Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 8403, Edward Elley, Va.
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(3-1776)
SERVICE
Va. 
Elley, Edward 
NUMBER
S.8403
carded
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Virginia 3D.484. {32,484}
Edward Elley of Spotts. Co. {Spotsylvania County) in the State of Virginia who was a Private in the Co. comm[anded] by Captain Hernden (Herndon) of the Regt. comma[nded] by Genl Weadon (Weedon) in the Virginia line for 8 months
[Edward Elley Records corrected] Oct. 4/04
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 26 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28th day of [paper damaged] 1846. and sent to Hon. R. M. T. How[paper damaged], House of Reps.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1846 - $399.90
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4th Sep'46 - 13.33
$413.23
{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by D. Henry Wood. Clerk
Book E. Vol. 6/2. Page 11.

[handwritten on facing page: "Reptd"]
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and that their statement is entitled to credit

And the said justices further certify that they are intimately acquainted with the foregoing applicant + take pleasure in testifying to the war department that he is a man of unimpeachable character and the highest respectability and has been a Baptist preacher amongst us for more than fifty years and that his statement is entitled to the fullest faith and confiding- by all who know him and further certify that the foregoing applicant cannot from bodily infirmity attend the court
Sanford Chancellor J.P.
Melzi. S. Chancellor Q.I.

I Stapleton Crutchfield Clerk of the Court of Spotsylvania County Va do hereby certify that the above named justices are acting magistrates in and for said County and that the signatures annexed are the genuine signatures of Sanford Chancellor and Melzi Chancellor-
My testimony whereof I have herewith set my hand and caused the seal of my office to be hereto affixed this 26th day of February AD. 1846. and 70th year of our Independence
Sta. Crutchfield clk
said court
[seal affixed to paper]
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State of Virginia
County of Spotsylvania } to wit

On this twenty fifth day of February Eighteen hundred and forty six personally appeared before us the undersigned Justices of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid Edward Elley a resident of the County and state aforesaid aged upwards of ninety four years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath makes the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June the seventh day of June Eighteen hundred thirty two.

That I entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.  Volunteered for the term of three months and went into service under Captain John Herndon, Lt. James Cunningham, Francis Thornton, ensign, and Hezekiah Ellis, sergeant, and marched to Fredericksburg and took prisoners brought from the south to that town and carried them over the mountains to Staunton in Augusta County, Virginia. And on our march with the prisoners we passed through Spotsylvania and Orange Counties, Virginia, and crossed the ridge of mountains called the Blue Ridge at a place called Swift Run Gap. And after crossing the ridge, we came to and crossed a river called Shenandoah River and Crossed said river at a place called Hast Mackett's Ford. And after delivering the prisoners at Staunton, we returned to Fredericksburg. Our company numbered about sixty men, and the prisoners were about forty in number and were taken in South Carolina, as I understood.  We continued through the remainder of this turn about the armory at Fredericksburg. A British fleet was expected about this time upon our waters, and just before this term expired, the enemy's fleet passed along our coast from the south to the north. By reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory, I cannot state particularly the date of this term of service as to the beginning or end
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but recollect that was bout the time of General Gate's defeat. This service was performed in the spring season of the year. We were kept out as sentinels on watch, and there were companies in the neighborhood ready to be called out if necessary. Col. Richard Young was commissary at Fredericksburg during this term of service.

I had been prior to this term of service, a resident of the above-mentioned county, but after returning from the service I removed to Culpepper County, Virginia, and settled near Elley's Ford in said county where I resided when called into service the second term.

The second term, I was drafted a soldier and called into service under Gen. Joseph Weedon of Fredericksburg and marched to Hunter's Forge near Falmouth Virginia, and on out way to said forge, we crossed the Rappahannock River at or near the junction with Rapidan and soon to the forge and joined General Weedon's regiment at said forge. This regiment or army was, I understood, separated into three divisions, and one divisions was stationed on the Potomac and another stationed on the Rappahannock River below Fredericksburg, and the third division was stationed at the said forge near Falmouth on the said Rappahannock River. The British fleet was about this time lying on the Potomac River waters and threatened an attack upon us. There were in Fredericksburg at this time several disaffected citizens who were tarred and feathered and drummed out of the town, and several Scotch merchants closed their business in Fredericksburg and set off for home to Scotland, as they said.

This term lasted within a few days of three months, but the commencement or end I do not now recollect owing to the loss of memory in regard to dates.
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I recollect the name of John Heall, Joseph Ficklen, John Noe, and Bennet Noe who served with me during this term. The British, after remaining in our water for some time, left and went to the north. At this time we were then discharged, and I returned to my home in Culpepper County, Virginia.

The third term I was drafted for the service, I hired a substitute who filled my place and was in General Layfayette's army when he passed on by Elley's Ford in Culpepper County, Virginia, by circuitous route through Spotsylvania County and into Culpepper in order to strengthen his army, and he joined, I think, General Morgan's army at the Fork Church in Culpepper Country and crossed over the Rapidan River at the Raccoon Ford into Orange County and so on down towards Williamsburg on the James River. And whilst passing Elley's Ford, some fifty or sixty of Lafayette's officers and soldiers call at my house near said ford, and I gave them dinner, it being that time of day when the army passed. A short time after this army passed, another requisition of men was called as a relief, which included me, and having just hired a substitute and my feeling myself able to hired if I could have obtained another substitute, I determined to fill my own place and took my horse and joined Lafayette's army before it reached Williamsburg. I do not recollect the day or the month when this term of myself or substitute commenced or ended.  The armies halted a short time at Williamsburg to receive reinforcements from the surrounding country and then marched down to Yorktown in Virginia. And we had several little engagements with the enemy before they were hemmed in at said town. A council of war was held by our officers, and some were in favor of storming the enemy's fort there under General Wallace [General Cornwallis], but General Washington was opposed to that course and recommended a siege, as I was told.  The enemy frequently fired upon us whilst engaged in making preparations for the siege and killed a few of our men. The militia officers were at this time employed
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with the soldiers getting brush, etc., to make wattling required in the fortifications. I was put among the able-bodied men to throwing up bomb batteries, Washington's Grand Battery having been previously finished, and whilst engaged in throwing up the bomb batteries night and day, we were ordered to squat in the ditch when the enemy fired upon us, of which we were notified by the sentinel on guard. And Captain Welch ordered the men to hurry with the work, else they would not sink deep enough to shelter them from the enemy's cannon by morning. And we who were on the front works were industrious and advanced with the work, and in the morning those behind wanted to crowd upon us when fired upon, but Captain Welch ordered them to keep their place as it was their own fault that they were exposed. And whilst engaged in this work, a cannonball from the enemy came so near me that the wind of the ball blew my hunting shirt from the bank just by me, and another ball came and struck within three feet of us in our work. After throwing up these works, I was ordered to the park where the ammunition was kept, put to swabbing and cleaning the cannons and bombs, to assist in sending off the battery guns, ammunition, etc.

The works of the battery were thrown up by the militia soldiers, and whilst they were cutting brush a cannonball came bounding along on the ground, and a youngster put his heel against it and was thrown into lockjaw and expired in a short time. And I recollect another circumstance which occurred near me. A ball came from the enemy, struck a man, and cut off his leg at the thigh, and then struck a stack of arms and rendered them unfit for service. After serving at the park as above stated, I was ordered to the works. The works were thrown up by the militia soldiers. The Continentals at this time were encamped about a mile off towards Williamsburg. I frequently saw General Washington riding around and directing the operations, and after the siege began my place was at the guns in the battery
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called Washington's Grand Battery.  There were in this battery four twenty-four-pounders, four eighteen pounders, four twelve-pounders, and twelve mortar pieces, and these were fired in platoons, four at a time, and the mortars three at a time, making four rounds of mortars, in order to keep up a constant fire. And whilst firing, the elevator of the guns got in a violent passion because the men in assistance dodged when fired upon by the enemy from their portholes and produced a considerable confusion. And General Clinton, coming up just at that moment, put things to rights, and I remarked to the men in his hearing, "Come, my brave fellows, stick to your posts and the day will soon be ours, and for this remark I was very soon rewarded with a good breakfast from the general, which was very acceptable as I had not has a meal for twenty-four hours.  And I never saw the men more mystified than were these serving with me at the guns when I received the reward. Shortly after the siege began, thirty-three of the enemy deserted and came around in a boat about midnight and joined us, and General Clinton gave them a pass to General Washington. And whilst engaged in firing the guns, it appeared to me as if the earth would sink beneath us.

I continued in this service until within a few days of Wallace's [Cornwallis'] surrender. My wife having hired a man and sent him down to take my place, and so I put the man in my and took my horse sent for me and set for home immediately. And before I reached Fredericksburg on my way home I understood that Wallace [Cornwallis] had surrendered. Before I left service, I saw a number of dead horses on the beach which the enemy had drowned. I served myself in this turn two months, besides my substitute who served three months and paid him to satisfaction. The amount paid I do not recollect, and my substitute who relieved me from the said siege continued in the service and guarded the prisoners from the siege over the mountains to Winchester and then returned, and I paid him a suit of good new clothes, a blanket, a knapsack, a cheese, and a thousand dollars in Continental paper, and thirty silver dollars, the price previously agreed upon by my wife.
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I some twelve or thirteen years ago made
an application for a pension but owing
to not preparing my papers right my Claim
was not allowed and the papers have
since been distroyed [sic] [destroyed] and I have not since until now renewed my application __
I have no documentary evidence & I know
of no person now living whose testimony
I can procure who can testify to my service
I have served My Country faithfully as above stated
& hope that this application will meet with a
more favourable [sic] reception
I hereby relinquish every claim whatever
to a pension or annuity except the present
and declare my name is not on
the pension rolls of the Army of any
state only on [struck-through (?): "that of"\ the agency
of the state of Virginia_ Sworn to and 
subscribed the day and year aforesaid
I was this third term of service under Captain Lylard of Culpepper County Virginia
 
 Before us
{signature:] Sanford Chancellor J. P_ [abbrev. "Justice of the Peace"]
[signature:] Melzi S. Chancellor   J.P.

[seen in image to right of Sanford Chancellor's signature is the following (somewhat-unclear; 1st name smudged) signature:] 
                                                                  Edward Elley  
We J. W. Herndon a clergyman residing
in the County of Spotsylvania & state of
Virginia and William Hord residing in
the same hereby Certify that we are well
acquainted with Mr. Edward Elley who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration
that we believe him to be upwards
of Ninety four Years of age
that he ^reported and^ is believed in the nieghbourhood [neighborhood]
where he resides to have been a soldier
of the Revolution and that we concur
in that opinion Sworn and subscribed 
the day and year afore said.
               [signatures:] Jacob W Herndon [curving line beneath]
                                     William Hord 

 And the said justices do hereby declare
 their opinion after the investigation of
the Matter and ^after^ putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War department
that the above named applicant
was a Revolutionary Soldier and 
served as he states and the ^said^ justices
further Certifies [sic] that it appears to them
that [blank space where a name would be] who has signed the preceding Certificate is a Clergyman resident in the County of Spotsylvania Virginia and that William Hord who has Signed this same is a resident
in the County of Spotsylvania & state
aforesaid and is a cridible [credible] person
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The following are the answers [struck-through: "to"] of the foregoing applicant to the interrogatories set forth by the war department  before us as the undersigned
justices

  First I was born in Culpepper County Va [abbrev. for   "Virginia"; "a" in superscript and underlined in image]   near Elleys ford in August the eighth   seventeen hundred & fifty one
2  I have a record in a large Bible
    at My sons Benjamin Elleys in Spotsylvania
    County Virginia __
3  I was living in Spotsylvania County
    when first called into service and
    in Culpepper [sic] County when Called into
    service the two last terms 
4  I have lived in Culpepper [sic] County Va [again, abbrev. for "Virginia" with "a" in superscript]
    since the Revolutionary war until
    a little more than two years ago   I removed     to Spotsylvania County , Virginia     where I now live
5  I [struck-through: "," (?)] volunteerd [volunteered] the first term and was
    drafted the other two terms
5  The first term I do not rellect [recollect] the
     name of any regular officer but in
     the second ^& third^ terms I recollect the
     names of General Weadon [Weedon] & General Stephens, that is General Weadon [Weedon] ^in the second^ and
     General Stephens in the third term
     I do not recollect any particular regiment
     I volunteerd [volunteered] the first term for
     three months & was drafted the
     second and third terms I hired a substitute
     to fill my place in the third term
     but was shortly afterwards drafted again
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and I took my place in the service
and remained at the seige [?] of York
until relieved by a substitute employed
by my wife & sent down to take my
place a few days before th surrender
of Corn Wallace [sic; "Cornwallis" meant]

6    I never received a discharge

7     Captain Thomas Humphrey Abraham
       Simpson John Miller Abner Hayden [?]
       and Could mention many others if
       necessary

       Answered before us this twenty-fifth
        day of February 1846
                       
  [signature, with lines beneath names:] Sanford Chancellor J_P_
   [signature:] Melzi S Chancellor J.P. [abbreviation nearly-completely circled in image]

[Remainder of text in image at bottom of image as now presented -- and oriented perpendicular to other text:]

33.3,63 [? (punctuation unclear)]
Edward Elley
[centered within text block:] V[']a [abbrev for "Virginia"; "a" in superscript]
    Act of June '32
                adm[']d ["d" in superscript; abbrev. "admitted" (?)]
[unclear line:] 81no pid [??]
                        -----[curved separating line in image]
                         26[.]66__/ [? (much of line besides numerals unclear; "66" in superscript)]





Hon Robt. T. Hunter
                           H.R. [abbrev. "House of Representatives"] 


      Act 7th ["th" in superscript] June
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Amended declaration of the Revd. Edward Elley

State of Virginia County of Spotsylvania to wit
On this 2nd day of July Eighteen hundred & forty six personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the peace in and for the said County the Reverend Mr. Edward Elley a citizen of the said county aged ninety five years his next birth day who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June the 7th 1832

That he entered the service of the United States as a private Militiaman and served his country faithfully as hereinafter stated amounting in all together to eight months besides his two substitutes
That in his first tour which was a term of three months he entered the service as a volunteer for the term of three months under the following named officers (to wit) John Herndon Captain James Cunningham Lieutenant Francis Thornton Ensign and Hezekiah Ellis sergeant and marched some time to the best of his recollection in the spring or summer of seventeen hundred + eighty [inserted "he thinks in May"] from James Cunningham tavern in said County to Fredericksburg Va and guarded the prisoners from said Town over the mountains to Staunton in Augusta County Va and on his march with the prisoners his said company under Herndon passed through Orange County and crossed over the ridge [inserted "+ mountains"] called the Blue Ridge at a place called Swift Run Gap and after crossing the ridge his company came to and crossed over a river called Shenandoah
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River at a ford called Head, Marketts ford and then continued their march to Staunton when his said company delivered the prisoners + then his said company under Herndon returned by the same rout to Fredericksburg where his company was stationed and continued throughout the remainder of this his first term of service about the armory at said Town of Fredericksburg
There were in all about forty prisoners and he understood that they were brought from the South to said Town of Fredericksburg and he remarked that whilst [inserted: "engaged"] in this term of three month thus the enemy was expected upon our waters and just before the expiration of the term he understood that the British fleet passed along our coast from the South the the north. That his said company under Herndon + Cunningham Thornton + Ellis were subordinate officers numbered about sixty men and [inserted: "were"] considers sentinel or a sort of watch about said Town of Fredericksburg and he understood there were other companies in the adjoining country held in readiness to be called out at a minutes warning if necessary + his said company under Herndon was stationed at Fredericksburg when this term of three months [inserted: "expired"] for which he volunteered [inserted: "and"] his company was discharged from the service + he returned to his home in Spotsylvania County and he remembers the names of Samuel Williams James Williams Benjamin Snead Gowing Moore Shadrack Moore and Joseph Collins, all of whom served as privates with him in his first tour of three months as a volunteer under Captain Herndon to the best of his memory in the latter part of the spring and summer of 1780. he thinks the service
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began in the month of May and ended somewhere about the time of General Gates defeat in the south and all the men who served with him in this tour of three months he believes are now dead. So much for this his first tour of three months which expired whilst his company was stationed at Fredericksburg the day and month when this tour began he cannot now remember
That he had been a citizen of Spotsylvania County when he entered his first term but after serving out said tour he removed his residence over the river Rapidan and settled on his birth plaice in the county of Culpepper near Elleys ford where he resided when called into service the second time under a draft drawn to the best of his recollection in the latter part of the summer or fall of the year 1780 as here in after [illegible] that he was drafted for the service for the term of three months in the latter part of the year 1780 [inserted: "to the best of his recollection"] the day + month he cannot now remember + took [inserted: "up"] their line of march from Boone Old Town [inserted: "in said county"] he things in the month of August- the day he does not now recollect in the year 1780 to the best of his memory under the command of Captain he thinks Henry Field of Culpepper County (nicknamed gentleman Hearry and march to Heunters [Hunter's] Forge near Falmouth Va crossing the Rappahannock River at Richards Ferry + thence marchd [marched] through Stafford County to said Forge and joined General Weadons [Weedon's] Army at said Forge + he understood that Genl Weadons [Weedon's] Army consisted of three divisions one of which was stationed at said Forge a second on the River below Fredericksburg + a third on the Potomac + he understood that a British fleet was during a part of this tour lying upon our waters and
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[at top left margin: "No. 1"]
threatened to make an attack upon us and he remembers to have understood that the Colonels + all the higher officers of said army were out watching the enemy + did not spend their time during the term with his division at said Forge + consequently he did not form any acquaintance with them and during this tour there were several disaffected citizens of the Town of Fredericksburg who were tarred feathered + drummed out of Town by the citizens of the Town + he recollects this about the same time several Scotch merchants closed their business in said Town to set off for Scotland as he understood. This term of service of three months for which he was drafted, was performed he thinks in the fall of the year 1780 under Captain Henry Field of Culpepper County to the best of his recollection the subordinate officer he does remember; he remembers the names of James Child Thomas Brooks Bennet Noe John Noe Zephaniah Noe Benjamin Heale John Heale + Joseph Ficklen all of whom were privates in his said company under Field but he believes they are all now dead and he rembers distinctly that just before entering the service this his second tour that his Captain Field advised his company to unite + according to each mans property contribute a sum sufficient [inserted: "to him a substitute"] to go to the south as every company in the state had to furnish a man of the southern + his company made him collector for that purpose + when the draft came his company sent on a man to the south whose name he does not now remember that he was lived from he thinks from Stafford That this his second tour under Captain Field to the best of his recollection expired [inserted: "or rather his company was relieved a day or two before the end of the month"] whilst his company was stationed at said Forge near Falmouth and he returned to his home in Culpepper where he resided when he entered service the third time
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[top margin: "No. 2"]
pieces of cannon viz 4 twenty four 4 eighteen and 4 twelve pounders and twelve mortar pieces and these were fired in platoons four at a time and the mortars three at a time making four rounds of mortars in order to keep up a constant fire- and it appeared that the earth would sink under the firing, this service was performed under the command of Genl Clinton and shortly after the siege began some thirty three of the enemy deserted + came round in the night on a flat and joined us and Genl Clinton gave them a pass to Genl Washington + just about this time a slight confusion accured in the Battery by the misconduct of the elevaton of the guns  who got in a violent passion because the men in assistance at the guns dodged when the enemy fired upon them from their portholes + just at this moment Genl Clinton came forward + put things to rights, and I made this remark to the men in the hearing of the Genl "come my brave fellows attend to your business and the day will soon be ours" and for this observation Genl Clinton took upon himself to reward. me with a good breakfast which was very acceptable as I had neither had a meal nor left my post for twenty four hours and I never saw men more mortified than were those serving with me at the guns when I received the meal
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That he was drafted for the term of three months in year 1781 he thinks in the latter part of the Spring and hired a substitute one        who filled his place under the command of         and said substitute was in General Lafayette's Army when it passed on over Elley's ford near his residence in the year, 1781 [inserted: "he thinks in the month of June] This he remembers distinctly as some fifty or sixty of Lafayette's officers [inserted: "some three or four Colonels whose names he has forgotten"] + soldiers called upon him and he gets them their dinner that he killed four or five lambs [inserted: "for the occasion"] + they were cooking and eating until night from common dinner time they then left in pursuit of the army, this substitute he paid to his satisfaction but the amount he does not now recollect but he paid him for the term of three months, and shortly after Genl Lafayette's Army passed on through Spotsylvania Culpepper Orange + another requisition of men was called for as a relief + he was required to perform service notwithstanding his substitute above mentioned was in service at the time, and [inserted: "not"] feeling himself able to hire again if a [inserted: "second"] substitute could have been found, he therefore concluded to fill his own place and took his horse and pursued the Army and joined General Lafayette's forces before said Army reached Williamsburg and said army + he thinks Genl Morgan's Army halted a short time at Wmsburg [Williamsburg] to get reinforcements from the adjoining country + then marched on down to York Town and these forces had several engagements before the enemy was hemed [hemmed] in at said Town. This term of service began about the month of August 1781 [inserted: "to the best of his recollection"] the day of the month he does now remember. That this term of service was begun under the commons
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of Captain [space left for first name] Lylard of Culpr [Culpepper] County the subordinate officers he does not now remember, but he knows that Lylard was Capt, and after the Annis [Armies] reached York Town some of the officers were in favor of storming the enemy's fort without delay but he understood that Genl. Washington was opposed to that measure and advised a siege which was agreed upon and consequently the armies were put
to work building firtifications [fortifications]  Bomb batteries &c [et cetera] necessary for the siege & whilst engaged in these works several remarkable incidents accord [occurred] which he remembers distinctly whilst the men were engaged cuting [cutting] brush for the work a cannon ball came bounding along on the ground apparently with but little force, & a youngster put out his heel against it which had the effect to throw him unto lockjaw and he expired in a short time after. And another ball came from the enemy striking one of our men cuting [cutting] off his leg at the thigh and passing on it struck a stack of arms and rendered them unfit for service. these things transpired within my observation, and whilst engaged throwing up bomb batteries day & night several Americans were killed by the British who kept up a constant fire upon the American works, and the Americans were ordered by their officers whilst engaged making fortifications to squat in the ditch when fired upon by the enemy and several of their balls passed & struck within a few feet of me at the work one passed with such force as to remove my hunting shirt from the embankment just by me, and as there was great danger of being shot by the enemy whilst thowing [throwing] up these
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Bombbatteries there was a sentinel passed to notify the hands when fired upon that they might lower themselves in the ditch to avoid being shot. And Captain Welch who was commander upon this work ordered those engaged to hurry else they would not sink deep enough to cover them from the ball, 
by morning and we who were in the front works were industrious & progressed rapidly with our work & in the morning those behind wanted when fired upon to crowd upon us not having worked sufficiently to guard them from
the enemy's ball and Capt. Welch ordered every man to keep his place then those behind went to work to secure themselves by advancing their embankments. And whilst engaged making these preparations the militia officers he believes mostly had command of the hands employed about the works and the labour [labor] was mostly performed by the militia, that he understood the regulars had to stand guard day & night and the regular army was encamped about a mile distant towards Wmsburg [Williamsburg] that he understood that Genl. Washington planed [planned] for the siege that he frequently saw him riding around and directing the operations that after throwing of these Bomb batteries he was ordered to the [artillery] Park where the guns ammunition &tc [et cetera] were kept and put to scraping & cleaning Cannon Bombshells &tc [et cetera]  and to sending guns ammunition &c [et cetera] to the battery after which
and when the siege began my place was assigned at the guns in the Battery Called
Washingtons Grand Battery there were in this battery twenty four
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h: 2
pieces of cannon viz 4 twenty four 4. Eighteen and 4 twelve pounders and twelve mortar pieces and these were fired in platoons four at a time and the mortars three at a time making four rounds of mortars in order to keep up a constant fire and it appeared that the earth would sink under the firing, this sivous [service] was performed under the command of Genl. Clinton and shortly after the siege began some thirty three of the enemy deserted & came round in the night on a flat and joined us and Genl Clinton gave them a pass to Gen. Washington & just about this time a slight confusion accured [occurred] in the Battery by the misconduct of the elevator of the guns who got in a violent passion because the men in assistance at the guns dodged when the enemy fired upon them from their portholes & just at this moment Genl Clinton came forward aput [and put] things to rights, and I made this remark to the men in the hearing of the Genl "Come my brave fellows attend to your business and
the day will soon be ours" and for this
observation Genl. Clinton took upon himself to reward. me with a good breakfast which was very acceptable as he had neither had a meal nor left his post for twenty four hours and he never saw men more mortified than were those serving with me at the guns when he received the Meal
Page 21

Owing to the great confusion which prevailed during his third tour he served a part of the tour under Lylard [Lillard] & apart under Welch & Clinton. That he being an able bodied man his service was confined to the Battery & he continued in the service until one or two days before the surrender of Genl Wallace [Cornwallis] his wife having hired a man to take his place & sent him down with a horse so he put the man in his place & took his horse and set off home and before he reached Fredericksberg [Fredericksburg] he heard of the surrender, that he sirved [served] two full months in the tour as above himself and this substitute who relieved him from the siege continued in service 30 days & guarded the prisoners from the siege to Winchester & he paid him 30 silver dollars (his wife having agreed to give a silver dollar for every day he served as substitute) besides a suit of good clothes a Blanket a knapsack a Chus [illegible] and a thousand dollars in continental paper the price agreed upon by his wife. That after reaching York Town his Capt Lylard [Lillard] of this his third tour was put together with the other Militia officer over the hands engaged in preparing for the siege, & that during the siege he was under the command of both Capt. Welch & Capt or General Clinton who he understood were regular officers.
That he has no documentary evidence in support of his claims neither does he know of any person now living whose testimony he
can procure who can testify to his service that he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to pension or annuity and declares his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in the United States of America. [Smaller writing] Humphrey Morgan & [space left for first name] Wilchete were his mess mates in this third tour
Page 22

https://catalog.archives.gov/images/misc/drag.png
That owing to the great confusion [unreadable] during this his third tour on does not recollect to what regiment his company under Capt. Lylarve [Lylard] was attached sworn to and subscribes the day and bear aforsaid [aforesaid] that he remembers the names of Humphrey Morgan - Willehete Moates who were helpmates of his during this third tour but believes they are dead.  [signature Edward Ellenz] Sworn to and subscribed the day or year before written.  

Before me Sanford Chancellor a justice of the peace in and for the County of Spotsylvania and duly authorized to administer oaths this 2nd day of July 1846

[unreadable text]

The following questions and answers were this of July 1846 Aug [symbol] taken by the undersigned a justice of the peace and and for the aforsaid [aforesaid] County of Spotsylvania [sp] and duly authorised [authorized] to administration oaths

Ques 1st.  When and in what year were you born
Answer 1 he was born in the county of Culpepper on the eighth day of August 1751
Ques. 2 Have you any record of your age if so where is it
Answer 2 I had a record of my age [my wife & children's age] and it was in a large Bible at my son Benjamin Elley in Spotsylvania County VA but understand said record has been recently distroyed [destroyed]
Ques 3 Where were you living when called into service where have you lived since the Revolutionary War and where do you now live
Answer 3 I was living in Spotsylvania when called out this first town & in Culpepper when called out two other times he has always lived in the County of Culpepper since the Revolution until a few years past when he removed his residence to Spotsylvania
Page 23

County where he now lives
Ques 4th How were you called into service were you drafted did you volunteer or were you a substitute and if a substitute for whom
Answer 4th  he was a volunteer for the term of three months and he was drafted two other terms of three months each and he was never a substitute for any one
Ques 5th State some of the Regular Officers who were with the troops when you served such Continental and Militia regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your service
answer 5th in his final tour he does not recollect to have met with any regiments or companies during the tour & in his second tour he recollects General Wadon [sp] army one division of which was stationed with his company under Capt Field at Hanter [sp] Forge and he does not remember to have met with any of the regular troops during this his second tour that he cannot recollect any particular regiment, that the officers of high grade he understood were watching the movements of the enemy & he did not form any acquaintance with them this his second tour except General Wadon [sp] & his then term he recollects to have met with Gen. Lafayette & army and he saw Gen. Washington at York & a great many regular officers & troops at Wmburg {Williamsburg] York during this his third term and for the general circumstances of his service he would respectfully refer the department to his [unknown] for information.
Ques 6 Did you ever receive a discharge from the service & if so by whom.  Was it given and what has become of it.  Answer 6th he never received a discharge for either his first second or third terms of services 
*but my son who has had the care of it will certify that he has recently seen it & answers to be as stated
Page 24

Ques 7th State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood & who can testify as to your character for veracity and their belief of your services as soldier of Revolution  
Answer 7th my neighbors all know me and can testify to my character for veracity & could refer the department to the citizens of the adjoining counties for the history of my character but presume it will be sufficient for these present purposes to refer them to the certificate accompanying my declaration now on file & the certificates of my neighbors forwarded from Warrenton Va about the 7th the of May last which he hopes has been filed with his declaration forwarded from Spotsylvania Ct. hence about 1st March he will mention the names of a few acquaintances Capt. Wm Ruh and Mr F Richards Mrs. William M. Severs Ellis Capt Edw. Beale-Mr. John Spotswood Mr. John Hawkins Capt Wm Humphreys

Sworn to & subscribed the day & year before written [unknown signature] 

Before me Sanford Chancellor a justice of the peace in and for the county aforsaid [aforesaid][aforesaid] & duly authorised [authorized] to administer oaths this 2nd day of July 1846

Sanford Chancellors [signature] [unknown suffix]

State of Virginia
Spotsylvania County to [unknown]
I [unknown] and official clerk of Spotsylvania County [unknown] in the State aforsaid [aforesaid], do hereby certify that Sanford Lekes [unknown] is signed to the foregoing certificates is no and was at the time of signing the same, a Magistrate in said County duly commissioned and sworn, and that the foregoing signatures [unknown] to be his [unknown] given in testimony whereof I have hence set my [unknown] this 2nd. day of July A.D. 1846 and the 70th year of the Commonwealth [unknown]
Page 25

8403
INVALID.
Rev War
File No. 8403
Edward Elley
[unknown] Rev War
Act: June 7th 1832
Index:-Vol. [unknown] Page 112
Edward Elley
Records Corrected Oct. 4, 1904
Page 26

No 30,063
Edward Ellery
[unknown]
Set M: N. Walton
May 28, 1846,
Same July 16, 1846
Act of 11, June 1832
Page 27

Edward Elley
3 months under
Capt John Herdon
Lt. James Cunningham
Ensign F. Thornton D
Sergt. Hez. Ellis

Went to Fredericksburg and marched prisoners to Taunton - returned to Fredericksburg.  This was about the time of Gates Defeat 

2.  was drafted under Gen. Jos. [George] Weedon, marched to Hawthorn's Forge near Falmouth recollects John Hale. Jos Fickliew but does not given names of officers

3.  Drafted & hires a substitute -

4.  Drafted 2nd time during this person his sub alternate was out-joined Lafayette before it reaches Williamsburg and having been provided with a substitute at the siege of York, left before the surrender of Cornwallis & returned home.  Stating many incidents of this [unknown]
Page 28

To
Elder - Edward Elley -
Spotsylvania -
Page 29

[unknown] April 7th

My Dear Sir.

I saw in circular a few days past a paper signed by many of your neighbors testifying to the upright way of your private character - and their confidence in the truth - and accuracy of your statements touching your Revolutionary Services.  I at once - myself the Son of a Soldier of that holy cause - determined to write a letter to your Representative in Congress - an old friend - and add mine - to the other testimony of your merits.  Next in honor to the service of such men [underline] - in such a cause is the gratitude of that posterity - who owe all that they have - or can ever expect to have - to you and your associates in the best - and holiest enterprice [enterprise] that ever as arrested a nation - To each man - and to that Providence - which led and guarded them we their children are indebted for all the prosperity as a people - or a nation - we have ever enjoyed - May the evening of your days be as secure - and happy - as the morning - and the noon were useful  
With my best wishes for all this.
I am your friend
D. F. Slaughter
Page 30

[Large notation] Paid 15
---
Spottsyla [Spotsylvania] Office
Feby 28th
[written vertically] March 8, 1846
re Edward Ellery [sp]
June 7, 1832
[written horizontally]
I. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.
Page 31

Spotsylvania Court House
26th Feby 1846
-
Mr. I. L. Edwards
Itim [item] I send you
Mr. Edward Ellely's application
for a pension after passing
upon it please send me the
decision at Barnetts Mills
Fauqr County Virginia
Y obt svt [your obedient servant]   yours truly
M.N. Watson
Page 32

Barnetts Mills                                                   Free
Just 12th            
New application of pension will please give this his early attention
respectfully
RMT Hunter 

Honorable RMT Hunter
House of Representatives
Washington D.C.
Page 33

Liberty Hill Fauquier County VA. 11th July/46
Dear Sir
I forward you the amended declaration of the Revd Edward Elley and ask the favor of you to obtain an early examination of the claim by the commissioner of pensions and give me information at Barnett Mills Fauquier Va when the claim
shall have been acted upon and 
if allowed send me as above the
certificate of pension. 

Mr. Elley is now in
his 95th year and is a man of irreproachable character and the highest respectability has been ordained clergyman
of his neighborhood for 55 years and
served his country faithfully eight
months in the Revolution. you will
therefore confer a great favor on 
him by complying with the above
request & give what help you have is in your power to contribute.
    Yours Truly
         M.N. Walton
Page 34

[vertically along left margin] This certificate was written here thou. mistaken
---
State of Virginia County of Spotsylvania to wit
I Stapleton Crutchfield Clerk of the
Court of the aforesaid County do hereby
certify that in removing the records
and files from the old Court House
to this place in the year 1838 I found
a great many of records files & papers
of the office destroyed by mould
rats &c [et cetera] and many were not worth
preserving being so much damaged
and were left at the old office
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand
and affixed my seal
of Office this 4th day of May
A.D. 1846
Staf:Crutchfield [Stafford Crutchfield]
Clerk said County
---
[bottom section written vertically once document was folded]
Testimony of 
of [repeated] neighbours of
the Revd [Reverend] Edward
Elley taken filed
in his case
forwarded from
Spotsylvania Ct
House about
the first of Novimber [sp]
1846 by
M N. Watson
Page 35

We the undersigned subscribers certify
to the war department that we
have lived neighbours [neighbors] to the
Revd [reverend] Mr. Edward Elley for many
years and have always found
him to be a man of irreproachible [irreproachable]
character and the highest
respectibility [respectability] and have always
understood that he was a soldier
of the Revolution and he has
been a regularly ordained preacher
of the Baptist Church amongst us
from our earliest acquaintance
with him 75
BF Richards
James H. Graves
Simon Miller
George Hall
Wm. F. Hord
Jno [Jonathan] F. Watson
John Miller
Daniel Hall
William Burton
Cary Burton
Page 36

the undersigned Justice of the peace in and
for the aforesaid County certify to the war department that the before named Simon Miller George Hall Wm. F. Hord [additional name crossed out] John Miller Daniel Hall BF Richards and James H Graves
-
---
are respectable citizens of this neighbourhood and
that their statement is entitled to credit
Given under my hand this 4th day of May 1846
-
Sanford Chancellor JOP [justice of the peace]
---
State of Virginia County of Spotsylvania to wit
I Stapleton Crutchfield [space] Clerk of the Court of the aforesaid County do hereby certify that the
above named Sanford Chancellor is an [word 'are' crossed out] acting magistrate of this coun [county]
and that the signature annexed to his name is [over the word 'are' crossed out] genuine. In testimony when I have hereunto set my hand ['and office in my' crossed out] set of office this day of May 1846
Sta:Crutchfield Clk
Said Court
Page 37

We the undersigned citizens neighbours [neighbors] and acquaintances of the Revd [Reverend] Mr
Edward Elley Certify to the war department
that we have known him for many years and always found him to be a man of undoubted veracity irreproachable character and the highest respectibility [respectability] and a consistent Christian and a man of high moral worth having lived amongst us a regularly ordained Minister of the Gospel and regular preacher of the Baptist Church from our earliest recollection and acquaintance with him and we have understood that he was a soldier of the Revolution and that any statements he make should command the fullest faith and confidence of all who know him. Baril Levitt
Lorman Chancellor
James P. Chartters
Jacob Glass
Gabriel Long
Joshia Long
W Beazley
Page 38

State of Virginia County of
We the undersigned justices of the peace in and for the aforesaid county certify to the department that the forgoing subscribers Burwell Leavell Sandford Chancellor James P Charters Jacob Haff Gabriel Long Joshua Long William Beagley are respectable citizens of this neighbourhood [neighborhood] and that their statement is entitled to credit. Given under our hand this 4th day of May 1840 Sandford Chancellor J.P Abraham Row J.P.

State of Virginia County of
I Stapleton Crutchfield Clerk of the court of the aforesaid county do hereby certify that the above names Sandford Chancellor and Abraham Row - are acting magistrates of this county and that the signatures annexed to their names are genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this 4th day of May 1840 Sta. s
Stapleton Crutchfield [illegible]