

Pension Office,
July 7, 1858
Sir,
I have examined the certificate of the Comptroller of North Carolina, adduced as proof in the case of Joseph Williams, late of Georgia in connection with the other evidence on file, and find that said Certificate covers payments which would only authorize a pension at the rate of about $130 per annum. Williams was pensioner at rate of $318.33c a year, which he continued to receive until he was stricken from the rolls. He has already, therefore, received more than he would have been entitled to if he had been pensioned according to said Certificate to the date of his death. The present claim of his time is [crossed out: therefore] consequently rejected.
[signature] Levi S. Russell Esq
Savannah
Georgia.
Page 51

John Robb Esq [Esquire]
Acting Com'r [Commissioner] of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Page 52

Savannah July 12th 1858.
Sir,
Enclosed you will receive a letter which I received from the Comptroller of North Carolina. I respectfully inform you that I have sent for the additional second evidence which will establish the claim of the heirs of Joseph Williams.
Very Respectfully [illegible]
[signature] Levi S Russell
Yr Ob St [Your Obedient Servant]
Aty [Attorney] for Claimts [Claimant]

To John Robb Esq [Esquire]
Act'g [Acting] Comr. [Commissioner] of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 53

J C Robb Esq [Esquire]
Acting Com'r [Commissioner] of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Levi S Russell
Atty [Attorney] for Claim't [Claimant]
Savannah Georgia
Page 54

Savannah July 5th 1858
John C Robb Esq [Esquire]
Acting Commissioner of Pensions
Sir:
I have written George C Whiting Esq Commissioner of Pensions several letters, but I perceive that he is absent and that you are acting in his stead. I enclosed to you a copy of a letter which I enclosed to him recently. I would be much gratified if you would be kind enough to give the claim your attention.
Very Respectfully
Yr Obt St [Your Obedient Servant]
[signature] Levi S Russell
Att'y [Attorney] for the heirs of Joseph Williams who was a Revolutionary pensioner

Washington City
D.C.
Page 55

Savannah June 15th 1858.
Sir:
On the 18th of May last, I addressed you as follows "In regard to the claim of the heirs of Joseph Williams who was a Revolutionary Officer. Enclosed you will receive a certificate from the Comptroller of North Carolina which has established the service of said Williams. Also you will find your letter to me in order to facilitate an examination in said claim. Would you be kind enough to inform me, whether you have received my letter and certificate?
Very Respectfully
Y. Obt. St. [Your Obedient Servant]
[signature] Levi S Russell
Att'y [Attorney] for family

Geo. C Whiting
Com'r [Commissioner] of Pensions.
Washington
D.C.
Page 56

Savannah June 1st 1858.
Sir:
On the 18th of May last, I addressed you as follows "In relation to the claim of Joseph Williams who was a revolutionary officer.
Enclosed you will receive a certificate from the Comptroller of North Carolina, which has established the service of said Williams. Also you will find your letter to me, in order to facilitate an examination in said claim."
I respectfully solicit your attention to this claim. The heirs claim arrears from 1844 to 1850, at $318 33/100 per annum.
Very Respectfully
Yr. Obt St. [Your Obedient Servant]
[signature] Levi S Russell
Att'y [Attorney] for Claim'ts [Claimants]

Geo. C Whiting
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington.
D.C.
Page 57

Savannah June 8th. 1858.
Samuel Cole Esq [Esquire]
Chief Clerk Pension Dep't [Department]
Sir:
I have in the enclosed addressed you personally, and my object for so doing, is that this letter may reach the Commissioner of Pensions, or the Acting Commissioner. Having forwarded several letters, and having sent a certificate of the service of Joseph Williams a Rev'y [Revolutionary Officer, which required certificate evidently insuring [ensuring] the allowance of the claim for arrears to pension money fronm the year 1844 to 1850. A sense of duty has prompted me to pursue this course, I being apprehensive that my letters may not have arrived or been received by the proper hands, which is alone my apology in thus addressing you. Enclosed you will receive the correspondence which will explain the facts in said claim.
Very Respy [Respectfully] &C.
[signature] Levi S Russell
Att'y [Attorney] for Claim'ts [Claimants]
Page 58

John Robb Esq [Esquire]
Acting Com'r [Commissioner] of Pensions.
Washington C.C.
Page 59

Savannah July 26th 1858.
Sir:
I herewith enclose an additional certificate of the service of Joseph Williams who was a Revolutionary Officer, and who served two years in the Revolutionary War against Great Britain. It appears that said Williams was placed on the pension roll at $318 33/100 pr. [per] annum which was stopped by fraud in the year 1844, which has been proven by the Ordinary Clerk of the Superior Court of Telfair County Georgia, and thru with=nesses. His pension was granted by parol evidence, and when his heirs have proven that his pension was stopped by
Page 60

fraud, the Comr. [Commissioner] of Pensions still doubting the testimony of creditable officers and witnesses of the County, required record evidence of said Williams' entire service, which appeared not to an impossibility to obtain, but fortunately the record has been procured from the Comptroller of North Carolina. On the receipt of your letter I immediately sent to your address the letter which I received from W Brogden Comptroller of N.C. a gentleman who is a total stranger to me. My object in immediately transmitting to you his letter was to show that there was other record evidence that could be obtained in the claim of the heirs of Joseph
Page 61

Williams. Having the utmost confidence in your integrity all that I respectfully crave of you is to read the evidence which I have furnished in this claim. Without any record evidence after I have proven that the old veteran Williams was deprived of his pension, and that by fraud about five years, ought to have been sufficient immediately to have granted the arrears of pension money due his heirs from 1844, to 1850. Feeling assured that you will impartially look into this claim, I trust that you will concur with me in opinion.
Yrs. Resp'y [Yours Respectfully
[signature] Levi S Russel
Att'y [Attorney] for Claimts [Claimants]
Page 62

Pension Office,
April 6. 1858.
Sir,
I have examined and filed the claim of the heirs of Joseph Williams to arrears of pension due under the Act of 7th June, 1832.
I find that the pension allowed Joseph Williams was suspended because his statement in the case of Goff was at variance with his declaration previously filed, and inconsistent with the known history of the service to which his statements related. The agents of Williams have repeatedly asked that his pension be restored to him. They have uniformly been required to file evidence of the character and duration of his service. When the claim was adjusted in 1834, but little information was in the possession of this Office in relation to the North Carolina service, and the allowance was made without a strict compliance with the regulations of this off ice and without the production of any record evidence of service. Joseph Williams has been referred to the Comptroller of
Page 63

North Carolina for evidence, if any such existed, corroborating his statements. There is no evidence in the case that such application was ever made, and the claim remains in precisely the same condition now that it did when the pension was first stopped. Without evidence very satisfactorily confirming the allegations of Williams, the claim cannot be reopened. The fact that the clerk of the Superior Court of Telfair Co., Georgia, acted disreputably in the matter does not affect the case for the reason that the suspension was for another cause. It is probably Williams' mind may have been much impaired when he made affidavit for Goff; but his own personal narration in support of his claim to a pension does not agree with the history and tradition of the occurrences and events to which it relates, as we understand them.
Very respectfully, &c.
[signature] Geo C Whiting
Commissioner.

L. S. Russell, Esq., [Esquire]
Savannah,
Georgia.
Page 64

Jacksonville Ga [Georgia]

Free

Commissioner of Pensions
Pension Office
Washington City
D.C.

Augt. [August] 18, 1851
Joseph B. Williams
Jacksonville
Telfair Co [County] Georgia

{illegible]
Rel. [Related] to his father's pension
Page 65

Jacksonville
Telfair Co Georgia
August 6th 1851
Dear Sir
wish to call your attention to the matter of my Fathers Pension. I have recently understood that an Agent in your City was lying to procure the Pension of Joseph Williams who has been dead some months past, and whose pension was stoped [stopped] some years since by Mr Edwards former comer [commissioner] of the Pension office. I wish sir to state a few facts to you in relation to this matter. My Father has left three sons (of whom I am one) and we are all in good circumstances and perfectly able to live without the amount which may be due the deceased, as he did not get it previous to his death. I am opposed to its being obtained now, and especially when the amt [amount] is to be applied to persons who are not entitled to a dollar of the amount.
I am perfectly willing that the pension due as above stated should remain in the treasury. Should you wish any further information on this subject. I will willingly give it. Be pleased my dear sir to inform me if such steps have
Page 66

not been taken to obtain the amount which may be due the deceased.
I am your obt [obedient] Servant
[signature] Joseph B. Williams

Com [Commissioner] of Pensions
Washington
D.C.
Page 67

Augt. [August] 24/52 [1852]
Application of Mar [March] 14.
Williams of Georgia adm of Joseph Williams decd. [deceased] who was a revolutionary pension & an Lieut [Lieutenant] from Georgia which was suspended -- for the balance due from date of suspension - until the day of the death. NC
filed by Joseph Sturgis of Geo [Georgia] Present
Page 68

Jacksonville, Telfair County Geoa. [Georgia]
April 3rd. 1845.
Sir
Your favor of the 11th March, did not come to hand, untill the 30th ultimo. And in reply I have to state to you that in Mr Goff's, Declaration I stated the fact, that he joined the Company, as a volunteer. I had been in that comp any for some considerable time, as Ensign, and as our Lieutenant, Clifton Bowen, was in bad health, he resigned his commission, and left the Army. I was then promoted to the office of Lieutenant, and Commissioned as such, then we had no Ensign, in our Company for some days, then this Mr Goff's, time being out, from Captain Wells and Colonel Rutledge, our company marched from Cape Fear River, to Duplin, Court House, with a parcle of Tories, which we had taken prisoners, near Cape Fear, when as we arrived at Duplin Court House, this Mr Goff, came to us and stated, that his time was out with Capt Wells, and Col Rutledge, and that provided we would give him a commission, as Ensign, that he would Join our Company, which was agreed to, and he was Commissioned as Ensign, and served his time out, in that line, and was duly discharged, by order of General Kenan.
And now Sir as regards myself, I will refer you to my former Declaration, which was sworn to, by myself and Stephen Bowen, an old revolutionary soldier, and Pensioner, there you will find a statement of my services and grade. also the names of the Company and field Officers, that I served under. In my last letter to you, there was
Page 69

an error, committed by the writing, in relation to my age I am in my "Eighty Sixth year since 20th December last.
"Be pleased to reply to this soon, and If you wish any further proof of my services, be pleased to state to me in what way you wish to have it, as there is but one man living at this time that can testify to my sevices and that individual is Mr John Goff,.
I am very respectfully
Your obdt [obedient] servant.
[signature] Joseph Williams

J. L. Edwards, Esqr. [Esquire]
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, City, D.C.
Page 70

Copeland Ga
April 1st

25

J L Edwards Esqr. [Esquire]
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D.C.

April 10 1845
Rel to pension of Joseph Williams
Page 71

Telfair Co Georgia
April 1st 1845
Mr J. L. Edwards
Dr [Dear] Sir
It is with the utmost astonishment, that we have learned that the Pension Office has ordered the pension of the Joseph Williams to be stopped or withheld until further orders. I can procure hundred of persons to certify that they from the information derived from their parents and other creditable sources that they believe him to be as worthy and object as is within the State, I have heard creditable person testify that he was an officer in the Revolution Now sir the whole story is simply this, the old man Williams, and all of his numerous connections are Democrats to a man. I do not believe he would change his principles even if he was to loose [lose] his pension there is a certain clique of Whigs, in this County that would annihilate every person in the County that did not vote for Clay if he could
Will you be so kind as to forward to me at this office of the testimony or Evidence caused the Department to withhold his pension. The whole community is indignant at the act, and are anxious to who has interfered, and if there is charges against old Mr Williams we wish it sent to Copelands P.O. Lefair Geo [Georgia] as the whigs have the office at Jacksonville hand and suppress every Democrat document during the late canvass. Your early attention will confer a favor old Mr William who is barely able to live with the pension, I am Sir Yours.
[signature] Mark Willcox
Page 72

J. L. Edwards Esq [Esquire]
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D.C.

Mail

[illegible] 45
Jos. Williams
[illegible]
Page 73

Jacksonville Telfair County Ga. [Georgia]
March 27th. 1845.
Sir
I recently presented my voucher at the pension agency Savannah, claiming my pension from the 4 Septr 1844. to 4 March 1845. when I was informed by the agent that my pension could not be paid, inasmuch as he had been instructed to suspend the payment there of. Be so kind my dear Sir as to inform me the cause of my suspension, and all the information that you can give me on the subject, that I may be the more prepared to maintain my claim to the bounty awarded me by my Country.
Your earliest attention to this will greatly oblige an old soldier now in his ninetieth year.
Very respectfully
Yr Obt Servt. [Your Obedient Servant]
[signature] Joseph Williams

J.L. Edwards, Esq [Esquire]
Commissioner of Pensions.
Washington City D.C.

P.S. Please send your answer to this, directed to Wm Morel, Savannah, Geoa. [Georgia]
Page 74

295
Pen off [Pension office]
March 19 45 [1945]
Sir
In your deposition in the case of John Goff you assert that he joined 1n 1779 as Ensign for 6 but served 8 mo [months] in a company of which you were the Lieut [Lieutenant] & by refering [referring] to your declaration it is seen that you represent the corps to be raised for 12 mo & that you actually served that length of time in the corps first as Ensign & then Lieut.
With the better information of the N. Ca [North Carolina] service acquired since the adjustment of your claim and with our present knowledge of the means of proof which the archives in the Secy [Secretary] & Compts [Comptrollers] offices at Raleigh & the surviving soldiers may afford it is apparent that you have been improperly & without proof of service or grade been allowed a pension You are now required to state the period, length & grade of each term of service in field or Garrison, names of Company
Page 75

& field officers, stations, distance of station from home probable number of the Corps embodied. How quartered & subsisted.
The source of your appointment should also be stated. This statement should be forwarded to this office with a certificates from the Compt [Comptroller] & Secty [Secretary] of N.C. [North Carolina] shewing distinctly how far the records of their respective office either confirm or discredit the service & grade claimed.
You are required to return your pension certificate to this office.

Mr. Joseph Williams
Telfair County
Georgia

J. Williams
March 14th '45 [1945]
Page 76

Admit [Admitted] as
Ensign 2 mo. [months]  20.
Lieut. [Lieutenant] 22  298.33
$318.33
Page 77

Washington City
March 14th 1834.
Dear Sir;
In again presenting the declaration of Joseph Williams [illegible] for a pension; I will take the liberty to say, that so far as tradition is to be relied upon, (and in most case I should take it for strong testimony) I have no doubt but Mr. Williams performed the same as stated. Mr Williams has resided a number of years in my immediate neighborhood, surrounded by many persons who have known him for near the close of the revolutionary war to the present time, and I have never heard the first suggestion that he was not a revolutionary soldier, but in the contrary I have often heard him spoken of as good old soldier. Convinced as I am, that he is entitled to the bounty of his government, (and much needs it) I hope you will find his declaration sufficient for him to obtain it
Verry respectfully your OBdt Servt. [Obedient Servant]
to J. L. Edwards Esq
[signature] Jno Coffee

To J. L. Edwards Esqr. [Esquire]
Pension Office
Page 78

Jacksonville Geo [Georgia]
June 8th

[crossed out: 5c]

Hon [Honorable] L. P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C

Joseph Williams
Revy [Revolutionary]
Page 79

Copy of Letter from Comr. [Commissioner] of Pensions
Revolutionary Claim.
Heirs of Joseph Williams claim arrears to pension money from 1844 to 1850. Enclosed you will find a certificate from the Comptroller of North Carolina in regard to the service of said officer.
Respectfully
Levi S Russell
Atty [Attorney] for Clmts [Claimants]
Geo C Whiting Esq [Esquire]
Comr &c
Washington D.C.
Page 80

Pension Office
April 6. 1856
Sir:
I have examined and filed the claim of heirs of Joseph Williams to arrears of Pension due under the act of 7th June 1832.
I find that the pension allowed Joseph Williams was suspended because his statement in the case of Goff was at variance with his declaration previously filed, and inconsistent with the known history of the service to which his statements related. The Agents of Williams have repeatedly asked that his pension be restored to him. They have uniformly been required to file evidence of the character and duration of his service. When the claim was adjusted in 1834, but little information was in the possession of this office in relation to North Carolina service, and the allowance was made without strict compliance with the regulations of this office, and without the production of any record evidence of service. Joseph Williams has been referred to the Comptroller of North Carolina for evidence, if any such existed, corroborating his statements. There is no evidence in the case that such application was ever made, and the claim, remain in precisely the same condition now that it did when the pension was first stopped. Without evidence very satisfactory confirming the allegations of Williams, the claim cannot be reopened. The fact that the Clerk of the Superior Court of Telfair Co, Georgia acted disreputably in the matter does not affect the case for the reason that the Suspension was for another cause. It is probable Williams' mind may have been much impaired when he made affidavit for Goff; but his own personal narration
Page 81

in support of his claim to a pension does at agree with the history and tradition of the occurrences and events to which it relates, as we understand them.
Very respectfully &c
(Signed) Geo C Whiting
Commissioner

L S Russell Esq [Esquire]
Savannah Georgia
Page 82

Savannah Mch [March] 15th 1858
Sir:
In relation to the claim of the heirs of Joseph Williams an Officer of the Revolution, who was inscribed in the pension Roll at the rate of $318 33/100 per annum, and was paid at the Agency Savannah, Georgia up to the 4th of September 1844. By reference to the evidence which I have transmitted to you it will at once explain the fraudulent action of Mr McCall former Clerk of the Superior Court of Telfair County. And I respectfully ask you to examine the certificate of the Clerk of the Superior Court of Ordinary of Telfair County.
If necessary I can procure the testimony of other witnesses who are cognizant to the facts. The evidence already produced, I trust will be deemed sufficient for you to issue a certificate to the heirs of said Williams for the arrears of pension money due him up to the time of his death.
Respectfully &c
[signature] Levi S Russell
Atty [Attorney] for Claimants

Geo. C Whiting Esq [Esquire]
Comr &c
Washington D.C.
Page 83

Geo. C Whiting Esq [Esquire]
Comr [Commissioner] &c
Washington D.C.

Revolutionary Pension claim of the heirs of Joseph Williams for arrears of Pension money due said Williams who was a pensioner.
Page 84

Savannah April 1st 1858
Sir:
In relation to the claim of the heirs of Joseph Williams; an officer of the Revolution whose name was inscribed on the pension roll at the rate of $318 33/100 per annum, and was paid at the Agency at Savannah Georgia up to the 4th of September 1844.
By reference to the evidence which I have transmitted to you, it will at once explain this claim. I can procure the evidences of several other witnesses who can prove similar facts, and will forward them, if deemed necessary. That you have abundant proof in this claim there can be no doubt.
Would open be kind enough to issue a certificate to the heirs of said Williams for the arrears of Pension money due him up to the time of his death. I addressed you a letter on the 15th of March ultimo in relation to this claim, but have not as yet received any answer to it.
I am Sir,
Very Respy [Respectfully]
Y. Obt. St. [Your Obedient Servant]
[signature] Levi S Russell
Attorney for Claimants

Geo. C Whiting Esq [Esquire]
Comr [Commissioner] &c
Washington City D.C.
Page 85

Savannah March 12th 1858.
Sir:
The heirs of Joseph Williams claim arrears of pension money from the 4th of September 1844, to the 27th of December 1850.
By reference to the evidence herewith enclosed, you will perceive that said Williams was entitled to have received his pension up to the time of his death.
Very Respy [Respectfully] &c
[signature] Levi S Russell
Attorney for Claimts [Claimants]

Geo. C Whiting Esq. [Esquire]
Comr. [Commissioner] &c.
Washington D.C.
Page 86

Mr. J. Williams
[illegible] '45 [1845]
Page 87

201
Pension Office,
April 10, 1845.
Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 27th Uto. [Ultimo] I have to state that your pension was stopped on the 14th. Ulto. [Ultimo] for reasons assigned in my letter of that date [crossed out: addressed to you], which it is presumed did not reach you. Enclosed herewith is a copy.

Mr. Joseph Williams,
care of Wm. Morel, Esq. [Esquire]
Savannah, Georgia
Page 88

November 15, 1851
Joseph B. Williams, Esq. [Esquire]
Jacksonville, Taylor Co. Ga.
Sir:
In reply to your letter of the 25th September last, you are informed that the last inquiry made to this office relative to the suspended pension claim of Joseph Williams, was addressed to it by the Hon. [Honorable] R. Toombs, on the 3rd February 1846, & the grounds on which the action of this office was based, communicated to heirs on the 9th March 1846.
[signature] J. Wilson
Col. Niles

Copy
Page 90

House of Reps [Representatives]
Feby 3rd 1846
Dr Sir,
The petition of Joseph Williams of Telfair County Georgia States among other things that he was placed upon the pension roll as a revolutionary pensioner on the 21st day of March 1834. That he continued on said pension roll & was had his pension at the rate of these hundred & eighteen 33/100 dollars until the 14th March 1845 his name was Stricken from the roll. He prays to be reinstated. This petition is referred to the Comr. [Commissioner] of Rev. [Revolutionary] Pensions - I desire to know [illegible] whether the above stated facts are true
and the reasons for which he was so Stricken.
I am respectfully
Your obt [obedient] Sert [Servant]
[signature] R. Toombs

J.L. Edwards
Pension office
Page 91

Ho. Reps [House of Representatives]
Washington
23d March 1848
Sir
I inclose [enclose] to you herewith the papers of Joseph Williams to sustain his claim for a pension. Please examine them and inform me if anything further is required.
Very respectfully
your obt [obedient] Servt [Servant]
[signature] T. Butler King
Page 92

Washington D.C
March 4th 1846
Sir,
Some two weeks since I addressed an enquiry to you [illegible] the claim of Joseph Williams of Telfair County Georgia [crossed out: for] to be reinstated on the Pension roll. He alleges that he was admitted to the Pension roll 21s day of March 1834, at the rate of $318.33 per annum to [illegible] receive on 4th March 1831, to continue during life & was stricken off on the 14th Mar. 1845. [illegible] state of our statements and [illegible] heirs be then [illegible] then furnish me with the reasons for [crossed out: illegible] discontinuing his pension.
I am respectfully
Your obt [obedient] Servt [Servant]
[signature] R. Toombs
Page 93

Pension Office, July 30 1855.
Sir,
The Certificate of the Comptroller of North Carolina now adduced in support of the claim for pension in support of the services of Joseph Williams late of Georgia has been received and examined. The services indicated by the certified payments were evidently performed by several different persons of the same name. Independently of the fact that one of them was a Colonel, (as stated by the Comptroller) - I find some of the payments were made as early as 1776-77 &c. before the father of your clients entered the service, according to his own [illegible]. Besides, the payments were made for service in almost every military district in the State; [crossed out: He] whereas, the Joseph Williams, whose [crossed out: was [illegible]] pension was suspended, swears in his original declaration that he resided throughout the revolutionary war, and up to the Year
Page 94

1820, in Duplin County which was a part of the [illegible] district. This evidence, therefore, by no means justifies the restoration of the father of your clients & the pension rolls, especially as his pension was responded for reasons held to be sufficient upon appeal by the Department itself
Very respy [respectfully]
&c

Levi S. Russell Esq. [Esquire]
Savannah,
Georgia

July 30.
Page 95

Letters administrations of Mr Williams
Page 96

Executive Department
Milledgeville Ga. [Georgia] May 17th 1852

This is to certify that from the books of record in this Department it appears that John McDermid is the commissioned and acting Ordinary in and for the county of Telfair State of Georgia - that he was commissioned on the 14th day of January 1852, for the term of four years
Given under my hand and the seal of the Executive Department of the State of Georgia
[signature] W. W. Paine
Sed. Ex. Dept. [Secretary Executive Department]
Page 97

[LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION.]
Georgia, Telfair COUNTY.
BY THE COURT OF ORDINARY OF SAID COUNTY.
Whereas Joseph Williams late of this county, deceased, died intestate, having while he lived, and at the time of his death, divers estates, real and personal, within the county aforesaid, by means whereof the full disposition and power of granting the administration of the estate of the said deceased, and also auditing the accounts of the said administration, and a final dismission from the same, to the Court aforesaid does of right belong; the Court, desiring that the same may be well and truly administered and legally disposed, does hereby grant unto William H Williams administrator full power, by the tenor of these presents, to administer the entire estate, both real and personal, of said deceased, which to him in his lifetime, and at the time of his death did belong, and to ask, demand, sue for recover and receive the same, and to pay the debts in which the deceased stood bound, so far forth as his assets will extend, according to law, and then the balance jointly to pay over to the legal heirs and distributees of the said deceased. And the said William H Williams having given bond and security taken the oath, and performed all other requisites requisites required by law, necessary to his just qualification as administrator, by order of said Court, and by virtue of these presents, ordained, constituted and appointed administrator of the whole estate, both real and personal, of said deceased.
WITNESS my hand and privat Seal [crossed out: of Office], this 12th day of May 1852
[signature] John McDearmid
ORDINARY.
Page 98

Savannah July 26th 1858.
Sir:
I have on the envelope addressed you personally, and my object for so doing is that the enclosed letter and certificate may reach your own proper hands. I trust that this will be a sufficient apology for so doing.
Very Respy [Respectfully]
Yr Obt Sv [Your Obedient Servant]
[signature] Levi S Russell
Att'y [Attorney] for Claimants

Jno Robb Esq [Esquire]
Act'g [Acting] Com'r [Commissioner] of Pensions.
Washington D.C.
Page 99

Geo. C Whiting Esqr [Esquire]
Commissioner of Pensions.
Washington D.C.

Revolutionary Claim
Heirs of Joseph Williams claim [illegible] to pension [illegible] from 1844 to 1850
Page 100

Savannah May 18th 1858.
Sir:
In relation to the claim of heirs of Joesph Williams who was a revolutionary officer - Enclosed you will receive a certificate from the Comptroller of North Carolina which has established the service of said Williams. Also you will find your letter to me, in order to facilitate an examination of said claim.
Very Respectfully
Yr. Obt. St. [Your Obedient Servant]
[signature] Levi S Russell
Att'y [Attorney] for Claimants

Geo C Whiting Esq [Esquire]
Comr. [Commissioner] of Pensions
Washington D.C.

N.B. You misdirected your letter to me "SS" insde [instead] of Levi S.
Resp'y [Respectfully]
[signature] Russell
Page 101

[crossed out: 25]

Crawfordville Geo [Georgia]
17 April

Pension office
Washington City

Apl. [April] 27

[illegible]
2368
Page 102

Crawfordville 15th Apl, 1835
Dear Sir
The postmaster of this place gave the last week a list or rather a Georgia pension Roll, in looking over I observed one Joseph Williams of Talliaferro County Georgia was returned a Liut [Lieutenant] & Ensign in the revolutionary war, a pensioner and was allowed $318..77 Cts [Cents] anually [annually] and had received $954.99. Now his I Supose this must be a mistake or another Imposition upon the public. I am the Agent of every pensioner in Taliaferro County Georgia, and I know of no Joseph Williams nor has such name been returned. But Sir I returned the name of Joseph Harrison a Capt [Captain] & Lieut [Lieutenant] who after many applications was rejected, tho [though] all here believed him justly entitled to a pension, this was all the officer ever returned there, and we know of no man in our County by the name of Joseph Williams the rest of the names are all correct for this County.
I am Dear Sir your very unworthy Servant
[signature] Hermon Mercer
To the Comisioner of Pensions
or
To the Secretary of War
please answer this
Page 103

Free [crossed out: 5]4Jacksonville Ga
Sept 26
Commissioner of Pensions.
Pension Office.
Washington City D.C.
Page 104

Jacksonville
Telfair Co [County] Ga [Georgia]
Sept 25th 1851.
Dr. [Dear] Sir.
I wrote you a letter on the 6th Aug making the enquiry if the Pension of Joseph Williams, a Revolutionary Pensioner, had not been applied for by some individual recently, and to inform me if such was the case.
Mr Williams Pension was stoped [stopped] some years ago by J.L. Edwards, formerly commissioner of the Pension Office. Be pleased my dear Sir to comply with this request. (and inform me soon at this place.)
I am your obt [obedient] servant
[signature] Joseph B. Williams
Hon [Honorable] Commissioner of Pension Office
Washington
Page 105

Washington March 24. 1852.
Hon. [Honorable] Jas E Heath,
Sir,
I ask the liberty to enclose to you a letter from Mr Harbock, of Telfair County, Georgia, for your examination, and to request that you will give me, at your earliest convenience, such information as your office may possess in relation to the matter therein expressed. Joseph Williams was an old soldier who died last year in Telfair County at the advanced age I think of ninety years. I had understood his pension and for some cause been stopped. If any persons are endeavouring to get his suspended pension, it would seem, if it is to be paid, that his Son should receive it.
I have the honor to be, requesting the return of Mr Harbock's letter to me, very respectfully, your obt [obedient] servt [servant]
[signature] Joseph W. Jackson
Page 106

Comptroller's Department,
Raleigh, N.C. May 6th, 1858.
Dear Sir: Your favor of 25th ult. [ultimo] was received at this office a few days ago, while I was temporarily absent from Raleigh. I have just returned, and have received today another note from you upon the same subject.
I send herewith a Certificate in the case of Joseph Williams, which I think will be sufficient. I have tried to put it in the most available form.
There is some more evidence in this case, which I have omitted, because I think there is enough without it.
The Certificate is stated for Militia services. There is one Indent showing a payment of [pound sign] 79-9-2 to Joseph Williams of the Continental Line, which I have not put in the Certificate, because it does not state the District in which the payment was made.
I think the case is a very good one.
Very respectfully
your ob't [obedient] serv't, [servant]
[signature] C.H. Brogden,
Comptroller.
Page 107

Copy of letter from George C Whiting Commissioner of Pensions
to
Levi S. Russell
Atty [Attorney] for the heirs of Joseph Williams who was a Rev'y [Revolutionary] Officer.
Heirs claim arrears to Pension Money from 1844 to 1850
@ $318.33 pr [per] annum
Page 108

Pension Office
April 6th. 1858
Sir:
I have examined and filed the claim of the heirs of Joseph Williams to arrears of Pension under the Act of 7 June 1832.
I find that the Pension allowed Joseph Williams was suspended because his statement in the case of Goff was at variance with his declaration previously filed; and inconsistent with the known History of the service to which his statement related. The Agents of Williams have repeatedly asked that his pension be restored to him. They have uniformly been required to file evidence of the character and donation of his service. When the claim was adjusted in 1834, but little information was in the possession of this office in relation to North Carolina service, and the allowance was made without a strict compliance with the regulations of this office, and without the production of any record evidence of service. Joseph Williams has been referred to the Comptroller General of North Carolina for evidence, if any such existed, corroborating his statements. There is no evidence in the case that such application was made and the claim remain in precisely the same condition now that I did when the Pension was first stopped. Without evidence very satisfactory confirming the allegations of Williams the claim cannot be reopened. The fact that the Clerk of the Superior Court of Telfair
Page 109

County Georgia acted disreputably in the matter does not affect the case for the reason that the suspension was for another cause. It is probable that Williams' mind may have been impaired, when he made affidavit for Goff; but his own personal narration in support of his claim to a Pension does not agree with the history and tradition of the occurrences and counts to which it states as we understand them.
Very Respectfully &c
(Signed) [signature] Geo C Whiting
Commissioner

LS Russell Esq [Esquire]
Savannah
Georgia
Page 110

Savannah June 21st 1858.
Sir:
Pardon me if I weary your patience in this addressing. This letter makes the third which it has been my pleasure to address you. In my letter first written to you, when referred to the Comptroller of North Carolina, I stated and gave all possible necessary testimony to substantiate the justice of granting the claim to the heirs of Joseph Williams, and now again address you fearing that from pressure of business you have passed over the claim.
I did forward all necessary Proof on the 18th day of May last together with the Certificate of the Comptroller of North Carolina, substantiating his entire service beyond the possibility of a doubt. It will be greatly conclusive to the interest and success of my Clients to inform you of the indisputable fact that Joseph Williams was inscribed on the pension roll at $318 33/100 pr [per] annum which pension was discontinued in the year 1844, and which discontinuance had proven to have been effected by fraud by the testimony of the Ordinary and Clerk of the Superior Court of Telfair County Georgia, and the other witnesses. And I solicit very ungently that you will go into an examination of the testimony required by you which I have furnished, I trust to your entire satisfaction. I will rest assured that you will give me your
Page 111

attention. The case is obvious. The evidence inclusive. The claim just, and I cannot perceive where any difficulty of success rests.
And in conclusion, I must also remark that I would not address you again were I not aware of the fact that the case is as clear as the noon day Sun.
I am Sir
Very Resp'y yr obt St [Respectfully your obedient Servant]
[signature] Levi S Russell
Att'y [Attorney] for Claim'ts [Claimants]


Geo Whiting Esq [Esquire]
Com'r [Commissioner] of Pensions
Washington
D. C.

P.S. When I speak of Grand being proven by the testimony of the Ordinary Clerk of the Superior Court and witnesses. You must not construe it to mean that those witnesses caused the fraud by their testimony, but on the contrary they prove the discontinuance to be done by fraud by swearing to the fact that it was done by fraud.
Resp'y [Respectfully]
[signature] Levi S Russell
Att'y for Claim'ts
Page 112

Pension Office
April 6 1858.
Sir:
I have examined and filed the claim of the heirs of Joseph Williams to arrears of Pension due under the act of 7th June 1832. I find that the Pension allowed Joseph Williams was suspended because his statement in the case of Goff was at variance with his declaration previously filed, and inconsistent with the known history of the service to which his statement related. The Agents of Williams have repeatedly asked that his pension be restored to him. They have uniformly been required to file evidence of the character and duration of his service. When the claim was adjusted in 1834, but little information was in the possession of this office in relation to North Carolina service, and the allowance was made without a strict compliance with the regulations of this office, and without the production of any sound evidence of service. Joseph Williams has been referred to the Comptroller General of North Carolina for evidence, if any such existed, corroborating his statements. These is no evidence in the case that such application was made, and the claims remains in precisely the same condition
Page 113

now that it did when the Pension was first stopped. Without evidence very satisfactory confirming the allegations of Williams the claim cannot be reopened.
The fact that the Clerk of the Superior Court of Telfair County Georgia acted disreputably in the matter does not affect the case for the reason that the suspension was for another cause. It is probable that Williams mind may have been impaired when he made affidavit for Goff, but his own personal narration in support of his claim to a pension does not agree with the history and tradition of the occurences [occurrences] and points to which it plates as we understand them.
Very Resp'y [Respectfully] &c
(Signed)
[signature] Geo. C. Whiting
Commissioner

L S Russell Esq [Esquire]
Savannah
Georgia
Page 114

Savannah June 21st 1858
Sir:
Pardon me if I weary your patience in thus addressing. This letter makes the third which it has been my pleasure to address you. In my letter first written to you when referred to the Comptroller General of North Carolina I stated and gave all possible necessary testimony to substantiate the justice of granting the claim to the heirs of Joseph Williams, and now again, I address you fearing that from pressure of business you have passed over the claim. I did forward all necessary proof on the 18th of May last together with the Certificate of the Comptroller of N.C. [North Carolina] substantiating his late service beyond the possibility of a doubt. It will be greatly conducive to the interest and success of my clients to inform you of the indisputable fact that Joseph Williams was inscribed on the pension roll at $318 33/100 per annum which pension was discontinued in the year 1844, and which discontinuance has proved to have been effected by fraud by the testimony of the Ordinary and Clerk of the Superior Court of Telfair County Georgia and three other witnesses. And I solicit very urgently that you will go into an examination of the testimony required by you which I have furnished, I trust to your entire satisfaction. I will rest assured that you will give me your attention.
The case is obvious. The
Page 115

evidence conclusive. The claim just, and I cannot perceive where any difficulty of success rests.
And in conclusion I must also remark that I would not address you again were I not aware of the fact that the case is as clear as the noon day sun.
I am Sir
Very Respectfully
Yr. Ob St [Your Obedient Servant]
[signature] Levi S Russell
Att'y [Attorney] for Claim'ts [Claimants]

Geo C Whiting Esq. [Esquire]
Com'r. [Commissioner] of Pensions
Washington D.C.

P.S. When I speak of fraud being proven by the testimony of the Ordinary Clerk of the Superior Court and witnesses. You must not construe it to mean that these witnesses
caused the fraud by their testimony, but on
the contrary they prove the discontinuance
to be done by fraud by swearing to the fact
that it was done by fraud.
Resp'y [Respectfully]
[signature] Levi S Russell
Att'y for Claim'ts
Page 116

Savannah June 21st. 1858.
Sir:
Pardon me if I weary your patience in this addressing. This letter makes the third which it has been my pleasure to address you. In my letter first written to you when referred to the Comptroller of North Carolina, I stated and gave all possible necessary testimony to substantiate the Justice of granting the claim to the heirs of Joseph Williams, and now again I address you fearing that from pressure of business you have passed over the claim. I did forward all necessary proof on the 18th of May last together with the Certificate of the Comptroller of North Carolina, substantiating his entire service beyond the possibility of a doubt. It will be greatly conducive to the interest and success of my clients to inform you of the indisputable fact that Joseph Williams was inscribed on the pension roll at $318 33/100 per annum, which pension was discontinued in the year 1844, and which discontinuance had proven to have been effected by fraud by the testimony of the Ordinary and Clerk of the Superior Court of Telfair County, Georgia and three other witnesses. And I solicit very urgently that you will go into an examination of the testimony required by you which I have furnished trust to your entire satisfaction.
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I will rest assured that you will give me your attention. The case is obvious. The evidence conclusive. The claim just, and I cannot perceive where any difficulty of success rests.
And in conclusion I must also remark, that I would not address you again were I not aware of the fact that the case is as clear as the noon day sun.
I am Sir
Very Respectfully
Yr. Obt. St. [Your Obedient Servant]
[signature] Levi S Russell
Att'y [Attorney] for Claimt's [Claimants]

Geo. C Whiting Esq. [Esquire]
Com'r [Commissioner] &c
Washington D.C.

*P. S.
When I speak of fraud being proven by the testimony of the Ordinary Clerk of the Superior Court and witnesses. You must not construe it to mean that these witnesses caused the fraud by their testimony, but on the contrary they prove the discontinuance to be done by fraud by swearing to the fact that it was done by fraud
Respectfully
[signature] Levi S Russell
Att'y for Claimt's
Page 118

Jacksonville June 5th 1854
Sir
I beg leave to state that a letter from myself to the Department objecting to the granting a pension to the heirs of Joseph Williams, did not convey properly my desire on the subject. I desired simply to take such steps as would secure to me my portion of any amount which might be awarded in the case. Being myself unable to communicate with the Department, from the fact that I cannot write, (with the exception of the power to sign my name.) I procured the services of another person, and he from misapprehension of my wishes, has not property placed me before the Department. I now wish to withdraw the letter above alluded to & to express my entire willingness to the progress of the investigation of the case.
Very respectfully your Obt. Svt. [Obedient Servant]
[signature] J B Williams
One of the Heirs of Joseph Williams

Signed in presence of
James W. Delyon

Hon [Honorable] L. P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C
Page 119

W.B. Williams
June 20/54
Page 120

JH
Pension Office,
June 20. 1854
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 5th inst. I have to state that there is now no application for the arrears of pension due the heirs of Joseph Williams. His pension was stopped. He made application to be restored [crossed out: his claim] which was rejected and upon appeal the rejection was sustained by the Secretary of the Interior. There is nothing, therefore, due any one in virtue of his services.
Very respectfully,
SC

Joseph B. Williams, Esqr [Esquire]
Jacksonville,
Georgia.
Page 121

State of North Carolina
Comptroller's Department.
I, C. H. Brogden, Comptroller of Public Accounts in and for the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that it appears of Record in my office, among the payments made by said State to sundry persons for Militia services in the Revolutionary War, as follows:

Joseph Williams, Wilmington Dist. [District]
Book W. No. 1.  [pound sign] 13 - 14 - 6 - specie.
Indent No. 1492.  [pound sign] 13 - 14 - 6 - "
[crossed out: Book W. No. 1] March 16th, 1782.
Book W. No. 1., Page 5,  [pound sign] 4 - 14 - specie.
Indent No 76,  [pound sign] 1710 Currency = [pound sign] 2 - 17 - "
Oct. 27th, 1781.
Book W. No. W., Page 28.  [pound sign] 21 - 7 - 0 - specie.
Book W. No. 1. " "  [pound sign] 14 - 8 - 0 - "
March 16th, 1782.
Indent No. 1796,  [pound sign] 14 - 8 - 0 - "
Book W. No. 1., Page 46,  [pound sign] 3 - 4 - 0 - "
Indent No. 3146  [pound sign] 3 - 4 - 0 - "
March 21st. 1783.
Book W. No. 2. Page 46,  [pound sign] 9 - 0 - 0 - "
Indent No. 5037.  [pound sign] 9 - 0 - 0 - "
Oct. 31st. 1783.
Book W. No. 2. Page 59.  [pound sign] 6 - 0 - 0 -"
Indent No. 5503.  [pound sign] 6 - 0 - 0 - "
Feb. 5th, 1784.
Book W. No. 1. Page 26,  [pound sign] 21 - 14 - 0 - "

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office, in the City of Raleigh, this 6th. day of May. A.D. 1858.
[signature] C. H. Brogden,
Comptroller
N.C. [North Carolina]
Page 122

Additional evidence in the case of Joseph Williams
State of North Carolina
Comptroller's Department
I, C. H. Brogden, Comptroller of Public Accounts in and for the state aforesaid, do hereby certify that it appears of Record in my office among the allowances made by said State to sundry persons for Militia Services in the Revolutionary War as follows:

Joseph Williams Salisbury District
Indent No 1363  [pound sign] 8  "  S 10  "  D 0.  Specie.
August 7th 1782
Indent No 4842  [pound sign] 7  "  2  "  0.  Specie.
April 9th 1784
Indent No 5130  [pound sign] 15  "  0  "  0  Specie.
September 24th 1784.
Indent No 5142  [pound sign] 36  "  0  "  0.  Specie.
September 24th 1784.
Book No 7 Page 1  [pound sign] 7  "  S 2  "  D 0.  Specie
April 1784
Book No 7 Page 44  [pound sign] 145  "  8  "  8
June 1782
Book A. M. No 15 Page 23  [pound sign] 36  "  S 0  "  D 0.

Halifax District
Indent No 420  [pound sign] 79  "  9  "  2.  Specie.
August 1st 1783
Indent No 729  [pound sign] 18  "  5  "  0. Specie
September 1st 1781
Indent No 1627  [pound sign] 14  "  15  "  0.  Specie.
September 1781
Book No 23 Page 90  [pound sign] 18  "  S 5  "  D 0  Specie.
"  C  "  17  "  74  [pound sign] 14  "  15  "  0  "
"  C  "  17  "  25  [pound sign] 13  "  10  "  0  "
Page 123

Joseph Williams. Newbern District.
Indent No 1176  [pound sign] 4  "  S 14  "  D 6.  Specie.
December 1782.

Edenton District
Indent No 3200  [pound sign] 20  "  S 5  "  D 0.  Specie.
May 9th 1784

Hillsboro District.
Book No 14 Page 46  [pound sign] 3  "  S 4  " D 0
Dated 1785
Book No 23 Page 98  [pound sign] 9  "  S 0  "  D 0
" " 23  " 106  [pound sign] 21  "  14  "  0
" " 23  " 109  [pound sign] 6  "  0  "  0

District not Specified.
Book L No 2 Page 38  [pound sign] 14  "  S 8  "  D 0.
" G  " 16  " 57  [pound sign] 13  "  14  "  6.
" F  " 2  " 25  [pound sign] 875  "  S 15  "  D 0. Specie.  May 1776
" F  " 2  " 77  [pound sign] 50  "  0  "  0  Specie.  Jan 1777
" F  " 2  " 75  [pound sign] 19  "  16  "  8  "  - 1776
" No 6  Page 35  [pound sign] 16  "  0  "  0.  February 1781

It may be proper to state that "Col" is affixed to two of the payments or allowances above, viz: Book F. No 2 Page 75  [pound sign] 19  "  16  " 8.  Specie, and Book F No 2  " 77  [pound sign] 50  "  0  "  0.  ", and that different Books show, that seems to be the same allowances.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office, in the City of Raleigh, this 23d day of July, A.D. 1858
[signature] C.H. Brogden,
Comptroller.
Page 124

The Affadavit [Affidavit] of Joseph Williams, more in circumstantial detail, designed to render his claim to a pension more clear

Georgia
Telfair County
Sir, it apears [appears] you are not satisfyed [satisfied] with my claim we raised a company of volunteer States troops for Twelve months and received our Commissions in March Seventeen hundred and Seventy nine I received a commission as Ensign and in a short time not more than six or Eight weeks I think I was promoted to the office of First Lieutenant and Bowens Comission [Commission] was [illegible] to me by Mayor Gillispie by order of Genl [General] Kenan our marches was in different parts of North Carolina and sometime in South Carolina mostly on peedee [Pee Dee] river where was a large scope of country thickly inhabited with men by the name of Truce men but generally all toryes [tories] here we took a number of prisoners which was sent on to Duplin goal [jail] we was in Fayetteville up and Down Cape Fear River Black River South river and and many Different parts I cannot Recolect [Recollect] in these and other routs we were commanded by Col. [Colonel] Owen Kenan and Magor [Major] Gillespie a man who died after the war in the City of Washington A member of Congress also by May, Abraham Molton of Genl. [General] Kenans Brigade
Page 125

Near the close of our year when station'd [stationed] for a few weak [weeks] at Mayor John Tredwells in the fork of Cowhary [Coharie] River we received an express from Col'n [Colonel] Thomas Bloodworth stateing [stating] that himself and one Scarbrough tory Captain had met on [crossed out: black] South River and after some fighting he found the tories was over his power agreed to capitulate and was to meet on such a day at Mr. Devauns on black River for the purpose of agreeing on terms of Peace they had agreed to meet with ten me [men] each our Company was sent secretly to ly [lie] in ambush untill the hour they were to meet and then to Rush on them which we did and took the whole of them without the fire of a gun. We mach'd [marched] them on all under guard untill we came near Cap't Merits in Samson County where we persold Colon' Bloodworth and his men Carryed [carried] on Capt Scarborough and his ten to Duplin Courthouse where they were confind [confined] in the Bull pen for some days untill there as a guard fixe'd to guard them to Eadenton [Edenton] for Confinement they all rather than go to Edenton consented to take the State oath and serve as volunteers for the turne of twelve months Except Cap't Scarbrough and of such principally was a Company formed in a few weeks and our time now expired. Gen'l [General] Kenan and Major Gillispie insisted on our takeing [taking] Command of them which all refused for some time but our captain after some days Consented if my Self and Goff our Ensign would continue with him he would take command of them and that we would not be safe at home